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JANUARY 8
Genesis 18:20-19:38
It would have been nice if verses 16-19 from yesterday were included
here. You might want to go back and read those just to get the entire context.
This entire discussion is an important part of Abe's education and it gives
some deep insight into how the Lord works with us.
Genesis 18:20-33
Vs. 20-21 The Lord states the case against Sodom. It is interesting to
think of what this outcry was. Was it some general sense of violation against
God's righteousness or was there a satanic accuser? If the latter is so, it is
ironic since Satan also delights in deceiving and corrupting mankind. It is
worth noting that the angel of the Lord wasn't going to act from
"hearsay." He was sending two angels to visit the situation. I wonder
if He still does something similar today.
Vs. 22-25 Note again that this angel of the Lord is the Lord. Think of
this: Abraham is standing with Jesus. That sure puts an interesting twist on
Jesus' words in John 8:39-59 regarding Abraham believing what he was told.
Unknown to the Pharisees, Jesus had had a meal and a fairly long conversation
with Abraham. Abraham and Sarah had believed all the truth that Jesus had
shared with them. Now Jesus had shared more truth and was letting Abraham
respond in faith.
It is interesting to me that Abraham understood that God had to be
righteous. Actually, all men do, even though they themselves are not completely
righteous. Even Satan holds God to a righteous standard while his own righteousness
is totally nonexistent.
Vs. 26-33 Abraham, as a disciple, was invited to chime in concerning
the destruction of Sodom. For Abe the issue was not only saving Lot, but also
understanding the Lord. What are your observations here regarding the Lord's
answers? What do you learn about God through this whole interaction with
Abraham? If you got to talk to the Lord, for coffee, who would be on your heart?
Genesis 19
Vs. 1-3 Since it mentions that Lot
was sitting in the gate, it could be that Lot had some official title. The
gates were where city officials sat and did business. Lot was rich so it could
be that the lure to attract him to live in the city also came with a position.
On the other hand, Lot may have just been sitting there, but the Lord knew he
would be there.The angels tested Lot here by suggesting that they should sleep
in the town square. Notice that Lot pressed them strongly, suggesting that
beyond Middle Eastern hospitality, Lot was urged on, knowing the danger these
guests would be facing.
Vs. 4-11 In Sodom, the angels were, obviously, never in danger. This
was a testing of Lot and the people. Years later in Israel something just like
this will happen. I will never understand why Lot was willing to throw his
daughters out the door to this mob. But I guess it's better not to judge.
V. 5 That we may know them meant
to have sex with them. They would have raped those guests had it been in their
power to do so.
Vs. 12-26 In this sordid tale of woe, the effects of living in Sodom
are evident in Lot and his family. Lot had no credibility with the people, and
now his sons-in-law just laughed at him. However he might have rationalized his
contact with the people in Sodom, thinking he was doing them good. He saved
exactly no one; however, he and his family became infected by the godlessness.
V. 16 You have to wonder what was going on in Lot's thinking.
Vs. 17-23 This is a very lengthy talk by Lot and it amounted to
nothing. In the verses that come we'll see that even though Zoar was saved
because of Lot, the people still knew Lot was somehow tied into what happened
in Sodom. Lot didn't stay in Zoar.
V. 26 Lot's wife was punished, and though we don't totally understand
what happened, she must have rebelled inwardly. The Lord was saving them and
must have had a reason for what He did to her.
Vs. 27-29 Isn't it interesting that it says that God remembered Abraham and therefore saved Lot.
Vs. 30-38 It just kept getting worse for Lot. The effect of living in
Sodom and not knowing the Lord is shown here in Lot's daughters. Sodom was
destroyed, but they brought the "stench" of Sodom with them. Notice
that the children became nations, both of which became a problem to Israel. One
note to God's forgiveness and mercy is that there is one person from Moab in
the family tree of Jesus. Ruth, the Moabitess, would become the
great-grandmother of King David and would be in the line of Christ.
As disciples, if we live for Christ, with our treasure in heaven, those
around us have a better chance of catching fire with true faith, than if we
"blend in.” Following as a disciple means doing the work of following and
reaching out. To complain about a lost world, while at the same time enjoying
the good things of a lost world, is not being a disciple. Farmers farm. Harvesters
harvest. Disciples disciple. Disciples are not harmless and they don't gripe. They
press on to make more disciples.
Matthew 6:25-7:14
Matthew 6:25-34
This lesson to His disciples is big. Jesus taught this again and again.
When He sent out the Twelve and the 70, He didn't allow them to take any money
or food with them. Their heavenly Father would meet their needs. In Jesus'
training of His disciples, this was a crucial lesson on following in the
harvest and living with a spiritual, eternal perspective. As disciples, this
promise and confidence in God is to be our truest heart and attitude in working
for and following Christ in this world. This world is not our home. We're not
"just passing through." We are here on assignment. God is constantly
with us. He will provide our food, clothing and lodging. Even the hairs of our
heads are numbered. And the only way you learn this is to follow Christ as a
disciple in the harvest. At this point Jesus and the Twelve had all given up
their careers and were being sustained financially by the
"coincidences" (e.g., people who got healed, who decided to help)
that happened to them along the way. The Twelve hadn't been sent out yet; but
living with Jesus, they saw it was possible to serve God in making disciples,
and to rely on His care, and not lose weight. This is a big one for us to learn
too and it takes years of living by faith to truly internalize it.
Matthew 7:1-14
As you read this section, and before you read my comments below, try to
put these thoughts together into a flow of thought meant for you as a disciple.
It seems like Matthew and the Spirit are leaving out some important bridges
between thoughts. Maybe the reason the Spirit is doing this is the same reason
Jesus spoke in parables; that is, so that those who are really interested and
work to understand (those who have) will get the meaning, and will get more,
while those who have not, and don't really care, or have more important things
to do…but why finish the thought? And then there is that little word
"seek," which means to…but again, why finish the thought? You can if
you want to.
Vs. 1-2 Jesus teaches His disciples not to judge. As disciples we know
we are in a world steeped and lost in sin. Like Jesus, we are to work
impartially getting His Word out. His Word and how people respond to it is the
only lasting and worthy judgment we should have any interest in. Disciples
can't afford to take sides in trivial things in this life (2 Tim. 2:4). We live
in a lost world. We were lost. As disciples making disciples, we are to be
humble in the grace we've received and reach out to help others find Christ and
follow Him.
Vs. 3-5 So, Jesus warns His disciples about not being humble and says
they should be fully involved in removing logs from their own eyes. Jesus knew
it would be a temptation to be focused on criticizing others. In Luke, Jesus
mentions that a disciple is not above his teacher, meaning that if the disciple
maker has logs, so will the disciple. That's a warning. A disciple can't help
others grow in faith with a critical attitude, and can't help people come to
the place of removing harmful things from their lives unless they themselves
are willing to do the same.
I remember a line from a tape by Howard Hendricks, "So I'm sitting
across from this guy with his deep seated alcoholism and I say to him, 'The
Spirit would be happy to move in and help you take control,' but I can't
control my time, I can't control my money, I can't control my appetite. Friend,
I'm no better off than he is. We both need the same message.” Where is your
"log" that will destroy your credibility and lead you to make log-ridden
disciples? And if you understand this properly, it isn't really an issue of any
particular "log," rather the issue is following Christ in the harvest
honestly, openly humble, growing and grateful.
But it is not as if Jesus is saying don't help others. He's saying to
do it with humility and integrity, not as a critic and judge, but as a fellow
disciple dealing with yourself before Christ. We are to be there to help others
remove the speck.
V. 6 But not in all cases. There is a kind of unbelief where Jesus
says, "Just walk away.” This is good for a disciple to know. We are not to
witness to everyone, because not everyone is ready. This is not a suggestion,
but a command. This command and the understanding of "who art the
dog" and "who art the schwein" is best understood by the humble,
"non-judging," "log removing," "helping others"
disciple. The self-righteous and self-absorbed see dogs and pigs everywhere. The
naïve think everyone will listen.
Vs. 7-11 Jesus seems to be saying, that instead of a hard combative
attitude, we, as disciples, are to be in a constant mode of asking, seeking and
knocking regarding our work in the harvest. I apply these to reaching out and
making disciples, not getting stuff for ourselves. Only God can open doors to
people. This asking, seeking, and knocking might also apply to needs we have as
we are following Christ; but I really think it is silly to assume that this
command is just for our needs, as if our only purpose on this earth is to eat
and wear clothes and stay alive. Jesus already addressed that issue. This
command is meant to give us the confidence to follow in the harvest bearing
fruit.
V. 12 So, knowing that the Lord has our back in reaching out, we are to
be open and generous as we pour out our lives into the lives of others. Loving
our neighbor sums up the Law and the Prophets.
(Rom. 13:8-14, 15:2)
Vs. 13-14 Therefore as a disciple, make sure you are living a life that
has the strain and difficulty of reaching the lost and making disciples, who
make disciples. If your walk as a believer is too easy you may be on the wrong
road. All of us have the strains of life: fragile relationships, breaking cars,
failing health, etc. Being a disciple on earth is about more than life
maintenance; yet for many, that is all their faith helps them do, maintain
life, and that is how Satan pins them down and keeps them out of the harvest. We
have faith and strength for the harvest and in the harvest we find more faith,
strength, and joy than we realized we'd have. Yet Jesus is saying here that
following Him involves work, with lots of sweat and strain.
In World War II my dysfunctional relatives became functional because
they were no longer living lost, self-absorbed, dysfunctional lives. They were
involved in the battle, and the battle gave them health and purpose. The war
was hard and they would never have chosen the war, but they were called to it.
They became lost again when the war was over. I really think the Lord knows
what He's doing with His disciples. The harvest is hard and disciple-making is
a battle; but in following Christ, it brings health and purpose to His
dysfunctional followers (disciples).
Psalm 8
Isn't it amazing to think that this awesome, amazing, infinitely
powerful God loves us and invites us to work with Him to make His love known? What
a thought that He would choose such foolish, weak, dysfunctional beings to love
and honor.
Vs. 1-2 This is a contrast. God is glorious above the heavens yet the
mouth of a baby can honor Him. This honoring is like the foolish in Christ
bringing to nothing the wisdom of the wise.
Vs. 3-4 This is another contrast. God's power and creativity are
utterly amazing, so why does He busy Himself with man?
V. 5 Satan certainly had a hard time with this reality, causing him to
trip over his own beauty and pride. "What? Serve those ugly little things,
when I'm so beautiful and worthy of worship myself?” So, Satan in pride
rebelled against God.
Ironically, v. 5 is also quoted in Hebrews 2:7 & 9 regarding Jesus.
So, once you've read this psalm through, as if it is written about us, then
read it through as if it is written prophetically about Jesus. (You'll see at
least one other verse that is written about Jesus in the NT.)
Vs. 6-8 That dominion still is in force and now that Jesus has redeemed
mankind (the believing) that power rests again in the hand of a man. Dost ask
who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He.
V. 9 Amen.
Proverbs 2:6-15
Vs. 6-12 Notice that this person is submitted to the Lord, walking in
His way.
Vs. 12-15 These might not be openly evil men, just men who don't submit
to the Lord and who want to walk in their own way.
If you read this and then reflect back over the OT portion for today,
you'll see why Abe was one way and Lot another, why one was blessed and why one
ruined his life.
As disciples, we are being offered great blessing as we, if we, follow
Christ. (John 15)
Please Read
the Following Disclaimer
I'm writing the Reading Notes to and
for those who are following a One Year Bible and are interested in growing
deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the
growth of a discipleship culture in the church, that is, groups of 3-4
disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to
reach out and make disciples, who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most
universal and important discipleship manual we have and it is the key to our
growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here,
or what we are to be doing, or whom we are to be following. My comments are
only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of
God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are
designed to keep us, as disciples, focused on Christ and our role in His
harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be
willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their
growth as disciples, making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive
commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC).
I read the BKC in doing background for the Reading Notes and refer to it quite
often. I also make reference to maps or charts in the BKC, though I will only
note where those resources can be found. Often you can do a search for these
and find them in Google books. Buying both volumes of the Bible Knowledge
Commentary would be a good idea.
I am not endorsing any particular
One Year Bible translation; in fact, I read something you probably don't, Die
Revidierte Lutherbibel, 1984. Unless noted, all Scripture quotes are from the
ESV Bible.
Anyone reading along with us is
welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own
observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition
or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any
point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as
I understand it. Often there is a breadth of opinion on certain events, both
historical and prophetic. Many of my views come from my church background,
theological training and my personal study.
I'm
doing this with discipleship in mind, meaning, I'm writing out thoughts that
will keep discipleship and our growth as disciples applied to what we are
reading. Remember, the real focus of the Reading Notes is to be a
supplement, a disciple’s commentary, giving motivation and insight so that we
will keep following our Lord in the harvest, reaching the lost and making
disciples, who make disciples. Being in
the Word every day, sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning directly from Him, is the
essential essence of being and making disciples.
May the Lord bless you as you follow
Him in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples, who make disciples. Dan
The daily installments of the Reading Notes can be found at http://fencerail.blogspot.com/
If you would like documents containing an entire month of the
Reading Notes, go to https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.
If you would like a full presentation of discipleship read Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.
Or if you are struggling with insomnia and would like a long
boring dissertation on disciple making, these can both be found on https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.
Reading Notes ©, Dan Kachikis 2011
The One Year Bible © by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton
Illinois 60189
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright ©
2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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