John Calvin was born 500 years ago. At the age of 27 he wrote a summary of Christianity that is still in print. So well is it written that I knew of a French Literature course at a state university in Missouri that read it as a classic literature piece.
There is a section of it that has become known as "Calvin's Golden Booklet". It is a summary of the Christian lifestyle. During the next 40 days I'll be posting some of my own thoughts and the thoughts of others on these passages.
You can order a nice little book from amazon or read it on line at:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ash Wednesday
Do NOT click on this link unless you:
a.) are already a fan of Will Farrel's version of "Dust in the Wind"
or
b.) have a sense of humor
Here is a helpful reading about ASH WEDNESDAY, which is tomorrow
a.) are already a fan of Will Farrel's version of "Dust in the Wind"
or
b.) have a sense of humor
Here is a helpful reading about ASH WEDNESDAY, which is tomorrow
Friday, February 20, 2009
as i'm thinking/reading about this text Mark 11:27 to 12:17 I am amazed at vulnerability of Jesus laying down His life, while quietly confident that God always wins and that He shall be vindicated. He trusts that His Father will handle His future. Not a bad thing....
Jesus cites Psalm 118:22 as yet
an additional warning that the one whom the Sanhedrin is rejecting will be completely vindicated and
exalted by God.8 In verses 10-11, Jesus says, “Haven’t you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders
rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?” Psalm
118:22 referred to one of the foundation stones for Solomon’s Temple which had been rejected for use as
the foundation, but was later used as a capstone for the portico.
This stone was originally slated to be
used as a foundation stone, but ended up being the most visible stone. By citing this passage and
applying to himself, Jesus is making the point that even though Israel will reject him, he will fulfill that
glorious role which God has given to him. In other words, even though Jesus will be rejected by Israel,
God will vindicate him in such a way that all Israel will know that Jesus is the Son of God. --KR
Jesus cites Psalm 118:22 as yet
an additional warning that the one whom the Sanhedrin is rejecting will be completely vindicated and
exalted by God.8 In verses 10-11, Jesus says, “Haven’t you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders
rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?” Psalm
118:22 referred to one of the foundation stones for Solomon’s Temple which had been rejected for use as
the foundation, but was later used as a capstone for the portico.
This stone was originally slated to be
used as a foundation stone, but ended up being the most visible stone. By citing this passage and
applying to himself, Jesus is making the point that even though Israel will reject him, he will fulfill that
glorious role which God has given to him. In other words, even though Jesus will be rejected by Israel,
God will vindicate him in such a way that all Israel will know that Jesus is the Son of God. --KR
What happened to sweet peaceful Jesus?
Mark 12:9
Jesus continues in verse 9. “What then will the
owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” These
words echo Isaiah 5:5 and tie the events in the parable directly to redemptive history. The tenant farmers
think that the distant landowner can do nothing to stop them and that they will inherit what belonged to
the son. The reality is that the landowner will return with his men, kill the wicked tenants and then rent
the land to others. Jesus has just foretold of the judgment soon to come upon Israel in A. D. 70 when the
Romans destroy Jerusalem and its temple and when the Jews are then dispersed into the four corners of
the earth. That Jesus alludes to Isaiah 5 and the “Song of the Vineyard” at both the beginning and the
end of the parable means that Jesus intends for those members of the Sanhedrin to know that he was
speaking about them and that he was clearly warning them of the consequences of their actions. The
land and the inheritance will now be given to a people who were not YHWH’s people (Israel), but who
soon will be YHWH’s people (i.e., the church, the New Israel of God).
--Kim Riddlebarger, with help from William Lane and RT France
Jesus continues in verse 9. “What then will the
owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” These
words echo Isaiah 5:5 and tie the events in the parable directly to redemptive history. The tenant farmers
think that the distant landowner can do nothing to stop them and that they will inherit what belonged to
the son. The reality is that the landowner will return with his men, kill the wicked tenants and then rent
the land to others. Jesus has just foretold of the judgment soon to come upon Israel in A. D. 70 when the
Romans destroy Jerusalem and its temple and when the Jews are then dispersed into the four corners of
the earth. That Jesus alludes to Isaiah 5 and the “Song of the Vineyard” at both the beginning and the
end of the parable means that Jesus intends for those members of the Sanhedrin to know that he was
speaking about them and that he was clearly warning them of the consequences of their actions. The
land and the inheritance will now be given to a people who were not YHWH’s people (Israel), but who
soon will be YHWH’s people (i.e., the church, the New Israel of God).
--Kim Riddlebarger, with help from William Lane and RT France
“Song of the Vineyard+”
Jesus knew His bible... and used it. In Mark chapter 12 he a remix of a 700 year old song.
There can be no doubt that these words are an echo from the “Song of the Vineyard” in Isaiah
5:1-7, our Old Testament lesson. Some seven hundred years earlier, the Lord spoke through the prophet
Isaiah, saying “I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on
a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a
watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it
yielded only bad fruit. `Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my
vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for
good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will
take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will
make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will
command the clouds not to rain on it.’ The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, and
the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for
righteousness, but heard cries of distress.” As originally given, the “Song of the Vineyard” was a
warning to Israel in those days before the exile. God warns his disobedient people that he will turn his
vineyard over to the Gentiles.
(for the truly attentive.... yes, the + is a shout out to Coldplay & JayZ's "Lost+")
There can be no doubt that these words are an echo from the “Song of the Vineyard” in Isaiah
5:1-7, our Old Testament lesson. Some seven hundred years earlier, the Lord spoke through the prophet
Isaiah, saying “I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on
a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a
watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it
yielded only bad fruit. `Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my
vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for
good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will
take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will
make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will
command the clouds not to rain on it.’ The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, and
the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for
righteousness, but heard cries of distress.” As originally given, the “Song of the Vineyard” was a
warning to Israel in those days before the exile. God warns his disobedient people that he will turn his
vineyard over to the Gentiles.
(for the truly attentive.... yes, the + is a shout out to Coldplay & JayZ's "Lost+")
Evening Prayer
Morning Prayer is here
Evening Prayer
Pray for the worldwide mission of the church, that in Spirit-empowered
boldness we would proclaim the gospel to the nations.
Ask for the Father’s blessings on all of our missionaries, including
Rich Greete, Brittany French, Steve Lammers, Dr. Richard Horner of the Christian Study Center, and John and Kathy Clow.
Pray for any divisions you might perceive in either the local or global church. Pray for the reunion of the church.
Pray for those all around the world who are poor, homeless, and
hungry, and for those who are victims of war. Pray for all those who
seek to alleviate global poverty and other calamities, including such things as the
HIV/AIDS pandemic. Pray for justice and peace for all the nations.
Ask the Lord to bless our our deacons and mercy ministry team, as well as ministries we support in the community (Arbor House, Ark of Hope for Children, Christians Concerned for the Community, Gainesville Community Ministry, House of Hope, St. Francis House.) Pray that we will meet people’s needs and
thereby demonstrate the love of Christ to our church body and the community.
Thank your Father that he has, by water and the Spirit, made you a
member of his people, the Body of Christ, the Fellowship of the
Holy Spirit. Ask him to forgive us for all the ways we fail to live this
Out – and then to empower us to be his missionary community to
our neighbors and the world.
Pray that God—the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit—would draw
you closer and closer to himself during this season of Lent.
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let
your Holy Spirit dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing
be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Pray for the worldwide mission of the church, that in Spirit-empowered
boldness we would proclaim the gospel to the nations.
Ask for the Father’s blessings on all of our missionaries, including
Rich Greete, Brittany French, Steve Lammers, Dr. Richard Horner of the Christian Study Center, and John and Kathy Clow.
Pray for any divisions you might perceive in either the local or global church. Pray for the reunion of the church.
Pray for those all around the world who are poor, homeless, and
hungry, and for those who are victims of war. Pray for all those who
seek to alleviate global poverty and other calamities, including such things as the
HIV/AIDS pandemic. Pray for justice and peace for all the nations.
Ask the Lord to bless our our deacons and mercy ministry team, as well as ministries we support in the community (Arbor House, Ark of Hope for Children, Christians Concerned for the Community, Gainesville Community Ministry, House of Hope, St. Francis House.) Pray that we will meet people’s needs and
thereby demonstrate the love of Christ to our church body and the community.
Thank your Father that he has, by water and the Spirit, made you a
member of his people, the Body of Christ, the Fellowship of the
Holy Spirit. Ask him to forgive us for all the ways we fail to live this
Out – and then to empower us to be his missionary community to
our neighbors and the world.
Pray that God—the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit—would draw
you closer and closer to himself during this season of Lent.
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let
your Holy Spirit dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing
be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"Then I won't tell you where my authority is from."
With this, Jesus is now one step closer to Caiphus’ courtyard, Pilate’s hall, and
mount Calvary. But there are more steps yet to take, and we will turn our attention to this on-going
conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees in the weeks to come. --
Throughout this entire final phase of Jesus’ messianic ministry, we start to get a sense of the
depths of his humiliation. The religious leaders of Israel, who hate each other, are absolutely united in
their opposition to him. They are already seeking to have Jesus killed. The crowds are fickle, and will
not stay with Jesus when he fails to give them what they want. They too will turn on him and fill Pilate’s
palace, calling for Jesus’ crucifixion. His own disciples still do not fully grasp the nature of his mission
and what lies ahead. --KR
Good Friday was still ahead. The betrayal, arrest, suffering, and death of Jesus was not even on the
radar for the disciples, nor anyone else. This is why Jesus’ words to Peter–“have faith in God”–are so
important for us to keep in mind. God will keep his promises–no matter what. He can throw mountains
into the sea if he wishes. He will do what he has promised to do in his word. That same faith which
looks to him for salvation from sin, also must trust that God will answer our prayers and do the
impossible, no matter how desperate the situation may look to us. Jesus was preparing Peter for Good
Friday all the while Peter was still basking in the celebration of Palm Sunday. --KR
This, then, is the background to Jesus’ sayings recorded in Mark 12, in which Mark continues to
describe the increasing tension between Jesus and the members of the Sanhedrin.
In the first twelve verses of Mark 12, Jesus tells a parable which has come to be known as the Parable of
the Tenants. The parable is found in all three of the synoptic gospels. The setting for the parable was the
historical situation in first century Palestine, which, at the time, was a land covered with large estates,
many of which had absentee owners and which were run by tenant farmers, who worked the land in the
land-owner’s absence and who paid rent to the land-owner in exchange for the privilege of working the
land and harvesting whatever crops could be produced. In other words, these farmers rented the land,
worked it as their own, but paid the landowner rent from their profits in exchange for the use of the land.
With this, Jesus is now one step closer to Caiphus’ courtyard, Pilate’s hall, and
mount Calvary. But there are more steps yet to take, and we will turn our attention to this on-going
conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees in the weeks to come. --
Throughout this entire final phase of Jesus’ messianic ministry, we start to get a sense of the
depths of his humiliation. The religious leaders of Israel, who hate each other, are absolutely united in
their opposition to him. They are already seeking to have Jesus killed. The crowds are fickle, and will
not stay with Jesus when he fails to give them what they want. They too will turn on him and fill Pilate’s
palace, calling for Jesus’ crucifixion. His own disciples still do not fully grasp the nature of his mission
and what lies ahead. --KR
Good Friday was still ahead. The betrayal, arrest, suffering, and death of Jesus was not even on the
radar for the disciples, nor anyone else. This is why Jesus’ words to Peter–“have faith in God”–are so
important for us to keep in mind. God will keep his promises–no matter what. He can throw mountains
into the sea if he wishes. He will do what he has promised to do in his word. That same faith which
looks to him for salvation from sin, also must trust that God will answer our prayers and do the
impossible, no matter how desperate the situation may look to us. Jesus was preparing Peter for Good
Friday all the while Peter was still basking in the celebration of Palm Sunday. --KR
This, then, is the background to Jesus’ sayings recorded in Mark 12, in which Mark continues to
describe the increasing tension between Jesus and the members of the Sanhedrin.
In the first twelve verses of Mark 12, Jesus tells a parable which has come to be known as the Parable of
the Tenants. The parable is found in all three of the synoptic gospels. The setting for the parable was the
historical situation in first century Palestine, which, at the time, was a land covered with large estates,
many of which had absentee owners and which were run by tenant farmers, who worked the land in the
land-owner’s absence and who paid rent to the land-owner in exchange for the privilege of working the
land and harvesting whatever crops could be produced. In other words, these farmers rented the land,
worked it as their own, but paid the landowner rent from their profits in exchange for the use of the land.
we are giving a prayer guide
whether or not you are a "lent observer" I think you can use the prayer guide we are publishing with benefit
There will be some paper copies available sunday... quite simply, there are suggesting thing for you to pray for in the morning, and other things in the evening
Morning Prayer
Thank your Heavenly Father for giving you this new day. Pray that
this day and every day might be fully lived to his glory.
Ask the Lord to help you keep a holy Lent. In whatever devotions your practice during Lent (extra times of study, meditation, and prayer; fasting;
giving to the needy, etc.), pray that they will be for you
a time of true spiritual renewal.
Pray for the staff at Christ Community Church – that this season of Lent would be a time of spiritual refreshment for them and their families.
Pray for our ministries of adult education and discipleship and for
our Community Groups and their leaders. Pray that we would be formed more and more into the image of Christ.
Pray for your friends, neighbors, and family members who do not
have a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pray that
they will come to know Christ in the fellowship of his people.
Ask the Lord to use you in their lives.
Pray for our new building project, especially for Frank Matthews as he is working very hard to coordinate this project. Pray for wisdom and the Lord’s provision.
Ask the Father to make us more and more a people of bold,
sustained, kingdom-centered prayer.
Almighty and merciful God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive
the sins of all who repent: Create and make in us new and contrite
hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our
wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
There will be some paper copies available sunday... quite simply, there are suggesting thing for you to pray for in the morning, and other things in the evening
Morning Prayer
Thank your Heavenly Father for giving you this new day. Pray that
this day and every day might be fully lived to his glory.
Ask the Lord to help you keep a holy Lent. In whatever devotions your practice during Lent (extra times of study, meditation, and prayer; fasting;
giving to the needy, etc.), pray that they will be for you
a time of true spiritual renewal.
Pray for the staff at Christ Community Church – that this season of Lent would be a time of spiritual refreshment for them and their families.
Pray for our ministries of adult education and discipleship and for
our Community Groups and their leaders. Pray that we would be formed more and more into the image of Christ.
Pray for your friends, neighbors, and family members who do not
have a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pray that
they will come to know Christ in the fellowship of his people.
Ask the Lord to use you in their lives.
Pray for our new building project, especially for Frank Matthews as he is working very hard to coordinate this project. Pray for wisdom and the Lord’s provision.
Ask the Father to make us more and more a people of bold,
sustained, kingdom-centered prayer.
Almighty and merciful God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive
the sins of all who repent: Create and make in us new and contrite
hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our
wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
A Great Tragedy
The point at the end of Mark 11... that all the religious groups have found a rallying point......
is that the shepherds of Israel, reject
their own Messiah en masse. This not only proves how blind that these men had become to the truth, but
this exchange sets the stage for the Parable of the Tenants which follows in Mark 12, in which Jesus
clearly speaks a word of judgment upon all of these men who have already rejected John and are even
now rejecting him. We should also notice that this conflict takes place within the confines of the temple,
which Jesus is seeking to purify and which, despite its magnificent splendor, pales in comparison to Jesus
himself, who is the true temple. Therefore, we miss a great deal of what is transpiring, if we fail to see
that great tragedy which is even now taking place. Israel is on the verge of rejecting her own Messiah. --Kim Riddlebarger
is that the shepherds of Israel, reject
their own Messiah en masse. This not only proves how blind that these men had become to the truth, but
this exchange sets the stage for the Parable of the Tenants which follows in Mark 12, in which Jesus
clearly speaks a word of judgment upon all of these men who have already rejected John and are even
now rejecting him. We should also notice that this conflict takes place within the confines of the temple,
which Jesus is seeking to purify and which, despite its magnificent splendor, pales in comparison to Jesus
himself, who is the true temple. Therefore, we miss a great deal of what is transpiring, if we fail to see
that great tragedy which is even now taking place. Israel is on the verge of rejecting her own Messiah. --Kim Riddlebarger
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jesus Opposed From All Fronts
In verses 11:27-28 Mark describes this clash as follows. “They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus
was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.
`By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. `And who gave you authority to do this?’” It
is vital to notice that when Jesus returns to Jerusalem the next day, virtually the entire religious
establishment of Israel turns out to oppose him. Here, Mark mentions the chief priests (who conducted the worship in the temple), the teachers of the law (the religious lawyers and theologians) and then the
elders (the older wise men). In the next chapter, Mark (12:13) adds the Pharisees (the theological
conservatives, who believed in angels and the resurrection), the Herodians (those who sought to make a
political peace with Rome–as opposed to the zealots, who were seeking to bring about a Jewish
revolution), and then the Sadducees (the theological liberals who denied the resurrection and accepted
only the Torah, and not the prophets, as Scripture). Every known religious group and faction is mentioned. These men did not agree upon anything and they hated and mistrusted each other, but they are united in their opposition to Jesus.
By mentioning all these groups, Mark is making it as plain as he can that Jesus was opposed by the entire
Jewish religious establishment, and not just a few isolated groups.
was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.
`By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. `And who gave you authority to do this?’” It
is vital to notice that when Jesus returns to Jerusalem the next day, virtually the entire religious
establishment of Israel turns out to oppose him. Here, Mark mentions the chief priests (who conducted the worship in the temple), the teachers of the law (the religious lawyers and theologians) and then the
elders (the older wise men). In the next chapter, Mark (12:13) adds the Pharisees (the theological
conservatives, who believed in angels and the resurrection), the Herodians (those who sought to make a
political peace with Rome–as opposed to the zealots, who were seeking to bring about a Jewish
revolution), and then the Sadducees (the theological liberals who denied the resurrection and accepted
only the Torah, and not the prophets, as Scripture). Every known religious group and faction is mentioned. These men did not agree upon anything and they hated and mistrusted each other, but they are united in their opposition to Jesus.
By mentioning all these groups, Mark is making it as plain as he can that Jesus was opposed by the entire
Jewish religious establishment, and not just a few isolated groups.
Lenten Services
I plan to personally attend mid-week (wednesday @ noon) services @ Abiding Savior Lutheran Church on Newberry Road.
Why?
1. I need renewing in the grace of Jesus Christ and this offers an opportunity to slice up my normal schedule to pursue the same.
«» PT twice week is helping me realize, feel, and act upon the truth "rob, you are getting older!!!"
2. I am, of course, wondering how our communal worship life will interact with Advent & Lent&Easter once we move into our 12,400 sq.foot building on Parker Rd. So, this will be a bit of "research" for me.
Other places where I think you might find helpful mid-week services include:
St. Andrew's Episcopal on NW 39th Ave
1st Lutheran on 5th St near campus
St. Joseph's Episcopal in Jonesville
Abiding Savior Ash Wednesday
Worship at 12:15pm & 7pm
Why?
1. I need renewing in the grace of Jesus Christ and this offers an opportunity to slice up my normal schedule to pursue the same.
«» PT twice week is helping me realize, feel, and act upon the truth "rob, you are getting older!!!"
2. I am, of course, wondering how our communal worship life will interact with Advent & Lent&Easter once we move into our 12,400 sq.foot building on Parker Rd. So, this will be a bit of "research" for me.
Other places where I think you might find helpful mid-week services include:
St. Andrew's Episcopal on NW 39th Ave
1st Lutheran on 5th St near campus
St. Joseph's Episcopal in Jonesville
Abiding Savior Ash Wednesday
Worship at 12:15pm & 7pm
Monday, February 16, 2009
Need Help Looking at book of Job?
Want to understand the core themes and key lessons of the book of Job? Mark Dever’s 4 sermons on the book of Job does just that, and he carefully applies these lessons to our lives with great insight.
Mark also does a masterful job explaining Job’s sin of questioning God’s hand in the face of Job’s own supposed righteousness. Job’s questioning of God was a form of sin, but Mark pastorally helps us to see when questioning God is sin and when it is not. Job’s repentence before God is an incredible picture of a man submitting himself and his sense of fairness before a holy God.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
And here is not only infinite strength and infinite worthiness, but infinite condescension, and love and mercy, as great as power and dignity. If you are a poor, distressed sinner, whose heart is ready to sink for fear that God never will have mercy on you, you need not be afraid to go to Christ, for fear that he is either unable or unwilling to help you. Here is a strong foundation, and an inexhaustible treasure, to answer the necessities of your poor soul, and here is infinite grace and gentleness to invite and embolden a poor, unworthy, fearful soul to come to it. If Christ accepts of you, you need not fear but that you will be safe, for he is a strong Lion for your defense. And if you come, you need not fear but that you shall be accepted; for he is like a Lamb to all that come to him, and receives then with infinite grace and tenderness. It is true he has awful majesty, he is the great God, and infinitely high above you; but there is this to encourage and embolden the poor sinner, that Christ is man as well as God; he is a creature, as well as the Creator, and he is the most humble and lowly in heart of any creature in heaven or earth. This may well make the poor unworthy creature bold in coming to him. You need not hesitate one moment; but may run to him, and cast yourself upon him. You will certainly be graciously and meekly received by him. Though he is a lion, he will only be a lion to your enemies, but he will be a lamb to you. It could not have been conceived, had it not been so in the person of Christ, that there could have been so much in any Savior, that is inviting and tending to encourage sinners to trust in him. Whatever your circumstances are, you need not be afraid to come to such a Savior as this. Be you never so wicked a creature, here is worthiness enough; be you never so poor, and mean, and ignorant a creature, there is no danger of being despised, for though he be so much greater than you, he is also immensely more humble than you. Any one of you that is a father or mother, will not despise one of your own children that comes to you in distress: much less danger is there of Christ's despising you, if you in your heart come to him. --J. Edwards, The Excellency of Christ
Saturday, February 14, 2009
As You Prepare to Worship...
How on earth dare folk like us come into God's presence? I realize in part how I've hurt, failed, neglected people and duties this week. How 'bout you? So, do we stay home and work to make ourselves presentable some Sunday in the future? No, the gospel is true. The cross satisfied! DRINK in this Calvin quote. (You may have to click on the cup to make the print larger.)
Mark 11:11 Jesus went into the temple...
At the time Jesus entered Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Temple (the so-called “second temple,” the rebuilt
temple of Solomon) was the most magnificent structure in all the Middle East. In its splendor, it rivaled
anything found in Greece, Rome, or Egypt. The temple lay at the heart of Jewish the nation. It was not
only the religious center of the land and that place where Jewish pilgrims flocked for the various feasts,
but the temple was also the symbol of the nation’s political and historical life. The temple was
everything to Jews at the time of Jesus. So much so, the temple had actually become a stumbling block
to faith in YHWH. If the people had such a glorious temple, why do they need a Savior? People relied
upon the temple and its ceremonies, not upon YHWH’s grace and mercy. It was thought that to possess
such a magnificent temple, was to possess the righteousness and blessing of God. Not true. --KR
temple of Solomon) was the most magnificent structure in all the Middle East. In its splendor, it rivaled
anything found in Greece, Rome, or Egypt. The temple lay at the heart of Jewish the nation. It was not
only the religious center of the land and that place where Jewish pilgrims flocked for the various feasts,
but the temple was also the symbol of the nation’s political and historical life. The temple was
everything to Jews at the time of Jesus. So much so, the temple had actually become a stumbling block
to faith in YHWH. If the people had such a glorious temple, why do they need a Savior? People relied
upon the temple and its ceremonies, not upon YHWH’s grace and mercy. It was thought that to possess
such a magnificent temple, was to possess the righteousness and blessing of God. Not true. --KR
More on Fig Tree
Jesus now uses the
tree to make the point that what is visible and the reality behind it, are two different things. There are
leaves, but there is no fruit. There is a temple, a priesthood and sacrifices, there is a Sanhedrin, but there
is no sign of true righteousness. Jesus is not mad at the fig tree because he’s hungry and the tree has no
fruit. Rather, Jesus is speaking as a prophet and telling his disciples in the most graphic of terms (an
acted out parable) that because there is no true righteousness in the land, Jerusalem and its temple will
soon come under the judgment of God. --KR
tree to make the point that what is visible and the reality behind it, are two different things. There are
leaves, but there is no fruit. There is a temple, a priesthood and sacrifices, there is a Sanhedrin, but there
is no sign of true righteousness. Jesus is not mad at the fig tree because he’s hungry and the tree has no
fruit. Rather, Jesus is speaking as a prophet and telling his disciples in the most graphic of terms (an
acted out parable) that because there is no true righteousness in the land, Jerusalem and its temple will
soon come under the judgment of God. --KR
Old Testament & Fig Tree
This might be helpful to know:
Jesus knew that while the tree was covered with leaves, it was not the season for figs. In effect, he is giving a living parable, acting out the principle parts of the story. We also need to know that throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree is used by the prophets as a symbol of Israel. A fruitful tree is a sign of blessing and obedience, while a tree without fruit is a sign of Israel’s poor spiritual condition (cf. Jeremiah 8:13; 29:17; Hosea 9:10, 16; Joel 1:7; and Micah 7:1-6). Furthermore, the prophets speak of the destruction of the fig tree as a metaphor for judgment upon Israel (Hosea 2:12; Isaiah 34:4). --from Kim Riddlebarger
Jesus knew that while the tree was covered with leaves, it was not the season for figs. In effect, he is giving a living parable, acting out the principle parts of the story. We also need to know that throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree is used by the prophets as a symbol of Israel. A fruitful tree is a sign of blessing and obedience, while a tree without fruit is a sign of Israel’s poor spiritual condition (cf. Jeremiah 8:13; 29:17; Hosea 9:10, 16; Joel 1:7; and Micah 7:1-6). Furthermore, the prophets speak of the destruction of the fig tree as a metaphor for judgment upon Israel (Hosea 2:12; Isaiah 34:4). --from Kim Riddlebarger
He Tore Them Apart
from Derek Thomas:
Chapter 11 is a new section in Mark’s gospel. It’s Holy Week. It’s Passion Week. This is Sunday, Palm Sunday. Jesus and His disciples have come at last to Jerusalem, and there’s a note here even on a cursory level that everything that happens has intentionality about it. There’s nothing that happens here that is meant to be interpreted as a chance occurrence, a whim. Jesus is in full control of what is transpiring in this week that lies before Him. He’s taking the initiative from the very start, sending disciples ahead to find this colt and bring it back for whatever purpose, as we shall see in a moment, but sending the signal that He’s in control of this. He’s thought about it, planned it...of course, from all eternity. John Murray says,
“He took His soul in one hand and His body in the other and tore them apart.”
Chapter 11 is a new section in Mark’s gospel. It’s Holy Week. It’s Passion Week. This is Sunday, Palm Sunday. Jesus and His disciples have come at last to Jerusalem, and there’s a note here even on a cursory level that everything that happens has intentionality about it. There’s nothing that happens here that is meant to be interpreted as a chance occurrence, a whim. Jesus is in full control of what is transpiring in this week that lies before Him. He’s taking the initiative from the very start, sending disciples ahead to find this colt and bring it back for whatever purpose, as we shall see in a moment, but sending the signal that He’s in control of this. He’s thought about it, planned it...of course, from all eternity. John Murray says,
“He took His soul in one hand and His body in the other and tore them apart.”
Hosanna
Sinclair Ferguson says it simply means:
"Save me, Jesus!"
Tom Wright says:
"Hosanna is a Hebrew word which mixes exuberant praise to God with the prayer that God will save His people, and do so right away."
The chant of Palm Sunday is taken from Psalm 118:25-26:
Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Derek Thomas: “Hosanna!” – the Greek word, hosanna. It’s doing exactly what the English translators are doing: they’re transliterating a word, and actually they’re transliterating a Hebrew word, hashiana, and that Hebrew phrase is found in one solitary place in the Old Testament, in Psalm 118:25, where it means save; save us. It’s a cry to God for help, but over the years hashiana came to mean not the cry for help so much as a shout of hope and exaltation: “Salvation...salvation has come!” Psalm 118 – you understand why Psalm 118 is on their minds: it’s Passover. What are the Psalms that are recited at Passover? According to the liturgical tradition of Passover, it’s the Hillel Psalms – Psalms 113 through 118.
"Save me, Jesus!"
Tom Wright says:
"Hosanna is a Hebrew word which mixes exuberant praise to God with the prayer that God will save His people, and do so right away."
The chant of Palm Sunday is taken from Psalm 118:25-26:
Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Derek Thomas: “Hosanna!” – the Greek word, hosanna. It’s doing exactly what the English translators are doing: they’re transliterating a word, and actually they’re transliterating a Hebrew word, hashiana, and that Hebrew phrase is found in one solitary place in the Old Testament, in Psalm 118:25, where it means save; save us. It’s a cry to God for help, but over the years hashiana came to mean not the cry for help so much as a shout of hope and exaltation: “Salvation...salvation has come!” Psalm 118 – you understand why Psalm 118 is on their minds: it’s Passover. What are the Psalms that are recited at Passover? According to the liturgical tradition of Passover, it’s the Hillel Psalms – Psalms 113 through 118.
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