Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 23 -- 24
Highlights:

Jesus announces the horrible fate of hypocritical religious leaders (Matt. 23:1-36)! Jesus deeply grieves over Jerusalem like He does for those who reject Him today (23:37-39). Only God knows the day (24:36)!
Following the cleansing of the Temple and the denouncing of the religious leaders as hypocrites, the Lord sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives and foretold: Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (become) cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. . . . Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away (Matt. 24:11-14,35). Like the Pharisees of old, the false prophets today substitute contemporary opinions and situational ethics as a contradiction to the authority of God's Word.

On the Mount of Olives, just three days before His crucifixion, our Lord foretold the destruction of the Temple. It was destroyed according to His Word about 40 years after His resurrection. He also described to His disciples, His future return from heaven, saying: Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only (24:36). He also warned: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . . Therefore be . . . ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh (24:42,44).

Jesus made no attempt to give details concerning the soon destruction of Jerusalem, nor the more distant end of the age. But these words from the King emphasized the importance of always being prepared by speaking a parable of two servants. Jesus said: Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. . . . But . . . if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite (beat) his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when . . . he is not aware of . . . and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 24:45-51).

Thought for Today:

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away (Matt. 24:35).
Word Studies:

23:5 phylacteries scripture texts in small boxes worn by some Jews to impress others of their religious zeal; 23:15 compass to "go about," or "go around," sea and land; 23:29 garnish decorate, adorn.
Cross References:

For Matt. 23:39: See Ps. 118:26. Matt. 24:15: See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Matt. 24:29: See Is. 13:10; 24:23; 34:4; Ez. 32:7; Joel 2:10,31; 3:15; Zeph. 1:15. Matt. 24:30: See Dan. 7:13. Matt. 24:31: See Deut. 30:4; Is. 27:13; Zech. 2:6. Matt. 24:38: See Gen. 6:3-5; 7:7.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Joseph Pitts (PA) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your decisions will always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:24).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Monday, October 11, 2010   

Read Matthew 25 -- 26

Highlights:

When the Lord returns, servants will be evaluated (Matt. 25:1-13). Wait faithfully. Share His Word (25:14-30,46). Last Supper — Jesus' New Covenant sealed in His blood (26:26-28). His betrayal (26:47-50).
Jesus spoke about Himself in a parable saying: The Kingdom of Heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several (own) ability; and straightway took his journey (Matt. 25:14-15). These talents did not belong to the servants, but remained the property of their master. The servants were to be his managers (stewards) of the goods entrusted to them. The goods of this parable represent the opportunities and abilities that God has given to us and that He expects each of us to use for His Kingdom.

The servant who received five talents recognized that what he had received was the property of his master. On the day of judgment he said: Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more (25:20).

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two (25:17). He was not expected to gain five since he had been given according to his own ability. Both faithfully doubled their talents and both were equally commended.

The third servant had received one talent. He put forth no effort for his master. Instead, he went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's (master's) money (25:18). His effort for "earthly security" was inexcusable. He tried to excuse himself like the person today who shows great diligence working in the secular world, but says: "I'm too busy now. I'll serve the Lord at some more convenient time, or after I retire."

The consequences of neglecting the opportunities to serve his master were irreversible; there was no second chance to relive his life. The master declared: Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 25:30; compare 8:12; 22:13; 24:51).

We can choose to ignore our opportunities to serve Him, withhold our tithes, and desecrate the Lord's Day; but, without an exception, every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12). Ye are not your own. . . . ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:19-20).

Thought for Today:

My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word (Ps. 119:81).
Word Studies:

25:27 exchangers moneylenders; usury interest on money lent; 26:15 covenanted astablished an agreement; 26:47 staves clubs; 26:63 I adjure Thee charge You under oath before God.
Cross References:

For Matt. 26:31: See Zech. 13:7. Matt. 26:64: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Inglis (SC), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayer should always be to please the Lord (Ps. 73:25).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, October 12, 2010   

Highlights:

Read Matthew 27 -- 28

Pilate's question — what will you do with Jesus (Matt. 27:22)? The horrifying crucifixion of our Lord, His death (27:32-65), and His resurrection (28:1-15). Go . . . teach . . . them to observe all things (28:18-20) .
The resurrection of Jesus gave His disciples the key to understanding that their King and His Kingdom were both eternal. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go . . . therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matt. 28:18-20).

When we are baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), we proclaim the fullness of the Godhead. Thus, by public baptism, we confess to the world that God is our Heavenly Father. The phrase and of the Son is our witness to the world that Jesus is now Savior and Lord of our lives. Upon our confession, the Holy Ghost becomes our indwelling Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide throughout life (John 14:26; 16:13). By this we confirm and bear witness of the Trinity of the Godhead and proclaim One God expressed in Three Persons.

Being born again (3:3,7) by His Spirit is a supernatural experience which changes the heart and like newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:2). This does not mean that we will reach perfection in this life. His Word transforms our lives to one of daily worship and service to the Lord. The Lord has provided just one inspired Guide — the Bible and His Holy Spirit to teach us how to live and what He expects us to do. Titus was guided by the Holy Spirit, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:12-15). Without exception we all at times fail the Lord but, let us say with Paul: Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

Thought for Today:

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word (Ps. 119:114).
Word Studies:

27:15 wont =ccustomed; 27:16 notable =otorious; 27:24 tumult =proar, riot; 27:48 straightway =mmediately, without delay.
Cross References:

For Matt. 27:5-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Ps. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Ps. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Ps. 109:25; Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:43: See Ps. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Ps. 22:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Betty Forwerck • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Austria (OH), Gov. Dave Freundenthal (WY), and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) • Country: Cyprus (754,000) in the Middle East • Major languages: Greek and Turkish • No open evangelism or conversions to Christ • 75% Greek Orthodox; 19% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord with all of your heart, and tell others of the marvelous things He has done (Ps. 73:28).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 

Read Mark 1 -- 3
Highlights:

The King who rules by serving others and loving the unlovable. Jesus teaches and heals, and reveals His power over evil spirits. Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). Invitation to be united with God and a fisher of men (1:17; 3:31-35).
God had directed Moses to command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper. . . . that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell (Num. 5:2-3). No disease occupies so much space in the Scriptures as leprosy. Strangely, it first appears as just a white, then pink spot. As leprosy slowly progresses, it becomes loathsome, and is often fatal. It illustrates how insignificant sin may seem at first, but, Jesus foretold if you reject Him as your only means of going to heaven, your only alternative is a horrifying existence after death (Luke 16:19-31).

A leper eventually loses sensitivity to pain. Still worse, as leprosy progresses, fingers and toes decay and fall off. For centuries, lepers were incurable — they were considered the untouchables of society.

One of these pitiful outcasts boldly made his way to Jesus — beseeching (begging) Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean (Mark 1:40). When the leper said: If Thou wilt, he had no doubt Jesus could heal him. But he doubted His willingness to do so since leprosy was much worse than just a hopeless disease; it made him ceremonially unclean. It was not "Could He?" but "Would He?" Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be . . . clean (1:41).

Matthew records that this leper worshipped Him (Matt. 8:2), and Luke said that he fell on his face before Him (Luke 5:12). Only Mark tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion and that His loving hand reached out to this defiled leper and touched him. Jesus was moved with compassion, one of the deepest of human emotions and a true expression of the loving heart of Jesus. Both Jesus' touch and the Word He spoke expressed compassion: Be . . . clean (Mark 1:41; Luke 5:13). Today Jesus says: Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3). Faith in God comes through hearing His Word (Rom. 10:17). Once saved, like the cleansed leper who began to publish it much (Mark 1:45), you too will want to tell others what Jesus has done for you.

As we observe sinners all about us and see how sin is destroying the spiritual lives of people, it is important to also remember that the Lord is . . . longsuffering . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).

Thought for Today:

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope (Ps. 130:5).
Word Studies:

1:7 latchet leather strap similar to a shoelace; 1:26 torn him thrown him into convulsions; 1:43 straitly charged sternly warned; 1:45 blaze abroad take known everywhere; every quarter everywhere; 2:1 noised the news spread.
Cross References:

For Mark 1:2: See Mal. 3:1. Mark 1:3: See Is. 40:3. Mark 1:11: See Ps. 2:7.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Edwin K. Kohl • Government Officials: Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA) and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe • Major languages: Czech and Slovak • Religious freedom • 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers with a spirit of thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Ps. 79:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Thursday, October 14, 2010   

Read Mark 4 -- 5
Highlights:

You think you had a busy day! Jesus is in a boat just off shore, teaching a crowd about spiritual growth and the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:1-34). At even (4:35) He calms the sea (4:39), rebukes demons, heals an issue of blood, and raises the dead (4:35 — 5:1-43)!
Jesus described in a parable four kinds of responses from those who hear His Word, saying: Behold, there went out a sower to sow . . . some (seed) fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it (Mark 4:3-4). This means that some people respond to the Gospel with total disinterest. They represent the hearer who expresses no concern for spiritual values but seeks after pleasures and self-indulgence. Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts (4:15).

Others who hear His Word are like seed sown on stony ground (4:5). At first they are receptive, but soon lose interest. These are they . . . who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for (because of) the Word's sake, immediately they are offended (4:16-17). "Stony places" means solid rock beneath a shallow covering of soil. These "converts" appear promising and full of life; until faced with a Christian lifestyle, or persecution because of the Word of God, then they immediately quit.

Other "converts" are like seed sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful (4:18-19). Such people seem to recognize the true worth of Christ and eternal life, but never make a break from their past. By not weeding out the things of the world that keep a person from being devoted to the Lord, they gradually take control of their hearts and spiritual interests are eventually crowded out.

But a more serious group of people who hear the Word of God are like seed sown on good ground; such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (4:20). By faith, these people break up their stony places, removing the things that hinder spiritual growth. They root out the weeds and thorns of mixed motives, and they bear much fruit.

Jesus has said to all: I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit (John 15:5).

Thought for Today:

Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plenteous redemption (Ps. 130:7).
Word Studies:

4:24 mete measure out, give to others; 5:19 suffered him not did not permit him.
Cross Reference:

For Mark 4:12: See Is. 6:9-10; Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Kevin Jennings • Government Official: Rep. Steven Rothman (NJ) • Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Danish and Faroese • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God daily for mercy (Ps. 86:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 6 -- 7
Highlights:

Like the disciples, we're all on a mission (Mark 6:7-13). Follow Jesus as He feeds the multitudes, walks on water, teaches inner holiness (6:30-7:23; Heb. 12:14). Even the crumbs of faith are rewarded (7:25-30).
The Pharisees insisted the Law be observed as the scribes interpreted it; they believed in the Old Testament Scriptures, but they followed the tradition of the elders more than the Scriptures (Mark 7:3). They believed that Jesus' disciples were defiled because they did not ceremonially wash before eating as prescribed by former scribes in the tradition of the elders. It should have been a wake-up call to hear Jesus say: Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites . . .. This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. . . . Making the Word of God of none effect through . . . tradition (7:6-7,13).

Later, Jesus explained to His disciples: Whatsoever thing from without (outside) entereth into the man, it cannot defile him. . . . For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness (sensuality), an evil eye, blasphemy (slander), pride, foolishness: All these evil things . . . defile the man (Mark 7:18, 21-23).

Satan often suggests evil thoughts, but they only become sin when we accept them and dwell upon them. We are deceived if we assume there is no harm in dwelling upon sinful thoughts as long as they are never verbalized or physically carried out. The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write: The carnal (worldly) mind is enmity (hostile) against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God (Rom. 8:7).

Christians have the responsibility, and the ability, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to be overcomers of sinful thoughts: Casting down imaginations, and every high (proud) thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:4-5). A commitment to read through the Word of God with a desire to please the Lord will produce inward changes in attitudes that will affect our outward conduct, witness and ministry in all that we say and do. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Gal 5:16).

Thought for Today:

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Ps. 146:5).
Word Studies:

6:25 charger large dish ; 7:19 purging all meats declaring all food ceremonially clean.
Cross References:

For Mark 7:6-7: See Is. 29:13. Mark 7:10: See Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 5:16.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Official: Rep. Rush Holt (NJ) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice in the Lord, for He is forgiving to those who call upon Him (Ps. 86:4-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 8 -- 9
Highlights:

Whom say ye that I am? . . . Thou art the Christ (Mark 8:29). His suffering and death foretold (8:31-38; 9:30-32). Transfiguration (9:2-13). All things are possible to him that believeth (9:23).
Jesus and His disciples had been in the famous idol-worshiping town of Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27 — 9:1). It was here that Jesus asked His disciples . . . Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth . . . Thou art the Christ (8:27-29).

A short time later, Jesus invited the people to follow Him, but with certain qualifications, saying: Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit (benefit) a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed (8:34-38).

It was in this same region that, six days later, Jesus and three of His disciples went up on a high mountain . . . and He was transfigured before them. . . . And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus (9:2,4). Moses and Elijah were now in the presence of their Messiah. At this momentous event, the two Old Testament prophets spoke with Jesus about His decease (dying) which He should accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared to honor Jesus prior to His suffering, death on the cross, and physical resurrection.

Peter made the mistake of suggesting they make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist (knew) not what to say (Mark 9:5-6). Perhaps unknowingly, Peter was making Moses and Elijah equal with Jesus. However, since Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God, He alone is worthy of our worship and obedience (Rev. 4:9-11). Nothing, or no one, can replace or equal a personal communion with Him as our Lord.

After Peter's three tabernacles suggestion, a Voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear Him (Mark 9:7).

Thought for Today:

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy (Ps. 147:11).
Word Studies:

9:3 fuller bleach that makes white, cleans; 9:12 set at nought rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt rippled.
Cross References:

For Mark 8:18: See Ezek. 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Is. 66:24.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Andre Carson (IN) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Ps. 86:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 10 -- 11
Highlights:

Jesus' wise guidelines for "human relationships" (Mark 10:1-16,35-45). Joy for those who receive Jesus as Messiah (11:1-10), Who said: My House shall be called . . . the House of Prayer (11:17).
King Herod arrested John the Baptist, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. . . . And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison (Matt. 14:3-4,10). In an effort to have Jesus arrested and, hopefully, executed by Herod, the Pharisees asked Jesus: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? (Mark 10:2). Jesus was not intimidated, but quoted the Word of God, saying: From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain (two) shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder (divorce) (Mark 10:6-9; Gen. 2:24).

The foremost responsibility in a marriage relationship is for husbands to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it . . . so men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church (Eph. 5:25,28-29). Although numerous imperfections exist within the Church, Jesus does not give up on the Church and seek some other means of uniting people to follow Him. Furthermore, Jesus doesn't force anyone to be in submission to Him. The husband's conduct toward, and compassion for, his wife need to be like that of Christ for His Church. Christ leads the way and sets the perfect example in compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.

When a man is in submission to Christ, he prepares the way for his wife to desire to be in submission to him. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing (5:24). It is imperative that a wife feel secure in her husband's love. It is his responsibility to let her know by word and action how very important she is to him. And finally: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (5:21).

Husband and wife are a team and should be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).

Thought for Today:

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish (Prov. 10:28).
Word Studies:

10:1 by the farther side of beyond; people resort multitudes gather; 11:8 strawed spread, scattered.
Cross References:

For Mark 10:6: See Gen. 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Gen. 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Ps. 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Gene Green (TX) and Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM) • Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Begin every day with prayer (Ps. 88:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 12 -- 13
Highlights:

Jesus skillfully deals with the Herodians (Mark 12:13-17), Sadducees (12:18-27), and Pharisees (12:28-44). We are to watch and pray (13:33).
Jesus was questioned by a scribe, who asked: Which is the first (foremost) Commandment of all? (Mark 12:28). Jesus answered him by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The first of all the Commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is One Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength (12:29-30). Jesus then quoted Leviticus 19:18, saying: And the second is like (it), namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other Commandment greater than these (12:31).

The Hebrew word Elohenu is translated in English as our God. However, God chose to use the plural form, Elohim, meaning Gods, 2500 times in reference to Himself as the Self-Existent, One True God. This, then, is what the sacred proclamation to Israel literally says: Hear, O Israel; The Lord our Gods is One Lord. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for One used here is also a solemn declaration that the Lord is a plurality in unity. One ('echad) is a word which expresses one in the collective sense. It signifies a compound unity — not an absolute unity. For example, God said: Man . . . and . . . wife . . . shall be one flesh (Gen. 2:24). Even with numerous children, they are still called one family. The one Tabernacle (Ex. 36:13) included many individual parts. However, there is a Hebrew word for one in the sense of an absolute one. It is the word yacheed but this word is never used to express the Godhead, although it is used many other times in Scripture.

This truth of the plurality of oneness in the Godhead exposes the foolishness and ignorance of those who have not yet recognized Jesus as the One True God, the Creator of all things. The Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Paul to write of Jesus: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth (Col. 1:16). Those who reject Jesus as God and the Holy Spirit as the One who will guide you into all truth (John 16:13) are, in fact, rejecting the revelation of God Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus left no doubt as to who He was when He said: I and My Father are One (John 10:30; also 5:18; 12:45; 14:9-11,20).

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me (John 5:39).

Thought for Today:

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death (Prov. 14:32).
Word Studies:

12:1 let it out rented it; 12:17 Render to Caesar pay Caesar what belongs to him; 12:34 durst ask cared question; 12:42 two mites 1 farthing (a penny).
Cross References:

For Mark 12:1: See Is. 5:2. Mark 12:10-11: See Ps. 118:22-23. Mark 12:19: See Deut. 25:5. Mark 12:26: See Ex. 3:3-6. Mark 12:29: See Deut. 6:4. Mark 12:30: See Deut. 6:5. Mark 12:31: See Lev. 19:18. Mark 12:32: See Deut. 4:35. Mark 12:33: See Deut. 6:5; Hos. 6:6. Mark 12:36: See Ps. 110:1. Mark 13:14: See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Mark 13:24: See Is. 13:10. Mark 13:26: See Dan. 7:13. Mark 13:27: See Deut. 30:4; Zech. 2:6.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord amidst trouble and He will deliver you (Ps. 91:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 

Read Mark 14 -- 16
Highlights:

Two days until Passover with Jesus as the ultimate Sacrificial Lamb (Mark 14:1). His prayer (14:36); betrayal, arrest, Peter's denial (14:10-11,43-72). Go . . . tell; Go ye into all the world (16:7,15)
Simon, a leper who had been healed by Jesus, lived in Bethany, a small town less than two miles south of Jerusalem on the slope of the Mount of Olives. Just a few days before Jesus was crucified, Simon invited Him and the apostles to his home for supper. As they sat eating, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard (perfume) very precious (costly); and she brake the box, and poured it on His head (Mark 14:3; also Matt. 26:6-13; John 12:1-8).

This ointment of spikenard was valued at more than 300 pence — about a year's wages for a common laborer (Mark 14:5; Matt. 20:2). Some . . . had indignation within themselves and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made (Mark 14:4)? John also records that it was Judas who spoke up, saying: Why was not this ointment sold . . . and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag (money purse), and bare what was put therein (John 12:5-6). To Judas, anything that was poured out upon Jesus was wasted; he coveted the money that the ointment might have brought. Jesus replied: Let her alone. . . . she hath wrought a good work on Me. . . . She hath done what she could (Mark 14:6,8).

The lost opportunity to sell the ointment and pocket the money, coupled with the strong rebuke from Jesus and the great honor bestowed upon Mary, probably angered Judas, who went unto the chief priests (14:10). Judas' reason for being one of the 12 apostles became clear when he said to the chief priests: What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? (Matthew 26:15-16). When they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money (14:11). The betrayal, and even the amount paid to Judas, had been foretold by one of the Lord's prophets 600 years earlier: I said unto them . . . give Me My price . . . So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12).

Our generation is no different than in the time of Jesus. Human nature remains the same. Every person must make the personal choice whether to accept or to reject Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. The question asked by Pilate must still be answered: What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? (Matt. 27:22).

Thought for Today:

O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters (Jer. 17:13).
Word Studies:

14:31 spake the more vehemently protested emphatically; 14:65 buffet Him hit Him with their fists; 15:15 scourged whipped; 15:38 twain two; 16:16 damned condemned to eternal hell.
Cross References:

For Mark 14:27: See Zech. 13:7. Mark 14:62: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13. Mark 15:24: See Ps. 22:18. Mark 15:28: See Is. 53:12. Mark 15:29: See Ps. 22:7-8. Mark 15:34: See Ps. 22:1. Mark 16:19: See Ps. 110:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Murphy (PA) and Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR) • Country: Egypt (66 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 87.5% Muslim; 12% Christian; .5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Ps. 92:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34