"Are you burdened? Jesus says, Come!" Matthew 11:28 ESV
"Are you burdened? Jesus says, Come!" Matthew 11:28 ESV
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Preacher: Rev. Willock
Message Title: Jesus the Exorcist
Message Scripture: Mark 1:21-28
The context for today's message is set in the fishing village of Capernaum where Jesus took up residence after he was chased from his hometown of Nazareth by the townspeople who may not have liked what he said. Perhaps the reason they ran him out of town was because they were not given special privileges (Luke 4:22-30).
In today's reading from Mark 1, Jesus is in the synagogue teaching, with authority, so much so the people were amazed by his teaching, much unlike the teachers of religious law (known as scribes) (verses 21-22). "Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by a demon shouted, "Let us alone! What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God" (verses 23-24). Something quite interesting is happening here in verses 23-24 because Jesus did not yet engage with the demon, but knowing who he is, they want no part with him. Let us alone for we have nothing to do with you.
Seems to me that the demon (we can call him the devil) being aware that Jesus is the Son of God and also that he had control over them, was doing their best not to encounter Jesus, the Exorcist. Why is that? The only reason I can think of why the demon is doing all he can to avoid the powerful authority that comes when Jesus would say to the demon, "Be silent and come out of him."
What the demon inside the man did not realize is that Jesus did not need to be near him to have authority over him. That is the lesson for us too. Sometimes we think if we chase God away from our lives, his authority over us is diminished. Another lesson we should learn is that we too have the power to rebuke every unclean spirit in our lives. Why? Because Jesus left his disciples saying to them, "All authority has been given to you in heaven and on earth."
The reason the people were amazed at Jesus' teaching is that they had no authority to say or do the things they pretended they could do. On the other hand, Jesus, being one with the Father spoke by the authority given to him by the Father. "Be Silent and Come Out of Him," was the stern warning Jesus gave to the demon, who immediately left the man.
Note that Jesus took time on the day of rest to go to the synagogue (a place where he would teach and learn). He also was in the synagogue to help those there experience the power of healing that can give spiritual nourishment to those who welcome him into their life. Notice, it was the unclean spirit who recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God. Do you recognize Jesus?
Friends, Jesus waits to silence and rebuke any evil force that has come up against you. I would love to pray with and for you. Email: pastor@ccrcbklyn.org.
Lord, in the reign of God evil forces are silenced and cannot oppress your children. Lord, speak now to the heart of this dear one who reads this message and turn their heart to you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Preacher: Rev. Willock
Message Title: Trusting God - Your Help in Trouble
Message Scripture: Psalm 46
Dear Internet Reader,
Have you ever felt as though everything is against you; as though all you try to do you are faced with obstacles of every kind that will make you want to give up? Truth is, if you have lived for any considerable time in this world, you may know what I am speaking of.
You may be reading this message right now and are going through personal, physical, spiritual, financial, mental, and emotional difficulties and think that you are on your own, but I am here to encourage you with Psalm 46:1 (NLT) that says, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
Notice a key point in the passage, not only is God our refuge and strength, but God is always standing by ready to help us out of trouble. Another translation says God is our present help in times of trouble. That means that God not only helped us out yesterday but will help us tomorrow. The fact that God is our present help in trouble means he is always on the ready to deliver us from whatever situation we face.
The thing is that when God steps in to help us out of the situation, we better be willing to hand over the problem to him knowing that as Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” That means that as the God who was with the Israelites when they heard the hoofs of the chariots coming behind them as they fled Egypt, the God who parted the water, so his people walk through on dry land. he is the God who can help you walk through on, maybe not literal ground, but can help you walk out of the situation that keeps you bound up and afraid.
In Matthew 28:20, as Jesus returned to his Father, he promised the disciples he would be with them always and that promise still holds for you and me. Also in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens to come to him and let him carry those burdens for you. "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.”
Friends, don't let the weight of your burdens consume you when God, your "refuge and strength" waits to take that weight off your shoulders. God, in Psalm 46:7-8 whispers, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge; then in v.8, God whispers this invitation for us to, "Come, behold the works of the LORD Simply stated, when we allow God to be our refuge and strength when he is our present help in trouble, our hearts will not fear, no matter how everything around us falls apart. But dear reader, this is only possible when we know how to "be still, and know that God is God." (v.10).
So, how about you taking God at his Word and trusting him to be the place in which you hide; the source from which your strength comes? If your answer is yes, we would love to walk with you through this journey of trust in God as Refuge and Strength.
Let us Pray: Lord, be with your son/daughter reading this message. Stir within them a Spirit to trust your promise to be with them when the waters of their life roar and foam; and when the mountains of life shake as everything wants to topple over. Lord, help this child of yours know that they can find Christian friends who will walk with them on this journey. All they need to do is use the Contact Us page on this website to reach out. Lord, we thank you for hearing our prayer, as we remain still and see what you will do. We pray in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; John 1:43-51
Preacher: Rev. Willock
Message Title: Somebody's Calling Your Name
As this country is poised to celebrate another MLK Holiday, to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one who lived and died on a mission to hear the voice of God, calling out injustice everywhere, I am excited that the Old Testament passage from 1 Samuel 3 invites us to be attentiveness to hear and respond to God's voice when he calls.
The story in today's chapter follows on from the earlier two chapters where a desperate Hannah (mother to Samuel) prays so earnestly, that Eli (priest at the temple), thinks she is drunk. God back and read the earlier chapters of 1 Samuel for the beginning of the story.
In today's story, the boy Samuel is ministering in the temple (verse 1) and as night falls, is lying down (near the arch of God) getting some rest.
Of note is verses 1-3 where the writer makes these points: (1) the word of God was rare. in other words, God was not downloading messages to his priest Eli, nor was he showing any visions to him. (2) Verse 2 tells us Eli's eyes were growing dim and he could not see (3) Verse 3 says that the lamp of God had not yet gone out, but that Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, near the ark of God. What I gather from these verses is that being attentive, responsive, and in the right position, could make a huge difference in our outcome.
Notice what happened each time Samuel heard his name called. Even though his first response was to run to Eli, was attentive enough that he knew someone was calling out to him. In addition to being attentive, Samuel was responsive (he got up and ran to his mentor, the one who had been giving him instructions as he apprenticed in the temple learning the craft of becoming a great prophet). I imagine if that was me, I might have been tempted to ignore the third call after my mentor sent me back to lie down, saying, "I did not call you."
In verse 7 of the text, we are told that the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to Samuel, but even though he did not quite know what the call was about, he knew a little something about being available over being the one with all the knowledge. As attributed to Brother Andrew (the Dutch Evangelist to the persecuted church, "God does not choose people because of their ability, but because of their availability.
As the message title suggests, Somebody's Calling Your Name, but for you to answer, you must first be listening. Of course, I know how hard it is to listen in the meat grinder world we live in, with the overabundance of information that flows to us every day. That is why, like Samuel, we need to position ourselves ear the Lord, so the slightest whisper of our names, we will hear and respond immediately.
Like Samuel, whether the call confuses us and we run to someone and say, "Here I am, for you called me," only to hear, "I did not call you." To hear God speak to us means we might need to align ourselves with other Christian persons who can help clarify for you that the call is from God.
There is a Spiritual with the title, "Hush! Somebody's Calling Your Name." But if you are one of those who go to God with so many requests that you talk for 40 minutes and then leave 5-10 minutes for God to answer no wonder you don't hear from him.
Christian friends, God is calling our your name but if you are too business with absorbing and conforming to what the world has to offer, you will miss the call. If you are too busy, asking God to 'give me, give me, give me,' and immediately shut off communication, it will appear to you that God is not responding...but in fact, it is you and I who are not listening.
Another familiar song goes: When he calls me, I will answer! When he calls me, I will answer! When he calls me, I will answer. I'll be somewhere listening for my name. But truth be told, when you communicate with God, you cannot listen with the noisy television on even if you think it is for background ambiance, when you are trying to pray. You cannot listen as you scroll through your phone catching up on the latest news, during bible study and church.
Wherever you are, God is calling your name but unless you know what his voice sounds like, you will miss the call. How about getting to know God's voice as one of your commitments for 2024?
Lord, bless the person reading this challenge and help them, by your Spirit, and because your love is extended to all who believe and are available, may their response be, "Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening. Amen.
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Preacher: Rev. Willock
Topic: The Joys of New Beginnings
A Blessed and Happy New Year to You Dear Reader!
On this the first Sunday of the Epiphany (a time of discovery,m realization and disclosure), the message I want to share with you is a reminder that even though at this very moment you may feel as the least likely candidate for a new beginning / a fresh start for a relationship with God, the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), paints a different story.
As a tax collector, Zaccheaus was tainted because no God-fearing Jew would work with the Roman establishment to take more from a fellow Jew so they can profit.
Greed caused Zacchaeus to be on the outside looking in; except for Jesus' invitation to him, to come down from the tree where he was hiding so Jesus can go to his house and begin a relationship with him.
The name Zacchaues is to ordinary name. The name means 'pur or righteous;" however, by his exploits, the bearer of the name more than like had disgraced his name. He must have been one who none of his friends wanted to be seen with which is one of the reasons, I imagine, that he ran ahead and climbed the tree to keep out of sight.
Little did he know that Jesus would call him out. The text said, he climbed up into the tree to see Jesus but what he missed was that Jesus saw him and would call out to him, "Zacchaeus, come down because i am going to your house today.
What is good about this story is that when called, Zacchaeus responded and came down, even if he did not understand why? You see, in verse 10, Jesus gave his mission statement when he said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Zacchaeus was certainly lost, as are many of us; however, what is different between us and him is that he realized the void in his life and he sought Jesus out.
I can only imagine the war going on in his heart as he tried to turn away from the corrupting pull of cheating others for riches. Yet, even as he was doing all that is wrong, God offered him a new beginning, a fresh start if you will and arranged this encounter with Jesus. When Jesus called him by name, verse 6 says, Zacchaeus hurried down in response. He did not say, Jesus give me a few hours or days. He did not as for a rain check so he could clean things up. He immediately responded and so was given a fresh start in his relationship with God.
Friends, on this 7th day of January, 2024, God wants to give you a fresh start too. God wants you to experience the joy of a new beginning with him steering the ship of your life. Zacchaeus recognized his need for repentance and allowed the Spirit of God to move him to make restitution for the things he did.
I can only imagine the war going on in his heart f you as he tried to turn away from the corrupting pull of cheating others for riches. Yet, even as he was doing all that is wrong, God offered him a new beginning, a fresh start if you will and arranged this encounter with Jesus. When Jesus called him by name, verse 6 saiys, Zacchaeus hurried down in response. He did not say, Jesus give me a few hours or days. He did not as for a rain check so he could clean things up. He immediately responded and so was given a fresh start in his relationship with God.
Dear Reader, God stands ready to give you a fresh start too, if only you would repent of those things in your life that keeps you empty and broken, In the incarnation of Jesus, the baby in the manger, God showed his love for you and waits for you to call out to him for help.
Your fresh start and new beginning are assured in God's Word in passages from the Old and New Testament: Jeremiah 29:11 - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. In Psalm 51:10, the psalmist, realizing all he had done and how far aware from God he had strayed, cried out, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
How about you today? Will you cry out to God for a new beginning in your life? Will you turn to him in repentance and ask his forgiveness and then accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Dear Reader, 'the best time for a new beginning is now.' Don't wait. Don't hesitate! Accept Jesus today as he passes by. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Synopsis for Sunday, December 5, 2023
Message Title: While We Wait
Scripture: Mark 13:24-27 24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels and gather the elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. The Word of God for the people of God.
With today (December 3) the 1st Sunday of Advent, Christian churches around the world celebrate the first Advent of Messiah who, through God’s love and mercy came to live among sinful humanity to help us understanding that there are things to be done while we wait.
In the reading from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus emphatically reminds the disciples that while they wait, and as suffering becomes more normative; as the sun is darkened – where the deeds of people leaned to be more worldly than godly, and the moons light is hidden because of overwhelming darkness, as these things begin to happen, those who wait for the Advent of Jesus – the Second Advent – will look up and see the “Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (v.26). Not only will the Son of Man make his appearance, the angel assigned to the task of gathering in the elect from North, East, South and West, will be busy doing just that.
Advent is a season of preparation and waiting. A time when those who wait for the Second coming of Jesus are invited to live into the hope of the promise in John 14:2, when Jesus promised his disciples he will go and prepare a place for them and will come again to gather his people in.
While we wait for the Second Coming of Jesus, we are invited to let our faith propel us to forgiven,. To allow our faith to propel us to care for the oppressed and destitute. To use all God entrusted to us to be used for helping the homeless, the hungry and lonely know that the love of God extends toward them as much as toward all who may see themselves as rich in houses and lands.
Online reader, have you thought about the fact that one day the King will come and will separate the ‘sheep from the goat?” If the King comes at this moment, will he find you ready or will you be running to the rocks and mountains to hide from the presence of him who sits on the throne – (Rev 6:16?)
If you would like to follow Jesus and be ready for his Second Coming, your friends at Canarsie will be happy to walk you through the process. Feel free to email pastor@ccrcbklyn.org who will be willing to walk you through the process of confession, repentance and acceptance of Jesus. As John 3:16 reminds, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” Believing is the first step. Let us walk with you.
May God bless and keep you. May God cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you his Peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good for his steadfast endures forever!
In a climate where hate that leads to fear and violence is rampant, today’s message, It Takes Courage to Rise Above the Fray is, I dare say, quite appropriate, As chaos around the world, continues to make people anxious, God’s Word reminds us that we have a choice – which is to be “strong and courageous” – as Joshua was instructed when he took over leadership of the Israelites after Moses’ death.
God repeatedly tells Joshua, in Joshua 1:5-5-9, “Be strong and courageous (see link for scripture) - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201%3A5-9&version=NKJV).
As Joshua came to the banks of the River Jordan, the task of getting across the water must have brought back memories of their escape from Egypt when Pharaoh and his army were behind them, and in front of them was no end of water. “Be strong and courageous,” God says. Trust what I have promised and be obedient to my instructions found in the Book of the Law and it will be well with you and these people.
Reader, regardless of the chaos and hand ringing you see around you, God calls his church to be courageous. God tells his people to rise above the world’s arrogance, of self-reliance, and follow where he leads. In Joshua 3:7—17, the story of Joshua and the Israelites at the Jordan is told. As we eavesdrop on God’s conversation with Joshua, in verse 7, God says: “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses.” In other words, Joshua, people will not always agree with what you tell them, but regardless, “be strong and courageous.”
Joshua don’t be fooled when even family speaks badly about you; sometimes even questioning your actions. Get this! Some will even undermine what you want to do, all while “making nice with you.” But as my mother was fond of saying, “Trust no cloud because all cloud brings rain,” which are very wise words I have come to agree with.” In other words, don’t get swept off your feet with flattering words that are simply lip service.
Online Readers, paying attention to the unrest in the world, it is so easy to become discouraged, but I am here to tell you, with God there is another way! In the passage from Joshua 3, the discouraged people, at the banks of the Jordan River, recalling their Red Sea experience, are invited to “Draw near and hear the words of the LORD your God” and in so doing have nothing to regret (vv.9-10).
Yes, it takes courage to rise above the noise but making the choice to “draw near and listen to God,” is when you come to know, and experience, that the living God is among you, and will, without fail drive out every enemy from before you.” Contrary to what you think, God has all you need and he wants to give it to you, but until you make the choice to dig deep to find enough courage to rise above hatred, injustice, vengeance, and judgment, you will always live in the land of discouragement and chaos.
Rember this well-known Pop, Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now, I take the liberty to say it this way that when you and I choose to be on the move with God, Ain’t No Stopping the courage we will find to rise above the fray.
To be on the move for God, however, Joshua needs the right people so he tells the people, “So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe,” (v.12) and “When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the Ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the water of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” (v.13)
Friends, Joshua’s point is that we cannot let discouragement take hold of us; otherwise, we become paralyzed into inaction! The text says that when the soles of the feet of the priests touched the Jordan River the water rolled up into a heap and stood still so the people could cross over and possess the land God promised.
God still performs miracles today, but we need to get moving. We need to reject discouragement and lies. We need to speak out against injustice and fearmongering because it takes courage to rise above it all and stand with Jesus who did not take sides.
In spite of the chaos, the rhetoric, and scare tactics, with God as our mouthpiece; regardless if there is a tinge of doubt in us, regardless, if you are timid or are categorized as “the least of these,” I pray that you hear God’s voice saying to you, “be strong and courageous l for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Isaiah 40:10). Yes, fear may be a natural response from us when we are challenged with the unknown, but God says we can rest in His Joy which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Dear Online Friend, my prayer is that God may grant you the courage you need to give your life to Jesus and like Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9 declare, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
May God Bless and Keep you in His Grace. Amen
Preacher Elder Michael Schroder
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 shares the story of Moses, who was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he was disobedient to God’s command to ‘speak to the Rock’ so the children of Israel would see God’s hand at work in their life in spite of their constant complaining. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses “struck the rock,” and so was denied the opportunity to enter the Land he had spent 40 years navigating as leader of the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt.
Moses’ lack of trust led to his disobedience to God’s command which resulted in his losing his reward. In disobeying what God commanded Moses did not finish well. Elder Schroder reminds us that:To Run the Race, we need to Finish Well…and we need to Trust what God asks us to do.
As John 10:10 makes plain, the enemy’s goal is “to kill, steal, and destroy.” That is why we are encouraged to be careful not to walk as unwise people but as wise, making the most of our time because we know that the days are evil. “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” - Ephesians 4:15-17.
Elder Schroder reminds us that to ‘run the race well in this life, we must refrain from being covetous like the laborers in the vineyard who were frustrated that the vineyard owner would dare to use his own resources to pay those who work – some from early and others later in the day – the same wage (Mattew 20:1-16). To run the race will in this life, we need not be caught up in the way of the world that puts some ‘first while making others last.”
Running the race well in this life does not mean we make excuses for sin and continuing to sin because each person has a responsibility to obey God and speak to the rock instead of striking. God is the one who provides the outcome not us. Now, it is not to say that we will always do what is right but when we make the ‘inevitable mistake,’ we ‘don’t make excuses and stay where we have fallen. Elder Schroder reminds us that “it is our responsibility to obey God’ but when we disobey, we fall on our knees in repentance and beg for forgiveness.
In James 1:12-13 we are reminded that “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God promises to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.”
Friends, to run the race in this life and finish well, we must equip ourselves with the Whole Armor of God, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God.
In conclusion, if we are to Run the Race and Finish Well, we are cautioned not to neglect time for daily prayer, and study of scripture because when we do, we can be sure that God will never give up even when we fall. Remember, the mistake(s) we make is not license for us to hold off building a relationship with God. Friend, are you ready to get in the race and finish well?
Here at Canarsie Community Reformed Church (CCRC), we are ready to encourage and pray for you. Please contact us at this link https://ccrcbklyn.org/let-us-pray-for-you or you can contact pastor@ccrcbklyn.org to arrange a conversation.
Greetings Dear Visitor,
We pray you are finding the messages posted here useful for the building up of your faith as your seek to grow in the knowledge of God.
Today’s message focuses on Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees and the Herodians, two groups who despised each other but who joined forces in their attempt to trap Jesus and get him to say something disparaging about the Emperor (Caesar) or against the Jewish leaders so his status as a Teacher could be questioned. But Jesus was on to them.
Using flattery, the Pharisees and Herodians wormed their way to Jesus, as verses 15-17 reads: 15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
On the surface, their question seems quite innocent, except they had an ulterior motive. As my mother told me often, “all that glitters is not gold.” The Pharisees and Herodians came with trickery and were foolish enough to think they could get over on Jesus. Unlike us, who would quite easily be swept up in the trap, Jesus saw beyond the words spoken and as he looked deep into their hearts.
In verses 18-20, because Jesus knew the motive with which they came, Jesus turns their question back on them. 18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin,[a] 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
As you think about Jesus’ response to his detractors, let us see first what is going on in this situation. Remember, the Herodians are the elite class and descendants of Herod the Great; while the Pharisees are those who work hard to set up religious laws that keep some people out because they cannot reach the purity standards imposed.
Jesus knew that they did not believe that the poor, the lame, the leper belonged to God so he forced them to answer their own question before he used the object lesson to provide the true answer that we all cold hold to today. Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar and to God the things that are God (v.21). Jesus wanted both the Pharisees and Herodians to understand that it is appropriate to pay to Caesar the tax demanded while at the same time giving to God what God demands.
Just as Caesar demands a tax from the people, God demands from his people that we love him and our neighbor as ourselves. But the love God ask that we give to our neighbor is not ‘fake love” where we love them only when the cameras are rolling and when there is an audience. The love God asks that we show to our neighbor is the kind of love that reaches beyond our comfortable place where we are able to see every person, Christian, Muslim, Jew or other as created in the image of God and deserving of love, compassion, justice and the possibility of living in peace.
Give to God what is God’s because every human being belongs to God which means we have no right to discard anyone as yesterday’s trash. Instead, we need to ignore the rhetoric of those who spew hate and venom as they use the Word of God to defend their ungodly action.
In today’s hate-filled society, where “live and let live” are passe, Jesus calls out those who are his disciples. He says to us, that we are to love one another as Christ loves us and gave himself for us (Ephesians 5:2). Because every person is made in the image of God, we are called to walk in love not only because the law of God requires it but because we too have experienced God love and want to share what we received with others.
Friends do not let the darkness of evil drive you to hate another one of God’s children. Do not let hate-filled speech cause you to despise people you do not even know. And most of all, do not attempt to trick God into believing you are doing what is right because you say you are doing it. God sees our hearts and will judge us accordingly.
Be blessed this week and be a blessing to someone else regardless of who they are. May God Bless You Richly! Amen.
In the parable of the Great Feast, Jesus describes a wedding feast the king hosts for his son but who is met with resistance and disrespect when he sends to tell those invited to “come because all things are ready.” In addition to refusing to come to the feast, some acted violently by killing those the king sent to escort the guests.
In the parable, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a king giving a wedding feast for his son. In those days, a wedding given by a king was a major community event – a large party for the king's entire dominion, as everyone on the “Who is Who” list in the kingdom would be invited to the wedding for the son of the king.
Sadly, these friends who previously accepted the invitation, now reneged on their commitment after the king took pains to prepare, most likely sparing no expense. Jesus’s parable begins on the morning of the wedding feast. Theking sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast but when the reminder was sent, those who had been invited were now unwilling to come which was not only a weird response, it was also insulting behavior, to say the least. But the king didn’t just throw his hands in the air and forget them.
In verses 4 – 6 of Matthew 22, the king did his best to get the people to come to their senses so he sent out his messengers to gather the people. Come join the celebration of my son, the king pleaded. Don’t let the wonderful meal so lovingly prepared go to waste. But the people rejected the king’s generosity. Regardless of how much the king pleaded, the people paid no attention but simply continued about their business without noticing that something significant was taking place right under their noses.
“The wedding is ready, the king’s message read, but those who were invited disregarded the message. But the king was not going to let a bunch of disrespectful friends ruin his son’s wedding; nor was the king going to cancel the celebration. Not because the invited guest refused to attend. It is the king’s party so he can invite whoever he wants.
8 And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. 9 Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ 10 So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.
Pay attention to the fact that the messengers were ordered to go into the highways and find the misfits; those we think don’t belong, foreigners, refugees, and people not on the high social ladder and bring them in to enjoy the feast. What a lesson for us who are big on excluding those different from us but the king says, go find them and bring them in.
Now I know the text says the slaves went out and brought in all they found; however, I do not think it means that every person from the streets was brought in. Neither does it mean that the people that were found were all good people. Some people who were invited to the feast were evil, I imagine. Some of them were poor and I imagine some were rich. Some may have been foreigners or refugees. It did not matter. The king said, bring them in. Jesus’ point in the parable to us is that all sorts of guests were invited and pretty soon the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. We too are called to go out into the street and invite all we meet to come to the feast and celebrate what the king (God) has done and continues to do through the son (Jesus) for all who would accept his invitation.
The banquet hall is finally filled and it is time to celebrate so the king enters the hall, likely making the rounds as he greets each guest thanking them for accepting his invitation, albeit late, to celebrate his son. As the king is greeting his guests, from the corner of his eye he spots someone not dressed in wedding clothes. This person dared to enter the wedding feast undressed for the splendor that this event was. Weddings then as now, were special events, and attendees were expected to dress for the occasion. This was no ordinary wedding. It was a feast for the son of the king…
‘12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’’ The king’s use of the term, friend, demonstrates a relationship between the king and this person. The friend knew he should have dressed appropriately in his wedding clothes, but he had not. When the king inquired about his behavior (misbehavior perhaps), there was no reply which suggests that he was aware that he was improperly dressed. He was perhaps embarrassed for neglecting how he chose to appear.
There is much more I can say about this text, but perhaps you can wander with me if we are dressed for an appearance at the king’s banquet. Have you decided to show up wearing the appropriate garment of grace, mercy, love, peace, and compassion and so display the fruit of the Spirit or do you simply just show up dressed in raggedy clothes not representative of the celebratory nature of an opportunity to have dinner with the king and his son.
Jesus ended the parable, 14 “For many are called, but few are chosen” which for me is the main point of the parable. Jesus’s point is that everyone (you, you, you, and you) is invited to the wedding banquet, but to get inside you must be wearing wedding clothes that point to the grace, mercy, and compassion of the king who sent his son to be the bread we eat and the cup we drink in celebration of his love.
Friend, as you read this, know that you too are invited to the wedding feast, but you will be accepted inside only if you are wearing wedding clothes so you are not removed from the celebration and placed outside into the darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. The king longs to celebrate with you but you must make the next move and accept the king’s invitation.
If you are not sure that you have accepted the king’s invitation, why not close your eyes right now and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who can share the invitation with you?
At Canarsie Community Reformed Church we will be happy to walk with you through this process. If you are ready to accept the king’s gracious invitation, send an email to pastor@ccrcbklyn.org. May God bless you and keep you and cause his face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Very often in life, we face things that we think are so bad giving up seems far easier than going forward. In Philippians 3:12-15, the beloved Apostle Paul writes:
“12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”
What does Paul mean when he invites us to press forward to make Jesus our own? Paul (then Saul) was at the height of his career! As we say, Paul “had it going on!” Paul had name recognition and status among his peers but in verse 13, Paul says all that is in vain until he allowed Jesus Christ to be all he sought after.
Unlike many today, his relationship with Jesus forced him to see that his pedigree as a learned Jew, his relationship with Jesus needed tightening up.
In the movie, The Overcomer, coach Harrison had to face the future after many of his students transferred to the school they believed would secure for them a basketball championship. In the movie Coach Harrison mopes around his home, neglecting his family until he is dragged, kicking and screaming,” from the past into the future.
As people, our tendency to live in the past rather than “pressing toward the goal for the high call of God in Christ Jesus,” cripples us and we will never be who God created is to be.
Today, Paul invites us to Strain Forward. He tells us that the reward ahead of us is far greater than anything from our past. Straining (Pressing) forward to our human way of thinking will always seem counterproductive but it is the only way for us to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Whatever you may be holding on to from your past, crack that rearview mirror and keep driving forward in faith!
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Today’s message from Exodus 17:1-7 points to Amnesia of the Spiritual kind that only Doctor Jesus can diagnose and cure!
In Exodus 16 the people of Israel whom God took pains to deliver; mind you, this was after they bawled their eyes out begging God to deliver them from their oppressors in Egypt. But when God heard them and responded by sending Moses with a staff in hand to bring them through the sea - the Red Sea - so they could start living as God intended - they complained and whined.
Imagine, after their escape from flogging and torture, as their bellies began to growl, these very people who danced and praised God for delivering them by wiping out the Egyptian army chasing them, very soon Spiritual Amnesia took hold!
Take a peek at Exodus 16:3 where the people, hot off a triumph due to the mercies of God, would soon forget the dramatic rescue. They had not yet heard the words of Isaiah 43, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (vv.2-3). “Moses, where are the cucumbers and melons? Where are those leeks and potatoes? Come on Moses, where is the water for us to drink? You are the worst leader ever!
On the surface, the issue Israel faced presents as a lack of water but deep down the issue is the people’s inability to remember the faithfulness of God. You see, it was their spiritual amnesia that caused them to circle the Promised Land for years.
Friends, Spiritual Amnesia is a killer of faith! Spiritual Amnesia robs you of the ability to praise the awesomeness of God and to recognize that, in good and bad times, the joy of the Lord will always be your strength. Psalm 77:11 invites all who believe in God as Lord to declare, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord, yes, I will remember your wonders of old,” followed by Psalm 78:1, “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching, incline your ears to the words of my mouth.”
Friends, Spiritual Amnesia is bad for you and for me. Spiritual Amnesia Kills! What’s good is that Spiritual Amnesia is curable but you need to quickly stop by the doctor’s office for an MRI and X-ray and begin your treatment regimen.
John 3:16 tells us that the vaccine is readily available for all who believe. Make and keep your appointment today!! Be Blessed this week! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen.
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"The purpose of the church is to make the invisible kingdom visible through faithful Christian living and witness-bearing" ~ J.I. Packer