God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV

21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.

22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet

23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

24 And he went with him.

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.

41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

-Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV

DO NOT FEAR, ONLY BELIEVE

When Jairus, the synagogue ruler, approached Jesus, he showed much desperation. His daughter was dying. He implored Him to come. But, while he was still speaking, somebody from their place said, ”Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” The reporter was insinuating that it was useless to bother Jesus.

How did Jairus feel with such news? Perhaps, he felt it was devastating. It seems Jesus was a little too late. The amber of hope was beginning to fade. Then, Jesus overhearing their conversation assured him, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Jairus’ house. There was a commotion, as people were weeping and wailing loudly. But, they laughed at Jesus, who asked, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” Apparently, they were cynical.

Jesus has to put everyone out of the house, including the parents. Taking the 12-year old girl’s hand, He said, ““Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking and they were immediately overcome with amazement. Everyone went from weeping to laughing[scorning] and now amazement. He charged them to give her something to eat and not tell anyone of what happened.

We should recognize our fears and worries. But, let’s also believe that Jesus is in control. There is no such thing as late in Christ. There is always hope in him when our circumstances seem hopeless. Let’s be transformed from fear, hopelessness, and sadness into wonder of God and gladness.

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Text: Mark 4:30-34 (ESV)

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

LARGER THAN ALL

Jesus in this parable is highlighting the spread of God’s kingdom through the gospel. It’s like the growth of a mustard tree through planting its seed. Although the mustard seed is not the smallest in the world, it is the "smallest" in the Jewish proverb. These seeds are about one to two millimeters in diameter or about 1/16 inches.

However small it is, it will grow to become the largest of all the trees. God wants us to realize the power of His gospel message of grace. In contrast to Pharaism with all its legalism, the gospel of grace in Christ will grow and spread to the uttermost part of the world.

But, we should take note that Jesus promises that nothing could prevail the advancement of His kingdom through the church.[Matt 16:18] His kingdom is irresistible but the process of growth needs time.

What does it mean for us today?

We’ll just need to prod on sowing seeds faithfully and patiently. [1 Cor 15:58, Gal 6:7-8, Psa 126:4-5] As Jesus has outlined the scope of His authority, we should believe that the preaching of His gospel would reach unto the end of the world before the end comes at His second coming.[Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8]. Think of the glory in heaven when people from all walks of life – from every tribe, tongue, and ethnicity who are singing in an endless exaltation of the Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world.[Rev 5:12]

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Text: Mark 4:26-29 (ESV)

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

HE KNOWS NOT HOW

This parable gives us an idea as to how God operates in His kingdom. Firstly, His subjects, represented by the sower, have a responsibility. God expects him to scatter the seed on the field during the day. And God expects him to rest during the night. There is a rhythm of work and rest. This is part of the reality of humanity. For a man to work without rest is an abuse. Rest without work is pampering. God knows our limits. Rest isn’t unspiritual as most think. God modeled for us the rest by requiring the Sabbath. Christ is our rest. But, the principle of establishing a rhythm of work-rest is still beneficial.

The farmer labors hard until he needs to sleep. And, while he’s in deep slumber, the seeds he had sown will germinate, grow, and bear fruit. And, he doesn’t need to know how. This is beyond the farmer’s control, is it not?

This is true in our spiritual walk and service, is it not? We should faithfully grab an opportunity, even create one, to proclaim the gospel. But, the fruit of our labor belongs to God. Did not Paul say, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6,7]

The gospel, as a seed, is the powerful message of life.[Rom 1:16] Should we were able to proclaim it to the least and lost, let us believe that it would give life to those who heard by the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing the word[gospel].[Rom 1:16] This truth should give us relief to note that God is in control. And, there is no need to know how God works.

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Text: Mark 4:21-25 ESV

21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?

22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.

23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

-Mark 4:21-25 ESV

MORE WILL BE GIVEN

The word "light" represents different things. Here it is the word of truth about the kingdom of God as taught through parables. For example, in the parable of the sower (v.1–9), the "seed" is Jesus' words. His parables contain truths that until this time have been concealed. These truths include who the Messiah is, what the Messiah has come to do, and how God plans to save His people. As Jesus began His ministry, it is time to uncover these secrets.

The apostles have been specially chosen and trained to proclaim these truths(Mark 3:13–19). But, they will not be able to reveal too much until Jesus has been resurrected (Mark 9:9). The salvation for the Gentiles will stay hidden until after Jesus' ascension (Eph 3:6).

In short, Jesus' mysteries are available for anyone who wants them, in any degree they wish to understand (see v.24–25, 33). He invited tem, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” The disciples who ask Jesus for clarification of His parables are the "good soil." They choose to stay close to Jesus and ask Him the deeper truths of the parables He teaches.

Is having the "ears to hear" restricted to people who are well-educated, smart, or even wise? The Pharisees were well aware of God's work in Israel better than anyone else. Yet, they still don't take the time to contemplate and consider the implications of Jesus' teaching.

Moreover, there is a need to pay more attention. That is, to crave for more ‘measure’ of understanding.[Jas 1:5] The "measure" consists of our time, attention, and submission to Jesus' words." Today, our personal devotions, regular church attendance, and intentional application of Scripture in our lives are parts of a large measure. Thus, the “more that will be added” isn't power, influence, or material possessions. It's spiritual wisdom. Jesus is saying that if we approach His teaching as if we were carrying a big basket, our basket will be filled with understanding and enlightenment.

And amazingly, when we continually fill up our hearts with as much of God's wisdom, it grows and multiplies. Conversely, if we only accept a little truth about Jesus, it will not stay in our hearts. Learning the truth doesn't stay if it's not reinforced.

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Text: Mark 4:1-20 ESV

1 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.

2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:

3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.

4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.

5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.

6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.

7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.

8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,

12 so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word.

15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.

16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.

17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word,

19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

-Mark 4:1-20 ESV

WHAT KIND OF HEART DO YOU HAVE?

This parable as a story is easy to understand. The sower with seeds sowing to different kinds of soil are so familiar to the audience. But, what are the implications in this story are hard to comprehend. No wonder, the disciples asked Jesus what does this mean when they were alone with Him.

Jesus assured them by saying, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” The quote Jesus gives is a paraphrase of Isaiah 6:9–10. Jesus is willing to give the twelve and the other disciples a special understanding of how God is working at that moment while it is a secret[mystery] to others.

There are four kinds of soils [referring to hearts] that respond to the seed[word or gospel], namely the hard path, rocky, thorny, and good soil. There are four different reactions to the Word of God: the hard heart, the shallow heart, the crowded heart, and the fruitful heart, respectively. What kind of heart do you have?

May God break our hearts of stone and transform us to have a humble and meek heart. Let us seek God for He is the only one who can do so. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”[Ezek 36:26,27]

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Text: Mark 3:22-27 (ESV)

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

A RIDICULOUS ACCUSATION

Jesus had cast out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. [Mat 12:22-23]. When the scribes saw it, they commented, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” Beelzebul is Aramaic and means "lord of the house." The similar "Beelzebub" is a parody which means "lord of the flies." Beelzebul is a variation of Baal, the primary God of the Canaanites and Phoenicians. Were they right? These scribes have a high degree of education and expertise in the Torah. Thus, they feel they have the qualifications to judge Jesus. According to their line of thinking since Jesus doesn't follow the same rules as they do, His supernatural power must come from a different spiritual force other than God.

In His perfect wisdom, Jesus answered by asking a question. “How can Satan cast out Satan? He then explained, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.”[v.24-26]

Apparently, the accusation of the scribes is out of plain logic. It’s ridiculous. For Jesus has concluded, “But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.” Jesus cannot use Satan's power to cast out the demon. He needs to bind Satan first in order to free the man. He does this through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Text: Mark 3:13-21 (ESV)

13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

CHOSEN TO BE WITH HIM

The night before, He had spent alone praying to God (Luke 6:12). It is only after conferring with His Father that He chooses who will be His closest followers. Let us take note that He has already chosen Simon, Andrew, James and John (Mark 1:16–20), and Levi[Matthew] (Mark 2:13–14). Here, He completes the number of His disciples, who Mark calls, "the twelve."

Jesus "appointed" these men, from the Greek root word ‘proskaleomai.’ This appointment was not just for them to leave their jobs or their homes, which is a significant sacrifice. Jesus commissions them to follow Him, mind and spirit. These men are to show interest in His ministry beyond the healings. That, their hearts should be open to His teaching.

And their learning should happen when they are ‘with Him.” Resultingly, they would become proclaimers, authenticating their message by doing supernatural acts, such as casting out demons. After three years, hostile religious leaders confirmed this. Luke said,” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” [Acts 4:13]

As they went back home, the crowd gathered around Him, calling Him,” “He is out of his mind.” His family came to seize and rescue Him. This could be enough reason to discourage the disciples to not follow Him, but they did not. Jesus was unpopular, yet they were committed to follow Him.

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Text: Mark 3:7-12 ESV

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea

8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.

9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,

10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.

11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”

12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

-Mark 3:7-12 ESV

THE TRAP OF POPULARITY

Jesus was both powerful and wise through His teachings and miracles. He is becoming popular and His enemies were plotting to destroy Him. He could easily overpower them but He is also wise. His mission is to go to the cross.

As He withdrew to the seaside, a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. These people were attracted to the fame of Jesus – He healed the sick and performed miracles. This mob pressed around to touch Him. Those with unclean spirits saw him, fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”

His popularity is beyond question among the people. But, Jesus warned them strictly not to make Him known. Why? The demon's apparent compulsion to declare Jesus as the Son of God works against God's plans. Satan is the father of lies[John 8:44] Jesus has His eyes fixated to the cross. Let’s learn the lesson that could side-track us from doing His will. Popularity isn’t necessarily the measure of success. Doing His will is the only thing that matters.

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Text: Mark 3:1-6 ESV

1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand.

2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.

3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.”

4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.

5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

6 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

-Mark 3:1-6 ESV

JESUS IS ANGRY AND GRIEVED

Once again, we see Jesus inside the synagogue. This shows that Jesus is still a practicing Jew. A "synagogue" is from the Greek root word ‘sunagoge’ which means "a gathering or assembly." With reference to a religious center, this is a place where Jews gather to read Scripture and discuss what the passages mean.

There was a man with a withered hand. Apparently, he was there wanting to be healed. This is the third instance He would do a controversial healing during the Sabbath. However, they took this as an opportunity to accuse Jesus and weaponize this sick man. They were watching whether Jesus would heal him during the Sabbath and to accuse Him, should He would do it. But, this time, Jesus heals for the express purpose of confronting the Pharisees' hard hearts.

There is a great display of emotions of Jesus. No doubt, Jesus with great compassion, inviting the sick man, “Come here.” He has been inviting all the needy, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Mat 11:28-30]

And in a twist, Jesus turns to the religious leaders, asking, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” Their legalistic attitude had angered and grieved His heart. They have a stony heart unable to show compassion to the sick man. In fact, after the healing, they went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

Jesus is the perfect demonstration of love and truth. He can’t just be emotional to do nothing for the sick man. He loved him in the truth. On the other hand, He couldn’t just let the religious leader get off the hook without rebuking the hardness of their hearts. Love rejoices in the truth.[1 Cor 13:6]

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Text: Mark 2:13-17 (ESV)

13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

JESUS CAME FOR SINNERS

Jesus called Levi[Matthew], son of Alphaeus, to follow Him as one of His 12 disciples. Did he know of Him prior to this moment? Perhaps, he knew Jesus like Peter and Andrew. This explains his willingness to abandon his very lucrative post as a tax collector and follow Jesus. He was collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman ruler, most likely Herod Antipas.

Immediately, Levi invited Jesus and others for a great feast at his home. They reclined at the table, laying on their sides or bellies with their legs behind them, leaning on their left arms and eating with their right hand. He also invites "sinners." This is a technical term given by the Pharisees to Jews who do not have no interest or inclination to follow their rigid religion.

This gathering for dinner in the house of ungodly Levi and his friends with Jesus and His followers has angered the devout Jewish religious leaders. But, many ‘sinners’ followed Him. On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'

His words offer a double implication in a sense. Firstly, He explains His mission as a friend of sinners who comes to save lost people. Secondly, Jesus also subtly rebukes the religious leaders who see themselves as righteous and without need of Jesus and the salvation He provides.

Like Jesus, we must have a heartbeat for the least and lost, the sin-sick people in this world. And, unlike the religious leaders, we must not be proud to think we’re better than others - branding others as less spiritual than ourselves.

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Text: Mark 2:6-12 (ESV)

6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

THE QUESTIONING IN THE HEARTS

The healing of the leper in the synagogue has marvelled everyone except the scribes. They were sitting and watching, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Unlike the four friends with strong faith, they were adamant in unbelief. Their hardened hearts led them to discredit Jesus as a liar and blasphemer. The real problem is their hearts are "evil."[Mat 9:4]

Jesus saw their questioning hearts. Jesus addressed their problems by asking questions. “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?” If Jesus can command the obvious miracle of healing a paralytic so that he can walk, before their eyes, what right have the scribes to discredit His authority to declare that the man's sins are forgiven, a situation which only God can see?

Thus, Jesus had asserted by saying, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Later, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”[Mat 28:18]

Jesus' words are authoritative. In front of their eyes, He said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” He rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all. Hence, they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” May we will continue to be amazed by the words and works of Jesus, not to question in our hearts.

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Text: Mark 2:1-5 ESV

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.

2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.

3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.

4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

-Mark 2:1-5 ESV

THE FOUR FAITHFUL FRIENDS

Jesus’ popularity had increased in Galilee. At the village in Capernaum, the crowd was flocking inside a house. Jesus was inside. Jesus was welcomed in this hospitable home. The idea of hospitality is important in the culture and in the Bible. The apostle John in his epistle of 3 John is devoted to the idea. In Hebrews 13:2, it says that we must be hospitable for we may entertain angels without knowing it. In the Old Testament, Abraham received guests which included not only angels but the LORD Himself (Gen 18:1–8).

Jesus was preaching. And, many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. The news reached to these four men. They have to bring their paralytic friend to Jesus for healing. But, they couldn’t get in even near at the door.

It seems there was no way to enter in. However, an old adage says, “Necessity is the mother of creativity and invention.” They refused to surrender and created way. They removed the roof above him to make an opening. Then, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay in front of Jesus. For them, there was no close door but a new strategy. May we emulate their tenacity, relentlessness and creativity in advancing the gospel.

Jesus saw their ‘faith’. It’s not the faith of their paralytic friend that Jesus saw. Immediately, Jesus healed the sick man. Their faith made a big difference, in fact, paved a miracle to happen. Like them we must bring the least and the lost to Jesus by creating opportunities.

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Text: Mark 1:40-45 ESV

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”

42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once,

44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

-Mark 1:40-45 ESV

A CERTAIN KIND OF DISOBEDIENCE

A leper came near to Jesus. As an outcast, he was imploring and kneeling in desperate need for healing. Moved with much compassion, he touched and healed him instantly. There was no fanfare. His leprosy was gone immediately. Jesus' healing is marked with supernaturality.

Jesus charged him, saying, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Jesus was asking the priests to validate His work. His intent was to reach out to the religious leaders not to undermine them.

But the man went away telling everyone else about His healing. Who won’t be excited? What was wrong? He disobeyed Jesus. He did not seek popularity. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Sadly, this man has valued the physical and social blessings more than the spiritual cleansing. Consequently, he drew the attention away from Jesus' teaching and onto His miracles. Remember, this was the first temptation that Jesus triumphed over in the wilderness (see Mat 4:1–4).

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Text: Mark 1:16-20 (ESV)

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

FOLLOW ME

Jesus started His ministry by chosing His followers or disciples. He called the fishermen brothers Simon [Peter] and Andrew, while casting their nets into the sea. A little while, Jesus also invited Zebedee’s sons James and John, while mending their nets. No one was thinking and expecting that Jesus will invite them to follow Him that day. Life’s opportunities come at an unexpected moment. They were busy in their daily routines when the invitation came.

The choice is either to remain a fisherman or be a follower of Jesus. Opportunity is a blessing disguised as difficulty. Should they follow Jesus, they have to drop everything – nets, boats and even parents. And they did it immediately and unequivocably. To be a disciple of Jesus is a tall order as a call of a lifetime commitment, is it not?

Jesus promised them a more meaningful life of catching men.Jesus is inviting them how to live not how to earn a living. To be men catchers, they should be first faithful Jesus’ followers. The cart could not be before the horse, could it be?

The disciples have been with Jesus for three years, wherever He goes. Hence, our primary concern everyday is how to be a faithful follower of Jesus like them. And He would transform us to become effective fishers of men.

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Text: Mark 1:9-15 (ESV)

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON I AM WELL PLEASED

Jesus grew up as a Galilean, from Nazareth. Before He started His public ministry, He was baptized by John the baptizer. John’s baptism was for repentance but Jesus needed no repentance. Jesus argued that it should be done because “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Mat 3:15). His baptism confirmed Himself as the Messiah. Secondly, it confirmed John as the forerunner to the Messiah. Both Jesus and John were acting in fulfillment of prophecy. Interestingly, God the Father was pleased.

Immediately, the Spirit led Him to the wilderness to be tempted. It should be noted that His obedience led Him to trials and in danger with wild animals. The devil was allowed to tempt Him but the angels were ministering to Him. God won’t lead us to where He isn’t able to protect us.[1 Cor 10:13]

Afterwhich, He began preaching in Galilee, for the people to repent and believe the good news. His message is backed up by His impeccable character. His courage was notable that though John was arrested, it did not deter Him to preach the truth. What prompts us to proclaim the good news to others?

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Text: Mark 1:4-8 ESV

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

-Mark 1:4-8 ESV

REPENTANCE

John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.

John did appear much different than others. He was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He himself has recognized that he was the ‘voice from the wilderness.’ And as such, he and his message of repentance was counter-culture and unpopular.

He was a simple prophet with a straight forward prophetic message. The Messiah would soon appear. He exalted Him so much, expressing that the Messiah is so great that a menial job of untying the sandal he felt so unworthy to do. In other words, serving Him is the greatest privilege for John. Do you feel the same?

Why?

He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He grants forgiveness and baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. His giving us the Spirit is the best expression of God’s goodness. As Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” [Luke 11:13]

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Text: Mark 1:1-3 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

-Mark 1:1-3 ESV

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

Mark begins by quoting Isaiah’s prophecy [Isa 40:3] which anticipated John's ministry. The phrase "before your face," in the ESV, simply means John preceded Jesus. In the the NASB this is stated as "I send my messenger ahead of you." The first 13 verses [Mark 1:1–13] is the first section of this book describing how God used John the Baptist, Israel’s last prophet, to prepare His people.

In this section, John "prepares the way" for Jesus and the message of salvation, and shows how John prepared for His ministry. The Messiah's arrival had happened finally as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.

He introduced Jesus as both the Christ[Messiah] and the Son of God. The term "Messiah," means the "anointed one." By His anointing, God has chosen or commissioned Him to save us from our sins and restore our relationship with God. And, as the "Son of God," Jesus is both Messiah and divine. Jesus is the one who has come from the Father and is equal with the Father. He is God and man in one person, fully God and fully human.

God has been warning His people not to sin. A number of prophecies exhorting the Israelites to look for the Messiah's coming. Similarly today, He will often send messengers to us, preparing our hearts for His truth. Our responsibility is to listen and take God's warning.

John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.

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Text: Psalm 148:1-14 (ESV)

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

praise him in the heights!

2 Praise him, all his angels;

praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars!

4 Praise him, you highest heavens,

and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!

For he commanded and they were created.

6 And he established them forever and ever;

he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all deeps,

8 fire and hail, snow and mist,

stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all livestock,

creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,

princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together,

old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his majesty is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people,

praise for all his saints,

for the people of Israel who are near to him.

Praise the LORD!

LET ALL PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD

All creation displays the wonders of God. Thereby, every created thing should praise him.

Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

praise him in the heights!

2 Praise him, all his angels;

praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars!

4 Praise him, you highest heavens,

and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!

What is the reason behind?[v.5a-6]

For he commanded and they were created.

6 And he established them forever and ever;

he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Creatures including the angelic beings and all the beasts of the earth should praise him. From the farthest regions of outer space to the depths of the sea, his name should be praised (v.7-10).

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all deeps,

8 fire and hail, snow and mist,

stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all livestock,

creeping things and flying birds!

Above all, human beings in particular should praise him. Without distinction of age or rank, the people of the world should exalt God. They should praise him not only because he is the sovereign Lord of the universe, but also because through Israel he has made himself known to them (11-14).

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,

princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together,

old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his majesty is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people,

praise for all his saints,

for the people of Israel who are near to him.

Praise the LORD!

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Please read the text: Psalm 147:1-20 (ESV)

IT IS GOOD TO SING PRAISES TO OUR GOD

God’s people should praise him constantly. It’s pleasant and befitting. (v.1-2),

Praise the LORD!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;

he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

God’s care extends over to those who are sorrowing and humble as He takes care His creation intimatetly through His power (v.3-6).

3 He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars;

he gives to all of them their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

his understanding is beyond measure.

6 The LORD lifts up the humble;

he casts the wicked to the ground.

God delights to sustain creation and provide for the physical needs of his creatures (v.7-9).

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;

make melody to our God on the lyre!

8 He covers the heavens with clouds;

he prepares rain for the earth;

he makes grass grow on the hills.

9 He gives to the beasts their food,

and to the young ravens that cry.

But of all his creatures, He does not delight in those who are proud but toward those who humbly trust in his steadfast love (v.10-11).

10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,

in those who hope in his steadfast love.

That is why he delights in Israel above other nations. He protects his people and gives them food to enjoy (v.12-14).

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;

he blesses your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders;

he fills you with the finest of the wheat.

He sends them a tough winter weather to make them tough in order to endure hardship. After the winter, He sends them pleasant weather to remind them of His continual care(v.15-18).

15 He sends out his command to the earth;

his word runs swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;

he scatters frost like ashes.

17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;

who can stand before his cold?

18 He sends out his word, and melts them;

he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.

Most importantly, He has given them his word. Through His word, they can know him better and as a result bring him further joy. (v.19-20).

19 He declares his word to Jacob,

his statutes and rules to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;

they do not know his rules.

Praise the LORD!

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Text: Psa 146:1-10 ESV

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;

7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;

8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

-Psa 146:1-10 ESV

THE LORD WILL REIGN FOREVER

No matter how stable people may appear to be, they can never be fully relied upon. They do not have unlimited power and their lives may be cut short at any time (v.1-4).

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

God, on the other hand, can be relied upon, for he is the all-powerful Creator and his life never ends (v.5-6).

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;

Also, he has special care for those suffering from poverty, injustice, physical handicaps and social insecurity (v.7-10).

7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;

8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

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Text: Psa 145:1-21 ESV

1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!

11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,

12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

-Psa 145:1-21 ESV

GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!

The last 6 chapters of the book of Psalms are six hymns of general praise.

This psalm [chap 145] is David’s ‘Song of Praise’ and is an acrostic. Whereas, he other five have no titles. Notedly, each begins and ends with the words ‘Praise the Lord’.

God’s greatness is unsearchable. Thus, He is worthy to be the object of people’s praise, day and night, for ever and ever (v.1-3).

Those who know God’s greatness should meditate upon it and proclaim it to the next generations.(v.4-7).

He is full of goodness too, showing His covenant faithfulness to his people and gracious love to all people (v.8-9).

Those who have experienced his love should show their gratitude by praising him and telling others of his mighty works. In this way they will help spread his rule to the lives of others (10-13a).

His generosity and graciousness are always available to all his creatures (13b-16).

[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

He is always on the side of those who call upon him, honour him and love him. But he is against those who in their sin reject the offer of his mercy (17-20).

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

All creation, and most specially His people, should bring him continual praise (v.21).

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

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Text: Psalm 142:1-7 (ESV)

1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD;

with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.

2 I pour out my complaint before him;

I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me,

you know my way!

In the path where I walk

they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see:

there is none who takes notice of me;

no refuge remains to me;

no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O LORD;

I say, “You are my refuge,

my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Attend to my cry,

for I am brought very low!

Deliver me from my persecutors,

for they are too strong for me!

7 Bring me out of prison,

that I may give thanks to your name!

The righteous will surround me,

for you will deal bountifully with me.

I CRY TO YOU, O LORD

Having been pursued by his enemies relentlessly, David has escaped from Gath and fled to the cave of Adullam.[1 Sam 22:1). He was a fugitive and alone.

He is overwhelmed with a terrible feeling of loneliness. He feels that no one cares for him. Thus, he cries out to God (v.1-4).

With my voice I cry out to the LORD;

with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.

2 I pour out my complaint before him;

I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me,

you know my way!

In the path where I walk

they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see:

there is none who takes notice of me;

no refuge remains to me;

no one cares for my soul.

God does know all about David’s problems beforehand, does He not? But, David did not eliminate the necessity of his calling upon God for help. Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Mat 6:32).

He prayed that God will deal with his enemies. That God will bring him out of prison. And for him to live a normal life in freedom and security again (v.5-7).

5 I cry to you, O LORD;

I say, “You are my refuge,

my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Attend to my cry,

for I am brought very low!

Deliver me from my persecutors,

for they are too strong for me!

7 Bring me out of prison,

that I may give thanks to your name!

The righteous will surround me,

for you will deal bountifully with me.

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Text: Psalm 141:1-10 (ESV)

1 O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!

Give ear to my voice when I call to you!

2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,

and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;

keep watch over the door of my lips!

4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,

to busy myself with wicked deeds

in company with men who work iniquity,

and let me not eat of their delicacies!

5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;

let my head not refuse it.

Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,

then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.

7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,

so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;

in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me

and from the snares of evildoers!

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

while I pass by safely

MY EYES ARE TOWARD YOU, O GOD, MY LORD

David has been maligned and slandered. How should he respond? He was tempted to use strong words and vile speech in return but he did not. David prays that he may be kept from such sins. That he won’t follow the evil ways of the wicked (v.1-4).

O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!

Give ear to my voice when I call to you!

2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,

and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;

keep watch over the door of my lips!

4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,

to busy myself with wicked deeds

in company with men who work iniquity,

and let me not eat of their delicacies!

If ever a godly person has a cause to rebuke him, David prays that he may receive it as a blessing. I is as if he has been anointed with oil. But, he will always remain opposed to evil (v.5).

5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;

let my head not refuse it.

Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

People will be forced to take notice when God acts, for his punishments will leave the wicked completely shattered (v.6-7).

6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,

then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.

7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,

so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

Even when the wicked is still actively on attack mode, David prays that he will be saved from the traps and deception they have set for him (v.8-10).

8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;

in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me

and from the snares of evildoers!

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

while I pass by safely.

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Text: Psa 140:1-13 ESV

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,

2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.

3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.

5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!

7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!

11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.

-Psa 140:1-13 ESV

I SAY TO THE LORD, YOU ARE MY GOD

The next four chapters belong to the time when David was fleeing from Saul. David was a fugitive who went to the Philistine city of Gath. But, he found no refuge there and narrowly escaped. Those events are recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10 - 22:1. Subsequently, David went to the cave at Adullam where many desperate men joined him later.

David’s enemies used treacheries and slanders to attack him. These wicked men are like venomous snakes, asps and cunning hunters (v.1-5).

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,

2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.

3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.

5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

But, David’s confidence is in Yahweh, His God, God is his defender in whom he trusts for deliverance and salvation (v.6-8).

6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!

7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

David’s enemies will receive a fitting retribution. They would suffer the torments that they intended to inflict upon David (v.9-11).

9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!

11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

David praises God confidently to see his justice in punishing the wicked and delivering the innocent to the afflicted and needy like himself. (v.12-13).

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.

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Text: Psa 139:1-24 ESV

1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!

20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

-Psa 139:1-24 ESV

SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART!

God is all knowing. He knows all about the psalmist’s life - what he does, what he thinks, where he goes and what he says (v.1-4).

Because of the realization that God is all around him, the psalmist sometimes feels helpless (v.5-6).

A person may be tempted to run away from such an overpowering presence, but no escape is possible. Surely, this may bring fear to rebels. But, it brings comfort to believers (v.7-8).

Wherever he goes, God is present with him (v.9-10).

Whether in darkness or in light, God sees him constantly (v.11-12).

Being the Creator, God has perfect knowledge of those he created. He knows their innermost thoughts as well as their physical characteristics, and has a detailed knowledge of their lives that are yet to be (v.13-16).

As the psalmist contemplates about the wonderful works of God, he finds they are too vast to understand and too numerous to count. When he awakes after his meditation he knows that God is still with him (v.17-18).

Through his meditation, the psalmist has grown so close to God. As a result, he sees the wicked as God sees them and hates evil as God hates it. His heartbeat is as God’s heartbeat. He therefore prays that God will act in righteous judgment (v.19-22).

Nevertheless, he also looks at her heart. He is also aware that he himself is not perfect. He honestly prays that God will show him his sin, cleanse him, and lead him into a life of holiness (v. 23-24).

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Please read the text: Psalm 136:1-26 (ESV)

FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER

In the Jewish tradition, Psalms 136 was sung after the Hallel at the Passover Feast. As a reminder, Psalms 113 to 118 form a collection called the Hallel or Praise songs. Israelites sang the Hallel at various annual festivals, the most important of which was the Passover.

In each verse from verse 1 to 26, the leader sings of the greatness of God, and the congregation replies that this is seen in his loyal love to his people, a love that will never end.

Israel’s God is good, and He is the only true God (v.1-3).

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

He has perfect wisdom and he created all things (V.4-9).

4 to him who alone does great wonders,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 to him who made the great lights,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

He saved his people from bondage in Egypt (V.10-15)

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

He gave them victory over their enemies (V.16-20)

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 to him who struck down great kings,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed mighty kings,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

And, He guided them into Canaan (v.21-22).

21 and gave their land as a heritage,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to Israel his servant,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

All this was not because his people deserved his blessings, was it? No, but because he exercised his steadfast love towards them (v.23-26).

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

24 and rescued us from our foes,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 he who gives food to all flesh,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

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Please read the text: Psalm 135:1-21 (ESV)

PRAISE THE LORD!

This psalm of descriptive praise extols God for His greatness and for blessing His people. Like Psalms 134, it calls on the priests to praise the Lord. There is a call to the worshippers to gather in the temple to praise God because he has chosen the nation Israel to be his people (v.1-4).

Praise the LORD!

Praise the name of the LORD,

give praise, O servants of the LORD,

2 who stand in the house of the LORD,

in the courts of the house of our God!

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;

sing to his name, for it is pleasant!

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,

Israel as his own possession.

God’s choice of Israel is particularly significant, because anything God does is deliberate. It is as sure and certain as his acts in the creation and control of nature (v.5-7).

5 For I know that the LORD is great,

and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,

in heaven and on earth,

in the seas and all deeps.

7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,

who makes lightnings for the rain

He demonstrated his special care for the people of Israel by rescuing them from Egypt, conquering their foes and giving them Canaan for their homeland (v.8-14).

8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,

both of man and of beast;

9 who in your midst, O Egypt,

sent signs and wonders

against Pharaoh and all his servants;

10 who struck down many nations

and killed mighty kings,

11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,

and Og, king of Bashan,

and all the kingdoms of Canaan,

12 and gave their land as a heritage,

a heritage to his people Israel.

13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,

your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people

and have compassion on his servants.

By contrast the so-called gods of other nations are merely useless and lifeless pieces of stone or metal (v.15-18).

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

16 They have mouths, but do not speak;

they have eyes, but do not see;

17 they have ears, but do not hear,

nor is there any breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them become like them,

so do all who trust in them.

All Israelites should therefore offer thankful worship to their covenant God (v.19-21).

19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!

O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!

20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!

You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!

21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,

he who dwells in Jerusalem!

Praise the LORD!

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Text: Psa 134:1-3 ESV

1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!

2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!

3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

-Psa 134:1-3 ESV

COME, BLESS THE LORD, ALL YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD

This is the last of the fifteen Psalms called Songs of Ascents. And, it is closely connected with the two preceding Psalms [132 & 133]. It is an exhortation to the priests and Levites who kept nightly watch in the temple, to serve zealously in praising the Lord.

It seems to consist of two parts: 1. An exhortation, probably from the high priest, to those priests and Levites who kept watch in the temple by night, to spend their time profitably, and duly celebrate the praises of God.[v.1-2]

Priests were on duty round the clock at the temple. They served as guards, offered sacrifices and carried out other priestly functions during the daylight hours. The psalmist exhorted them to praise God even during the night.

They are to lift their hands unto the Lord. Lifting up the hands in prayer was a common posture that symbolized the petitioners offering praise up to God and receiving

blessings from Him.

The second part is the prayer of the priests and Levites for the high priest, who seems now to be going to his rest.[v.3]

The pilgrim then asked God to bless these special servants of His. The reference to God being the Maker of heaven and earth recalls and highlights His greatness (see Psalms 115:15). That, He alone is worthy of praise and worship. This verse is also an appropriate book end to the collection of the 15 ascent psalms, from Psalms 120 to Psa 134.

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Text: Psa 133:1-3 ESV

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

-Psa 133:1-3 ESV

WHEN BROTHERS DWELL IN UNITY

This refers to the priests and Levites having returned from captivity, and are united in the service of God in the sanctuary. They enter God's temple and pour out their benediction. And, here, the beautiful order and harmony of the temple service had been pointed out.

Unity is good and pleasant. “Unity is, according to this scripture, a good thing and a pleasant; and especially among brethren-members of the same family, of the same Christian community, and of the same nation. And why not among the great family of mankind? On the other hand, disunion is bad and hateful. The former is from heaven; the latter, from hell.”[Clarke’s Commentary]

How the pleasantness of it is illustrated?

It’s as the holy anointing oil, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its odors, to the great delight of all the bystanders, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron. This has an undeniable application as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s infilling. Brethren dwelling together in unity is possible only when such fruits of the Holy Spirit as love, joy, peace, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, etc. (Gal 5:22,23) are found among them, isn’t it? Where these are present, one finds a little breath of heaven on earth. Blessed indeed is such unity.

What’s the result?

It sets the blessing from God. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can only beg a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant forever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done. There is ‘life’ where love is.[John 13:35]

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Text: Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV)

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!

2 O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,

that you may be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!

For with the LORD there is steadfast love,

and with him is plentiful redemption.

8 And he will redeem Israel

from all his iniquities.

WITH YOU THERE IS FORGIVENESS

A great sense of their own sinfulness overwhelms the travelers as they approach the temple.[v.1] There is no deeper pit than the black hole of despair. It is when the soul has painful realization that one’s sins have separated him from God. “The beginning of true personal religion is the sense of personal sin. An insufficient realization of that is the mother of heresies in the creeds and superficial deadness in the practice of Christianity.”[Alexander Maclaren]

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!

They know that they badly need forgiveness. No person in a sinful condition can stand before the holy God in his holy presence at the temple (v.2-4). “The only hope is in God’s forgiveness, which in turn quickens the feeling of awe”[Wycliffe Bible Commentary

2 O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,

that you may be feared.

They wait for the assurance of God’s forgiveness with the same longing as watchmen on night duty waiting for the light of dawn (v.5-6). The repetition occurring in verse 5 is emphatic; implying, that he trusted in God even with the deepest affections of his soul. Verse 6 could be rendered, "My soul waiteth for the Lord from the morning watches to the morning watches." That is, "I wait both day and night."

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchmen for the morning.

And at all times, they have unwavering confidence that God, in his stedfast love, will forgive them (v.7-8).

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!

For with the LORD there is steadfast love,

and with him is plentiful redemption.

8 And he will redeem Israel

from all his iniquities.

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Text: Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)

1 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—

let Israel now say—

2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,

yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed upon my back;

they made long their furrows.”

4 The LORD is righteous;

he has cut the cords of the wicked.

5 May all who hate Zion

be put to shame and turned backward!

6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,

which withers before it grows up,

7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand

nor the binder of sheaves his arms,

8 nor do those who pass by say,

“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!

We bless you in the name of the LORD!”

THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS

Recalling their sorrows when they were in bondage, the travelers recall that the days of the nation’s ‘youth’ in Egypt where they suffered much. The backs of the people had been whipped and severely bruised as slaves. (v.1-3).

“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—

let Israel now say—

2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,

yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed upon my back;

they made long their furrows.”

But, God is righteous. He’ll save them from slavery and set them free.

4 The LORD is righteous;

he has cut the cords of the wicked.

However, the enemy hated and troubled them. The traveler prays that God will turn back their enemies. That, He will make them wither as stalks of grass and die under the sun (v.5-7).

5 May all who hate Zion

be put to shame and turned backward!

6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,

which withers before it grows up,

7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand

nor the binder of sheaves his arms,

The destruction of the enemy is overwhelming. They’re left without friends, and have no one to help them. This caused them to bless God. (v.8).

8 nor do those who pass by say,

“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!

We bless you in the name of the LORD!”

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Text: Psa 128:1-6 ESV

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.

5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!

-Psa 128:1-6 ESV

BLESSED IS EVERYONE WHO FEARS THE LORD

Blessedness is always a result of fearing God (v.1,4).

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.

Wherever God dwells, whether in the sense of dwelling in the family or in the sense of dwelling in Jerusalem, his people there will enjoy his fullest blessing. First, he would be blessed in his labor (v.2). Labor isn’t a curse but a blessing.

2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Moreover, there is a metaphor of fruitfulness as vine and olive shoots. These refer to his wife and children, respectively.[v.3]

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

The fear of the Lord is the backbone that provides stability. And ultimately, as families that fear God today are blessed, so is the next generation that follows and the city of Jerusalem.[v.5-6]

5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!

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Text: Psa 127:1-5 ESV

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

-Psa 127:1-5 ESV

THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE

The travelers have to take note that God is in-charge in building the city of Jerusalem or a family. In both cases, they must acknowledge the sovereign rule of God. Their days, maybe, are filled with worry and they have sleepless nights. And, these could affect them adversely. Thus, they have to recognize God and Him alone as the builder (v.1-2)

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Moreover, these travelers should be encouraged to trust in God by reminding themselves that their large and healthy family is a blessing from God. Their children provide stability, strength and honor in society (v.3-5)

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Today, let’s not forget that Jesus is the builder of our lives and family.[1 Cor 3:11]Apart from Him we are nothing.[John 15:5,16]. God is indespensable. Otherwise, we are building in vain.

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