The wrath of God

Scripture: Luke 9:54-56 And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.


Observation: The disciples had assumed that Jesus would pour out his wrath on those who dishonored him. Their assumption was based on what God did in the past. He did destroy towns and people groups in the past. Why the change? Why was the ministry of Jesus different than the ministry prior to Jesus?

Application: Many people today make the same assumption that the disciples did. People assume that God is out to get somebody. People attribute natural disasters to the wrath of God. People go so far as the attribute the death of children to God's actions, and so on. Jesus clearly states that he came to save lives, not to take them. John 10:10 tells us that it is Satan who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and that Jesus is come that we have life. The difference between the God of the old testament and the God of the new testament is the work of Christ at the cross. He took the wrath of God for us, and we are not subject to it any more. He gave his life for ours. The ministry of Jesus exemplified this fact.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, thank you for what you did for us at the cross. Thank you for giving your life so that we can have an abundant life in you. Thank you for taking our punishment upon yourselves. Thank you that you became forgiveness for our sins. We accept you, and devote our lives to serving you with the honor you deserve.

Trust Him

Scripture: Luke 5:4-11 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Observation: Peter was a fisherman. Peter was also the owner of a fishing business. Peter was the boss. Peter knew fishing. Jesus was a carpenter, and a Rabbi. When Jesus told Peter to let down his nets, it did not make sense. And yet, Peter trusted Jesus. Jesus spoke to Peter through this act in a way that cut to his very soul. It showed Peter that Jesus was God. Only God could have done what Jesus did.

Application: Do we trust Jesus? Do we trust him with our business? Do we trust him with our families? Do we trust him with our ministries? Have we fully given our lives and livelihood to him? If we give our trust to him, he will show us that he is God in a way that speaks to our soul.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that you love me. Thank you for this day that you have given us. Let me live my life this day for you, and only for you. Let me trust you with all that I have and all that I am. Let it all be yours. Let me decrease, so that you can increase. Amen.

Pray

Scripture: Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's,and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Observation: Often our understanding of scripture depends on our language. When we think of prayer, we think of someone bowing their heads, perhaps folding their hands or kneeling, and speaking reverently to God. The word "Pray" does not have that connotation at all. Here Jesus commanded them to push the boat out into the water so that he could preach.

Application: We should pray like Jesus prayed. When we pray, we should ask or command fully expecting that it be done, and if it is not done, we should make sure it gets done! When we are his, Jesus has given us authority to ask whatever we want in his name, and that it would be done! (John 15:7). Jesus didn't say " Oh heavenly father, if it be thy will, please move the boat out in the water" Rather he said, push the boat out into th water so that I can teach the people.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Let us be one with you, and let us be in you and you in us. Let us pray with authority as your word says we should. Let our words be your words, and may you abide in us always. In Jesus Name!

The Powerful Word

Scripture: Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Observation - Jesus spoke with great power, and with the authority of all mighty God. Wouldn't you like to hear him speak? God in his sovereignty has preserved the words of Jesus, and we can hear them today... just as they did 2000 years ago.

Application - The words of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as recorded in scripture carry the same power as when they were spoken and recorded. The word of God is powerful, and we, by his spirit, carry the same authority of Jesus Christ when we are in alignment with his word. As believers we should consume his word, and we should utilize his word for his purposes.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I love you Lord. Keep me this day in the center of your will. Let me walk in your authority and power through your word and your spirit. Keep me humble, and yet let me walk with your authority. Amen

Are You the Christ?

Scripture: Luke 3:15 - And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Observation: John the Baptist preached a hard word, of repentance from sin and sacrificial giving. His message was much like Christ, but different. We don't have record in the scripture of John doing great miracles like Jesus did, and yet we see that the people questioned whether he was the Christ or not.

Application: There seems to be a similarity between the message of John, and what we preach today... and the contrast to the message of Jesus Christ. Just as they ask of John ... One could ask of us, the Church, whether we are the Christ? Is the Church today the hands and feet of Jesus, or are we as John preparing for the return of Jesus Christ, or both?

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your word. Thank you that you have given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Thank you for your goodness. Help us to be found faithful to you. Let us be loyal and true to you in all things. Amen