PENTECOST • 11

What does follow Jesus look like? What will that look like in the midst of our loved ones, in light of false prophets and injustice?

SONGS FOR PRAYER

SET PRAYER

God of all the nations,

you rescued your people out of the Red Sea

and delivered Rahab from battle;

you rescue the lowly and needy from injustice and tribulation.

Surround us with so great a cloud of witnesses

that we may have faith to live by your word in our time,

courage to persevere in the race set before us,

and endurance in the time of trial. Amen.


reading for: Tuesday Night, 9 August

Luke 12: 49-56

The Divisive Nature of Following Jesus

  • READ

    Have you found yourself in a difficult position because you follow Jesus? Have you found yourself needing to choose sides because of your faith in Jesus? Or have you found yourself needing to go against the crowd because you know it would not be Christ-honouring?

    Jesus words this week in Luke, reminds us of the divisive nature of following Him. And its undeniably clear in verse 51, “Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!”

    Where would we see this division happen? In our families, the most intimate and nuclear setting. Where even family members would be split, 3 in favour of Jesus and 2 against, or two in favour of him and 3 against. Even fathers will be divided against son, son against father. Mother against daughters and daughters against mothers. The explanation here Jesus shows us that its not a mere taking of sides in the family between genders. But that even in the most expected close relationship between a father and a son, will be divided IF one is for Jesus and the other against.

    Its important however, to remember that this happens at the second coming of Jesus. In other words, when Jesus (the Master) comes back again, we as His servants need to be prepared (verses 35-48) Similarly, we are to be watchful and attentive, just as we are with the weather, to the second coming of Jesus (v. 54-56).

    What this means that the final judgment of fire (v. 49), where this division will ultimately take place, is when Jesus comes back again (Revelations 20). But as followers of Jesus, we need to remember the constant words of reminder that has been echoing throughout this chapter. To be dressed for service and keep our lamps burning (v. 35 - Stay fit and focused), to seek the kingdom of God above all else (v. 31), to store up riches with God (v. 21) and to fear God, the one who has the power to kill and throw us into hell (v. 5).

  • REFLECT

    Earlier, at the birth of Jesus, Simeon had prophesied that Jesus “is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (Luke 2:24-25)

    He also said that,

    “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

    How have you been following Jesus lately? Have there been times when you compromised knowing in your heart that the Lord was leading you in the opposite direction? Or have you gave in to the pressure of the crowd (family, colleagues, friends) who were choosing a decision you knew was not honouring to Jesus?

    In Jesus, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus, but a choice to follow the life-giving Spirit that has freed us (Romans 8:1-2). If the word today has pierced through your soul, its God’s grace that His light has shined into your heart and life. Receive His light in love, for He disciplines those whom he loves (Hebrews 12:6). But as you confess, ask also for His strength by the Spirit to now live as a disciple of Jesus.

reading for: Wednesday Night, 10 August

Jeremiah 23:23-29

God’s Word and Prophets will Prevail

  • READ

    In our context today, there doesn’t seem to be many false prophets. Or at least, they aren’t as prevalent in our circles. But prophets of God are essentially part of the leadership of Israel - priests, kings and prophets. And many Christian leaders have been falling dramatically in recent years. Its in light of such failings of Christian leaders that we cannot help but wonder - where is God in all of this? And why would He allow His leaders to continue if they are living a life shrouded in lie?

    Its this exact question that Jeremiah 23 answers for us - God is not absent despite how it seems. He is both close and far away at the same time, he can seem hidden but is actually everywhere (v. 23-24). He hears every word that these false prophets have said (v. 25-26) but he also knows that His true messengers are present. In fact, the difference between them is like straw and grain. One feels so empty and light, while the other feels dense and substantial. And in the end the word from the true prophets of God will burn like fire, it has the power and authority like a mighty hammer that can smash rock (v. 29).

  • REFLECT

    How do we discern between a false prophet (someone who speaks falsely of God) and a true prophet (someone who speaks truly of God)? The fruit and result of false prophets will be that they lead others to forgot God and worship idols (v. 27). While true prophets of God will lead people to God and restore right worship of Him.

    With the internet and youtube today, we have an almost unlimited access to all sorts of teachings, videos and messages. But how do we discern what is true and false? We need to evaluate them by seeing where and who they are leading us to. Are they really leading us to Jesus as we see in the scriptures and that body of Christ professes in? Or are they leading us to a Jesus that seems quite different from the scriptures as understood by the body of Christ?

reading for: Thursday Night, 11 August

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

The Distinctive Life of Faith

  • READ

    Are you living by faith? Are you living in the confidence and hope in God for Him to do what He will say He will do?

    Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen (v. 3). The entire chapter 11 recounts numerous examples of biblical characters who lived by faith.

    For some, they encountered victories, receiving in their life time some of the promises of God (v. 33-35). Yet there were some who were tortured, jeered at, chained, stoned to death, sawed in half (v. 35-37). And there were those who were too good for this world and wandered in deserts and mountains in destitute, oppressed form (v. 37-38).

    We know them because of their life lived in faith that are held as example for us till today. But despite that, none of them received all that God had promised to them in their lifetime (v. 39). Except Jesus, who is our champion, initiating and perfecting our faith, He himself endured the cross and shame and is now seated at the right hand of God (12:2).

  • REFLECT

    Living in faith ultimately comes down to choices we make in our daily life. Choices that are in obedience to God’s word to us. Choices which cause us to trust Him fully.

    However, that life of faith and the result of that faith looks very differently for each person. It is after all unique to each person’s circumstance as we see in each of the person mentioned. But the common ground is their confidence and hope in God and His promises.

    In what ways are you living by faith? In what way is the Lord challenging you to live by faith this week?

    If you are struggling to choose and follow His word, look to those who have went before you. But ultimately look to Jesus, for in Him we see so clearly, that a life lived in faith will certainly result in joy with the Father. This promise is also for us, as it was for all who went before us - ask Jesus for the strength and faith to continue to endure the race that he has set before you.

reading for: Friday Night, 12 August

Psalm 82

God the Righteous Judge

  • READ

    Do you ever feel injustice in your life? Do you ever feel that the injustice in this world is so prevalent that God seems absent?

    Psalms 82 directly answers that thought - God presides in heaven, he judges over all and even in the heavenly courts. Especially those whom he has put in power, the judges and kings of the earth (who in ancient times were seen as heavenly representatives of God on earth), he is asking them to account for the injustice that they have done that favoured the wicked (v. 1-2). Even though they seem so mighty, they too will one day die and fall like every other ruler (v. 7).

    For God’s desire is that those who in power would give justice to the poor and orphans, uphold the rights of the oppressed and destitute, rescue the poor and helpless and deliver them from evil (v. 3-4)

    Therefore the Psalmist plea and prayer is that God who has promised to do this, will rise up and judge the earth, for all nations belong to Him (v. 8)

  • REFLECT

    What is our response to injustice in our life? Do we complain or do we take matters in our own hands to fight for the injustice?

    The reminder and invitation of this Psalm is that God is the ultimate judge over all things. He has the power and will ask for accountability for all the injustice in the world. Especially from those who are given power on this earth.

    The first and foremost thing we are invited to do it to look to God and ask that He takes His rightful place in this world. But for those of us who are in some form of power in this world, we also need to consider if we are giving justice to the poor and orphan, upholding the rights of the oppressed, rescuing the poor and helpless. For there will come a time when God will announce his ruling over all the nations.

Season of PentecostCNL