Friday, June 25, 2010

Daily Word - Crown Without The Cross? - Luke 9:43-45

Scripture:
Luke 9:43-45 (English Standard Version)
43And all were astonished at(A) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(B) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(C) to his disciples, 44"Let these words sink into your ears:(D) The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men." 45(E) But they did not understand this saying, and(F) it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Luke 9:43 : Luke 9:22
Luke 9:44 : Luke 9:43
Luke 9:45 : Luke 2:50; 18:34; Mark 6:52; John 10:6; 12:16; 16:17-19; Matt 17:13; Mark 9:10
Luke 9:45 : Luke 18:34; Luke 24:16

Reflection:
Do you know the majesty of God? When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. But with the miracles Jesus also gave a prophetic warning: There can be no share in God's glory without the cross. Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion. But it did not make any sense to the disciples because it did not fit their understanding of the Messiah. And they were afraid to ask further questions. Like a person who might receive a bad verdict from the doctor and then refuse to ask further questions, they, too, didn't want to know any more. How often do we reject what we do not wish to see? We have heard God's word and we know the consequences of accepting it or rejecting it. But do we give it our full allegiance and mold our lives according to it? Ask the Lord to show you his majesty that you may grow in reverence of him and in godly fear of his word.

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Daily Word - Your Faith - Luke 9:37-43

Scripture:
Luke 9:37-43 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
37(A) On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for(B) he is my only child. 39And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but(C) they could not." 41Jesus answered, "O(D) faithless and twisted generation,(E) how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus(F) rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and(G) gave him back to his father. 43And all were astonished at(H) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(I) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(J) to his disciples,
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:37 : For Luke 9:37-42, Matt 17:14-19; Mark 9:14-28
Luke 9:38 : Luke 7:12
Luke 9:40 : Luke 9:1; Luke 10:17; Matt 10:1; Mark 6:7
Luke 9:41 : Phil 2:15; John 20:27
Luke 9:41 : John 14:9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 4:35, 39; Zech 3:2; Matt 8:26; Mark 1:25; Jude 9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 7:15
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32

Reflection:
What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set-back or failure. In this gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus' response seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once Jesus' dismay with the disciples' lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused this boy's affliction and tells the spirit to "never enter him again". God's works reveal his majesty and power. When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. When you encounter trials and disappointments do you turn to the Lord with confidence and trust in his mercy?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Daily Word - God's Glory - Luke 9:28-36

Scripture:
Luke 9:28-36 (English Standard Version)
The Transfiguration
28(A) Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him(B) Peter and John and James and(C) went up on the mountain to pray. 29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was(D) altered, and(E) his clothing became dazzling white. 30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,[a] which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and those who were with him(F) were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake(G) they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three(H) tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"—(I) not knowing what he said. 34As he was saying these things,(J) a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35And(K) a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son,(L) my Chosen One;[b](M) listen to him!" 36And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.(N) And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Footnotes:
Luke 9:31 Greek exodus
Luke 9:35 Some manuscripts my Beloved
Cross references:
Luke 9:28 : For Luke 9:28-36, Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8
Luke 9:28 : Luke 8:51; Mark 14:33
Luke 9:28 : Matt 14:23
Luke 9:29 : Mark 16:12 (Gk)
Luke 9:29 : Dan 7:9; Psalm 104:2; Matt 28:3
Luke 9:32 : Dan 8:18; Matt 26:43
Luke 9:32 : John 1:14
Luke 9:33 : Neh 8:15
Luke 9:33 : Mark 9:6; 14:40
Luke 9:34 : 2 Pet 1:17; Exodus 24:15, 16
Luke 9:35 : Luke 9:34
Luke 9:35 : Luke 23:35; Isa 42:1; Psalm 89:3; Isa 49:7
Luke 9:35 : Acts 3:22
Luke 9:36 : Matt 17:9; Mark 9:9, 10

Reflection:
God wants to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain. Luke's account tells us that Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem -- his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8). While this transpired Peter, James, and John were asleep! Upon awakening they discovered the transfiguration of Jesus along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.