Seek Ye The Lord Whilst He May Still Be Found - Part 2794

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso find Me find life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord ... teach a wise man and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

And it came to pass the day after Jesus had healed a certain centurion's servant that Jesus went into a city called Nain. We read that many of Jesus' disciples went with Him and much people as well. Now when Jesus came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out -- the only son of his mother, a widow. As it is in death, many people accompanied the woman.

But when Jesus saw the woman, He had compassion on her, saying, "Weep not." And He came and touched her and they that bare the dead man stood still. Jesus then said, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited His people." And this rumour of Jesus went forth throughout all of Judaea and throughout all the region about.

And the disciples of John the baptizer showed him of all these things. And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:19)

When the men were come unto Jesus they said, "John the baptizer hath sent us unto Thee, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:20)

And in that same hour, He cured many of [their] infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind, He gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said, "Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he -- whomsoever shall not be offended in Me." (Luke 7:22-23)

Note that once John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to speak further unto the people concerning John the baptizer.

"What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in king's courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you and much more than a prophet. This is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee." (Luke 7:24-27; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)

Then Jesus said, "For I say unto you -- among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)

And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John but the Pharisees and lawyers ... the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the baptizer. (Luke 7:30)

Apostle Paul later related after his conversion on the road to Damascus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27)

But is this not what is happening within both the societal and modern day religious culture today? To the poor the good news gospel of repentance and reformation of one's heart is preached and wholly accepted as taught in His Word. In fact, His Word accepted gladly into our hearts without question. But the Pharisees and lawyers? Those which are "gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts" -- these mock the commandments of God because their souls were/are not of God. The scriptures are clear on this point. The Pharisees and lawyers chose to turn a deaf ear, preferring instead to reject the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the Baptist.

"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:30) Or, if we consider the more accurate rendering in the Greek -- "rejected for themselves the counsel of God."

However, note that the Pharisees and lawyers not only rejected John's baptism unto repentance but also Jesus the Christ who stood before them. The ultimate plan of salvation that was decided before the world was even formed -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ so that we -- you and I -- could be reconciled unto Himself.

These "learned" men despised the commands of God, including the baptism of repentance which was ordained of God. In so doing, these revealed their aversion and abhorrence to the gospel of the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rejecting the very instructions of our Lord and Christ. Sadly, the salvation message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus name is still being rejected today.

Even when we know that Jesus, "through the Holy Ghost" had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, and that we are instructed to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, there are those learned -- gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts -- rejecting the counsel of God. (Acts 1:1-4; Acts 2:37-42) Even though we see the counsel of God displayed on the day of Pentecost and His church in which Jesus is the Head established, we reject the counsel of God by not aligning our teachings on repentance and baptism with those taught in the scriptures.

When the people pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the eleven -- "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)

The good news gospel message of the new testament. His life giving message. His love for us shown on an old rugged cross for all the world to behold. His precious blood shed so that we might have life in Him, clothed in His righteousness, and baptized into His name. We either accept His counsel gladly or we become like those Pharisees and lawyers standing in the place of Jesus -- in the king's court /man-made religion -- rejecting the counsel of God.

This is why the Lord Jesus then told the Pharisees and lawyers that rejected the counsel of God against themselves -- “Where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, “He hath a devil.” The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” (Luke 7:29-37)

Yes, wisdom is justified of all her children. He hath made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears Me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso finds Me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.

The Church Which He Hath Purchased With His Own Blood - Part 2793

"Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)

What is interesting herein is that whenever the great voice from heaven spoke (throughout the scriptures), it was so that we who believe would "hear ye Him." Not "them" as the promoters of a triad, triune multi-headed god(s) suggest, but the first commandment instruction (in both the old and the new) -- "hear ye O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

As the scripture saith, "He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)

Not another God but the One and Same God who willingly clothed Himself in flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Jesus -- the Great I Am - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) When we have seen Him, as Jesus said, we have seen the Father and know Him. Indeed, Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Don't be deceived by those who willingly preach a false gospel -- the shepherds in wolves clothing -- who are continually joining in unity against the true saints of the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived by false man-made creeds that are contrary to the Word that the Lord God Himself hath spoken. Rather, search the scriptures for truth, and hear ye Him -- for He [not them] will save His people from their sins.

Know too that the true believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ are taking heed therefore unto ourselves, "and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Stand in the offering plate.

How Beautiful Upon The Mountain Are the Feet Of Him That Brings Good Tidings - Part 2792

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies." (Nahum 1:7-8)

As believers, do we truly have a burden for our nation? Are we diligently standing in the gap for a city's salvation? Do we grieve (pray?) for the souls that are without knowing the Lord has a purpose for each of them? Are we determined to occupy this land until the Lord returns, or have we reconciled to enjoy His continued blessings and prosperity? (Luke 19:13) These are all good questions.

I'm sure Nahum the Elkoshite had similar questions, when he prophesied concerning the burden of Nineveh. Most of us remember the city of Nineveh, primarily because of Jonah (who had been swallowed by a whale) -- whom the Lord God had sent earlier to preach. But Nahum takes the conversation  a little further. God has now announced judgment on Nineveh's evil ways. As He puts it, there will be no more descendants to bear His name. (Nahum 1:14) Similar to prophet Zephaniah, Nahum points to how the Lord stretches out His hand against the north, and destroys Assyria; resulting in Nineveh becoming desolate and dry like a wilderness. 

Nahum further alludes, "For now will I break His yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And the Lord hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of Thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile." (Nahum 1:13-15)

So why Nineveh -- asks those in the rejoicing city?? Several reasons are cited:

" ... because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well favoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts,
that sells nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing stock. And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? Whence shall I seek comforters for thee?" (Nahum 3:4-10

Because the city has dwelt carelessly, and said in her heart, "I am, and there is none beside me." 

Because the Lord whose judgment is righteous confirms "how she is become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in" saying every one that passes by her shall hiss, and wag his hand. (Zephaniah 2:13-15; Ezra 28:2; Nahum 3:7, 19; Jeremiah 22:14; Isaiah 10:12)

And because the Lord of hosts has said, "I am against thee." In another place, "nothing can heal your wound" -- your injury is fatal.  (Nahum 2:13: Nahum 3:19)

In case we don't know what desolation looks like -- the flocks lie down in the midst of her; all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds" for He shall uncover the cedar work. (Zephaniah 2:13-14)  

Was it always this way? No.  Remember years earlier, when Jonah had preached to Nineveh and the people repented? Consequently, because of the people's response to the Lord, the city was spared. 

But now, as we read earlier, Nineveh had returned to its evil ways of idolatry and fornication -  worshipping other gods. Ironically, the city cites part of Isaiah's prophecy to make a case for their pride -- "that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5) The exception being that Nineveh never accepted the none else belongs solely to the Lord.

Even still, we know the Lord never gives up on His beloved creation. Even then, as Nahum points out, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of One who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” (Nahum 1:15)

Isaiah prophesied too -- "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation;" that saith unto Zion, "Thy God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

Sadly, Nineveh never heeded the Lord's call. Nineveh didn't understand the importance of seeking HIm who brings good tidings and salvation. Thus, sadly, the city was destroyed.

Fast forward 2,000 years and again, we see prophecy after prophecy being fulfilled. This time before that great and notable day of the Lord's coming. The difference worth noting now is Jesus isn't coming as a suffering servant but rather instead as King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Why now? Because just like Nineveh, the nations have returned to living carelessly, unrepentant of the goodness and grace of the Lord our God who willingly, in shedding His precious blood for us on a cross - became our Saviour, (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; John 10:30; Acts 2:36-41) Yes, from the beginning of time, the  Lord has continually invited each and every one of us into His kingdom, for He would that none perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16; I John 3:16) 

His message has never changed! 

"Unto thee it was shewed, that thou might know that the Lord He is God; there is none else beside Him." (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4)

Stand in the offering plate.

How By Revelation He Made Known The Mystery Of Christ -- That The Gentiles Should Be Partakers Of His Promise In Christ - Part 2791

"For the good man is not at home, h/He is gone a long journey: h/He hath taken a bag of money with h/Him; and will come home at the day appointed." (Proverbs 7:18-20)

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:35)

 
"Another parable put Jesus forth unto them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in h/His field ..." He answered and said unto them, "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man." (Matthew 13:24; Matthew 13:37)

"For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called h/His own servants, and delivered unto them h/His goods." (Matthew 25:14)

As we've learned from Matthew 20, the good man is the Lord God Himself. He has come on a long journey, bringing with Him a bag full of treasure -- intended to bring forth good things. When dwelling among us, He likens the kingdom of heaven to a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers for His vineyard.

"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28; Matthew 26:28; I Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9:7-8) 

It is important to note that the Lord God is a debtor to no man. He willingly brought His gifts with Him and this self-same Spirit to this very day divides those gifts severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11) Equally important, the same recompense of reward given to those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith is not based on some workplace seniority plan, but rather "according to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)  The stark contrast, as Jesus points out earlier -- is that out of the heart the good man brings forth good things but an evil man brings forth evil things. 

From previous posts, the good man's mission is to ensure the good news gospel is preached to the Gentiles who are grafted in, and when their hearts respond to His love, they enjoy the same privileges and blessings as His chosen people from afore, whom the world was not even worthy. (Ephesians 3:3-6; Hebrews 11:1-13) 

Within the parable of the vineyard, there is a progression. While all of the labourers agree to work for a penny, or for whatsoever is right, the labourers hired late in the day receive the same pay as those who struggled through the noon hour heat. This led the labourers hired in the third hour of the morning to complain bitterly. Notably, their complaint was not against the labourers who worked shorter days-- but instead their murmurings were directed against the Master Himself. This might be a good place to observe that when the householder hired these men, they were standing idle - with nothing to do. 

So what was happening here? As we see, the Lord is setting before them an incorruptible crown. Like apostle Paul writes, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

Apostle Paul understood the importance of God's abundant mercies and grace and that the Lord our God can do no wrong. Sadly, however, the labourers that murmured believed the householder had committed a grave injustice against them -- even though the Lord had in actuality done them no wrong. (Matthew 20:13-14) As we know from the parable, the labourers receive their agreed upon pay rate for the day's work, By complaining, they essentially were stating their preference for the temporal worldly kingdom.

"These last have wrought but one hour, and Thou hast made them equal with us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." The householder then -- calling him Friend - states, "I do thee no wrong; didst not thou agree with Me for a penny? Take that thine is; and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee." (Matthew 20:12-14) 

As you can see, they had no reason to complain. The householder had given the labourer his due reward. What he missed, however, is the blessings from the householder going forward. Indeed, he only looked for what was in the Lord's hand -- not what was in His heart. Again, up until He met the Master (the Lord of glory!) these were standing idle in the marketplace -- because no one up until this point had even hired them. The labourers also had no reason to envy their fellow servants, for it was the householder ultimately responsible for hiring -- according to His perfect timing. Again, quite the contrast to apostle Paul -- who said, "I labour more abundantly than ye all!" 

Later, Jesus offers even further clarity to His disciples, "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:." (Matthew 20:26-27) 

Therefore, at the end of the day, the labourers in the vineyard missed the higher calling -- His purpose that we are chosen to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to serve one another -- flowing through His love to those around us. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:20-31; I Peter 5:5' Ephesians 5:21; Romans 15:2; I Corinthians 9:19) 

Some other questions worthy of consideration -- should we be encouraged that the labouring herein is only for one day (and not longer?), or discouraged that the day we are now in is far spent? If the latter, are we ready (our lamps filled with oil) for the householder's return -- "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." (I Thessalonian 4:13)

Certianly, there is much more to learn from this parable, but for now, let it suffice to close with a relevant scripture from apostle Paul -- emphasizing the mystery that was from the beginning of the world -- and only revealed now, in these latter days:

" ... how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:3-6)

Stand in the offering plate.

With Men This Is Impossible But With God All Things Are Possible- Part 2790

 "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers in the vineyard, And when He had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into His vineyard. And He went about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them, "Go ye also into the vineyard and whatsoever is right I will give you." And they went their way." (Matthew 20:1-4; Song of Solomon 8:11-12; Matthew 13:24)

This is not the only parable Jesus uses to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like. But it is a parable wherein Jesus uses it to respond to Peter's question in Matthew 19:27: "Behold, we have forsaken all, and have followed Thee, what shall we have therefore?"

Just prior to this, Jesus has just been tempted by the Pharisees attempting to trick Him. Then children were brought to Jesus so He could pray for them -- but the disciples choose to rebuke them. Next is the rich young ruler desiring to know what he has to do to inherit eternal life, to which Jesus responds -- "if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me." (Matthew 19:21) Exceedingly amazed at Jesus response, the disciples ask, "Who then can be saved?" To which Peter further asks Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee' what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27)

All this must have been exhausting for the good man of the vineyard -- the good Lord -- who continually blesses both the good and the evil, and has repeatedly done so since the beginning of time. Nevertheless, Jesus continues. In Matthew 19:28, He offers a promise of reward. That is, "Verily, I say unto you - that ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28)

In essence, Jesus was saying to His disciples that whosoever follows Jesus (in the regeneration of the Son of man); everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands -- for My name's sake -- shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29; Luke 14:26)

Therein, His reward! A hundredfold plus everlasting life!

Jesus later shares -- "many that are first, shall be last; and the last shall be first." (Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31)

What we see is Jesus sharing the parable of the good man, the householder in the vineyard. Within this parable, Jesus teaches that the labourers hired early in the day would receive the exact same pay as those hired very late in the day -- and paid as well "whatsoever is right!" (Matthew 20:4,7) This led to some of the labourers hired earlier in the day murmuring against the Master (because the labourers hired late in the day were paid an equal amount) without having to endure the burden and heat of the day.

Jesus asks these labourers if He is doing anything wrong, particularly since the labourers themselves had agreed to work for a penny (a denarius) a day. Herein, Jesus hadn't broken any promises. Jesus hadn't withheld a certain amount of payment back from the labourers. In fact, He had paid them the exact amount that was agreed upon. That is, a penny a day. 

Notice however the complaint was not against labourers who were paid the same but worked less hours. Rather, in this case, the murmuring was pitted directly against the Master, who chose not to offer any reasons for His generosity, other than He had a right to distribute His blessings to whomever -- as He desired. 

Jesus asks them, "Is it not lawful for Me to do what I will with Mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?" (Matthew 20:15; Deuteronomy 15:9) In another place, Jesus alludes to the light of the body being the eye, and if thine eye is single, thy whole body shall be full of light. "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?" (Matthew 6:23)

The disciples then (like the labourers hired early in the day) expected to be rewarded more for having followed Jesus. As Jesus indicates in His response to Peter, the disciples shall be rewarded according to "whatsoever is right!"  So again, Jesus ensures there is no unfairness or respecter of persons -- as witnessed from the parable.

But wait - it is herein that the labourers hired early in the day struggled. Picking up from the scriptures, we know that under Old Testament law, we can rightly discern between what we give and what we can expect to receive. The Mosaic and Levitical laws are clear on this point. As well, we can understand that if we obey these laws to the letter, there are clearly described / clearly defined, tangible rewards. 

But according to Hebrews 9 and 10, we who live in this current generation (Gentiles -- non-Israelites) are no longer under Old Testament law. Rather, since the appointed time when "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:8. 14. 15-18)

Indeed, we who are alive today live under the new testament dispensation of grace wherein the Lord Himself paid the price for our sins -- in full. (Galatians 3:19-29) It is this undeserving, unmerited offer of salvation given freely to us -- who are in essence the labourers standing idle in the marketplace - from the householder (the Lord of glory!) that is completely foreign to us. The Lord's mercy so all encompassing -- that when we receive Him, our debt is paid in full. It is finished -- Jesus said -- it is finished.

And, as the scriptures repeatedly tell us, His blessings come according to who He is, and not according to who we are. Like the householder in the parable, we can be assured that the Lord will never treat any of His beloved unfairly. If anything, the rewards bestowed upon us by the Master lean always on the side of excessive generosity -- again, whatsoever is right and for His own pleasure and purposes. But there is more. 

First, we should be thankful beyond measure that the Lord has chosen us to serve Him; that He did not venture on by you and I - to hire another labourer standing idly by. Indeed, He chose us before the foundation of the world was formed; and thus, at every opportunity we should willingly desire to serve the Lord in His vineyard. After all, we did not have to go to the cross. Rather, it was He -- Jesus -- who willingly shed His precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him, which Jesus alludes to in the verses immediately following this parable.

So, for a moment, imagine how Jesus felt --knowing that He would soon be betrayed; arrested for doing no wrong; recognizing that He was about to take on the sins of all the whole world -- on an old rugged cross -- so that even murmurers might be saved. What was Jesus thinking, knowing He would soon be mocked and ridiculed; beaten to the point of being unrecognizable; soon to be nailed to a cross by those very people whom He loved? Indeed, forgive them Father for they know not what they do!

Remember too that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. There is a significant difference. And yet, He witnessed the labourers He personally sought out to hire for His vineyard murmuring because in their mind, the Master has not blessed them enough! 

A question we should all be asking -- what should it matter if we are first or last?

But then, as if all common sense and compassion in Matthew 19-20 had been lost, the Lord Jesus ventures along to heal two blind men sitting by the wayside -- who cried out (upon knowing that Jesus was passing by) -- "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Thou Son of David." (Matthew 20:29-33) 

Yes, Jesus' compassion for His beloved church/bride still shines brightly -- His invitation to those who are idle and want to serve Him still open. And, as He touched the eyes of the two blind men, the scales fell immediately from their eyes so that they could see. And they followed Him. (Matthew 20:34)

The outstanding question -- which side will you choose?

Stand in the offering plate.

Labour Diligently and Patiently, Seeking To Do Good, Promoting the Salvation of Souls, Resembling Jesus the Christ - Part 2789

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings." (Philippians 2:14)

Continuing with the study of Jesus' teaching to both the Pharisees and His disciples (from Matthew 20), we begin to understand how God's salvation plan was woven into place from the very beginning - even before the foundation of the world was formed. In part, we witness how the plight of Israel was negatively impacted by their ongoing willingness to serve the world rather than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. More specifically, from Jesus' parable, we learn that when the first labourers agreed to work in the vineyard for the very same wage as those labourers hired later, they should have been grateful -- because they received the amount of wages they originally agreed to. 

However, as we see from the grumbling, their complaint wasn't that some labourers didn't have to work as many hours as the first hired did. Rather, their complaint was against the unexpected (unwarranted) generosity of the householder who decided on his own to give everyone the same reward. Remember, all the men worked and agreed to be paid "whatsoever is right" -- that shall ye receive. (Matthew 20:4, 7) But as we also know, the householder bestowed an additional gift (grace beyond measure!) on those labourers hired at day's end. That is, all the labourers received the same reward.

So instead of appreciating the generosity of the the householder, the labourers hired earlier in the day chose to find fault with their Master -- not because their wage was unfair, or that they had been dwindled out of pay -- but rather that other labourers hired later were made equal with them. In response, Jesus clearly points out the good man can do as He pleases with His own possessions. The good man -- in this current dispensation of grace the Lord Jesus -- desiring always to cure our blind eyes so we can receive spiritual sight that will draw our hearts after Him. And consequently, as a result of His invitation to labour in His vineyard, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Matthew 20:29) 

But then Jesus asks, "Is thine eye evil because I am good?" 

Interesting question. As background, we know the owner of the vineyard - the Lord of glory!- is the central character within the parable. Why is this important? Because the householder not only went out early in the morning to hire labourers for the vineyard but He continued in His work all the day long -- the third hour, the sixth hour, the ninth hour, and well into the eleventh hour. Equally important is His over the top generosity (as the good man of the vineyard), which, ironically, is the catalyst that gets Him into trouble. Indeed, the Lord has always delighted in blessing His people, even though He, as the sovereign Lord doesn't have to ever give account of His actions to His creation.

On a different note, remember that up until this point, the labourers were "idly" just wasting away their days. As represented in the parable, the labourers did not engage in work which was meaningful, which explains why they were available to work in the vineyard.

There is yet another point worthy of consideration. Jesus says in Matthew 19:30 -- "But many [that are] first shall be last, and the last [shall be] first." Later, Jesus clarifies His statement further saying,  "So the last shall be first, and the first last, for many be called but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

Did Jesus change His mind between His initial conversation with the Pharisees and His disciples, and subsequently sharing the parable? Most certainly, in the parable, all the labourers hired were treated equally. As we also know, the householder gave whatsoever is right to each labourer, albeit, those labourers hired later in the day were not required to work as many hours for the same pay.  

So then the question begs -- why did Jesus share this parable? What was His purpose?

Well, we know Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and by extension, the body of Christ church. This is evidenced in Jesus' response to Peter when the latter asks,  "Behold, we have forsaken all; and followed Thee: what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27)  As we know from this example, Jesus promises His disciples twelve thrones -- giving each and every one of them special honour. (Matthew 19:27-28)

But what is the meaning of the first last and the last first? 

As stated before, the first could refer to the Israelites who were invited into the Lord's vineyard from the beginning of creation. The last are the Gentiles that upon hearing and responding to the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ also receive His gift of salvation and blessings. Conversely, on a more personal level, it could refer to those who begin their faith journey with little but through a spritual circumcision of their heart become very useful within the Kingdom. 

Another perspective is the timing of your acceptance of the Lord Jesus into your life (earlier or later in life) is not as important as what you actually do with His love, grace and mercy.  Or simply, that until we come to the Lord Jesus with humble heart, we waste our days in a sinful state -- serving satan in mindless and scattered idleness. 

The reality is that real life begins with Jesus as both our Lord God and Saviour in our life. And in the parable, He continues to call each and every one of us to labour in His Kingdom. 

It is interesting to note however, that even at the eleventh hour, no one had offered to hire these labourers before. Could this be those people in the hedges -- spoken of in Revelation - when those in the highways and byways find themselves far too busy to attend the Lord's most elaborate banquet? Note that these labourers mention that the reason they are not working is because no man hath offered to hire them. In essence then, no one had (yet) invited them to partake in the Lord's vineyard. 

Or perhaps, there is value in looking at Jesus' parable from the perspective of the religious (nominal Christians and proud Pharisees) who have repeatedly heard the Lord's invitation but have instead justified within their own hearts why they labour continually for earthly kingdoms. Put another way, in some minds, the penny received for labouring in the world outweighs the same penny received for labouring for the Lord's kingdom -- and sadly, this mindset even when, as evidenced by Jesus' parable, His rewards are so much more than any of us deserve.

Note what happens at the end of the parable. When evening is come, the Lord of the vineyard asks His steward to call all the labourers so that He could give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. (Matthew 20:8) Note that the Lord recompenses every service done for Him (even those who only contributed to the Kingdom for a short time), doing wrongly by none of them, whilst still showing extraordinary grace to all those who laboured in His vineyard. 

But rather than being content that the Lord has brought even more labourers (souls) into His fold, essentially making their individual job as labourers easier, and rewarding one and all with \whatsoever is right', there is a tendency (as we see herein) to become envious and proud, exalting ourselves to a much higher status than we deserve. Indeed, as we learn, they supposed that they should have received more! 

"And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, "These last have wrought but one hour, and Thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." (Matthew 20:11-12) 

The labourers who grumbled about having to work longer hours for the same pay did not choose to rejoice and praise God for His endless mercies and abundant grace -- which He applies equally to everyone who comes to Him, which as we know, there is no respecter of persons within the body of Christ church. Everyone is equal and Jesus is the Head of the Church. 

Still, even though Jesus had said He had done them no wrong, the labourers still complained. Even though they had agreed to work for one penny, they still felt deserving of so much more. What does Jesus  - the good man of the vineyard -- say?

"Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for Me to do what I will with Mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?  So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called but few chosen." (Matthew 20:14-6)

Normally, this is where the teaching on this parable ends. Still, there is one more point worth including. That is, Jesus (on the way to Jerusalem) takes His twelve disciples apart to say, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [Him]: and the third day He shall rise again." (Matthew 20:17-19) 

Therefore, a much needed lesson here. Whilst we squabble and murmur among ourselves -- over who shall be first, and who shall be last, and who is more deserving and who is not, let's remember that the ultimate sacrifice - the ultimate death and suffering -- was paid in full by the good man of the vineyard, who (in spite of ourselves) still loves us as His beloved bride -- still willing to recompense untold blessings to us for a debt that only He could pay.

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Stand in the offering plate. 

He Brought Me To The Banqueting House; His Banner Over Me Is Love - Part 2788

"The Kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." (Matthew 13:31-32)\

Jesus spake unto the multitudes in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet from afore, saying, "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:34-35; Psalm 78:2)

Apostle Paul sheds further light on the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, saying, "Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever, amen." (Romans 16:25-27)

It is in this context that the discussion from the most recent post continues. Therein, Jesus shares a parable about a householder looking for those who will labour in his vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)  The householder is the Lord God Himself. The labourers are you and I whom the Lord desires to take out of the darkness of this world, and to replace our empty hearts with His everlasting love. 

As a contrast, Solomon in the Old Testament has a vineyard in Baalhamon. (Song of Solomon 8:11-12) Therein, Solomon lets out the vineyard unto keepers, and every keeper is to bring forth a thousand pieces of silver. Solomon tells how his mother's children were angry with him, and thus made him the keeper of the vineyards. However, at the same time, Solomon laments because he has not been able to keep his own vineyards. (Song of Solomon 1:6) 

"My vineyard, which is Mine, is before Me: thou, O Solomon must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof, two hundred." (Song of Solomon 8:12)

Interestingly, we see the Lord's invitation to His chosen bride -- the body of Christ church -- in both scriptural accounts. His church being called out from the worldly system of polygamy (the worship of other gods, idols, worldly mammon, etc.) into His glorious Kingdom. 

But there is so much more. Returning to Jesus' parable in Matthew 20, several themes are introduced. First, there is the householder who is the Lord God Himself. Second, we are the labourers standing idly by because as of this point, no one has called us to work. Third, we see the kingdom of heaven expounded upon. Fourth, Jesus summarizes the parable with "the first shall be last and the last first." Fifth, parables are a mystery wherein the Lord uses a worldly example -- so that we who believe can understand a truth.

One of the mysteries emerging in the parable is specific to the new testament. That is, the new testament is about the grafting in (adoption) of the Gentiles. Apostle Paul speaks in-depth about the Gentiles becoming fellow-heirs/fellow-citizens in Ephesians 3:3-6. Of course, bringing the Gentiles into a status of equality with God's old testament people provokes the Israelites. Still, we know God is still in control, and thus, He is a debtor to no man. 

In the parable, Jesus asks, "Is it not lawful for Me to do what I will with Mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?" (Matthew 20:14-15) 

This is a good question -- who are we (the created) to question the wisdom and knowledge of our Creator? Conversely, shouldn't we who believe the blessings we receive  - His love, His grace, His mercy multiplied -- and that these blessings arrive most often, when we least expect it? And yet, regardless of the moment in time our hearts actually happenstance toward Him (according to the the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ), each and every one of us has an opportunity to be adopted into His vineyard. Indeed, we are all called -- a choice rendered -- to become labourers in His garden. 

In essence then, when we come to the Lord Jesus, and accept Him as our Lord God and Saviour -- we enter into the body of Christ church as equals; no longer beholden to another because of seniority. Does this mean we remain idle and/or slothful? Of course not. We are called to plant seeds and water the plant -- working out our own salvation. This is a message in and of itself. 

A couple of other points worth mentioning.

The householder not only invites those who are idle into His vineyard but He agrees to pay the labourers "whatsoever is right." (Matthew 20:4,7) At some point, these souls who are ready to be hired will make a choice -- whether to follow the Lord Jesus, or to remain a servant of iniquity.  As the scriptures repeatedly state, choose ye this day in whom ye will serve!

On a different note, do you remember who you were prior to coming to Jesus? If we consider this parable in context, we can easily assume that we too were in a state of idleness, basically living from day to day but accomplishing nothing towards the fulfillment of God's purpose and/or enhancing the Kingdom of heaven. 

The secondary thread in the parable is the penny -- which was paid equally to all the labourers who agreed to be hired. For some labourers (who were hired in the third hour of the day) the awarding of equal wages to one and all - even those hired in the ninth hour -- was seemingly unfair. However, if we substitute God's grace and mercy as the currency used in the parable -- His abundance of love which led Him to take our place on the cross -- we begin to understand the real value of the crown (heaven's glories) that surpasses all human understanding. In other words, the penny used to represent wages signified the glorious reward that has been set before us, when we choose to work the works of Him that sent us into the world. 

Thus, part of the message in the parable is for all of us to understand that salvation is not of works but by grace -- the gift of God. 

The other point worth noting is this: in the Old Testament we were wholly under the law which placed men and women in a position of debt (as debtors to do the whole law). But in the ushering in of the New Testament, the Lord has distributed His gift of grace to one and all equally - wherein everyone can be filled to completeness, the debt having been paid by His precious, holy blood on a cross. (Hebrews 9:14-18) 

Yes, the same "good man" of the house - He paid our debt in full.

More to come. Stand in the offering plate. 

Understanding The Tale Of The Bricks; The Householder Appears In His Vineyard - Part 2787

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; "Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you." And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" They say unto him, "Because no man hath hired us." He saith unto them, "Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." (Matthew 20:1-7)

Herein, Jesus is portraying Himself as the householder who has come into His vineyard after an unspecified period of time, seeking hearts that will happenstance after Him. The vineyard is the earth. The harvest? The souls, while willing still unsaved. Notice the householder in the parable hires those who are standing idle. Indeed, some are notably idle all the day long. In the parable, the householder pays all of the labourers the very same wage, regardless of the number of hours each works. This leads to some of the first labourers hired grumbling within the ranks. Jesus then concludes for the second time in this scriptural passage -- "the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

Some questions emerge. Who was Jesus referring to when He said the last shall be first and the first last? Was Jesus speaking directly to the Pharisees trying to tempt Him at the beginning of Matthew 19? Could His reference to the first mean the Israelites of the Old Testament -- God's beloved -- who continually worshipped other gods rather than the Lord their God who had taken them through all of life's trials? If yes, then Jesus was referring to His beloved Israelites (who should have rightfully been first) but are now the last. 

Or maybe, Jesus -- when He beheld His own disciples later on in Matthew 19-- had compassion on how they -- at least for a moment -- seemed to be aligning with the Pharisees' repeated twisted questioning. Remember, Peter soon asks Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27)  

Does that sound like grumbling? Sure does because Peter does not appear happy concerning his own future. Nevertheless, Jesus confirms His love for them, saying, "Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:28-29)

The last shall be first? Certainly, as the householder had mentioned more than once, he/He was willing to pay "whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." (Matthew 20:4, 7) 

But let's not get too far ahead here,

Interestingly, the reference to idle is cited 11 times in the Authorized KJV Bible. For example, when Paul communicates to Timothy -- "And withal they learn to be idle ..." (I Timothy 5:13) In another place, when the believing women were trying to tell Jesus' disciples that Jesus had risen, "... their words seemed to [the disciples] as idle tales, and they believed them not." (Luke 24:11) In Ezekiel's prophecy about the end times, he writes we have "fulness of bread, and [yet] abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." (Ezekiel 16:49)

Moreover, Solomon, considered the wisest of all kings writes, "slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger." (Proverbs 19:15) In contrast, "she looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27) We also know from Jesus' instruction -- "That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.| (Matthew 12:36)

Yet another perspective written in Ecclesiastes 10:18 offers much insight  -- "By much slothfulness the building decays; and through idleness of the hands the house drops through."

Although all these scriptures are insightful and offer a more in-depth understanding of idleness, the latter verse from Ecclesiastes helps us to more fully understand Jesus' parable in Matthew 20. That is, by much slothfulness -- idleness -- the building decays. In new testament terms, it is the body of Christ church which becomes scattered -- because there are not enough labourers for the harvest fields that are white. By much slothfulness!

"And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up His right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by Him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.| (Daniel 12:7)

 

In a different context, let's examine the tale of the bricks in Exodus 4-6. 

First, it should be noted that "bricks without straw" is a worldly phrase that refers to a task which must be undertaken -- yet the task must be completed without the measure of appropriate resources. We see this come to fruition when Moses asks Pharaoh to let the Lord's people go to the desert for three days to make a sacrifice unto the Lord. Pharaoh refuses, believing the Israelites were only looking for an excuse to be idle. 

"... and the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, "Let us go and sacrifice to our God." So Pharaoh orders that no more straw be given to the Israelites to make bricks. Rather, he demands them to go and gather straw for themselves just in case they be idle and cry out, "Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord." (Exodus 5:9, 17) So, the intent of Pharaoh was "to lay more work upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words." (Exodus 5:9) 

In simple terms, the Israelites still had to produce the same number of bricks as before -- for building Pharaoh's grandiose kingdom -- but now they were expected to fetch the straw also from other places. Further, Pharaoh had no compassion for the enslaved Israelites, increasingly burdening them with more and more -- again, as a rationale in his mind for preventing the Israelites from becoming idle. As we know from subsequent chapters, the people eventually blame Moses and Aaron for their plight, rather than trusting God's promise that the land would be theirs.

Nevertheless, there is another unique comparison that can easily be drawn between the old testament tale of the bricks and the new testament parable of the householder in the vineyard. That is, when we labour for earthly kings (employers), the burden we carry tends to become greater over time. Our moments of idleness are consumed, because world-focused authorities want us to give our best to the construction of their worldly kingdoms. 

However, when we look to Jesus as the householder in the vineyard, we learn that He does the heavy lifting; that His burden is light, and His rewards remarkable and beyond measure -- as Jesus reveals to His disciple Peter.

"Then answered Peter and said unto Him, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?" And Jesus said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:27-29)

The last shall be first. 

This is not to suggest that there are not multiple takeaways from this parable (because there are) but again the link between the two confirms the old testament is physical - as in physical circumcision-- and the new testament spiritual -- as in circumcision of heart.

So, when we realize how important a cog we are in the body of Christ wheel, and how necessary it is that each and every one of us put our hand to the plow, we too realize that it isn't about an earthly paycheck, but rather seeking the treasure that is the Kingdom of God -- where we will shine as bright lights in the firmament. 

Yes, the Lord levelled the playing field when He ushered in the new testament, because of His willingness to go to an old rugged cross, and shed His precious holy blood so that we who believe in Him might have abundant life. And the irony is that this same Lord Jesus -- the householder who willingly came to His vineyard -- is still calling you and I in our idleness to taste and see that He is good! 

Stand in the offering plate.