Friday Focus #41

All Fall Short

We have heard "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But do we know what it means and where that verse applies and in what context it was written? First, it comes from Romans 3:23 which was written by the Apostle Paul. Secondly, the words right before the "for all fall" part are "For there is no distinction:" This was in reference to the disputes Jews were having about being "better" than gentiles and Greeks. Their thinking was that they were better because they were Jewish followers of Jesus, similar to how the Pharisees spoke to people and treated people. God is not making distinctions of this group of people or nationality is better than this one. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, welcome to the family. Period.

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Romans 11: Remnants and Grafting

Remnants and Grafting

In Romans 11:1-10, I was thrown off. Maybe I'm tired, but this whole chapter isn't one I can just read and make sense of based on my knowledge and understanding of the word. But when I came to the parts i didn't understand, I had two options: search for help or give up. In searching I used Dave Guzik's commentary, a video/audio selection from Chuck Smith and another video by Stephen Anderson, all on Romans 11. 

It starts off with a reflection of Elijah talking to God and god says that He has kept 7000 men who have not bowed a knee to Baal (a demon). That showed right there that since God kept 7000 for Himself that did not worship the demon, then there was a remnant (left over/remainder) that was saved by grace. This is the opposite of how the Jews were thinking during this time with a focus on works. This thinking still exists today with many thinking if they are good people and do good things, they will get into Heaven. But we have to remember what is stated in Romans 11:6, "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace." Those that did not seek after God had their hearts hardened so that they could not receive the Word. 

The second part of the chapter discusses the heavenly riches that the gentiles were able to receive due to the rejection of Jesus by the Jews. Had the Jews not rejected Jesus then the Gentiles may not have had as much of an opportunity to receive and hear the story of Christ (Romans 11:11-12). Paul warns people not to be prideful or boastful in the grace they have received (Romans 11:17-24).

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Romans 3:23-25- Falling Short and Being Redeemed

Falling Short and Being Redeemed

There are far too many verses in scripture that we know and understand when we hear them, but we do not get the full context. Romans 3:23 is one of them for me. It tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God. This verse has been used to further one's personal agenda outside of Christ. It has been used to say we all sin (which is true) but it does not tell the rest of the story. It's like saying we all fail and that's it. End of story. It can also be comforting to know that we all fail and that you are not alone when you sin as we all sin. But what about after that?

We have to understand the context that Paul was telling fellow Jews that they were not better than others. This is in line with what Christ taught to Pharisees who were hypocrites and thought they were better than others. Righteousness does not come from obeying God's laws (such as the ten commandments). Righteousness comes from doing God's will out of loving obedience. As I have stated before, in relationships (like dating and marriage) we don't keep ourselves from cheating simply because it is not the right thing to do. Look at the essence of why it wouldn't be right. We don't cheat because of love. We love the other person. We are honoring the other person and our relationship and ourselves. But, ultimately, we should not cheat because we would be sinning against God. Righteousness is through love of God which is outside the law (ten commandments).

But how do you get redeemed to God after sinning. That redemption comes from Jesus. If you accept Jesus, the redemption comes. His blood was shed so that we don;t have to be a human sacrifice for our sins. Sin causes death in at least 2 ways: spiritual and physical. Spiritually i am separated by God when I am outside His will. Physically when I sin I could die like if I were to do drugs or something like that. So, if you sin like I do on a daily basis, you are 1) not alone and 2) redeemed to God through accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior knowing that he died for your sins.

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Acts 25: Paul Before King Agrippa

Paul Before King Agrippa

The plot to kill Paul had not ceased. Festus knew that the Jews were still after Paul and told them to come with him and they could accuse Paul of whatever charges they had against him. Paul defended himself once again in verse 8 stating "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense." Still not being defensive nor accusing them of anything, Paul stands his ground again, not giving up.

 

 

Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor and have Paul tried in front of Caesar (since Festus himself was new at his job and didn't free Paul who could not be charged with any wrong doing). Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar, which he did exercise since Festus would not free him. Paul has stayed strong while fighting for his good name in the Holy Spirit. Festus stood before King Agrippa and told why they were there in regard to Paul's charges. Agrippa agreed to hear Paul out himself the next day. If you read through the chapter there is no mention of complaining or whining or verbally attacking others who were in the wrong. This man's soul has been in tune with God. 

Saturday we will continue with Acts 26.

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Acts 14: Unbelievers, Healing and Humility

Unbelievers, Healing and Humility

Unbelievers can really cause some trouble. Their unbelief and hard hearts can stir up those who are seeking. Unbelievers can be cynical and overlook truth and proof due to their personal issues, not because what they do not believe in is not true. The unbelievers here in verse 2-6 were Jewish poisoned the minds of the Gentiles and turned them against the brothers Barnabas and Paul. But, Barnabas and Paul found out about and fled and continued preaching the gospel. I love the dedication here. I think many would find it easy to say "if I keep hitting these roadblocks, then it isn't meant to be." When you are doing God's will, it isn't about what the naysayers and haters say.

Being in God's will can also allow you to heal those that are sick and disabled. In verses 8-10 we see that man who had never been able to walk was commanded to stand by Paul's voice and the man was healed. Once again, the Holy Spirit has healing power. It isn't just physical. If you have ever had the Holy Spirit work through your life in restoring a relationship or helping you through a personal problem, then you too know of the Holy Spirit's power and have a testimony to tell.

But, sometimes people get things twisted and confused. We see good things people do and we begin to worship them or make false idols (see Exodus 32). In verses 11-18, when the crowds saw what Paul had done with healing the man, they began to refer to them as gods and wanted to offer a sacrifice to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard about this they stopped them and showed them that they were also men and need not be worshiped. Barnabas and Paul could have used that time and gotten the glory like Herod wanted, but they chose the humble route.

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Mark 15:16-20- Mocking Jesus

Mocking Jesus

While reading I thought to myself, "Is Jesus still mocked today?" The answer is yes and it is done often. But this is not something that is new. People who do not follow Christ and insult him and mock him have been around for over 2000 years.

In Mark 15:16-20 as Jesus was arrested it was customary for Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) to release one prisoner back into the population. The choices were Barrabas and the was Jesus. Pilate had a feeling that the chief priests had Jesus arrested out of their envy. Instead the crowd chose "The King of the Jews." This was the name people used to mock Jesus as many did not believe in Jesus and hated him as he went against man's religious traditions in favor of God's will.

The crowd was adamant to have Jesus crucified (see verses 13-14). Kings during that day wore purple robes and a gilded wreath of leaves. Jesus was draped in a purple cloth rag and was given a crown of thorns in order to mock royalty of the time. The people shouted "Hail, King of the Jews" in mocking efforts of praising Caesar. They gave him reed in place of scepter and instead of kissing him out of respect as they would do a king, the bowed on their knees and spat on him.

Today, there are parades and contests that are held where people dress up as Jesus and wear the same garb that he was dressed on when he was mocked before he was hung on the cross. There was a parade held to compare the struggle for rights of gay people to what Christ physically went through. The contest is called "Hunky Jesus" and judges which person is the best looking and actually dressed like Jesus. These are not done out of respect for Christ and him dying for our sins, but in order to make fun and have fun at the expense of our Lord and Savior. Galations 6:7 says "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." People need to remember that.

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