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Thought for March 15th. WHAT DO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS REALLY MEAN TO ME? Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like” [Luke 6:47] There follows the story of a man carefully building a house and digging deep and finding a rock on which to base foundations. So when all was complete “a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it because it had been well built” [Luke 6:48]

Now this parable begins with Jesus saying, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, lord and not do the things that I tell you?” [Luke 6:46]. We all need to ask ourselves – what do the teachings of Jesus really mean to me? Do I live in a way that shows I believe in them?

We are being buffeted by the storms of Godless human behaviour as never before, it is becoming a tsunami of Godlessness. But look at the difference between the natural and the spiritual.

We are frightened by violent weather. But when it comes to a flood of immoral behaviour, many seem to welcome it, and, maybe more deadly still, many enjoy indulging in splashing in the shallows, ignoring the awesome flood of God’s judgments that is promised.

Ancient Israel fooled themselves thinking; well God is in our midst, we go to the Temple to worship, “we lean on the Lord” – but the prophet Micah said to them, you “detest justice and make crooked all that is straight” [Micah 5:9] yet you then “lean on the LORD and say, ‘is not the LORD in the midst of us ? No disaster shall come upon us.’ Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; and Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins …” [Micah 5:11,12]

The spiritual failure in which they fooled themselves that the Lord was with them led to the realisation, too late, that their personal spiritual house was not built upon a spiritual rock. History is set to repeat itself – the same call goes out now as is it did then! Note the message God sent through the prophet Zephaniah.

“Seek the LORD all you humble of the land who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the anger of the LORD.” [Zephaniah 2:3]

Thoughts on the readings for March 16th, (Leviticus 24, Psalms 131, 132, 133, 134, Luke 7) Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion’s servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people – most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion’s faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This man was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham’s kingdom (Romans 4:13; Genesis 12:3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow’s son. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod’s prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John’s messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness – Jesus and John are both the Father’s wise children. Not a greater man among had ever been born of a woman than John, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus’ feet in love – and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Simon and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness ie love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this.

Thoughts on the readings for March 15th (Leviticus 23,Psalms 128, 129, 130, Luke 6) Mar 14, 2025

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Psalm 128 talks of the blessing to those who reverence their God and walk before Him in the paths of righteousness. The labours of the faithful will be productive and their will blessings on family life. But the ultimate blessing is peace ie fellowship with our Sovereign in the Kingdom Age; for says the Psalm, the blessings flow from Zion (Isaiah 2 verses 1 to 4).
Psalm 129 tells us that the path of the righteous is strewn with obstacles and trials. But never lose heart for in due season we shall reap if we faint not
(Galatians 6 verses 6 to10).
Psalm 130 provides us with great consolation. It was the Apostle John who said, “if your heart condemns you, Fear not for God is greater than your heart”. The Psalmist tells us that the LORD does not mark sin against those who have confessed to Him and been forgiven. What an awesome God is ours. But this forgiveness brings immense responsibility for His children, who reverence Him; who desire to walk faithfully wrapped in His love; and whose conscience smites them when they fail their gracious Father, so they immediately turn to God, and confess and acknowledge their sin; they repent and renounce their sin, and they humbly seek forgiveness of their sin.

Thought for March 13th. “I WAS SENT FOR THIS PURPOSE” Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” [1 Tim 1 v.15] That salvation was only possible through his sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice that brought an end to all the sacrifices of animals and the use of their blood on the altar that we have been reading about in Leviticus.

But that was not the only reason Jesus came into the world! The point is very clearly made in today’s chapter in Luke (4). As Jesus moved around Israel many were attracted by his healings. “…all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on them …and healed them … The people … would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them. ‘I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

[v.40,42,43] But were they listening to “the good news”? The people of Capernaum, in particular, who had been “exalted to heaven” [Luke 10 v.15] by their witnessing of heavenly deeds and hearing his message, were rejected for their failure to change their lives and really follow him.

After Jesus rose from the dead he showed he was alive “by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” {Acts 1 v.3] The Apostles continued his message; note how the very last verse in Acts tells us that Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness …”

This message was an integral part of the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” [Matt. 5 v.5] The way the meek, i.e., the gentle minded, will inherit the earth is for Jesus to return and establish his kingdom on the earth.

Those who decide to follow Jesus must have this purpose also – sharing his message of hope for our ever more troubled world. Let us not be attracted and distracted by the essentially purpose-less pursuits of the world around us but show by what we say and do that we are following in his footsteps.

Thoughts on the readings for March 14th (Leviticus 22, Psalms 125, 126, 127, Luke 5) Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Luke records in his 5th chapter the call of fishermen to become Jesus’ Apostles. Peter, Andrew, James and John were mending their nets, but they are miraculously given an incredible catch when they obey our Lord. Their job from now on was to catch men for the Gospel. We too are charged to catch men and women for the kingdom: Mark 16:15-16. The chapter records the next miracle as the curing of a leper, who totally believes In Jesus’ power to make him “whole”. The leper’s only question was would the Lord be willing. The cleansed leper is sent to the priests as a testimony that our Lord Jesus Christ is sent from God. Crowds gather to Jesus and are healed. The power of God was ever present to heal those with responsive hearts. Luke speaks of the faith of a paralytic man and his four friends, who against all odds find a way for faith to save their paralysed friend. This healing provokes indignation from the religious authorities. Jesus had designed this to demonstrate the link between Christ’s miracles and him being the Son of God (called in Luke’s record “the Son of Man”). Then we read of the call of Levi, or Matthew, who is a hated collector of excise. We read of a dispute arising among the Apostles about fasting. Jesus tells his Apostles that the reason his disciples did not fast was because the bridegroom was with them. Christ says that when the Bridegroom is taken away then they would fast. Lastly the Lord gives two parables about why Jesus’ teaching was not palatable to the inflexible Jewish religious leaders. The enemies of our Lord were set in tradition and were incapable of receiving Jesus’ saving message. Let us make sure that we have hearing ears.

Thought for March 12th. “I REJOICE AT YOUR WORD” Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Today we completed reading the 176 verses of Psalm 119. What impressed us was how often the Psalmist stresses the value of knowing God’s word. There is no point in reading God’s word if what we read has no effect on us. We read today, “The unfolding of your word gives light; it imparts understanding …”

[v.130] and leads to the plea for God’s help to “keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” [v.133]

Those with a firm relationship and reliance on God then feel great dismay at the attitudes they see around them; the Psalmist becomes very emotional about this, “My eyes shed streams of tears , because people do not keep your law … my zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words.” [v.136,139]

There have been many times in history – and again today in countries like Pakistan – where “foes” arise to make life difficult for those who follow Christ. The Psalmist says, “I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts … your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” [v.141,144]

He sees more than the continuation of the struggles of this mortal life, he looks forward to the time when he may live eternally – and because of this he declares, “The sum of your word is truth …my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil … great peace have they who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O LORD …” [v. 160-166] May God’s salvation be our hope and peace of mind, so that our ‘steps’ in this life are sure and firm.

In Luke’s gospel today we read of John Baptists’ message “to the crowds that came out to be baptized … ‘Bear fruits in keep with repentance’” [3 v.7,8] he told them. God’s call to people has not changed, but the foundation attitude of those who respond to the call is that they say to God, “I rejoice at your word.”

Thoughts on the readings for March 13th (Leviticus 21, Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, Luke 4) Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Leviticus chapters 21,22 describe laws in relation to the Priesthood. Verses 1,6 tell us that the High Priest, because he represents the LORD, was not to mourn the death of any friend (or relatives) except for his immediate family.
Verses 7 and 8 tell us that the priests were limited in their choice of a marriage partner. Verse 9 spoke of the holiness that was needed amongst the priest’s family. Verses 10-12 teach us of the holiness to be observed by the High Priest. This was to be an example to Israel, the priestly nation (Exodus 19 verses 5-6). And to us also, as Peter explains in
1 Peter 2verses 5 to10). AM Verses 13 to15 describe the holiness of the High Priest, with regard to the sanctity of marriage. Since the Levitical priests were Yahweh’s ministers and representatives there was the requirement of physical perfection (verses 16 to 24.

Thoughts on the readings for March 12th (Leviticus 20, Psalm 119-129-176, Luke 3) Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

The abominable practices with exhortations to avoid them. Verses 1-5 offering children unto Molech
Verses 6, 27 people with familiar spirits and wizards
Verses 7-8 exhortation to manifest God’s holiness
Verse 9 dishonouring parents
Verse 10 adultery
Verse 11 affair with father’s wife
Verse 12 affair with
daughter-in-law
Verse 13 homosexuality
Verse 14 bigamy within the same family
Verse 15 sexual depravity with animals (Men)
Verse 16 sexual depravity with animals (Women)
Verse 17 incest
Verse 18 intimacy during menstrual period
Verses 19-21 illicit relations with close relatives
Verses 22-24 exhortations to reject practices of the Canaanites

Thought for March 11th. “MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY” Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

The intensity of spiritual thought to be found in Psalm 119 invites our deepest reflection and meditation. The Psalmist is contemplating how the reality of his relationship with God penetrated all spheres of his life. As we read this Psalm it impels us to treasure God’s word as the springboard of all our really worthwhile meditation. “How sweet are your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”

[v.103,104]

How much does our meditation lead us to hate every false way? The philosophy of today is not to “hate” anything, everything is to be tolerated. The uninspired human heart stumbles along in its blindness.

Can we say with the Psalmist, “Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” [v.97.99] He tells God, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” therefore “I hate the double minded, but I love your law.” [v.111,113] What a human inclination it is these days to be double-minded, our politicians are good at that, but they are only reflecting the attitudes of the many, but the Psalmist, who – let us not forget – is addressing God, says, “All the wicked of the earth you (will) discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear (awe) of you …” [v.119, 120] and asks, “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love.” [v.124]

Do we ask that? Our readings in Luke’s Gospel details one person who was particularly aware of that – and overwhelmed by that! We read yesterday of Mary saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices…” Today we read the testimony of the shepherds who came to see the babe lying in a manger and told Mary of their experience and what they had heard. And Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” [2 v.19]. When Mary and Joseph bring the babe to Jerusalem, Simeon a “righteous and devout man …. Blessed them and said to Mary…. Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed … so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” [v.25,34,35]

Thoughts revealed? Well, just look at the reactions of those jealous of Jesus! Look at the heart searchings of those who started to follow him and then left (John 6 v.60, 66) Yes, God can read all thoughts, he can see how well we are responding to the teaching of Jesus and whether we are meditating like the Psalmist! Or are we meditating at all? It takes someone like David to meditate all the day?

But God knows what is happening in our hearts. Your heart?

Thoughts on the readings for March 11th (Leviticus 19, Psalm 119 -81-128, Luke 2) Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Leviticus 19 can be summarised in one verse. Verse 19 of this chapter says, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”. This is sometimes called the golden rule – stated another way it could be said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In the New Testament Jesus highlighted this teaching in Matthew 22:36-40. Paul explains it in Romans 1:8-10; and James describes it as the royal law in James 2:8-13. Every command in Leviticus 19 is designed for the protection of the weak and the benefit of the entire nation. Everyone who lived by these principles would fulfil each of the Ten Commandments from the sixth to the tenth commandment. You would not bare false witness if you loved your neighbour; nor would you steal or kill. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law – its crowning pinnacle.

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