May 6, 2016

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret

1 KINGS 12-13

The kingdom of Israel is split...Jeroboam and Rehoboam both turn from God.

8But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 9He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ ”...

16When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:

“What share do we have in David,

what part in Jesse’s son?

To your tents, Israel!

Look after your own house, David!”

So the Israelites went home. 17But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.

18King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram,^b who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. 19So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

LUKE 24:1-35

Jesus appears and is in human form and gives them hope for the future...

37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

JOURNAL

It is so clear the path of destruction the Israelites are traveling. They are consumed with human opinion and their own power and position. They clearly are not seeking God. Instead of God being their God...he has become a tool to utilize when it is convenient. 

Jesus appearing for the last time to the disciples clearly shows that there is an importance to him being in the flesh.  Jesus promises the aid of the spirit that will give them the confidence and power they need to carry out their mission.

To think that these scared insignificant men will be the ones that spread the gospel and change the history of the world...illustrates the power that actually does come upon them and that God is a living God.  It is the same spirit that God has given me...it is the same spirit available to all men. What scandalous grace, that we are given. Yet I can't help but be humbled by how often I don't embrace this and actually do pay more attention to the scorn and the praises of those around me.  The grace of God's word to remind me is truly a gift that I don't know if I have ever truly comprehended.

…10In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, 11In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can  man do to me? 12Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You. (Psalm 56:10-12)