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Matthew 18:15-22 It seems to this observer that over the years the failure of two Christians to ask for and to extend forgiveness has been a major barrier to personal spiritual growth and also growth of a congregation. On the one hand, this is surprising, but on the other hand it is not. It is surprising because Jesus addressed this problem in several places in scripture. He was quite emphatic that when there were problems between two of God’s people they must find a resolution to their differences through forgiveness. Peter asked how often he should forgive another person suggesting that seven times should be enough. Jesus poured water on that idea by saying “seventy times seven” - as many as were needed! Forgiveness must be genuine (Matthew 18:35), and if we do not forgive another, our Father in heaven will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). How many Christians are there walking around with their grudges in their hearts and hurts on their sleeves and still believing that God will give them a pass on judgment day and welcome them into the Celestial City? But then this is why this is all not so surprising. Because we grow comfortable in fanning our little flames and feeling that our hurts are worse than anyone else has ever endured and we have a right to feel the way we do. What we all need is a good dose of Jesus and His humility for He “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:1-2). And as they were nailing Him to that very cross He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). He offered Himself up so that you and I could receive forgiveness for our sins committed against Him! If you know that you have hurt someone, seek them out and be reconciled! If someone has offended you, go and be reconciled! (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15). Too much is at stake to disregard Jesus’ plain teaching. Love begets forgiveness which begets unity and peace. Then Christians grow. Then congregations grow.

2 Timothy 2:19 This past weekend (as of this writing), Don and I went to the airport to welcome our wives back from their trip and bring them home. (The transporting of luggage was also involved in this venture.) As we were waiting for their flight to come in (it had been delayed a couple of times), we were watching the people arriving from other flights. People-watching is entertaining as well as informative. Most of the people arriving did not have anyone meeting them. They were most likely changing planes, business travelers, or someone visiting the city for some special event. Other arrivers were, however, met by family or friends with great excitement. There were shouts, squeals of joy, smiles and plenty of hugs. It was quite obvious they had been greatly missed and probably had been away from one another for a considerable time. Then, there was another group of travelers. Standing in one place were the “limo” drivers dressed in their black liveries. They were waiting for travelers whom they had never met. How do we know this? They were holding up signs which had a name on it (some were using tablets in the same way) in order to get the attention of the arriving passenger whom they were supposed to pick up. Such travelers were strangers to those greeting them. As I was watching all of these arriving travelers, my mind went to the welcoming of the Christian at the end of his/her journey. There would not be any problem with identification - no one standing there with a sign with a name on it to get your attention. As Paul writes, “the Lord knows those who are His.” He has been with us and helped us for our entire journey, so when we arrive He’ll know who we are. And there will be plenty of smiles, hugs, shouts of joy and maybe a “holy kiss” or two. Homecoming. Put down that baggage. The trek is over. Friends and family to greet. A Savior to meet. What a day that will be! What a day.

Mark 15:1-15 The Bible is filled with a figure of speech called type and anti-type. The type comes first in time and is symbolic of the anti-type which comes later and represents a deeper, more significant spiritual event or truth. Under the law of Moses, a day of atonement was established in which the high priest offered sacrifices for sin for himself and all the people (Leviticus 16). Part of the requirement for this atonement was the presentation of two male goats before the Lord. Lots were cast, and one goat was selected to be sacrificed as a sin offering. The other goat was selected as the scapegoat and presented before the Lord. The high priest put both of his hands on the head of the live goat and confessed “over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions.” This scapegoat was then released into the wilderness bearing all the sins of the people. This was done yearly. The anti-type to this ritual of the scapegoat on the day of atonement is found in the gospels at the crucifixion of Jesus. It was Pilate’s custom during the feast of the Passover to release any prisoner to the Jews whom they desired. This was done to curry their favor and help keep the peace. Jesus had been arrested and after experiencing the sham trial before the council was brought before Pilate. Upon questioning Him, Pilate announces that he finds no fault in Jesus worthy of death and wishes to release Him. But the crowd, stirred up by the chief priests, becomes very vocal and insists that Jesus die. Some translations seem to indicate that the crowd’s collective voice became a chant: “Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!...” The voices in the crowd begin to ask that Pilate release a prisoner for them as was his custom. The chief priests again are at work suggesting they ask for Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer. Pilate ultimately gives in to their request. Jesus is led away to be crucified, the sacrificial sin offering. Barabbas is freed, the scapegoat released into the wilderness, a visible manifestation of the people’s sin.

Ephesians 6:4 As I sit here at my computer, I can look out the window and see a lot of what goes on in the neighborhood. Right now, a father has two of his kids on the basketball court. One of them is in the stroller, and he comes over to that one from time to time to talk and make sure all is well. He is playing basketball with the other one, a boy of about four or five. He is obviously engaged with his kids and enjoys being with them. This is great to see. Scripture challenges fathers to bring up their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Today, social science and other disciplines are confirming what God’s word plainly teaches - that the presence and role of the father in bringing up children is vital for a child to be emotionally, socially and spiritually well adjusted. Fathers matter! And we fathers should be aware and very thankful that we have the best example of fatherhood in how our heavenly Father brings up His children. Fathers should take their cues from Him. Just like our heavenly Father, we fathers need to... ...teach our children right from wrong. ...let them learn and experience on their own. ...teach them about life. ...discipline appropriately. ...praise abundantly. ...teach them about God. ...be available for them. ...teach them respect for others. ...provide for their needs - all their needs. ...listen to them a lot. ...tell them the truth. ...teach them when to have fun and when to be serious. ...be patient with them. ...always tell them you love them. ...show them how much you love them.

John 20:24-29 Thomas had missed Him. For some reason unknown to us, he had not been with the others when Jesus appeared the first time and showed them the evidences of His crucifixion to verify it was really Him. And when Thomas returned he would have none of their “witnessing” that they had seen the Lord. He had to see Jesus for Himself. In eight days, Jesus afforded Thomas the opportunity which he wanted, not only to see Him but also to touch the prints of the nails in His hands and the hole in His side. Scripture indicates that this event was as much for you and me as it was for Thomas. Thomas had wanted evidence, and evidence he received - so much so that he exclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” He was now convinced that Jesus was alive from the dead. And he and the other disciples would take that message to a lost and dying world. But as we reflect on the evidence which Jesus gave to Thomas that it really was Him resurrected from the dead, we realize that those nailprints are evidence for much more. Jesus’ nailprints affirm... ...that God cares about the human race. ...that God keeps His promises. ...that God takes sin seriously. ...that the words of the Bible are true. ...that Jesus truly became one of us. ...that ancient prophecies were fulfilled. ...that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. ...that a person’s future is secure in Jesus. ...that our Lord will never forsake us. ...that God will forgive me of all my sins. ...that God really does love us. Are you among those who have not seen yet have believed? God bless you! The nailprints are powerfully convincing.

Jeremiah 1:4-10 Excuses are a dime a dozen. Maybe a nickel a dozen! We’ve all had them handed to us by our children, spouse, friends, boss, co-worker, etc. “I forgot.” “You didn’t say not to.” “I was tired.” “When did you say that?” “Something came up.” “I didn’t mean that.” “What else was I supposed to do?” If you’ve received such excuses, you have probably countered with the “Don’t give me that!” response. If not verbally, you thought it. And, of course, you’ve never given any such smooth sounding side steps to anyone yourself - have you? Why, certainly not. In our text, I’m not sure if Jeremiah’s response to God is an excuse or not, but it could be. The Lord has formed him in the womb and called him to be His prophet to the nations. The soon-to-be prophet counters with, “I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” (When we look at verse 8, it appears that Jeremiah is also concerned for his life.) But the never-to-be-deterred Almighty responds to Jeremiah with “Do not say, ‘I am a youth.’” In other words, “Don’t give Me that!” The Lord says that Jeremiah will go where he is sent and speak what he is commanded, and He gives him reassurance that He will be with him in this work and deliver him from those who would seek to harm him. From time to time we all stand in Jeremiah’s sandals. We have a very clear call from God to do something in His kingdom, but we hesitate and roll out our excuses. “I’ve never done that before.” “I don’t care for that kind of work.” “I’m too busy.” “I have kids.” “I don’t have kids.” “I’m already involved in...” “I’m too old.” “I’m too inexperienced.” “I just don’t have time.” “I just don’t want to get tied down..” “Someone else could do that better than I.” “I’d probably just mess it up.” And on and on and on... When you use any one of these or some other of your own, be sure and listen for God’s: “Don’t give Me that!” But also be sure and listen for His, “Do not fear. I will be with you.”

Revelation 6:9-10 The vision is given to us in Revelation of the souls of those who had been put to death because of their faith and open testimony crying out from underneath the altar: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” God is a God of justice, and He promises it will come - sometimes in this life, but certainly at the Judgment. There are yet many people today whom God hears crying out for justice who for weeks, months, years have lived lives of pain, hopelessness and desperation. “How long, O Lord,” cries... ...the missionary locked away in a damp, dark cell in a foreign prison with little to eat and no medical treatment. ...the ten-year-old who has been instructed yet again to go forage in the dumpsters behind the town restaurants to see if he can find some food for the day. ...the wife who waits in fear to see whether her husband will come home drunken again and beat her until she can hardly stand. ...the infant who has just survived a botched attempt at abortion whose cries for someone to pick her up and hold her and comfort her are falling on deaf ears. ...the bed-ridden elderly parent who waits for hours for their “child” to bring them something to eat or tend to their other needs. ...the little boy who lives in confusion and dread because his uncle has threatened to kill him and his mother if he ever tells about the “fun” things they do in the camper. ...the seven-year-old who sees her parents doing drugs nearly every day and cries herself to sleep at night because she is hungry and no one ever gives her a “good night” kiss. Let us be engaged in setting right the wrongs perpetrated upon the human family and give them the hope of Christ Himself.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 No one recalls exactly when he took up his post. There was so much rejoicing and celebrating at the time for the Holy One Christ Jesus had returned and was enthroned at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Daniel 7:13-14). Sometime during all of that jubilation the angel quietly took up his place outside the throne room as instructed. He is no different from any other angel. He is dazzling and formidable in appearance, a minister who serves the Almighty and His saints like all other angels. But his task is unique, similar to no other. For, you see, at one side he firmly holds the trumpet of God. And his sole responsibility is to listen for the voice of God Almighty and blow that trumpet when he is commanded. Now, everyone in the heavenly realms understands what is to happen when that trumpet is sounded. It will be the end of the age on earth, the end of time that was spun into motion “in the beginning.” The Lord Jesus will descend from heaven for the great day of judgment (Acts 17:30-31), to take His people home. The spirits of the dead will again inhabit bodies, and these will rise from their scattered resting places on the earth. The earth and all its works will be burned, and “new heavens and a new earth” will be ushered in. It will be the great and awesome day of the Lord! Through the years on earth as events unfolded, many thought that surely the signal would come. When whole populations were being enslaved, when famines and pestilence raged, when armies marched and madmen ruled - “Surely,” some thought, predicted and even hoped that “the end must come soon.” But the word has not come yet, as we all can attest. We are still here, and life continues on Earth with both the good and the evil. In fact, not even this angel knows when he is to sound the trump, nor even the Son of God ( ). Only the Father. In the meantime, the angel faithfully stands his post, listening for the voice of God.

Romans 3:27-30 The scriptures teach us that God chose the Hebrews through Abraham to be a people for His own possession. But His choosing of Israel had purposes. They were to demonstrate to the world how blessed it was to have the Lord God as their God and ultimately to be the family through whom the Messiah, the Savior of theworld would come. They did have privilege, but they also had responsibilities. Often when we consider the place of Israel in God’s plans, we begin to think that God didn’t care much about Gentiles and that He left the nations to be on their own. But scripture teaches otherwise. Paul affirms that God is “the God of Gentiles also.” In the days of Abram, the Hebrew, after his victory over the kings, he was met by a certain king of Salem by the name of Melchizedek (Genesis 14). This man “brought out bread and wine” to thank God for Abram’s victory, and he blessed Abram. He is called “a priest of God Most High.” From where did this priest of God come? We must conclude that God had interacted with this Melchizedek to place him in his position. He was not a Hebrew. Later on, Moses encounters the priest of Midian named Jethro whose daughter he married. After Israel flees Egypt (Exodus 18), Jethro brings Moses’ wife and sons to him in the wilderness. He offers sacrifice to the Lord and shares a meal with the elders of Israel. From where does Jethro get his faith in the Lord? He is no Israelite. Again, we encounter a prophet by the name of Balaam whom Balak summoned from around the Euphrates River to pronounce a curse upon Israel (Numbers 22-24). Balaam’s response: “I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord my God.” Who is this man? He is not a Hebrew. What about Job? The Magi? The Ethiopian of ? None of these were Jews. We must conclude that God continued to interact among the nations in certain ways and for His own purposes. He is God of the Gentiles as well as of the Jews.

Isaiah 59:1-2 Have you ever been separated from someone you love? Military deployment? Business trip? Family crisis? Most of us have experienced this to some degree. You know the feelings of emptiness which these situations create. You know the companionship which is no longer available. You know the interaction which is no longer possible: conversation, touching, doing things together, etc. The barriers of distance and circumstances keep you apart. Isaiah declares to Israel that “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you...” Isaiah’s words provide us insight into the real problem which sin creates: it creates a barrier between the sinner and God. In fact, it is the barrier between a sinner and God! This is more than a spiritual condition of “lostness.” The sin has broken the relationship with God. He is no longer accessible to the sinner. This idea is aptly illustrated by what happened with Adam and Eve when they sinned. They were removed from the garden and the presence of God. They no longer had the intimate fellowship which they had enjoyed with their Creator, and they were not allowed to return for there was no remedy for their sin. They were separated from God, the source of life, and thus they became subject to death. Now separated from God, mankind began a downward spiral into wickedness as recorded in the first six chapters of Genesis. By Noah’s day, “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen 6:5). When relationship with God (the source of light, truth and everything good) is broken, the result is darkness. Thank God for His Son Jesus who provides the reconciliation for us (Romans 5:6-11)! He brings us back into a right relationship with God by removing the sin barrier. Now we can have access to the Source of life, light, truth and what is good. Now we can walk with God. This is what the cross of Christ is all about. Thank you, Jesus!

Psalm 119:92-94 Life will hit us hard at times with all types of adversity: illness, financial woes, death, etc. Such troubles can also shake our faith and turn us away from God. In Psalm 119, the psalmist found himself in some severe difficulties, and his response to them provides valuable insight for us when we experience the turmoils of life. As we read through the psalm, it becomes apparent that the psalmist is in the midst of adversity. Numerous times he uses the word affliction/afflicted. His soul “cleaves to the dust” (v 25), and it “weeps because of grief” (v 28). “Trouble and anguish” have come upon him (v 143), and he rises before dawn to “cry for help” (v 147). The nature of this trouble does not appear to be an illness or personal problem but an oppression by enemies. He speaks of princes who talk against him (v 23), being reproached (v 42), and of the arrogant (v 51) and the wicked being against him (v 61). He has oppressors (v 121), persecutors and adversaries (v 157). We are not informed of the specifics about these enemies, but he sees himself in dire straits because of them This brings us to the psalmist’s understanding of his situation. He recognizes that the Lord has been behind his affliction (v 75), and that He has done it out of faithfulness to him. How could this be? What could be God’s purpose in allowing such troubles? The writer readily confesses (v 67) that this current situation has brought him back to serving the Lord. He admits that this has been good for him (v 71) so that he might learn the statutes of God. This is likely the learning of how to live by the word and trust one’s life to God rather than mere “head” knowledge. In fact, he fully asserts that if God’s word had not been his delight, he would have perished (vv 92-93). Lesson for us? When disappointment and adversity strike, get out God’s book! Read His promises and assurances. Listen to His voice. Read how others persevered in the face of trials. Delight in God’s word so that you, too, will live and not perish.

John 10:24-39 With the advent of the 24-hour news cycle on television, campaigning is virtually a year round activity. Those in office and those planning to run for an office are regularly jockeying for position, expressing opinions on virtually every issue in the public square and getting plenty of face-time on camera. But we can always recognize the consummate politician. When pressed for specific answers to tough questions, they break out their high-sounding phrases, well-worn generalities and heartfelt expressions. But very little of substance is forth coming. I guess it’s always been that way. Jesus, on the other hand, was certainly no politician. Not even close. He always said exactly what He meant to say and made His positions clear. He spoke the truth for all to hear, and each person was challenged to either accept or reject Him and what He had so say. He would not compromise on anything. That’s why He was loved and adored by some and absolutely hated by others. This ultimately paved the way to the cross. In our text Jesus is speaking about His heavenly Father and asserts that He and His Father are one. The Jews who were listening to Him could not accept this because that made Him God. Of course, He was God! But He stood up to them and defended Himself from scripture against their charge of blasphemy while they were standing there with stones ready to kill Him. It’s rather easy to be a politician. Don’t say much to offend anybody. Give indefinite and vague answers. Smile a lot. Kiss the babies and say nice things to everybody. On the other hand, if you have solid beliefs that stand for something, then you must be prepared for the crowd’s reaction. Christians are to stand for what their Master stood for - truth, love, righteous living and real good news. There can be no compromise with the truth. There should be no over-reaching where there is room for opinion. There should always be love in abundance. And be ready to face the crowd.