In The Presence of God! - Matthew 16:13-20 - Thirteenth Week after Pentecost

 

Matthew 16:13-20 NIV

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

In The Presence of God!

Okay, now Jesus has moved to north of the Sea of Galilee to the foot of Mount Hermon. This was an area that was common for pagan worship. It’s interesting that in this place Jesus will make it obvious, just who He is, to His disciples. What a contrast!

Here Jesus is about to draw out of His disciples a confession of faith. A confession that declares belief in Him.

So, Jesus poses the question… who do people say that I am? Here Jesus asks, “Who do the people say the Son of Man is?”

I like the I AM theme of this question. Next, Jesus will ask the disciples the I AM question.

Of course, the people of the day were guessing just who Jesus was, or is. Many different guesses were in order, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or a prophet. People were trying to discover just who this was, that God has sent into their lives, in this time.

Makes me wonder, how many of us today, wonder just who this “Jesus” is, and how it has come that we even talk about Him. And guess what? We often question this same thing, in the midst of our own idolatries, and in the midst of our sinful world. Who is this Jesus guy? Why are we still speaking about Him, all over this world, even today?

So, now Jesus poses the question directly to His disciples then, and in some similar way to Christians today. “Who do you say I am?”

It’s like “get off the dime,” and make a choice, or at least make a confession, as to who Jesus is, in your life, and mine. Do we today understand the significance of just who Jesus really is? If so, declare it; even in the midst, or at the foot, of a pagan worship place, or for today, in the midst of an idolatrous, sinful, world.

Reveal yourself! Reveal yourself, and what you believe in the presence of Jesus!

And does your answer, reveal your actions in this world of sin?

And Peter opens his mouth. He opens his mouth with a truth that I don’t think, even he, is fully aware of what words are coming forth from his lips. Sometimes we say things that we don’t fully understand. I, myself, do that all the time. Sometimes I can say some really good stuff, and most of the time, I say some really “stupid” stuff. But here, Peter hits the nail on the head, no pun intended. And I think this statement from Peter is meant to reveal a confession of the Truth that came from God. Peter’s words here, are a God gift to all of us throughout the ages. Peter states Truth, even if he didn’t fully understand it. Yes, Peter revealed his faith in God, and in Jesus. Peter has the courage we all need, for the times we are called to stand up and to speak. My Mom would often tell me at different intervals and situations in my life, “You’ve got a mouth. Use it!” That’s a living faith that only God can instill in mankind.

Peter, having recognized Jesus as the Messiah, is now addressed by Jesus with his given family name. Peter is now of a different family, not only of flesh and blood, but of the Spirit of God, as well. Peter has now revealed the Truth that could only be granted to him by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Peter reveals the eternal Truth, in his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Such heavenly revelation, as spoken by Peter, comes only in the humility of a simple man, in the presence of God. Peter has not only confessed, he has spoken the spiritual Truth that will lead him on into his very own ministry as Jesus, suffers, dies, rises and ascends into heaven, but that’s all yet to come, for Peter, in the time of this passage of Scripture.

Hear and read for yourself this passage of Scripture from Matthew 11:25-27…

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Yes, in this time and in this place, Jesus reveals just who He is…. I AM… the Messiah…

Following Peter’s confession that Jesus IS the I AM… the Messiah, Jesus sets Peter apart to play a major role in the church that will shape, after Jesus’ ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the book of The Acts of the Apostles.

Jesus speaks of Himself as the Rock on which the church will form. Well guess what? The meaning of Peter’s name is “Rock” in Greek. How cool is that?!

Peter will build the church, on the Rock of Christ, as the Cornerstone throughout history. Jesus the Messiah! And death and hell are victorious over, and above, this sinful world, and all the wiles of the devil.

So, what about disciples today? Well, with Jesus the Messiah, we can, together, live in hope, and all confidence, supporting each other, and all those God gives to us, in unity, as we go forth into this world of ours, to declare how Jesus, the Messiah, the I AM, has come to save all people from sin, death, and the devil.

None of this means our ministry will be a cake-walk. But the really tough stuff, that Jesus is soon to accomplish, going forward in this Scripture, has already been accomplished. Not by or through our own works, but by and through the work of Jesus.

Revelation 1:8 NIV

⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Next Jesus grants an awesome power, in the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” So, just what are these keys? Along with any keys, comes great responsibility. Keys permit entry into a place that has been locked away. But just what is locked away? Usually something locked away is of some great value, especially to the owner. So, Jesus is granting, here Peter, and subsequently the church, to open the kingdom of heaven to those who have been locked out. And who is locked out? Well, all of us. None of mankind have done anything to deserve entry into this locked place. None of us could ever do enough to achieve entry into the kingdom of heaven. Nope! None of our actions will grant the opening of the kingdom doors.

Notice who gives these keys to Peter, and the church here on earth. It’s Jesus! He is the One with the keys. Jesus is the One, and only One, who can, and does, grant entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. How?

Well, now, like Peter and the disciples, we stand in the presence of God Almighty. This is a place in which we fear God. We are not worthy of standing in the presence of God. But here, as Jesus is proclaimed as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, we stand. Fall down and worship!

Yes, it’s the Messiah that brings forgiveness to our sinful beings and life, to give us the responsibility, to grant that same forgiveness to those God gives to us, to be with us each and every day. Through this forgiveness, we too, can use the keys of the kingdom, that Jesus has given to us, to open the door of the Kingdom of Heaven, and let the forgiven sinners in.

But don’t take this lightly. There is responsibility. What responsibility you say? We are responsible to forgive others. We are responsible to forgive our neighbors, and show them what God has in store for them, through the telling of the Gospel of God. That God comes to us, and has already come to us, through the Son of the Living God, that’s Jesus, to save us from sin, and death, SO THAT, as we have been forgiven, WE TOO, will forgive one another, and open the door with the keys that God gives for ALL people. Open the door, not just for those with like thinking, open the door of forgiveness even to your enemies.

That’s what Jesus did on that cross! He opened the door and gave away the keys. Will you enter? Or will you run? That’s up to you, but the door is open, and the keys are in hand.

Now, next, in this passage of Scripture, Jesus asks His disciples to keep this thing secret. Why? There was more for Him to do. Jesus was facing the tough stuff ahead in His suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. The time was not “at hand” as of yet.

People thought the Messiah was someone who would rescue the world from politics, and overpower the evil rulers. Well, it went way beyond that. And that wasn’t even part of God’s mission anyway. That was peanuts to God. The keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, went way beyond anything of this world. The keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, were even beyond this world. That’s something then, and something now, that people have issues understanding. And if we’re honest, do we ever fully understand God’s love?

Lord Jesus, I look up to You and see Your Light. For You alone are my help and my salvation, throughout my life, and throughout all time, into eternity.

Jesus my Messiah, my I AM, I sing praise to You, for in You I am bold to declare to all the world what You have done. Alleluia!

Lord, renew my mind and transform me into what You would have me be, and do what You would have me do. Use the fruit that You have me bear to bring glory and honor to You.

So, in my studies this week of this passage of Scripture, I fall at the feet of Jesus. When I declare, myself, that I believe Jesus is the Messiah, the I AM, the Savior of the world, I fall silent in awe and thanksgiving. Knowing what Jesus has done for me and all creation, humbles me to the core. I mean, this IS God here. Who am I to even be here?

I begin to realize that in this space, and in this time, I’m missing something. I’m missing an entire realm of existence. I am aware of what God has been up to since before the creation of this world, yet, I don’t, and can’t begin to fathom the depths of it all. I can’t fathom the depths of what God has done.

And I’m challenged. Look at what Jesus was about to experience. The Messiah, would give His life away. So, will I really be willing to give my life away, in the trust and hope of what God has in store with the Kingdom of Heaven, when I encounter a life and death decision, in the face of the evils of this world, to declare boldly that Jesus IS my Messiah, and the I AM for all the world?

I have it very easy in this country in which I live. I can worship and praise God in the comfort of an air-conditioned church. It’s easy for me to sing hymns and sing praise songs, to recite prayers and have God come to me each Sunday in Word and Sacrament. Does my atmosphere really endanger me in my proclamation of Jesus the Messiah? Well, not really.

There are Christians in parts of this world where that proclamation of Jesus as Messiah have cost them their very lives. I am humbled in this alone. Yet, I must be bold, if I encounter such a situation to do the same. And, I know, that I could only do this with the help of God? Why? As Satan comes to me to convict me of my sin, I know I am guilty of the charges. But I also know someone of whom I can boldly state, will rebuke Satan in my stead. And this One, this Messiah, already HAS rebuked Satan, and all the evil plots and plans of this world, at a cross, right in the face of evil.

In my own power I will be defeated by Satan. However, God calls me to wear the armor He gives me to stand and fight. Stand and fight, not that I will be the victor, but to stand and fight, because I know the One, the Messiah, who CAN and already HAS done all the work for me. So, I put on the armor of God and place all my hope in what God has done through the Messiah.

Yet, as Jesus gives the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, what will I do with them. Well, as I hear the words spoken by my Pastor each and every Sunday, after I have seen and confessed my sin in the presence of God and those all around me… My Pastor, declares that by the power granted to him, by Jesus Himself, ALL my sins are forgiven.

And with my neighbor, my brother, my sister, my enemy, I too, can use these keys of forgiveness to open the door to ALL those God gives to me, TO the Kingdom of Heaven. Will they walk through that open door? Some will… some won’t.

The door is opened, not by me, but by what God HAS already done, through the love of Jesus’ sacrifice. I’m humbled in the presence of the Messiah!

When Jesus looks into your eyes and asks, “Who do YOU think I AM?”

Fall to your knees in the presence of God, and declare boldly that YOU ARE the Messiah! I need you Jesus, I need you Father, with the grand plan, and I need you Holy Spirit to lead and guide me… today… tomorrow… and forever.

I leave you to enjoy the song, “Jesus Messiah”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL7BlrwZHf8&list=RDIL7BlrwZHf8&start_radio=1

Life Giving Crumbs - Matthew 15:21-28 - Twelfth Week after Pentecost

 Matthew 15:21-28 NIV

 ²¹ Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. ²² A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

²³ Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

²⁴ He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

²⁵ The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

²⁶ He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

²⁷ “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Life Giving Crumbs

Jesus was in the area of Galilee teaching crowds and speaking to the Pharisees. Now He was moving on to Tyre and Sidon, cities in the Gentile area that were wealthy and prosperous. This area was outside of the typical Jewish areas of ministry. Tyre and Sidon were known for pagan practices. Also, Tyre and Sidon were areas, typically in conflict with Israel.

A non-Jewish woman approached Jesus. The non-Jewish woman, in herself, was not something that would be customary with a Jew, like Jesus, to give her any recognition. But this woman has a need. She recognizes Jesus’ power and authority to heal. She recognizes Jesus’ divinity.

Anyhow, the woman sees Jesus as someone that can help her demon possessed daughter. Why? Because she has been gifted with a faith from God that jumps outside of religious norms and the societal norms of the day. This is expressed in her sure confidence in Jesus’ power, as she cries out to Him, for compassion, comfort and healing for her daughter.

When in need, we reach out. As this woman reached out, she sees the power of Jesus over demonic forces. Sometimes those outside of the “normal” see the power of Jesus much better than those inside the group. Perhaps like the disciples, or even Christians of today. People outside of the typical group, see Jesus more for what He is, than those “inside” the group.

It’s funny how Jesus must have heard the woman cry, but refused to say anything. Was this a test? Was Jesus teasing a response out of the woman or even, perhaps, the disciples?

This makes me recall other times in Scripture when God is silent. Like Elijah on the mountain, as he worries about his future and his past. The silence is broken by the “still small voice.” Or even with Job in his cries to God of why? How about the so called “silent night” of Jesus’ birth. Sometimes in life, God speaks in the silence.

But the disciples, in this case, just wanted the woman to go away. Why? Were they exhibiting a cultural disgust of this woman being a Gentile? I don’t know, and I really am in no place to judge this, but for me, my sinfulness may have done just that. I may have been in judgment of this woman, if I were in the place of the disciples. And I don’t think my judgment would have been right at all. I may have seen this woman as a distraction to the accomplishment of, what I think, the mission of Jesus to be. Wow! Who do I think I am?!

But I think if we are honest, we may fall to this same prejudice as well. And maybe there is something to learn here in just this prejudice.

Maybe I think that faith, surely can’t be granted beyond the boundaries of my own Christian thinking. But here is the thing, this woman does not see the boundaries that I, or perhaps you, or maybe even the disciples see, as this woman, “Outside of our Group,” cries to Jesus for help. A woman with a deep prayer to Jesus to heal her daughter.

Oh, how easy it is to exclude people in need, rather than to even, at least pray for their need, let alone, assist them in that need they bring forth. It happens all the time. It happens every day, as we count people, out of our norms and our groups, to cast them aside in their need.

And then, to pile it on, listen to Jesus’ response to this woman, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Whoa! Now I feel confident in my judgment to exclude this woman and her daughter as well. They ain’t part of us! They aren’t like us! They are outside of our privileged religion, or even our nation.

But here is the funny part. Sure, Jesus’ mission was with Israel to begin with, BUT, and this is a big BUT, or maybe better a great HOWEVER. Jesus’ mission WAS NOT exclusive to the Jews or even the Israelites. Sure, Jesus began with the Jews and the Israelites, HOWEVER, He does not end at that!

This woman was bold enough to break the traditions of the day, and cry out to Jesus. Why? Because God gave her the faith she needed, to be BOLD, in the face of God Himself, in Jesus.

This woman surely knows just who Jesus is. Isn’t that great?! Someone from the outside, knows Jesus better than we do ourselves. So, she kneels in the presence of God and prays the deep prayer of “Lord, help me!”

Now this outsider to the group, has become the example of how we should be in the presence of God. This woman is now teaching the disciples, and us as well, how to pray to God, and how to reach out, knowing that only God can save. Hmmm….

This woman is showing us FAITH! So, we need to LOOK, SEE, LISTEN and join in prayer with her, and those like her.

And then see, what Jesus does?

Jesus continues to teach, saying, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Yea! Take that lady! See! I knew my judgment of this filthy Gentile in need was spot on!

But that’s not the end of the story. Jesus teased out of this woman a passion for the gift of her faith in Him, as her God and her Savior. The woman is even ready to just get a “crumb” of faith and healing from the One she recognizes as her Lord and Savior.

Talk about an example of “Faith” beyond borders or boundaries! Talk about humility in the presence of God! This woman exhibits her reliance of Jesus as her Savior.

And in all of this, Jesus, knows and recognizes the confidence this woman has placed in her God given gift of faith. Jesus heals the woman’s daughter then and there!

May I do what is “right.” Even and most importantly to the foreigners.

Yes, Lord, even I, can hear Your voice in the assembly…

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make Your face shine on us – SO THAT Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among ALL nations.” --- Psalm 67:1 --- my emphasis added in caps…

How beautiful it is to see, in this woman, how You never reject Your people. You have “Come” to save all people.

As God gives each of us faith, may we be bold to show that faith, loud and proud. For faith is a “Gift from God.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

As we hear the cries of those in need, from the outside, or from the inside, may we acknowledge that God not only came to the few, but He came to the ALL, to grant life in His Kingdom forever. This is NOT an exclusive club that we can grant access to, for only those who meet our traditions or our requirements. God’s people are for ALL the people.

Likewise, may I see the needs of those from the “outside,” and invite them into the love of Christ, in what I say and in what I do. That’s some love that started before creation. That’s the love of God, in and through, Christ Jesus. That’s the “Love you neighbor” stuff.

Galatians 5:14 NIV

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Thank you, Lord for the gift of some crumbs from Your table of love… today… tomorrow… and forever!

Here’s a different one --- A country song that spoke to me on this passage of Scripture…

“The Crumbs From The Table”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBternn7K2M&list=RDKBternn7K2M&start_radio=1

Come - Matthew 14:22-33 - Eleventh Week after Pentecost

 Matthew 14:22-33 NIV

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Come!

So now we have Jesus’ display of His authority. He instructs the disciples to get into the boat and move along to the other side of Galilee. I find it humorous that the text says that Jesus “MADE” them get into the boat. Did He have enough of all this distraction from His original need to pray?

 Jesus is once again sending His disciples out, just as He does all along. Why? For the same reason you and I are sent. We need to get used to proclaiming the Gospel to all the world. Tell all the people what we witness. Tell the world of the Kingdom of Heaven that has come to this place and this time, in Jesus the Messiah. Yes, we have work to do.

Jesus will take care of the crowd and dismiss them. He has shown His compassion for the people, and now it’s time for Him to get on His prayer with the Father, as He originally was intending to do. But the people came first, for Jesus.

Prayer is important. Prayer is important for us, and it was, and has always been, important for Jesus. After, before, and during, the business and the will of God, take time to pray. Take time to pray. Prayer is your source of strength with God. The Father seeks to hear from you, and to speak with you. There is peace in prayer, along with direction in prayer. It’s vital to pray in the solitude of your space, in the here and now. In prayer we apply our lives to the God of love, and seek the guidance only He can offer. Yep, prayer is a big deal. Get used to it, and do it! See Jesus as not only your example, but hear Jesus’ prayer for you, and all creation.

You never know, when your boat will be tossed and flipped on its side. So, you need to pray.

Jesus doesn’t have a boat to get in. So, instead, He just walks across the water! And it was sometime between 3 and 6 am! I can’t help but to think of the extreme action of Jesus coming to His disciples. And to think He comes to us. Jesus is always coming! He comes from heaven to earth. He comes to us in the Bread and Wine of Communion. He comes to us, and shows us our sins, and forgives us during Confession. Jesus comes to US in worship.

Many people get this all turned upside-down, when they attend church on Sunday. It seems some think that we go to church, to come to Jesus. NO! We go to church because that’s one place that Jesus always comes to us! We don’t go there to entertain one another with coffee in hand; to watch the bands play, and the preacher inspire us with his or her own clever words. NOPE! That’s not how church works! God comes to us! And in Jesus, He has always come to us.

Some think it odd that Jesus walks on water. But go figure, this is God here, God who made the universe! He made the water after all, so get beyond your own self-supreme logical thinking, and be humble in the presence of the Creator! This is the same Guy who is victorious over sin, death, chaos and evil!

After all, He is coming to the disciples, AFTER feeding a whole bunch of folks, over 5000, probably closer to 10,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Talk about God the Creator!

But you know what? I can understand the disciple’s reaction of terror at seeing Jesus’ walking on the water. I too, seem to live in the here and now. I too live in the simple understanding, that I can only fathom what I am capable of as a human. I easily forget that Jesus IS God! So, if I saw Jesus’ walking on water, I too, would tend to forget it, and be in terror before Jesus as God! That’s’ way beyond anything I can imagine, and to think that God is approaching me, would cause me to be in terror!

The neat part of all this fear, is that Jesus helps the disciples, and me and you too, overcome fear, by giving us faith. Faith is the gift of God to His people, so that, we can live in a loving relationship with God, now and forever.

And Jesus speaks out. Loud and clear! Don’t be afraid! Take courage! This is the gift of faith that transcends any fear we may have. That’s some love, right there! Just like Moses must have felt at the burning bush; we are in the presence of the Great I AM!

It seems, sometimes, for me too, that when I see Jesus, either in my mind, in the Word, or in someone else, I question what I am seeing. I think this touch of doubt is evident in Peter’s questioning if he is really seeing Jesus’ walking on the water. “If it is you…” Give me a sign of confirmation, convince me, or do something to alleviate my doubt. Give me a command that I cannot question the authority that you possess. Make Your presence clear to me.

As I drop back a bit from this questioning in my soul, I see my lack of faith in the presence of God. Well, of course this is Jesus! Look and see, listen and hear, and believe. It’s like Jesus spins me around to see His face, to hear His voice and comes to me to declare just who He is. But, I, like Peter, still want a bit more! “Command me to come to You on the water.”

It’s not enough that Jesus is coming, to me, in the water. The water of a stormy sea, or even the water of chaos at the creation, or the waters of my baptism, that bury me in my sin, to raise me to a new life, to be a new creation in God. Once again, God comes to me, to you, to the disciples in the storm, and to Peter. God always comes to us. My coming to God is only some sinful satisfaction, that I build up as proof to me, that this IS Jesus. Yet, I must face the sinfulness of my doubt as real, and approach Jesus as He walks to me in the storms of my sin, and in the storms of this world in which I live.

And then… and then… as Jesus comes to me on the stormy waters, as Jesus gave up His prayer time to come to the crowd of people hungering for miracles, healing and salvation… Jesus bids us to “Come.” Come to Him to seek salvation, at the very point of our doubts and fears of the storms of this world, and this life, and seek Him.

In this response to “Come” to Jesus, is the very walk, the journey of faith which God freely gives to us. It may be a fearful time, we may shy away from our own failure to carry out what God has called us to do, we may sink in the storms of sin, death and temptation; but none-the-less, Jesus commands us to “Come.”

So, yea, like Peter, step out into the storm, on the water, and “Come” to Jesus. This isn’t about what you can do, but about what God does for, and to you, in Jesus. Jesus always “Comes” to us and bids us, no, commands us, to “Come” to Him. In Jesus alone is where all trust, hope and salvation reside.

And in the midst of the storm, the fear and the troubles of this life, we learn, that we absolutely NEED Jesus to save us. At this very moment, we have moved beyond ourselves, and given our lives TO Jesus, TO save us. And at this moment we RECEIVE the gift of faith, knowing that our walk to Jesus is a call to walk with Him through the salvation that only He can offer.

As Jesus takes our hands, He gives us faith. He replaces our doubt with trust in Him. So, “Come” take the hand of Jesus; even in the midst of the storm. As you come to Jesus, He HAS “Come” to you, to save you, and to take you to live with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven, forever.

And for sure, when you climb into the boat with Jesus; or rather as Jesus “Comes” to you and climbs into the boat of your life, the storm calms down for a bit. Why? Because Jesus willingly, and lovingly came to you on the stormy waters, to love you to death.

And this is the point in which we return to our reason for going to church each and every Sunday. We go, not to be entertained, with coffee in hand, to sing songs, and be satisfied with some warm fuzzy feeling. No! We go to worship, because, we know, without a doubt, that Jesus “Comes” to us, even in the midst of our sinful lives, to show us our sin, to forgive us, and to come to us with His offer of the Heavenly Kingdom, in and through Him. We go to church, because Jesus bids us to “Come.”

And in worship, in the boat, we worship and are convinced, that “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Father, I come to you in prayer. I can’t even fathom how great You are. You created the universe and all that exists. You are way beyond my understanding, yet you still want me to come to You, to pray to You, to listen to Your Word. I am so humbled by all of this, and I give You all the thanks, glory, and praise.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to me, a lost and condemned creature. You come to me, and forgive me, and give me the faith I need to see You, and receive salvation, FROM You!

Yes, Lord, You “Come.” You “Come” to give us faith, hope and love. You “Come” and we call on Your name. Your beauty is awesome!

Sometimes, when I pray, I feel that I’m in the midst of a storm in life. I see my need and seek Jesus to “Come.” In this time of prayer, and especially, in this passage of Scripture; I witness the love of God through Jesus. Jesus walks right through the storms of life to give me the faith I need to find the calm IN Him, and all that He has done.

God has known, from the start, how to deal with chaotic water. God knows all along that chaos has an answer. Even before the creation of the world, God has solved the issue of chaos and brought order, and salvation, and a plan, to be One with His children.

As Jesus calls us to “Come,” may we use the faith that He freely provides to place all of our hope into His hands, SO THAT, we may live in the joy of being His creation, and His children, throughout all time, with Him, into eternity.

So, as Jesus calls me to “Come” to Him, I too ask, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.” “Come” into my life… today… tomorrow… and forever. --- Amen

 

I leave you with this YouTube Music Video that reminded me of this week’s studies…

“Draw Me Close to You”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci6I_pQKPlI&list=RDCi6I_pQKPlI&start_radio=1

 

Bring It On! - Matthew 14:13-21 - Tenth Week after Pentecost

Matthew 14:13-21 NIV

¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Bring It On!

So, right off the bat, we wonder, what Jesus had heard that happened. What happened that caused Jesus to want some privacy?

Jesus had just received the news of John the Baptist’s death and beheading at the hands of Herod Antipas. John was the prophet that prepared the way for Jesus. What happened to John would be a lead in to what was coming for Jesus. So, Jesus wanted to pray and speak with God the Father. Jesus withdrew to a place by the Sea of Galilee.

But, guess what? The crowds figured out what was going on, and pursued Jesus. The crowds wanted healing and were willing to hunt Jesus down for His healing.

As Jesus stepped out of the boat, He saw the needy crowd. So much for a bit of privacy in prayer! Anyway, with that, Jesus saw the need of the people, and cared for them. Jesus loves people in need. Yea, that’s for me and you too.

It seems the prayers of the people are answered by Jesus. So, think about that. When we are in need, have the faith, and believe, that God can, and does heal. Jesus hears our needs, and forgives us, and heals us, if not physically, on this earth, He heals us for life with Him in His Kingdom.

Somehow, I think of how Jesus’ need to pray was substituted by my own prayerful needs. That’s love and compassion!

Evening is the time, in Jewish custom, when one day ends and another day begins. Many times, in Jesus’ ministry, He would teach or heal during the later hours of the day. But the concern here is that, these people are out in a rural area, away from many resources needed for food and such.

So, the disciples, as expected, often turned to Jesus for guidance and direction. The disciples were concerned for the crowds well being at this time of day. But Jesus has compassion on this crowd, as He has from the beginning of this account. He doesn’t want these people to fend for themselves. So, Jesus extends a call to the disciples to serve the crowd. But how?

Jesus’ answer to the disciples, at first glance, seems way too simplistic. You guys give these people something to eat. Well, that was a challenge beyond the earthly capabilities that the disciples currently possessed. They didn’t have enough food to meet the need, not near enough. And that’s where, I think, Jesus wanted this whole thing to turn anyway.

Do we people of God, ever have all that we need? Well, I think sure, but we don’t have, what we would like to have. And in this was the dilemma for the disciples. This was a big crowd, in the wilderness, without enough resources to feed them sufficiently.

But God is abundant in His gifts. This event is a bit similar to what we encounter in Communion, or in the case of the disciples, the Last Supper. God’s forgiveness and salvation is way more than we ever need to live our lives in this place and time, here on this earth. And now in this place, God’s provision will, once again, take on earthly elements and display a heavenly solution, to the needs of the people. And in the wilderness, as well. Think of how God cares for His people in, and through, the wilderness, the physical wilderness, and the spiritual wilderness as well.

So, when Jesus calls us to serve, in what seems to be impossible situations, our duty is not to question, but to be obedient to that call to serve. We may not understand the plan, but we can be obedient to the call of God in our lives.

And it’s when the resources are low, that when called upon by God; we need to put the faith God gives us in action. It’s God’s work after all, so don’t get in the way, even when it all appears impossible!

Jesus wants us to bring our resources to Him. Even if we think our resources or gifts from God are small and insignificant. Jesus can deal with that. Our insignificant resources pale in comparison to what God can do with them. This is our temporal thinking, compared to God’s eternal thinking.

As Jesus takes the bread and the fish, He orders the crowd to sit and rest. This is now in God’s hands, and nothing is impossible. As Jesus comes to us in the Bread and the Wine of Communion, it is in the hands of God. Hands that reach out to His people with His Body and Blood, to offer salvation. This is God’s gift of being One with Him eternally in His Kingdom of Heaven.

In this gift of food, and refreshment, comes satisfaction. Not only satisfaction of hunger, but more a satisfaction of life from Jesus in an eternal sense.

God provides in abundance. Yes, even with meager offerings, God gives in abundance with much left over, to spread to more and more people. This is His special spiritual nourishment. Yes, even given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting in the Love of God.

Jesus, even in Your time of need, You have compassion for me, and come to me. And You show up by the waters of Galilee. And you show up at the waters of the Jordan, to be baptized by John the Baptist, who You now mourn. And You show up at the waters of my very own baptismal waters, to grant and freely give me new life. I love You, Jesus! How could I not?

When the work seems impossible; give thanks to God. God provides all we need, even in the face, of what we think, are impossible situations.

I give You thanks and praise that You have abundantly reached out to feed me, Your food of life. Even though I’m not a Jew, You have grafted me into Your source of Life, Love and Fellowship, with You, and all Your people. Thank You, Lord Jesus!

As I thought about this passage this week, I couldn’t help but to drop back and away from this scene. I thought about how the news of the death of Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, must have made Jesus mournful and sad. Did Jesus think about the sin that has entered into this world? The sin that had John the Baptist, the one who pointed to Jesus as the Messiah, the sin that overcame John’s earthly life in such a jealous and evil manner, that John was beheaded at a party. Surely as Jesus wanted to escape and ponder sin and evil, He realized the power of how His mission on this earth and in heaven was about to unfold.

And then with the presence of evil in mind, and the evil of powerful people; Jesus encounters a poor, sick, crowd, who absolutely want Jesus to heal them, and save them from the effects of sin upon this world, and upon their lives.

Jesus mission to commune with the common people of the day stood out in my thoughts. How this man, this Savior, this Messiah, comes to these people and gives them life-giving bread to eat, and to lead them on towards a heavenly kingdom beyond the earthly need to satisfy an earthly hunger.

Here is the Man born in Bethlehem; a city referred to as “The House of Bread,” coming to a people in need of bread. Here is the Man who will feed His disciples then, and for centuries to come, Bread and Wine, His own Body and Blood, that they, and we too, may receive the forgiveness of sin, and salvation, through Jesus own suffering, death, resurrection and ascension into His heavenly kingdom.

And guess what? There was an abundance, of left-overs for ALL God’s people.

That’s a love that gives up the need to pray about the death of a cousin, to give life to a crowd of needy people. Needy people, exactly like you and I, who need the Bread to live into eternity in communion with a God that has loved us from the start.

From the death of Adam and his return to dust, to the death of Jesus, and His empty tomb, we see full cycle the love of God which comes to us. Comes to us in Bread. Overflowing Bread. Bread that invades our sinful bodies to give us life.

How could I not be inspired to give my life to the Man that gave His life for me?

How could I not love Jesus, and love the crowds around me, to offer His message of the Bread from Heaven, to, and for, all those God places in my life, here, now, today, tomorrow and forever?

Yes, I see Jesus break away from His need for prayer, to give, His own Bread and life to meet the needs of people. All in a miraculous way, that is beyond human understanding.

In this I exclaim boldly… Thanks be to God, in Christ Jesus, my Savior, my life-giving Bread, and Messiah!

I leave you with this beautiful hymn as presented on a YouTube Music Video – “I Am the Bread of Life”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gADDeVUH4uc&list=RDgADDeVUH4uc&start_radio=1