October 1–Matthew 26

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”(26:41).

There was history here.

For three years, Simon Peter and the other disciples observed Jesus in prayer. Heard Him teach it. Watched at the transfiguration and wondered at the power of prayer. Witnessed at Gethsemane the painful struggle/full surrender that true prayer always is. No denying it, Peter saw the discipline and power of prayer displayed in Jesus.

It is, however, one thing to see prayer in someone else’s life. Another to do it. The application of this lesson, the practice of it, was the place of Peter’s failure. Often ours as well.

With no appropriate sense of his own weakness, no accurate perception of the danger present, Peter was deaf to the warning of Christ that night. Ignoring the call of Christ to “keep watching, keep praying,” Peter chose sleep.

His foolish self-confidence left him unprepared. In the terrible next hours, he faced the dangers and disappointments of the cross without supernatural courage or clarity. Without prayer, He, “entered into” temptation. Was swallowed up by it. Overwhelmed. Learned again the weakness of his flesh.

Do we HEAR what Jesus told Peter? His warning? Even when we sincerely love Christ, sincerely want to serve, we will be UNABLE to do so without the invisible advantage of prayer.

“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, that whatever you ask of the Father in my name He may give you” (John 15:16, italics mine). Will you please read these words again? In the mind of Christ, HIS call and OUR prayers are inseparable. We require both!

“When we work, we work. When we pray, God works”(J. Hudson Taylor).

Friend, are you learning this lesson? What did you ASK of God today in prayer? Did you ASK God to keep you from temptation? Did ASK and BELIEVE strength to live a holy, fruit-bearing life? Did you CALL OUT for the kingdom to come, for people to be saved and sanctified?

Will you?

September 30–Matthew 24-25

“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be”(24:37-39).

As the cross came near, Jesus talked often about the judgement to come and the days of hope that would immediately follow it. Traditionally called, “The Olivet Discourse,” these words were spoken by our Lord to the disciples as He sat on the Mount of Olives, looking over the city.

He predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. In v. 4-28, Jesus declared the defeat and destruction of the city in 70 AD. This great tribulation, “such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world,” was unique in world history because it marked the rejection of Israel. The grafting in of the Gentiles. (Romans 11)

Jesus also predicted His own coming. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days (destruction of Jerusalem) the sun will be darkened. . . And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming with great power and glory” (vs. 29-30). At a moment in the future, the cosmos will be disturbed and Christ will come! The word “immediately” does not denote shortness of time, rather order and sequence of God’s plan. After Jerusalem is destroyed, His glorious coming will be the next event in the drama of redemption! The world is supernatural in its creation. It will also be supernatural in its conclusion. Christ will come in great glory!

Sadly, our Lord predicted the general unawareness of men. Despite the warnings of Spirit and Scripture, as the day draws near, dullness and distraction will be the norm. Just as the people in the time of Noah were unaware, so the world will be oblivious and unprepared when the Lord returns.

“This world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending we lay waste our powers,” said William Wordsworth. Busy with the details and demands of physical life, most do not notice heaven’s clock ticking down to zero.

Friend, as you read the warnings of Jesus today, does your heart stir into awareness and action? Do you believe Jesus? Will you take hold of this powerful hope? Will you allow it to shape and motivate your daily decisions? When He comes, will you be ready?

“However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”(Luke 18:8).

September 29–Matthew 22-23

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling”(23:37).

The last days of the Lord’s life were marked by a particular grief, not for His own death, rather the coming destruction of Israel. With sinful men, God is patient, and then He isn’t. “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). Luke reports that Jesus wept as He spoke of the fearful judgement ahead for Jerusalem. See Luke 19:41.

Over time, again, and again, God reached out to Israel in grace. Invited them to safety. Prepared a lavish banquet. See 22:3-4. Despite His kindness, the people remained unwilling and eventually angry and abusive. Note the growing anger toward Spiritual truth in our day. Our world is on a very similar path.

Ultimately, resistance toward God receives wrath from God. He is not willing for any to perish (not in the sense that it is His preference or choice), but He is also not willing to be mocked and denied His rightful authority. He will not force a person into a love relationship, but neither will He allow humans to continue in self-declared independence from His legitimate authority. The sad result for Israel? “Behold, your house is being left to you desolate” (23:38). In their pride and unbelief, the nation was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.

As with Israel, God’s tolerance toward our stubbornness will ultimately and reluctantly be set aside, too. Apart from repentance and a deep reordering of our lives, God will accomplish in judgement what was previously offered in grace.

Friend, are you stubborn with God? Ignoring the example and teaching of Christ, do you resist the Spirit’s call into God-first union with Him? Even today, HE wills you trust and worship and walk humbly with Him. Are you willing?

” ‘Shall I not punish these people?’ declares the Lord, ‘On a nation such as this shall I not avenge Myself?’ “(Jeremiah 5:29).

“You brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?” (Jesus, Matthew 23:33).

September 28–Matthew 20-21

“So the last shall be first, and the first last”(20:16).

The final days of the Lord’s life were tense with predictions of coming judgement. Over and over, He warned the Jewish nation. They were about to lose their place of privilege.

The proverb was a favorite of His. Three times the Scriptures record Him saying it. The rich, young ruler–Matthew 19. Lessons of Judgment Day–Luke 13. The parable of the vineyard–Matthew 20 (today’s lesson). No telling how often Jesus actually used this proverb in conversation and teaching.

His parable referred to Jews and Gentiles. In the kingdom of God, the Gentiles, recent recipients of the gospel, were payed equally. They were last in order, but first in honor. In contrast, the Jews who had long carried the identity and privileges of spiritual service, by their rejection of Christ, were first in order, but last in honor. It was the father’s choice to do so. See 20:15. The older brother must never be jealous or resentful of His father’s kindness toward the younger.

The proverb also referred to coming judgement. Those who are esteemed and valued on earth are often in danger of missing the glory of heaven. It is, and always has been, hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom. (See 19:23 in yesterday’s reading). Without faith and sacrificial service, those who are first in earthly privilege will be last in Heavenly honor.

Be careful, dear one. Never presume on God’s grace. It is possible for advantages to become disadvantages. The Jews were first in, “adoption and the glory and the covenants and the Law”(Romans 9:4). In most cases, however, these privileges did them no good. “The word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard the gospel”(Hebrews 4:2).

Have we had the gospel so long that we presume on it and lose our place as a result? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom will be taken away from you and given to a people producing the fruit of it” (21:43). “To whom much is given, much will be required.” A head-start does not guarantee a successful finish.

“Run in such a way that you may win”(1 Corinthians 9:24).

Friend, are you being careful with the grace of God? Do you realize how easily (often) the first in privilege become the last in reward?

September 27–Matthew 18-19

“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”(18:4).

He didn’t scold them. Didn’t even challenge their question.

The disciples rightly perceived the kingdom to be a coming reality. In v. 28, Jesus called it,” the regeneration.” Lovely word. Powerful truth. Life will begin again! A new world is coming!

The disciples were arranging life in preparation for this glorious future, and the Lord had no argument with their thinking. “Send treasures ahead,” He told them. See Matthew 6:20. See also 19:21.

Neither did the Savior chide them for wanting to be great. Selfish ambition is harmful, but the desire for attainment or reward or excellence can be a virtue when it is focused on the Spirit. God is not a soccer coach who gives a trophy to every player, no matter their performance or attitude. “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The unworthy slave in Matthew 25 was rejected because he had been lazy.

The Lord is, however, concerned to teach humility. It is the first virtue in God’s kingdom. The key to true greatness.

He illustrated it with a child. Perhaps a small boy was working at chores nearby. When Jesus called him, he came. Children had few rights in the ancient world. They were expected to listen and obey. They were praised for respecting elders and for innocent trust.

In this sense, Jesus Himself was a child. Compliant, trusting, humble. Whatever the Father asked of Him, He did. He was humble. It was His beauty and glory.

Do you wish to be great in the kingdom of Christ? Repent from self-will, from ego-driven independence! With a soft and humble heart, accept the assignments that come from the Father! Without complaint, learn obedience and patience, finding joy entirely in God’s friendship and approval!

Beware! Earthly success may work against you. “It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom” said the Savior in 19:23. It is hard for a rich man to be humble. Too much power. Too much notoriety.

Dear friend, are you like a child? Are you humble?

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. . .He humbled Himself. . . For this reason, God highly exalted Him”(Philippians 2:5,8-9).

September 26–Matthew 16-17

“While He (Peter) was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him’ “(17:5).

It is an important lesson. We love Christ best with our ears. We listen. We stop talking, ignore the noisy anxiety inside our hearts. We focus our attention on the still, small voice. “Be still and know that I am God,” says Psalm 46:10.

Parents recognize this important moment in a child’s development. Often, and sometimes only after discipline is applied, the child begins to listen! Our relationship with God is similar.

“In the beginning was the Word” From the first day of Creation, God had something to SAY. He declares His message in every sunrise and every Scripture. With even greater clarity, He speaks to us in His Son.

Listening, however, is hard work. Peter’s story proves it so. Even for those who sincerely love Christ, listening is learned behavior and demanding discipline. Being still denies my anxious need to control the conversation. It humbles me. It opens my mind and heart to conclusions and directions that are higher than my own. Listening is part of what it means to deny self. See 16:24.

Friend, what has the Lord been saying to you, recently? When you are still and quiet, what do you hear from the Lord of Love? Will you dedicate time and attention today? Will you listen to Him?

“You are short on ears, and long on mouth” (John Wayne).

“Mary was sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. . .and the Lord answered, ‘Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her’ “(Luke 10:40, 42).

September 25–Matthew 14-15

“Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”(14:31).

In chapters 14-15 of his gospel, Matthew records a series of significant miracles. Amazing acts of power!

Jesus healed sick people. Restored sight and hearing and strength. He fed hungry people. (Created food. Twice! Enough for 5000 men one day. 4000 on another day). He walked on water and shared the power with Peter to do the same. He cast out demons. Can you imagine? Will you?

The miracles of Christ are undeniable proof of His identity. Seeing them, people were (are) to glorify God (15:31) and identify Christ as the Son. This is the Father’s purpose in these acts of power. Miracles stretch our concept of Christ. Press us to see Jesus as all-powerful! Infinitely competent! Worthy of worship!

The miracles of Christ teach faith. Notice the gentle but unrelenting challenge for Peter. “Why did you doubt?” Jesus chided His friend. Is the storm larger than I am, Peter? If not, shouldn’t your eyes be on me rather than on the storm?” Miracles are SEEN with the eyes but must be RECKONED in the heart by faith.

Friend, the miracles prove that Jesus is Lord and invite us in to union with Him. Have you reached a new conclusion about Christ? Do you rightly reckon the moral imperative to trust Him? Have the miracles done their work IN you?

If the amazingly competent Christ is near, why are my eyes ever on myself or my situation?

“Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature” (Augustine).

“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works (miracles) themselves”(Jesus, John 14:11).

“With God all things are possible” (Jesus, Matthew 19:26).

September 24–Matthew 12-13

“When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, ‘Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful on the Sabbath’ ” (12:2).

“But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him” (12:14).

It came early. Got worse over time. Opposition. Controversy. Wherever the Lord went, MANY people were unhappy. Ever wonder why?

Jesus was not arrogant or inconsiderate. He didn’t have, “a chip on His shoulder.” He wasn’t combative. Wasn’t pushy. See 12:19. In fact, He worked wonders. Healed. Set captives free. Taught truth to great crowds. Miraculous signs of God. Why was He criticized for it? Why were people angry?

Controversy with Jesus originates in the human heart. In today’s reading Jesus declared them,”an evil and adulterous generation.” (12:39). He knew them (us, too). They were pledged to love God. In their hearts and in their habits, however, they loved self. Adulterers.

Sinful men struggle with surrender. As the Son of God, Jesus rightly claimed deity. He pointed to the kingdom as, “something greater than the temple, someone greater than Jonah, or Solomon.” See 12: 38-42. Refusing this surrender and its implications, the human heart displays its sinfulness. Desiring independence, demanding it, we find fault with Christ when the fault is in actually in us. Rather than face ourselves, we blame Him.

Friend, is there controversy in your heart today? Are you angry? Does it occur to you that the turmoil is coming from within? Do you struggle against the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord? To kneel and surrender is a bitter pill for the natural man, but it is healing medicine for the person God created you to be.

“Why, what hath my Lord done? What makes this rage and spite? He made the lame to run, He gave the blind their sight. Sweet injuries! yet at these themselves displease, and ‘gainst Him rise” (Samuel Crossman, My Song Is Love Unknown, 1664).

“Come, let us worship and down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

September 23–Matthew 10-11

“As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’ “(10:7).

“Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matthew 9:35, italics mine).

Big question. Important. What is the gospel? What good news did Jesus bring us?

Jesus was very specific in His instructions to the disciples. As He sent them out to preach, the Lord, told them (us) to declare the kingdom of God!

The kingdom is at hand, said the Savior. Near. Accessible. In Christ, it is possible for men to live in restored, vibrant, supernatural relationship with God! Not only someday, even now! Jesus called this great opportunity the GOSPEL of the kingdom.

The enemy works hard to deny this truth. He would. “The accuser of the brethren,” cunningly suggests that real righteousness is impossible. Unattainable. “I’m only human,” goes the familiar, Eyore-like excuse. Those who think this way doom themselves to failure. What we cannot believe, we cannot hope or pray.

Ironically, the enemy also works to convince us that righteousness IS possible through human effort and government. A two-sided deception. “Peace IS possible through elections and laws,” says the secular lie.

Against these twin lies, the church declares a hopeful truth. Sinful men can, in Christ, be restored to God and live in union with Him, both participant and beneficiary in God’s present and coming kingdom.

Opposition is guaranteed. To claim that a man CAN live in right relationship with God is to also claim that He SHOULD. The truth of God’s kingdom exposes the conscience, strips away our excuses. People often react harshly.

Even so, what better news can even be imagined? If God is good (and He is), then the greatest hope is for the possibility to live in a right and supernaturally blessed relationship with Him! Friend, the kingdom is near. Will you join your life to it?

“The world has many religions; it has but one gospel” (George Owen).

“From that time Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

September 22–Matthew 8-9

“Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well”(9:22).

I am impressed this morning by new and challenging thought. True faith is an extreme position. Christ calls me to stand in a place of COMPLETE trust. All in. No safety net. No lukewarmness.

Faith allows no small view of Christ. In chapters 8 and 9, Matthew reports Jesus’ authority. A God/man with UNLIMITED power over illness, storms and demonic forces. Notice the woman’s absolute confidence in Christ! Friend, do you SEE Jesus as this woman did?

Years of suffering humbled the woman. She was thoroughly convinced that her own solutions, and those of others, were powerless to help her.

Rich soil! A high view of Christ plus a low view of self created in this woman an extreme decision. She would go to Christ! She would not be turned away! Jesus called this determination FAITH.

Do I seek Christ with the same determination? Am I willing to fight through discouragement and those who hinder me? Do I persevere, do I endure? My flesh and the world argue for moderation, but extreme faith is the ONLY thing that can make me well!

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important” (C. S. Lewis).

“We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” (Alcoholics Anonymous).

In Christ we do not find balance. We find truth! Jesus is hardly ever the comfortable decision, or the politically popular one. To save me, God calls me to an extreme confidence in His Son.