SOAP 04/11/2015; Luke 14:33

Today's reading: Luke 14

S) "³³ So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."

Luke 14:33 (NASB)

O) This is the final verse of a paragraph, all about the cost of discipleship. Taking it in context, I don't think we can take this quite literally, since it is associated quite closely with other analogies about the costs of construction or war. To make the sentence literal would be to imply that only those with absolutely no possessions could be a disciple, but that seems foolish on a number of levels, not the least of which is that God still provides our daily needs (like clothes, which are a possession). No, to make a literal statement out of this, it might help to add the word "on" between "up" and "all" and it would say something like, "who does not give up on all his own possessions." What Jesus is really asking (prospective) disciples to do, is to let go of their ownership. Really, this is an extension of submission. Jesus is warning that discipleship to Him, could very well mean giving up a hobby, a car, or a house. It could very well mean that God calls a person to destitution in their service to Him as King. This reminds me of a great song by Rend Collective Experiment, "The Cost". Jesus is saying that we must count up the cost and decide that it's worth it.

A) The best analogy I've heard for this, is that God wants me to hold things with an open hand. Then, if He is asking me to give something up, for whatever reason, it is His to take (it rightfully is His to take, but I won't be fighting Him for it). I don't think of myself as materialistic, but this is sometimes hard to do. It's also a concept that can (and probably should) apply to more than material things. If God is asking me to take a different career path, give up a dream, change my fandom (again, this is all His prerogative; He is sovereign), I must be ready, willing, and able to obey. The key, is to properly value discipleship with Him. If I am valuing my relationship with Him above all else, finding satisfaction in Him above all else, then I will follow Him at any cost.

P) Father, You are worth it all, but I am forgetful. It is easy for me to lose sight of Your glory. It is easy for me to forget how fulfilling You are. It's not what You give me, or do for me, it's just who You are to me. You are God, and I am Your creation. When I focus on that, and then consider our relationship, I remember. I am satisfied in Your presence, sustained by Your hand. You give me peace and comfort, joy and purpose, Everything I need, and everything I want. Help me to remember, You are worth it all. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/10/2015; Luke 4:9-11

Today's reading: Luke 4

S) "⁹ And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; ¹⁰ for it is written,

"He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,"

¹¹ and,

"On their hands they will bear You up,
So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."'"

Luke 4:9-11 (NASB)

O) There is significance in the temptations listed in this passage. Verse 13 says that the devil tempted Jesus in every way, but all of the gospels list the same three temptations, specifically. First, it is regarding provision. Jesus was fasting, so He was naturally hungry. The temptation by satan isn't just about eating during the middle of a fast. Notice he told Jesus to turn a stone to bread. What he was saying without saying it, was that God was not providing for Jesus, so Jesus should take matters into His own hands. The second temptation is similar, in that satan appeals to the human nature to be in charge of his own life. He wasn't just tempted to worship satan, He was tempted to worship himself. i.e., He was tempted to seek power and glory for Himself alone. The temptation promised shared glory, but God is a jealous God and will share His glory with no one (see Isaiah 42:8). Finally, and this is really the goal all along, satan tempts the mortal life of Jesus. The thief mentioned in John 10:10 is satan. Ultimately, his goal is the destruction of God's children. We also see this analogy in Revelation 12:4. Really, since we know that the wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23), then all temptation to sin is actually a temptation to death, however protracted the path is.


A) Realizing what is at stake is the hardest part of temptation, I think. The natural way is a shortsighted view of desire, and even shortsighted view of consequence. What Jesus did with each temptation, is He immediately went to the end game. He went to the root of each temptation and addressed what was really being said. In the same way, I need to remember that God will sustain me, His glory belongs to Him alone, and He holds my life in His hands.


P) Father, You are sovereign and powerful. You are compassionate and full of lovingkindness. Please forgive me for my sins, and help me to grow in the righteousness I have been given through Jesus Christ. When I am tempted, Lord, through my own flesh or spiritual battle, give me clarity in my mind to see the end game, God. Open my eyes to fully see what's at stake. Open my ears to hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to respond according to Your will and call for my life. Be glorified, alone in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/09/2015; Mark 16:6-7

Today's reading: Mark 16

S) "⁶ And he *said to them, 'Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples and Peter, "He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you."' ⁸ They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."

Mark 16:6-8 (NASB)

O) Hallelujah for the empty tomb! These are the words of the angel of the Lord, who waited for Mary and Martha and Salome in the empty tomb of Jesus. He tells them straight off, not to be amazed. This is not so much an encouragement, I think, as it is actually a rebuke. They were amazed, but as the angel said later, everything happened just as Jesus told them it would. It's also noteworthy that when Jesus returned, to reveal Himself as risen, He went to Galilee. He was returning to the roots of where His ministry began. This brought everything full circle.


A) The main application I see in this, is that I should not be surprised when God does what He said He will do! I should be awestruck, I think. I should marvel at His grace and mercy, at His righteousness and holiness, but I shouldn't really be surprised. God tells me all about His wonderful character throughout the Bible. When His fingerprints are on something, when there is a miracle at hand, I should be thankful but never actually surprised. I might even be dumbstruck by the revelation of His glory, but I shouldn't really be amazed in the sense that I am incredulous. There are many words that have changed meanings, subtly, throughout time. But it occurred to me recently that there is a word I never really want to use with God, even though its literal origins aren't really part of its contemporary definition. I don't think I should ever really describe God as "incredible." If there was ever a word to describe God, it should be "credible," because He does exactly as He says He will do.


P) Father, You are wonderful, glorious, and overwhelming. You are never incredible, though. You do exactly as You say You will do. You are faithful, true, and dependable. Help me to use discipline in the words I use when describing You. I want to be careful with my words. Help me to also, and more importantly, believe every single word You have spoken! When I read the Bible, open my eyes and ears to know who You are, and what You are saying. Help me to understand with deeper wisdom, so that I am not missing any part of what You are trying to do in me, for me, and with me. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/08/2015; Mark 13:11-13

Today's reading: Mark 13

S) " ¹¹ When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. ¹² Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. ¹³ You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."

Mark 13:11-13 (NASB)

O) Jesus was talking to His disciples in this passage. Specifically, it was His first four disciples, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John (see v.3). Jesus had told them about the temple being destroyed, and they were asking for more details about times to come. Then, Jesus really begins to elaborate about the tribulations that they will face, before His return. In the middle of it, we find this passage, warning them about arrest, betrayal, and hatred, all on account of His name. There are a few notable things about this. There is some scholarly debate as to how much (if any) of this passage is now historical, since the Jewish temple was indeed torn down in 70 A.D., but some of the other references in the synoptic gospels have not necessarily taken place. But, in these verses, we find a warning and promise that actually supersedes the prophetic elements of the chapter. I say, "supersedes" because these warnings and promise are going to be relevant to every believer, since the time they were spoken all the way until the return and eternal reign of Jesus. The Way (as it was called before simply being called "Christianity") was initially opposed by those in power, and for good reason (from their perspective), and the same is true today. Those with power generally seek to keep it, and Christianity at its core, is about relinquishing power in submission to the Lord. It's about dying to self, taking up a cross, and following Jesus.


A) After Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome, dying for faith in Jesus' name had become less and less common. Today, we live in a world where the tide is clearly shifting again. Islamic radicals (which might actually be the most pure form of Islam) are executing Christians in the Middle East and North Africa (as well as elsewhere, in smaller numbers). The media in the West is pretty firmly against Christianity, along with a large portion of the scientific community (with statements about creationism being compared to child abuse). When I first read the above verses, today, I was reminded of Peter's denial of Jesus. Earlier today, I also heard a radio segment talking about the great importance of the resurrection of Jesus. All of these things fall into place, finding relevance in the above passage. When Jesus spoke these words, the disciples did not yet understand His words about His own death and resurrection to be literal. They still had, very much I think, a real fear of death. Everything changed at the first Easter, though. All of the sudden, they had real, hard evidence, that death has no sting. All of a sudden, being arrested for the faith was no longer dangerous, because the disciples understood firsthand (as I do now, as all believers should), that Jesus conquered the grave. Sin and death had been defeated! Being hated for the faith, even to the point of betrayal and death, became expected. Then, the tide started to shift and for over one thousand years (in the West, at least), Christianity was the norm, and the passage above had no real application. Recently, though, I am confronted with the real question, "What would I do, facing martyrdom?" But, I am encouraged by the same truths that carried the first generation of saints. Enduring to the end goes beyond death, crossing over to eternal life.
And then there is parenting: The other thing that immediately came to mind in this passage, is the importance of raising my children to understand my faith as deeply and intimately as possible. Showing them that my faith in Jesus may cost me, but that cost is always worth paying, will show them the true value of the gospel. Raising them to know and love Jesus, obeying the scriptures, and dying to self, I am also ensuring that my children - at least - will not betray me for my faith. God willing, they will have a deeper relationship with Jesus than I ever have.


P) Father, You are so faithful to fulfill Your promises! The depth of Your faithfulness is humbling. Change me to have the same faithfulness, to walk in the same truth. Please forgive me for my failures to keep my word, and let me be holy as You are holy, with respect to keeping promises and speaking truth. Let the Your words I read today, be sewn deeply into my heart, so that when I face severe persecution and tribulation, these words will bear the fruit of obedience and faithfulness to You on that day. Please bless my children, and keep them close, Lord. Let Your perfect will be done in their lives. Please give them a stronger, more faithful relationship with You, than I have ever experienced. Help me to teach them to teach their children, as well, Father. May my life, my generation of my name, with my brothers and sisters, be the start of an eternal line of faithfulness to You, God. Let Your will be done at a larger scale, too. Open my eyes to see beyond myself, that Your will be done on earth, not just in my own life, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/07/2015; Mark 9:41

Today's reading: Mark 9

S) "⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward."

Mark 9:41 (NASB)

O) There is a distinction being made between a believer and a follower. Believers may like Jesus, may even do work in His name, but they lack a real relationship with him. This is why Jesus said elsewhere, that there will be some who did miracles in His name, but He didn't know them. In the verse above, the disciples are encouraged that they will receive the support of other believers, because they themselves are followers. The important thing is that the disciple will not always know the distinction of that support. They can know that they themselves are a follower, a disciple, but because Jesus would not be with them forever, "following" Him would not longer be a physical, obvious thing. Nevertheless, support for their ministry would still be coming from believers (at least).


A) The most important thing is that I am understanding the distinction within myself. I have been a believer as long as I can remember, but I have not always been a follower. As it is now, I submit myself to Jesus as His disciple, and I trust that I will continue to receive support and encouragement from others as I follow and serve Jesus. I do not necessarily need to concern myself with determining whether or not other believers are following Him as I am (with exceptions, like with personal ministry/counseling situations). On the flip-side, there have been many, many times when I have wished I could avail myself to some form of ministry or another (like missions, or high school ministry). I need to remember that, while I cannot always do the work, I can always support the work. It should be my joy to offer financial support, encouragement, and prayer to every form of ministry that advances the kingdom of God.


P) Father, Your ways are deep, and there is much that I still don't know. There is an ocean of unknowns for the drop that I do understand, I am sure. But, even in the knowledge that I don't know, there is some revelation of Your ways, Your character, Your heart. You clearly want me focused less on the statuses of others, and more on my own status with You. If I am called (or when I am called) to more personal, intimate ministries, where the hearts of men are exposed, help me to encourage and love people with patience, wisdom, and compassion. Help me support the ministry and work of others, faithfully giving, praying, and encouraging. Open my eyes and ears, to know where You want me to serve, however involved that looks. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/06/2015; Mark 7:27-30

Today's reading: Mark 7

S) "²⁷ And He was saying to her, 'Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.' ²⁸ But she answered and *said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.' ²⁹ And He said to her, 'Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.' ³⁰ And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left."

Mark 7:27-30 (NASB)

O) There was a Syrophoenician woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon. When she asked Jesus to cleanse her, the above conversation took place. This is because the Messiah was to come first to Jews. They had been waiting hundreds of years for hundreds of prophecies to come true, and Jesus was the fulfillment of all that waiting. He was coming to set the Jews free - only not how they expected. This was a spiritual freedom, a heavenly kingdom. Not a military freedom, or political kingdom. Jesus Christ was first for the Jews. But, it is noteworthy that Jesus didn't simply state that only the children eat, and not the dogs. He said first the children should be satisfied. That is to say, the promises of the Messiah were to be for all people. Indeed, that was the promise to Abraham, that through him all the nations would be blessed. But, it was indeed first to be offered to the Jews. Then, we see the wisdom in the response of the woman. She did not argue with Jesus. She recognized that He was for the Jews first. However, she also recognized that there was blessing by proximity. This has always been true with God. In the Old Testament, we see examples over and over. God would bless a person or a city, and the surrounding people would also be blessed (peace, prosperity, etc.). This Greek woman saw that Jesus was blessing the Jews, and she knew that the surrounding people were being blessed as well, even if it was indirectly. But again, Jesus knowing all things, understood to a greater degree, that indeed the gospel would go out to all nations - just not yet. Even still, because of the bold faith that this woman expressed, her daughter was healed.


A) Approach matters. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. However, being bold and being humble are not diametrically opposed. This woman showed that she was humble, in that she basically acknowledged (because she didn't even argue it), that the Greeks were dogs to the children of Israel. But, she was also quite bold, in that she would not be deterred from her goal to gain audience with Jesus. What alternative did she have? No one else would have been able to truly help her (and who knows what she had tried up until that point), and here was this man, Jesus (God, though she may not have known), who was routinely delivering people from demon possession. He was her only hope. She had placed all of her faith in Him delivering her daughter, before she ever asked Him to do so. This is the kind of boldness, tied with humility, that I should have when I pray. Even more so, since I know the truth that I am indeed on of the children! God wants me to be satisfied in Him.


P) Father, You are great and mighty to be praised! You are all-powerful, and great in lovingkindness and patience. Forgive me for my pride, in thinking I can do things myself, or else thinking that I am owed anything from You. I know You have promised good to me, but I acknowledge I often don't know what is for my own good and not. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Let me ask for things in bold, humble faith. Father God, as I pray throughout the day, as I think of needs of my own or others, remind me of this Syrophoenician woman and her faith. Let me be encouraged to be persistent and determined, while remaining humble. Be glorified in my prayers and in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/05/2015; Mark 3:31-35

Today's reading: Mark 3

S) "³¹ Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. ³² A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You." ³³ Answering them, He said, 'Who are My mother and My brothers?' ³⁴ Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, 'Behold My mother and My brothers! ³⁵ For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.'."

Mark 3:31-35 (NASB)

O) The context is pretty plain here. To clear one thing of note, Jesus describes people as being the closest possible relation to Him (i.e., immediate family). He doesn't say that they are His cousins, or simply "relatives," but uses the terms of closest relationship. Except, He does not include the role of Father. There is only One who is Father, and He is in heaven. This closeness, though, this was an inherent purpose of Jesus coming. That reconciliation to God, that adoption, it is not a small thing. It reminds me of becoming royalty. Sometimes, through marriage or some exceptional occasion, a person could be made royalty. Technically, they would be somewhere in the lineage of the kingdom, but it was quite remote. This is not how it is with God, our King. He made us sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ. All of this, though, is on the condition of doing the will of God. This is not to say that works save us. We could never do enough. But God does not redeem without purpose. He wants us to be active, accomplishing what He wills for us. It starts with the simple fulfillment of His will, as revealed in 2 Peter 3:9.


A) It begins with believing, but it cannot end there. Belief turns to faith when action takes place. My belief in Jesus is effectively faith, or effective faith, when my beliefs impel me to act on those beliefs. I cannot count myself as a true believer, as a son of God, if I am doing nothing to accomplish the will of the Father. At least, this should be revealed in my repentance. At best, it is the fruitful ministry to which He calls me, however great or small the tasks involved.


P) Father, Your will is perfect. Perfectly formed plans, perfectly fulfilling when executed. Father God, let Your will be done in my life, and through my active participation and submission. open my eyes and ears, to see Your ways clearly. Help me walk in obedience. Forgive me when I fail. Thank You for the grace and mercy You continue to show Your servant. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/04/2015; Mark 1:35

Today's reading: Mark 1

S) "³⁵ In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there."

Mark 1:35 (NASB)

O) Even in the earliest parts of His ministry, Jesus would make time to get alone in prayer. This is repeatedly shown, as it was in this chapter, to happen when Jesus was ministering a lot. In the case above, Jesus had been ministering to the entire city into the evening. Doing work of ministry, though, is not the same as spending time in prayer, with the Father. Jesus was perfect, but even in His perfection He had a desire (although not a need, as we understand "need") to be alone, in prayer. The time He went is also notable, not simply that He went.


A) I routinely get up before sunrise, lately. By and large, this is for work, because I have an opening shift. I don't mind getting up early, but I'm not very well disciplined (I had a long and intimate relationship with my snooze button). But, because my job is on the line, I make it happen. My livelihood is at stake, so I discipline myself to get up. I should really be seeing my prayer life the same way, though. I made it a discipline to read my Bible daily, because of the truth that man does not live on bread alone but on the words of God. In the same way, I need to recognize (and respond accordingly) that my spiritual livelihood is at stake in my prayer life. Even if it's not before sunrise (although that will now be a very real goal), I need to make time some time for this kind of devoted, exclusive time with my God.


P) Father, You are worth all of my time. I am guilty of forgetting You, though. God, forgive me for undervaluing prayer with You. Change the discipline of my heart and mind and strength in this, Lord. I want to be wholly devoted in my prayer life, as well as in my study of Scripture. Let Your will be done, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.