"But if you say so."
Luke 5:5
Luke 5:5
My Take Aways
Something Old:
We need to obey as if we believe. Obey with all my heart.
When we obey with belief:
- Our "nets" will be so full they will tear. (V5) (Ephesians 3:20)
- We will be humbled. (V8)
- We will be awestruck by the Lord. (V8)
- Others will be amazed by the Lord. (10)
- We will want to leave everything to follow Him. (V11)
I did not realize Andrew, Peter, James, and John were still fishing.
I love the connection to Hosea 6:6I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.
Something to Do:
Obey God with complete belief.
P.S.
Sorry the today's video is dark. Not sure what happened.
14 Comments:
Hello all,
I also looked up something in the OT that was referenced in our readings today. In the story of the healing of the man with Leprosy, Jesus tells the man not to tell anyone but instead to go the the priest and let him examine the man, also to take the sacrifice required by the Law of Moses. Referenced in the footnotes is Lev. 14:2-32. I remember we commented on this when we read this part of the OT. There were many aspects of the Law that were in place to keep the Israelites well, free of disease, set apart.
I noticed in David Guzik's commentary of the healing of the leper this statement: " the presence of so much sickness and disease among Israel betrays their lack of obedience to the Sinai Covenant and their current low spiritual state. God promised that such curses would come upon them if they were disobedient to His covenant (Deuteronomy 28)."
So, I went back to read the commentary on Lev. 14. I was amazed again to see how much of the ritual is a foreshadowing of the life, ministry, and death of Christ! Here are a couple of points:
" if the leprosy is healed in the leper, then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field. " (Lev. 14:3b-7): This seems to be a picture of Jesus’ death and its spiritual application;
1. a “heavenly” being (as a bird is “of the heavens”) dies in an earthen vessel, while remaining clean (because of the running water). The death of the bird is associated with blood and water; the blood is connected with life (applied to the living bird), and then applied to the one cleansed.
2. The connection with hyssop is also important. Jesus was offered drink from a hyssop branch on the cross (Matthew 27:48), and when David said purge me with hyssop in Psalm 51:7, he was admitted that he was as bad as a leper. (Guzik)
Notice also that the man asks Jesus "If you are willing, you can make me clean." He doesn't just ask for healing, he asks for cleansing (inside and out). Jesus is willing. He is willing not only to heal, but to forgive our sins, to wash them away, and to give us new life. (cont.)
Why does Jesus tell the man not to say anything before he goes to the priest?
Mark says the conformance with the requirements of the Law will be a "public testimony" to the events. The NIV study bible says this would show the priest and the people that the cure was real and that Jesus respected the Law. It would also be a testimony of the Divine power of Jesus, since the Israelites believed only God could bring healing.
Again, David Guzik adds this explanation: " In addition, Jesus’ miracles (though they did give testimony to His ministry) were not primarily calculated to make Him famous or a celebrity. Jesus healed to meet the needs of specific individual."
As I said yesterday, I love the compassion Jesus shows in His acts of healing. He touches the people.
The comfort of a touch and its healing power today is still evident; the stigma of "being untouchable" still afflicts many in today's world. We need to reach out and physically touch the people in our lives today. It shows the genuineness of our care and concern for them. It brings a comfort that words alone cannot bring. My to do is to really reach out and touch someone today who is in need of some human kindness.
Be blessed today,
Karen, Basel
More computer issues and so no video for me today .... maybe I can catch it later.
Thanks for looking up the sacrifice, Karen! I wondered about that.
The leper story struck me, too. Because he didn't obey Jesus and go straight to the priest for his pronouncement and sacrifice, because he spread the word about what happened to him, ultimately because he disobeyed, he kept other people from the blessing of time spent with Jesus. Jesus ended up having to leave town (not unexpectedly, I'm sure, but still it's not what He wanted to do, it sounds like) and while people traveled to see Him, I'm sure that not everyone who could have benefitted from hearing Him right there in their own hometown had that chance. Maybe the shopkeeper on the corner didn't have the chance to overhear something He said, or a woman going to the well missed the chance to offer water to a thirsty disciple. We can't ever know what blessings or plans our disobedience will thwart because we don't know His entire plan. Our disobedience doesn't just affect us. My head knows that, but for some reason that really jumped out at me today. We should trust and obey immediately. As someone said earlier this year, even delayed obedience is still disobedience.
I also liked how the four men dug through the roof of the house to get their friend to Jesus. What faith they had! They weren't going to let anything - public opinion, crowds, even a wall - stop them from getting to Jesus. Their faith was that real and active and important. When push comes to shove, will I tunnel through problems to get to Jesus?? I hope so.
Michelle, Denise has really been on my mind for the past 24 hours or so. I'm praying that she continues to do well!
It's pouring here for the third day in a row. We might need an ark soon! Hope you're all warm and dry. :-)
Wendy, thank you for your teaching this morning, and for reminding us to read carefully the different accounts, and looking for different truths among them.
How do we see Jesus spending His day? Serving and loving the unlovable! He touches and heals. His power remains evident as those around Him (who believe) are blessed! I so want a heart like Jesus: He was “moved with compassion” (Mark 1:41). He went straight to the “disreputable sinners”…the “scum” (Matthew 9:10,11). I want to show mercy to those around me just like he does for us. (Matthew 9:13).
Each morning I want to wake up and anticipate being “amazed” - I want to be able to say, I’ve “never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:12).
At night when I lay myself down to sleep, I want to be “gripped with great wonder and awe,” as I ponder over the “amazing things” he revealed to me that day! (Luke 5:26).
Today, is a new day to receive a revelation from the Lord. Jesus is in my heart! His power is inside me! In my weakness, - He will be my strength. Quiet me dear Lord, draw me closer to you, and awe me with your presence. I love you with all of my heart.
Amen.
Girls, have a Jesus seeking day! Lori
Gwen, praying for your SIL…may God woo her THIS morning as she meets Him in His Word, possibly even with a brand new Bible!
Jennifer Renee, oh, if God would grant you eye sight, can you imagine your dad’s face? Would that turn his unbelief into belief, right in front of your eyes!
All things are possible. Dear Lord, we know your plan for Jennifer is glorious.
Jacque, praying for Michael and Jordan – a God Moment, for sure for Jordan’s mother, as I can imagine the peace that she felt having an encourager to visit with!
May Michael’s feet continue to stay sure-footed, while at the same time, Jordon’s feet yield back to the straight and narrow! God is busy with these young people! Praise You Father for your perfect plan, which includes both of the young adults. We anticipate your glory!
And, I’ve been meaning to comment on your cake day. Woowee…I couldn’t help smile at the thought of the little guy with the hose. Well, the sky’s the limit, with a hose in Ben or Jack’s hand!!!! smile
Tina & Clair ~ Love you and praying for continued strength.
Oh, sweet Linda, how R U doing???
Rhonda – I felt just like your mom! Tickled, only tickled pink! Smile! ~ That my hands were actually doing something crafty! Ha-ha! And, I continue to enjoy knitting, girls! & I loved your God Moment! Gotta love that one –out of the mouth of babe!
Hey, the ABC list, is the best idea, I’m liking it so much better!
Michelle, all 3 tumor’s removed, PTL! Lord, we pray for clean results next week with Denise. Lord, may your perfect will finish up this job, in your perfect way. Thank you for the peace you are surrounding Michelle with; may her light spread to her BIL, too.
Thank you sweet sisters for all of your posts, - they continue each day, to open my eyes to nuggets I completely missed!
Stephanie, how’s the new mom/Kailyn doing? Amber, you’re next! Donna we miss you, too!!! Hi Lyn & Kristin!
Hugs, Lori
Good morning, GIGs,
Thank you all so much for your faithful prayers for Denise. I don't want to leave any names out, but I am grateful to each of you!!!
Today's reading about Jesus asking the fishermen to put their nets in again left me with this simple thought -- we can always try again, in God's strength. I was also very struck by the line about Jesus frequently going into the wilderness to pray. Oh, how I long to do that. Sometimes the best I can do is open a window as I'm praying and hope some birds are singing. Nature is so, so restorative and connects us in a unique way with our Creator. I pray that each of you today can enjoy a "wilderness" experience, even if it's watching the video that goes with the song Wendy posted yesterday, "In the Presence of Jehovah". Thank you again for that, dear Wendy. It instantly became a favorite of mine.
Amy, you just MUST get your computer fixed, as you are missing some powerful Wendy-ness this week. Can you go to your public library and catch up?
Let's all make it a 4:8 day, Sisters. There is soooo much to 4:8 about.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Karen - I appreciated the digging you did relating today's reading back to Lev 14. Wonderful! The Bible is so rich...so many people do not even know what they are missing by not reading it.
Jon Courson comments on Jesus healing the paralyzed man. He first forgives him of his sin. Jon says that tradition states that the man was paralyzed because of sexual sin causing him to get ill. So the forgiveness of his sin had to have been very important to the man...can you imagine his surprise when Jesus tells him he is forgiven! To have known his resulting paralysis was due to his sinning? So the sin was forgiven which was greater than the healing that happened. If it is a choice for me to know I'm forgiven of my sin, verses being healed of my affliction, I choose forgiveness because with that comes salvation. This side of heaven we suffer...but what's waiting for us on the other side is so much greater than anything we can comprehend. To be forgiven by Jesus. This is the greatest thing of all!
Someone mentioned yesterday that getting up early and getting in God's word is like spiritual breakfast. I lOVED that analogy. We need fuel for our bodies AND especially for our souls everyday!
Praising Him this Thursday
Morgen
Wendy...I smiled seeing the reality of life in your home. I'm so glad you didn't go back and edit out to make that video "perfect". Thank you for that gift of authenticity.
Trying to capture my thoughts this morning and my mind is so full. In regards to Christ's willingness to heal, I often feel that He is far more willing to heal than we are willing to be healed. Sometimes caught in a cycle of sin, we don't want to surrender its pleasures, yet we saw in today's readings how the Lord longs to bring us complete healing...physically and spiritually. However, make no mistake, as a friend shared with me the other day, without our willingness to be healed or saved from whatever disease grips us, we will remain as we are, for God is not in the business of forcing His goodness upon us. We sadly echo the words of Luke 5:39, "The old is just fine". The reality of that breaks my heart.
Two words took my attention today. "...sitting nearby" (Luke 5:17). Oh sweet friends, sitting nearby is a very dangerous location. It's a posture of passivity. His Word falls around you, but not within you. Sitting by makes you an observer, but sitting under God's Word makes you a participant. Lately I've been so satisfied with less when God wants to give me more.
Where are you positioning yourself? It's not so much a physical location, but a spirit's surrender. Again, it comes back to the willingness.
Lord, make me willing,
Joy
Wendy,
Thank you for yet another powerful message. I too smiled at the reality of your home life. Thank you for being so real.
Matthew 9:4 stood out to me today. "Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, 'Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?'" God seems to really be working on my heart this week. My desire is know Him & have a closer walk with Him. But, there are often times my sinful nature takes hold. Who most often sees that most, my kids & my husband. I have really been working lately to completely surrender my whole life to Him.
Have a blessed day,
Mary B.
Dear sweet Jesus hearted Wendy,
Thank you
Wendy, I too love your authentic sweet self! :)
Your new was the same as mine--I didn't realize that the disciples were still working either!
I just got back this weekend from a fabulous gIRL getaway in Black Mtn--my blog has tons of pics! The theme was "Is your net working?" The Scripture was the story from Luke 5 that we read this morning! When we take the time to truly sit down and listen to His Word, we see and hear so much more than what we would just skimming those familiar stories. After this weekend, I am really slowing down and looking at my authenticity in Christ and with others.
Lori, I loved your closing on your comments--have a Jesus seeking day!!I am, girlfriend! I am!!
Hugs!
Susan
Hi Everybody….
Wendy…Yes, One really does have to read them closely. Yes…As I was …(me too) just kind of going through the familiar verses. This here I did take a notice. Marks & Luke’s gospels they call the tax collector (Levi)…in Matthew they call him (Matthew). Was curious on why. Found this on the footnote for Matthew 9:9.
Chronological:
Bible Reading for today Matthew 9:9
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at this tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
The New American Bible footnote on Matthew 9:9:
9:9: A man named Matthew: Mark names this tax collector Levi (Mk 2:14). No such name appears in the four lists of the twelve who were the closest companions of Jesus (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13 [eleven, because of the defection of Judas Iscariot]), whereas all four list a Matthew, designated in Mt 10:3 as “the tax collector.” The evangelist may have changed the “Levi” of his source to Matthew so that this man, whose call is given special notice, like that of the first four disciples (Mt 4:18-22), might be included among the twelve. Another reason for the change may be that the disciple Matthew was the source of traditions peculiar to the church for which the evangelist was writing.
Jeanne, NC…Grandson “Will” (to be) and daughter Laura are in my prayers. Added them to my children’s list. Let us know when the grandbaby arrives.
Jennifer Renee…found myself stopping and sending up prayers for you while reading the healing verses. Your missionary service on healing yesterday. Be Blessed. That was beautiful.
Mary…Been missing you. Every morning the psalms you read 143:8-11, loved it. Hope all is well.
Joyful…Welcome Back (they say)!! Looks like we are in for more great pondering.
Jodi NE…Thinking lots of you and praying.
Donna TX…Your 70 yr. old wisdom is being missed. How is your grandson Eric doing? Having him in prayers also. Your granddaughter how did she make out with her MRI? How about your missionary trip, when do you leave?
Karen…In today’s world we need to reach out and physically touch the people in our lives. The comfort of a touch and its healing power today is still evident. Thanks for this reminder your heart has a loving touch. Thanks…for the verses to Me on Sunday (wink).
Jacque….Wanted to mention the other day. Thanks! The other day (Sunday) on wanting to make a comment to me. Not for sure why it won’t work for you. When you click comments it usually will head back to the top of the pg. just scroll back down and the little square box to make a comment comes up. My humming birds are gone….so sad.
Lori….What else can you all do? Knitting now. Go Girl. Thanks for all you do for this group!!! You bless us EVERY DAY!!
Michelle…Denise is in my prayers….strength for you and her husband. Thanks for reaching out and touching somebody’s hand and making it a better place….whole-heartily!!
Amy…Sending you some imaginary sun-shine today!! Feel its warmth. How is your walking going for you now in the mornings?
It’s an Autum Thurday,
Rhonda
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Jeanne, NC....My memory forgive me...Do you also have a son going into/or in the Service? Would like to add him to prayer list also.
Rhonda
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