Bible Reading Reflection from Matthew 15-21

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (LRAU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟝:𝟙𝟚-𝟙𝟝

“Then the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 when they heard this statement?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.’”

I remember when Ben Shapiro asked John MacArthur if he didn't care that he might offend some people, and MacArthur replied, "My goal is to offend everyone."

The disciples in a way rebuked Christ for offending the Pharisees, Christ lashed out against them more and more, saying that they are blind guides heading towards a pit.

While we are called to be gentle, we are called to confront as well!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟞:𝟚𝟙-𝟚𝟛

"From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.’"

I do not accuse Peter of anything insane. The Cross or the manner of how Jesus will be dying was something unthinkable to happen upon a law-abiding citizen. And far, far be it from Jesus, who was his religious leader. And Jesus is not only a righteous leader, but the only righteous leader, and the very Son of God.

But that's why Jesus came into the world— to suffer and lay down His life for wretched, unworthy, rebellious, sinners. He set His mind on the cross, not the crown. Peter didn't set his mind on the cross but on the course of the world.

The Scriptures said that those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. If we are thinking of only prosperity, luxury, comfort, happiness, and not suffering for the cause of being a Christian, we are setting our mind on the normal things of the world, just being like the world! Let's set our minds on Christ while fulfilling our basic responsibility to the world also.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟟:𝟚𝟞-𝟚𝟟

“And when Peter said, ‘From strangers,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a stater. Take that and give it to them for Me and you.’”

Jesus lived in this world, and so somehow, He had to pay taxes. He needed money and did a miracle. BTW, He refused to work any miracle in the wilderness at the suggestion of Satan.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟠:𝟛𝟛

"Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?"

God has forgiven us unconditionally, and so must we. John MacArthur says that we are most like God when we are most forgiving!

Forgiveness has these characteristics:

1. Not bringing up the issue anymore. It's blotted away.

2. Not having grudges for it. Love and Mercy have overcome them.

3. Not fed up. We keep forgiving.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟡:𝟚𝟝

“And when the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’”

A good question indeed! Nobody can be saved by their "what good things shall I do" condition. One is saved by what God has done at the cross!

Not my doing, it is His doing.  Not in my ability, it is in His grace. Not by my works but by trusting His work!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟚𝟘:𝟙𝟙-𝟙𝟝

"When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' But he answered and said to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?'"

One of the most relevant parables of Jesus to me.

𝕋𝕠𝕡 𝟚 𝕆𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟:

1. They expected more than what they were hired for v10. Interesting! And they even dared to protest! How many times have I behaved like that in front of God? BTW, He does not promise us to live a prosperous life on earth. Actually, He promises us persecution. And He asks us to deny ourselves.

2. They saw others and got jealous. Hmm! And they were angry with the employer! Bezos, Gates, Ambani are rich because God allows them to. Not because they are more righteous than us. Not even because they work harder than us. It's God. There are some people who work harder than them and still die in poverty. Some of our friends are PHDs, officers, have lots of money, fame, many Instagram followers, etc. Looks like we deserve more than them. Looks like we are 10 times better than them. Are we jealous like these workers in this parable?

When we know who is employing us, whom we are working for ultimately, then we shall be contented, joyous in all situations!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟚𝟙:𝟚𝟟

“And they answered Jesus and said, ‘We do not know.’ He also said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’”

Jesus refused to answer them! Sometimes it is wise to keep silent pretending as if we don't hear them. Sometimes, to just refuse to answer, to turn down the question.

And by the way, Jesus has a habit of questioning back the questioner! 😂👍

Bible Reading Reflection from Matthew 8-14

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (LRAU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟠:𝟛𝟜

"And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region."

I think what they did was obvious. That's how sinners respond. Even Peter asked Jesus to depart from his boat. Of course, Peter's reaction was because of holy fear. And this crowd's reaction must be a sinful one.

But, when God chooses to display His power and glory, the whole earth will be in silence. Even the atheist will confess Jesus is Lord on the day of His revelation!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟡:𝟛𝟞-𝟛𝟠

“And seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd. Then He *said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”

Jesus was compassionate. What did he do? He asked us to pray for more workers. What do our present-day missionaries and Christian leaders do? They try to set up schools and hospitals and orphanages and NGOs, and raise a lot of funds, enjoy the money, and oftentimes administrated those setups in an unchristian manner, and often overtaken by non-Christian in the end.

Prayer. That you and I can do. And that's what Christ asked of us.

Christ is God. He could have distributed food for them, right? He didn't. Btw, twice He fed the multitudes but that was because they were with Him for hours and hours and literally were hungry. [I don't mind serving food after the church service].

And btw, even that episode, Christ regretted it.  He ran away. When He was found. Christ indicted them that they sought after food and not Him. It looks unkindly of Christ to say that a hungry crowd wants food, what would a hungry man want than food, of course? But the matter is clear: Gospel, Salvation is more important than food. True compassion is not philanthropic work but the preaching of the Gospel.

Jesus didn't send out His disciples to do philanthropic works, nor did He come into the world to help the poor or heal the sick, He came to call sinners to repentance. All other things He did are to confirm who He is and what His mission was. Or else, Jesus failed His ministry.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟘:𝟙𝟜, 𝟙𝟝, 𝟚𝟛

“And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you leave that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”

“But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes."

Interesting commandments from Jesus. Not to keep ploughing in a barren field. And to move to another field. God cuts away the branches that do not bear fruits. And He grafted the Gentiles to the vine.

Hmmm! Think about that. Even we, I think, should dissociate [WhatsApp group] after we finish the book of Matthew if we cannot discipline ourselves even in the basic characteristics of a Christian’s life, that also under oath for a short season.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟙:𝟚𝟠-𝟛𝟘

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Many remember only v28, which sounds very nice. However, there's v29, which says that we must take His yoke. There's no freedom to live as we like. We are freed from Satan's yoke to live under Christ's yoke. It's an exchange of yoke. It's a change of a Master: we were slaves to Satan, sin, wrath, and consequences; now we are slaves to Christ.

v30 reveals further that there's a burden for each of us to carry. It's called a “burden,” not a blessing. Paul speaks of that in Gal. 6:1-5 too. Well, we all know, it's the Master that matters. When the master is bad, all hell breaks loose. When the Master is good, it's heaven on earth.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟚:𝟛𝟘

"He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters."

There's no neutral side. Either with Jesus or with Satan. You worship God or Satan. You follow God or Satan. Your allegiance is to Christ or Satan. You are influenced by God or Satan. You serve Christ or Satan. You submit to God or Satan.

Man is not his own master. Man is a slave to Christ or Satan.

Interesting statement from Christ. If you aren't gathering for Christ you are scattering.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟛:𝟙𝟘-𝟙𝟙

“And the disciples came and said to Him, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’”

Same world. Same evidence. Some people believe there's God, others did not. As we study nature deeper, some believe in God more firmly, and others deny it more strongly.

And this passage tells us that it's God who chooses to pass them over. It's God who allows them to be blinded as ever. And it's God who chooses to reveal to us, who gives a mind to believe and a heart to put our trust in Him.

Glory be to God! Amen!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙𝟜:𝟚𝟠-𝟚𝟡

"And Peter answered and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And getting out of the boat, Peter walked on the water and came toward Jesus."

Peter would rather do something crazy than sit in the boat facing the wind against them. Was Peter selfish in asking Jesus to let him escape the capsizing of their boat?

Why didn't he ask Jesus to calm the storm to save all of them than to let him walk on the water? I don't know, but Peter would rather have a crazy walk with Christ than be in a boat about to sink.

Bible Reading Reflection from Matthew 1-7

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (LRAU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible] 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟙:𝟚𝟙

“And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name 𝕁𝕖𝕤𝕦𝕤 for He will save His people from their sins.”

What a name is our God! Named because that was the reason for His incarnation: God became man to save man because it's man who must die because it's man who sinned against God.

When we hear the name of "Jesus," it reminds us how sinful we are, and how God views sin seriously. Yet, many pervert people would say "Jesus" as a cuss word! Their own words have demonstrated the glory of God in condemning them!

May we honor The Name of Jesus!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟚:𝟙𝟛

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.’”

The coming of Jesus into the life of Joseph and Mary was not a peaceful one. It was a matter of trouble, violence, homelessness, disgrace, fear, and attacks. The good news is that they knew God was in charge.

And how often do we think God should orchestrate everything in our life to run smoothly, especially because we follow Him. God does not promise to prevent us from trouble. God does not promise to protect us from trouble. God does not promise to preserve us in trouble.

What He promises us is eternal life if we remain faithful. What He promises us is joy in all circumstances if we put our trust in Him. And above all, He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit, never to leave us.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟛:𝟙-𝟚

"Now in those days John the Baptist *came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’"

The message of John the Baptist is "Repent." It's not, "God loves you and will fill your heart with peace." Jesus came into the world to call sinners to repentance. In fact, in chapter 10, He also said that He didn't come to bring peace, but a sword. Let's take our spiritual walk more seriously. Let's not love the world or the things of the world.

—Repent—

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎. 𝟜:𝟙𝟟

“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

The first gospel message preached by Jesus is the same that John the Baptist preached. It is the same that Jonah preached. It is the same message Jesus preached to the blind man, to the adulterous woman. It's the same message He confronted Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman.

Sin is Real. He came to save us from our sins. If there's no calling of sin, there's no gospel, no salvation, no Christ. If we are indifferent to sin, we are indifferent to the Gospel and Jesus Christ. If we don't mend our way and still cling to our sins, the gospel nor Christ is in us.

𝓛𝓸𝓻𝓭, 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱 𝓜𝓮, 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓜𝔂 𝓢𝓲𝓷𝓼, 𝓒𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓼𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓶, 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓜𝓮 𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓞𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓽 𝓣𝓸 𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓘𝓷 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝔂𝓼!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟝:𝟚𝟡:𝟛𝟘

"But if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ‘And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.’"

The main point I learn is: Sin is serious. Do anything to avoid it. Sin is hazardous. It's worse than being maimed and lame. It's worse than blindness, muteness, and dumb. Trade anything but sin. Trade everything even your body parts to get rid of sin.

We love to joke, "I have to sell my kidney to buy that." Jesus called us to trade away even hands and eyes, etc. to get rid of sin if needed.

Discipline. Avoidance. Set Rules. Boundary. Principles. Punishment. Accountability.

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟞:𝟙𝟡-𝟚𝟙

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The greatest investment is not in the stock market. It's not in Bitcoin or any Cryptocurrency. It's not in the bank, nor in insurance, or “marup,” or pigs, or shops. It's not even in your kids, in your careers, or in your assets (lands and houses).

The greatest investment is in heaven, where it shall last for eternity, and where it is risk-free. And its return (profit) is 30fold to 100fold. And if my math is correct, that means 3000% to 10,000% interest rate, not just 2% or 5% or 20%

How much have you invested already? How many hours have you taken to understand how to invest in lands or any business? Would you take time to think through how to invest in heaven too? It's not that simple nor that difficult. It takes careful thinking!

 

𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕋ℍ𝔼𝕎 𝟟:𝟞

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

I am glad that this is written in Scripture. Even if it's not in the Scripture, I think it's written in our human conscience to affirm and practice this.

We can't afford to let people trample on things we hold dear. Years ago, my dad trimmed my hair. And I don't know whether it was neatly done or not, and I wouldn't let anybody mock my father if it wasn't as great as a professional barber. So, when people asked me who cut my hair, I told them it was my brother. And to my surprise, they commented that it was looking better than the works of the professional barbers.

We protect what we value. If a sinner doesn't want the holy things of God, we aren't giving them, not because we hate them, but because we love holy things enough not to be trampled under.

There are some books I love to read, some people I love to listen to, some places I want to go, some YouTube channels I love to listen to, some principles I love to practice, but I don't advertise or offer to everyone all the times. I must have mentioned it once or twice, and no more. That's because I love to protect and cherish what I value, I don't want people to dishonour it.

I think that's true in marriage proposals too. They love themselves too much that they cannot afford to be rejected. Therefore, they are careful when to propose and not to propose often.

Bible Reading Reflection from 2 Samuel 17-24

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (SSEU), a reading update (reflection) from one chapter of the Bible a day]

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟙𝟟:𝟚𝟛

"Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father."

David had written many Psalms against this betrayal mentioned in this chapter. His own counselor had taken pleasure to kill him.

And look at the irony. Ahithophel suggested striking dead the king alone (v2), and indeed, ironically, Ahithophel killed only one person, himself.

Imagine yourself in the presence of the king. Ahithophel walked in with that suggestion. Then Hushai walked in. Ahithophel must be very curious knowing this wise formidable secret opponent. And after Hushai had spoken, he knew better than everyone that his game was over. So, he went and hanged himself. Another betrayer, Judas Iscariot hanged himself. Jesus, BTW, used David's Psalm to talk of His betrayal.

Don't devise evil schemes against your neighbor or your friend. You never know they may work against you.

A story is told about a man who wanted to kill his neighbor's son. He kept a poisoned fruit in the barn of his neighbor. Unfortunately, his own son visited that barn and ate the fruit, and died. And so, our Rongmei proverb goes, "Wishing to kill somebody's son will lead to the death of your own son"

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟙𝟠:𝟙𝟜

"Joab said, "I will not waste time like this with you." And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak."

Joab was a man of no mercy, selfish, breathing only revenge. He killed Abner the commander of Israel, and Absalom, the King's son.

David still associated with him because he was a brave warrior. But is that a good reason? Actually, Joab hid the sin of David at least once. Joab must be blackmailing David or taking advantage of David in many areas, who knows?

In the end, David commanded his son to kill Joab.

What a strange relationship? Also, Joab and Absalom were friends, still, Joab killed him. David and Joab were friends, still, David killed Joab. It's like a mafia movie!

Maybe one of your friendships is exactly like these, partnering only in unrighteousness!

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟙𝟡:𝟝

"Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, "Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines."

Let's be quick to forgive David in this story. Yea, he was wrong, he was selfish, he wasn't wise.

Instead of thanking God for delivering the kingdom, he was mourning. Instead of commending the soldiers who laid down their lives, he was silent. On and on...

But this is what human often does.

Let's learn to be thankful to God and others.

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟚𝟘:𝟙𝟘

"But Amasa was not on guard against the sword which was in Joab's hand so he struck him in the belly with it and poured out his inward parts on the ground, and did not strike him again, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri."

David, the King himself couldn't do anything. Joab was a 'necessary evil' for his kingship. v22, Joab was welcomed like a hero. And he became commander again in v23. Under whom? The man after God's own heart!

Now, when politicians have hitmen, you may slander them like they are worse than any people. But perhaps they were as hapless as David. And if we compare against David, no one will say he is worse than us!

I heard from my friends that Tamenglong's DC Armstrong is demoted, transferred, and removed from his DC job after the murder of Athon Abonmai by NSCN-IM, a few weeks ago. And many police personnel were suspended.

UPSC aspirants seem to think cracking UPSC exams and becoming DC is everything. Well, IAS Armstrong couldn't do anything, rather he was removed.

Don't put your trust in a man, not even godly people. They are human. Put your trust in God.

And don't play God, we aren't. We will always fail.

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟚𝟙:𝟞

"Let seven men from his sons be given to us, and we will hang them before the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD." And the king said, "I will give them."

This is not easy to understand, except that Justice shall be served, and keeping [respecting] Covenant matters to God.

In recent years, I have become more aware that some people are really good at not keeping their words. Keep your word!

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟚𝟚:𝟠-𝟡

"Then the earth shook and quaked, The foundations of heaven were trembling And were shaken, because He was angry. ‘Smoke went up out of His nostrils, Fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.’"

Have you ever spoken of God like this?

Have you ever said a prayer (publicly or privately) like this?

Have you ever pictured God like this? Thought like this?

People who are far from you think you are cool. The online profile of almost everyone is cool. I can even look handsome with Photoshop.

But those who live in our house know our not-so-cool stuff.

Those who know God know not only the lovely stuff but also His wrath against sinners.

Up your knowledge of God!

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟚𝟛:𝟙

“Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel.”

4 descriptions of David, his legacy, how he is remembered:

1. The son of Jesse

2. Who was raised on high

3. The anointed of the God of Jacob

4. The sweet Psalmist of Israel.

How would people remember us after we die? Somebody said most people cease to exist 30 years after their death. How many of you know the names of your great great great grandfather? If the family members do not know, nobody knows.

 

𝟚 𝕊𝔸𝕄𝕌𝔼𝕃 𝟚𝟜:𝟚𝟜

"However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."

I am glad when people admire what I do, but I am gladder when they imitate what they think is good at what I do: Moving beyond Appreciation to Imitation. Apostles Paul and John had the same exhortation on this.

We all love David. We love to even narrate this very chapter and verse about how David offered to the Lord. We need to imitate him, and start applying this truth in our lives.

Offering to God must cost us, right?

Stretching the application: it's reasonable to spend money for your auto fare to go to church. It's reasonable to "waste" your time in the fellowship of the saints. It's reasonable to risk your health [covid fear] in going out for a church program. Even following Jesus is costly. It costs us everything. Let's live like that.

We Indian love freebies and goodies. David on the other hand was a generous man.