Our Day of Rest Part 2
Exodus 16 verses 13 to 31, Nehemiah 13 verses 5 to 22 Genesis Chapter 2 verse 3
7 is a significant number – it is the days of the week. God rested on the seventh day, as an example to us. It is a holy day, blessed to Him. It foreshadows a spiritual rest. We can only find true rest in the Lord Jesus. There will be a true rest in Heaven. This sermon follows on from this and interprets for us what God intends for us. It is expositional. This sermon is concerned with principles.
8. It is part of the Ten Commandments – God’s moral law – see Exodus 20 verse 8
The moral law stems from the holiness of God and does not change. One record of the commandment emphasizes holiness, the other thankfulness for redemption, and both the need for social justice. Israel was an agricultural society.
Moral means the principles that govern our practice. What is right and what is wrong. 6 of the Ten Commandments show us how to worship God, 4 how we live with each other.
They are for all times and all ages, how we should live. They were all given with God’s awesome authority, on tablets of stones, they were permanent. They were put in the Ark, held closely by people.
This commandment is grounded in the Ten Commandments. In Deuteronomy the people were reminded they were once slaves and had no rest. They were now a redeemed people, now they had social justice. The Sabbath was set before the Ten Commandments, given to the people as a day of rest and worship.
The miracle of the manna drove home the need to have one day set aside – see Exodus 16 verses 13 to 31. Nehemiah saw people thinking money was more important than God. He stepped in to deal with this. If we love the Lord we want to follow this pattern. It is given by God, it is moral and given for all time.
9. It was followed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus was the perfect man and he kept the Sabbath. It was his custom, his habit, to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Jesus was accused of breaking the Sabbath when his disciples; plucked grain, Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man not the other way round. Jesus was again accused when he healed on the Sabbath. Jesus said people could do good.
Jesus emphasised the need to show love to God by showing love to others. Jesus never broke the 4th commandment or spoke against it. He did speak against the legalism of the Pharisees who burdened people with rules and regulations.
10. As practised by the Jews it has aspects that no longer apply:
a) We are not obliged to practice the Jewish laws regarding religious rituals and ceremonies – see Hebrews 10 verse 1. Some applied to the Old Testament nation alone. There were calendar days, rules and washing etc. These were shadows or prototypes of the good things to come. These are now all passed. They were to demark the life of the nation from those around them,
b) We are not bound by the civil laws which applied to Israel as a theocratic nation – see John 18 verse 36. The Jews had laws regarding land rights and human rights etc. The Jewish Sabbath was all part of this. God had a covenant with these people. The man who collected sticks on the Sabbath was stoned to death because he was breaking the Sabbath and it was an act of treason – he was wilfully breaking the Covenant. God no longer has a special nation, his people are all over the World now. Our loyalty is to the nation we live in providing we are not led into sin.
The nation has a duty to uphold the right to free time, set aside to worship God and have time with our families. 87% of people still think Sunday is important and 50% feel Sunday shopping adds to the overall stress. 71% think employers should not be able impose Sunday working. Most people think people need a day to spend together as a family. The principle of a day of rest is important. People cannot be made to worship by passing laws. People are not made holy by passing laws. The law can provide opportunities for people to worship.
c) We are not under the moral law as a means to save us. Under grace, God gives us the Holy Spirit so we love the law and the requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who walk in the Spirit.
11. It has a perpetual aspect that still applies.
a) Seventh Day Adventists keep Saturday as Sabbath. I disagree.
b) Others say that the Sabbath is not applicable to the Church at all. This idea is common on the Continent and in the USA. It is called New Covenant Theology (for example by Tom Carson). They hold that the whole law is abrogated and the Sabbath is a symbol. Unless the Commandment is reiterated by Christ or an apostle they no longer hold. The second 6 are upheld by Paul. They say the first 4 were not so the Sabbath no longer holds. So, can we have other gods, make idols, misuse God’s name, of course not, any more than we can neglect worship and rest.
They have several passages – including Hebrews 10 and Exodus 31 (that is, the Sabbath is a sign only). Having one day in seven is a witness today to the World. We are different. The New Covenant Theologians say it is a matter of conscience, but it is not part of the ceremonial law. The effects of this are seen in the USA. People go to church on other days and do what they like on Sunday. It has a knock on effect.
c) I hold, with few reservations, the historic Confessions – such as the Baptist Confession of 1687:
(i) Sundays are the best day for gratitude to God
(ii) Sundays ought to build us up for another week of walking with God.
(iii) Sunday is the day we declare God matters to us supremely.
(iv) Sunday is the day we show love to God, to the lost and to the needy such as the lost and lonely. We can witness to our neighbours.
(v) Sunday is a time for the family and serious conversation.
(vi) Sunday is a day in which to glorify and enjoy God.
(vii) Sunday looks ahead to our real and enduring rest.
We have been privileged to be given this day. The day of rest is a foretaste of Heaven.
Sunday 20 May 2007
Sunday 13 May 2007
An Apostle's assertion - continue in him.
An Apostle’s assertion – ‘Continue in Him’
2 Peter 1verse 1 to 11
The Apostle assumes his readers are believers, that is, they are Christians, now he makes an assertion – Continue in Him, it is an imperative, an order and command in the present tense, a daily experience. It is not just concerned with the future to come, it is also concerned with now. We shall not be more secure – we cannot lose him now. This is how you are to live in the here and now. Some translate it as walk in Him.
Continuing in Him (verse 6) – A picture of a road or way that is Christ.
a) He is the way to life. To become a Christian is an act of God’s grace, we must continue in Him. It is like being on a road – see Matthew t verse 13, it is a narrow or compressed road that leads to life. It is hedged about with the commands of God. The hedge protects us from distractions of this life, they are there for a purpose.
b) He is the way to deal with sin. We can see how Jesus dealt with temptation . Jesus had been 40 days without food and he tempted by Satan, he used God’s words to rebut Satan. Jesus was tempted all of his life. He was most tempted by those closest to him – Peter who tried to deflect Jesus from his path. Jesus said to him - ‘get behind me Satan. Hebrews 4 verse 14 tells us Jesus can help us deal with temptation.
c) He is the way to obedience. He always obeyed his father even unto death. We kick against this but Jesus never did, we need God’s grace to do this. What happens to us is the will of God and we need his grace to obey him.
d) He is the way to worship. Jesus is the way into the presence of God. Hebrews 10 verses 19 to 25 tells us this. We can draw near through his blood.
e) He is the way to humility. He is the way to humility – Philippians 2 verses 5 to 11. We should not boast save in the blood of Christ.
Developing in Him (verse 7) – two pictures, Foundations and Progress.
a) Being rooted comes from agriculture. Foundation comes from building. The images are intertwined. Tall trees need big roots, we need to put down deep roots. We are confirmed in him by the Holy Spirit, we follow after Jesus Christ. We believe in him and trust in his name. We must learn abut Christ and be fixed on him. We must dig down and lay careful foundations.
b) Progressing in Him – growing up in terms of maturity and fruit. It is a continuing action, it is and will continue to happen – go on being rooted in him. 2 Peter 1verses 3 to 9 tells we need to possess Christian virtues in increasing measure, they become part of us. When a plant is cared for and bears fruit it is very satisfying. People in the world know the value of godly people who are growing to maturity. What sort of fruit do we want? That of godly life? Galatians 5 verses 22 to 23 shows us this clearly. Are we developing in Christ?
Abounding in Him (verse 7) – the overflowing nature of true Christianity.
a) Filled to overflowing with Christ – who would know you are a believer? Abounding means overflowing. Who would know that we are a Christian? Is it apparent to others? 2 Corinthians 1 verse 5 shows Paul going through tough times and he knew Christ’s comforts were enough for everyone – it overflows to all.
b) Filled to overflowing with thankfulness – who would know that you are eternally satisfied? This shows our state of mind, is it a word that applies to us? Or do we overflow with misery and complaints? Do we thank God for allowing us to go through bad times – we grow through these when we overflow with Christ. Does the Apostle’s assertion hit home to us tonight?
2 Peter 1verse 1 to 11
The Apostle assumes his readers are believers, that is, they are Christians, now he makes an assertion – Continue in Him, it is an imperative, an order and command in the present tense, a daily experience. It is not just concerned with the future to come, it is also concerned with now. We shall not be more secure – we cannot lose him now. This is how you are to live in the here and now. Some translate it as walk in Him.
Continuing in Him (verse 6) – A picture of a road or way that is Christ.
a) He is the way to life. To become a Christian is an act of God’s grace, we must continue in Him. It is like being on a road – see Matthew t verse 13, it is a narrow or compressed road that leads to life. It is hedged about with the commands of God. The hedge protects us from distractions of this life, they are there for a purpose.
b) He is the way to deal with sin. We can see how Jesus dealt with temptation . Jesus had been 40 days without food and he tempted by Satan, he used God’s words to rebut Satan. Jesus was tempted all of his life. He was most tempted by those closest to him – Peter who tried to deflect Jesus from his path. Jesus said to him - ‘get behind me Satan. Hebrews 4 verse 14 tells us Jesus can help us deal with temptation.
c) He is the way to obedience. He always obeyed his father even unto death. We kick against this but Jesus never did, we need God’s grace to do this. What happens to us is the will of God and we need his grace to obey him.
d) He is the way to worship. Jesus is the way into the presence of God. Hebrews 10 verses 19 to 25 tells us this. We can draw near through his blood.
e) He is the way to humility. He is the way to humility – Philippians 2 verses 5 to 11. We should not boast save in the blood of Christ.
Developing in Him (verse 7) – two pictures, Foundations and Progress.
a) Being rooted comes from agriculture. Foundation comes from building. The images are intertwined. Tall trees need big roots, we need to put down deep roots. We are confirmed in him by the Holy Spirit, we follow after Jesus Christ. We believe in him and trust in his name. We must learn abut Christ and be fixed on him. We must dig down and lay careful foundations.
b) Progressing in Him – growing up in terms of maturity and fruit. It is a continuing action, it is and will continue to happen – go on being rooted in him. 2 Peter 1verses 3 to 9 tells we need to possess Christian virtues in increasing measure, they become part of us. When a plant is cared for and bears fruit it is very satisfying. People in the world know the value of godly people who are growing to maturity. What sort of fruit do we want? That of godly life? Galatians 5 verses 22 to 23 shows us this clearly. Are we developing in Christ?
Abounding in Him (verse 7) – the overflowing nature of true Christianity.
a) Filled to overflowing with Christ – who would know you are a believer? Abounding means overflowing. Who would know that we are a Christian? Is it apparent to others? 2 Corinthians 1 verse 5 shows Paul going through tough times and he knew Christ’s comforts were enough for everyone – it overflows to all.
b) Filled to overflowing with thankfulness – who would know that you are eternally satisfied? This shows our state of mind, is it a word that applies to us? Or do we overflow with misery and complaints? Do we thank God for allowing us to go through bad times – we grow through these when we overflow with Christ. Does the Apostle’s assertion hit home to us tonight?
An Apostle's assumption
An Apostle’s assumption – ‘You are in Christ’
Colossians 2 verses 6 to 23
Background
Paul may not have met these people but he knew their pastor, Epaphras and some of their members – they had come to Ephesus. Paul wrote two letters at this time to Ephesus and Colosse. Colossians is more about being a Christian than about becoming one. The nature of the Gospel that they heard is Truth and the knowledge of God’s will. In the introduction he sets out what Christianity is. The Gospel is the truth, all preacher of the Gospel must believe that. It is not just my truth but THE truth, it is God’s word, what he has given, it was the truth in Paul’s time and it still is now. It comes by hearing the word of truth. It is knowledge as well, a particular type of knowledge. When we study we gain knowledge. We never really forget the, they come back easily when they are spiritual wisdom; we see what we have never seen before. We begin to know God’s will for us. From verse 21 he tells us his desires for the Colossians and for us by telling us about himself and what he is doing for the.
Pastors are concerned for God’s flock – they suffer for it; they speak to it and they strive to make it what it should be. Could Paul make this assumption about you? What does it mean to receive Christ and to be in Christ?
Who is Christ Jesus the Lord? (verse 9).
a) He is pre-eminent in creation and the cosmos (verses 15 to 20), that is everything in the created order, its harmony and its structure. Jesus Christ is the creator and sustainer.
b) He is pre-eminent in Salvation. He is the one who saves his people, no one else can do that. Who is he to us? Is he our Lord and Saviour? Do we believe in this Jesus? We can’t pick and choose what we believe about him.
What does it mean if Christ is not your Lord? (Chapter 1 verse 21)
a) You are alienated from God. Paul thinks people need to know this and he makes no concessions to their feelings or sensibilities. This is a positional statement and unbelievers do not have rights of citizenship of Heaven, they are not in God’s kingdom, it is a terrible position to be in. Some among us are not believers, they are not ‘attached to the head’ they are not in THE church.
b) You are an enemy of God. You are predisposed to this if you do not believe in Jesus Christ, you are an enemy of God. If the world hates believers it is because they first hated him.
THERE IS NO NEUTRALITY
What shows that we have received Jesus as our Lord?
a) We must repent for past actions. We must turn away from our sins, we were under the power of sin and we must turn away from it, turn away from the things of darkness and towards the things of light.
b) We must have faith in Him. We must receive him as a free give. Proper faith is trust. We do not hold onto our old life.
c) Receive Him as our Sovereign – our king.
d) Receive Him as our Saviour.
e) Receive Him as our loving master.
Have we received him this way? We can receive him like this today. We can move from the dominion of sin to the dominion of God.
Colossians 2 verses 6 to 23
Background
Paul may not have met these people but he knew their pastor, Epaphras and some of their members – they had come to Ephesus. Paul wrote two letters at this time to Ephesus and Colosse. Colossians is more about being a Christian than about becoming one. The nature of the Gospel that they heard is Truth and the knowledge of God’s will. In the introduction he sets out what Christianity is. The Gospel is the truth, all preacher of the Gospel must believe that. It is not just my truth but THE truth, it is God’s word, what he has given, it was the truth in Paul’s time and it still is now. It comes by hearing the word of truth. It is knowledge as well, a particular type of knowledge. When we study we gain knowledge. We never really forget the, they come back easily when they are spiritual wisdom; we see what we have never seen before. We begin to know God’s will for us. From verse 21 he tells us his desires for the Colossians and for us by telling us about himself and what he is doing for the.
Pastors are concerned for God’s flock – they suffer for it; they speak to it and they strive to make it what it should be. Could Paul make this assumption about you? What does it mean to receive Christ and to be in Christ?
Who is Christ Jesus the Lord? (verse 9).
a) He is pre-eminent in creation and the cosmos (verses 15 to 20), that is everything in the created order, its harmony and its structure. Jesus Christ is the creator and sustainer.
b) He is pre-eminent in Salvation. He is the one who saves his people, no one else can do that. Who is he to us? Is he our Lord and Saviour? Do we believe in this Jesus? We can’t pick and choose what we believe about him.
What does it mean if Christ is not your Lord? (Chapter 1 verse 21)
a) You are alienated from God. Paul thinks people need to know this and he makes no concessions to their feelings or sensibilities. This is a positional statement and unbelievers do not have rights of citizenship of Heaven, they are not in God’s kingdom, it is a terrible position to be in. Some among us are not believers, they are not ‘attached to the head’ they are not in THE church.
b) You are an enemy of God. You are predisposed to this if you do not believe in Jesus Christ, you are an enemy of God. If the world hates believers it is because they first hated him.
THERE IS NO NEUTRALITY
What shows that we have received Jesus as our Lord?
a) We must repent for past actions. We must turn away from our sins, we were under the power of sin and we must turn away from it, turn away from the things of darkness and towards the things of light.
b) We must have faith in Him. We must receive him as a free give. Proper faith is trust. We do not hold onto our old life.
c) Receive Him as our Sovereign – our king.
d) Receive Him as our Saviour.
e) Receive Him as our loving master.
Have we received him this way? We can receive him like this today. We can move from the dominion of sin to the dominion of God.
People Jesus met - Zaccheous
People Jesus met – Zacchaeus
Luke 18 verse 31 to verse 19 verse 10
Most Sunday school children know the story of Zacchaeus – we need to take care climbing trees.
Zacchaeus: a little man, big on money.
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, an important city. In Jesus’ day, it was a good place to be, for a tax collector to make a lot of money. Jericho is in a tropical plain, 6 miles from the River Jordan. The Romans valued it as did Herod who had a summer palace there. It was known for trees – especially balsam and gum trees which were used for healing. It was also known for good wine and palm dates which were shipped all round Israel. It was a nice and affluent place. It was a good place if you loved money. Zacchaeus was a Jew (his named means righteous one) – he was far from living up to his name.
He was a chief tax collector – he was not like Inland Revenue men now. It was run by volunteers, they were self employed businessmen. There were 3 taxes. A produce tax on crops and goods – Jericho would have been great for this. Secondly a universal poll tax levied on all residents and thirdly a trade tax that was levied on all goods that came through the area.
The tax booth was by the roads. Zacchaeus would have been extremely unpopular, he raised taxes for the Romans who were hated invaders, the people wanted independence. He assessed taxes at a far higher rate than the legal rate. The Romans set the rate but did not pay wages. Tax collectors set their own rate – which was over the assessed rate. They were given powers and charged far too much and took their own cut. They were extremely disliked.
Zacchaeus was extremely wealthy, he extorted money and fiddled bills. He was considered an outcast. He did not meet ritual cleanliness and he was banned from Israel and not counted as a son of Abraham, he was denied citizenship and not protected by the law. He was shunned by the rabbis. He could only come back by making financial restitution to all of his victims, this was not possible to those travelling, he was a no hoper, he was a lost sheep of the house of Israel. He money and power but no place in the nation.
Zacchaeus: a little man with big curiosity – verse 3
He learnt Jesus was coming to Jericho, he spoke to a blind man and word must have spread via the ‘bush telegraph’, his fame spread because of his words and miracles. He was a ‘celebrity’, he was well known by everybody, everyone wanted to speak to him or see a miracle or touch him. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, no would let him come to the front as they would a child. No one helped him – he had no friends. Humanly speaking he was cut off. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree, they are easy to climb.
What made Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? He had it all – and still he wants to see Jesus. You can be rich and not happy. You can be wealthy and not loved. You can be successful and not be satisfied. Zacchaeus must have been prompted by a powerful urge to do this. He was probably the least likely person to want to see Jesus, he would have been ridiculed and laughed at, they would have scorned him and laughed at him. The most disliked man in Jericho wanted to see Jesus. Many famous people want to see Jesus – as in Hollywood, they often have a horrible emptiness in their lives. In his heart Zaccheous wanted something more, he needed Jesus and wanted him. People we least expect may have a deep yearning in their hearts for Jesus. We should not let anything stop us.
He knew a tax collector, Matthew, was a disciple. He knew Jesus was someone wonderful who would be his friend
Zacchaeus: a little man with a big surprise.
Jesus came to the tree and looked straight at Zaccheous, all eyes were on him. Jesus knew his name, had he heard his name or heard of him? Or was it revealed to him? Jesus took an interest in this one man. He called him down with authority. He came into Zaccheous’ life – ‘I must stay in your house today, it was not a request. It was with power and an imperative. Jesus knew he could change Zaccheous’ life. Zaccheous came down willingly, he could not and would not resist.
He had learnt that there is no place to hide from Jesus. Proverbs 15 verse 3. Zacchaeus had nothing with which to recommend himself to God but Jesus singles him out. When Jesus calls and we answer him gladly and want to leave our sins, that’s God grace at work.
Zaccheous was ready for the Lord Jesus just as was, he couldn’t hide anything. He would not miss the opportunity of a new beginning, it was an irresistible call. The message we hear is just the one we need.
Zacchaeus: a little man who had a big change.
a) The people’s attitude – verse 7. They don’t understand a changed life. The people muttered and were critical of Zaccheous, the remembered all of the lives he had ruined. They didn’t believe it was possible to have a new Zaccheous.
b) Zacchaeus proves his conversion – verse 8. He makes restitution. He had been freely forgiven by grace but he loves the principle of restitution – Leviticus 6 verse 5 says it must be the amount plus 20%, the Romans said double. Zaccheous went way beyond this – 4 times the amount he had stolen. He said right now – the present tense.
c) Zacchaeus underwent a dramatic change in his life – Luke 18 verses 24 to 25 – how hard it is for the rich to find faith in Christ, their confidence is in money. It is a rich man who has changed, he values right more than money.
d) Zacchaeus is endorsed as a true son of Abraham by Jesus. He has been saved, he is now a son of Abraham. He is truly changed.
Conclusion
How do you show the reality of Christ in your life? Here’s the principle. The reality of your new life in Jesus Christ will be seen at precisely at the point of your old weakness. Zaccheous’ problem was money and greed. Ours could be pornography, laziness etc. Our change will be demonstrated.
a) It’s good because it shows that you are really sorry.
b) It’s good because it makes it easier for the people to forgive you.
c) It is good because it makes you less likely to make the same mistake.
What Christ did for Zacchaeus He does for us too. He came to seek and to save what was lost. Some people say – I am too bad. So was the tax man but he was forgiven. You may think you or a loved one are beyond the reach of God’s love, but none are. Don’t forget the marvellous news of this Gospel today.
We may not be like Zaccheous in our deeds but we still need Christ. If he is not in our lives, we live an empty life and we need him to fill it.
People saw Zaccheous as having no hope, he was not beyond the reach of God and his Gospel. May it be our joy to witness and pray and see such wonders of God’s grace.
Luke 18 verse 31 to verse 19 verse 10
Most Sunday school children know the story of Zacchaeus – we need to take care climbing trees.
Zacchaeus: a little man, big on money.
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, an important city. In Jesus’ day, it was a good place to be, for a tax collector to make a lot of money. Jericho is in a tropical plain, 6 miles from the River Jordan. The Romans valued it as did Herod who had a summer palace there. It was known for trees – especially balsam and gum trees which were used for healing. It was also known for good wine and palm dates which were shipped all round Israel. It was a nice and affluent place. It was a good place if you loved money. Zacchaeus was a Jew (his named means righteous one) – he was far from living up to his name.
He was a chief tax collector – he was not like Inland Revenue men now. It was run by volunteers, they were self employed businessmen. There were 3 taxes. A produce tax on crops and goods – Jericho would have been great for this. Secondly a universal poll tax levied on all residents and thirdly a trade tax that was levied on all goods that came through the area.
The tax booth was by the roads. Zacchaeus would have been extremely unpopular, he raised taxes for the Romans who were hated invaders, the people wanted independence. He assessed taxes at a far higher rate than the legal rate. The Romans set the rate but did not pay wages. Tax collectors set their own rate – which was over the assessed rate. They were given powers and charged far too much and took their own cut. They were extremely disliked.
Zacchaeus was extremely wealthy, he extorted money and fiddled bills. He was considered an outcast. He did not meet ritual cleanliness and he was banned from Israel and not counted as a son of Abraham, he was denied citizenship and not protected by the law. He was shunned by the rabbis. He could only come back by making financial restitution to all of his victims, this was not possible to those travelling, he was a no hoper, he was a lost sheep of the house of Israel. He money and power but no place in the nation.
Zacchaeus: a little man with big curiosity – verse 3
He learnt Jesus was coming to Jericho, he spoke to a blind man and word must have spread via the ‘bush telegraph’, his fame spread because of his words and miracles. He was a ‘celebrity’, he was well known by everybody, everyone wanted to speak to him or see a miracle or touch him. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, no would let him come to the front as they would a child. No one helped him – he had no friends. Humanly speaking he was cut off. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree, they are easy to climb.
What made Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? He had it all – and still he wants to see Jesus. You can be rich and not happy. You can be wealthy and not loved. You can be successful and not be satisfied. Zacchaeus must have been prompted by a powerful urge to do this. He was probably the least likely person to want to see Jesus, he would have been ridiculed and laughed at, they would have scorned him and laughed at him. The most disliked man in Jericho wanted to see Jesus. Many famous people want to see Jesus – as in Hollywood, they often have a horrible emptiness in their lives. In his heart Zaccheous wanted something more, he needed Jesus and wanted him. People we least expect may have a deep yearning in their hearts for Jesus. We should not let anything stop us.
He knew a tax collector, Matthew, was a disciple. He knew Jesus was someone wonderful who would be his friend
Zacchaeus: a little man with a big surprise.
Jesus came to the tree and looked straight at Zaccheous, all eyes were on him. Jesus knew his name, had he heard his name or heard of him? Or was it revealed to him? Jesus took an interest in this one man. He called him down with authority. He came into Zaccheous’ life – ‘I must stay in your house today, it was not a request. It was with power and an imperative. Jesus knew he could change Zaccheous’ life. Zaccheous came down willingly, he could not and would not resist.
He had learnt that there is no place to hide from Jesus. Proverbs 15 verse 3. Zacchaeus had nothing with which to recommend himself to God but Jesus singles him out. When Jesus calls and we answer him gladly and want to leave our sins, that’s God grace at work.
Zaccheous was ready for the Lord Jesus just as was, he couldn’t hide anything. He would not miss the opportunity of a new beginning, it was an irresistible call. The message we hear is just the one we need.
Zacchaeus: a little man who had a big change.
a) The people’s attitude – verse 7. They don’t understand a changed life. The people muttered and were critical of Zaccheous, the remembered all of the lives he had ruined. They didn’t believe it was possible to have a new Zaccheous.
b) Zacchaeus proves his conversion – verse 8. He makes restitution. He had been freely forgiven by grace but he loves the principle of restitution – Leviticus 6 verse 5 says it must be the amount plus 20%, the Romans said double. Zaccheous went way beyond this – 4 times the amount he had stolen. He said right now – the present tense.
c) Zacchaeus underwent a dramatic change in his life – Luke 18 verses 24 to 25 – how hard it is for the rich to find faith in Christ, their confidence is in money. It is a rich man who has changed, he values right more than money.
d) Zacchaeus is endorsed as a true son of Abraham by Jesus. He has been saved, he is now a son of Abraham. He is truly changed.
Conclusion
How do you show the reality of Christ in your life? Here’s the principle. The reality of your new life in Jesus Christ will be seen at precisely at the point of your old weakness. Zaccheous’ problem was money and greed. Ours could be pornography, laziness etc. Our change will be demonstrated.
a) It’s good because it shows that you are really sorry.
b) It’s good because it makes it easier for the people to forgive you.
c) It is good because it makes you less likely to make the same mistake.
What Christ did for Zacchaeus He does for us too. He came to seek and to save what was lost. Some people say – I am too bad. So was the tax man but he was forgiven. You may think you or a loved one are beyond the reach of God’s love, but none are. Don’t forget the marvellous news of this Gospel today.
We may not be like Zaccheous in our deeds but we still need Christ. If he is not in our lives, we live an empty life and we need him to fill it.
People saw Zaccheous as having no hope, he was not beyond the reach of God and his Gospel. May it be our joy to witness and pray and see such wonders of God’s grace.
The Rest day
Mark 2 verse 23 to 3 verse 6, Genesis Chapter 2 verse 1
It is man’s rest day, what exactly does it mean? There are important issues for everyone. It is a ‘holiday’, tomorrow (May 7th) is a bank holiday given by the state. God has given us a weekly rest for our good.
God rested on the seventh day – verse 2.
Why seven? It is everywhere, the number of completeness. It is not a natural number such as ten (the number of digits) or 12 ( a lunar number). 7 shows God’s completed creative activity.
God founded the seven-day week verse 2.
There is a rhythm of work and rest built into creation. For all of us whether we like it or not. There is a 30 day month – the lunar orbit. 365 day year – round the sun,. The day is base on the spinning of the earth. 24 hour day comes from the Egyptians. Where did the 7 day week come from? It is not from any natural cycle. The only way we can account for the week is that it was established at creation by God. God etched it on our minds. Why not 15? It is still universally practised in the whole world – well before the flood. In Genesis 8 verse 10 God waited 7 more days to send out the dove.
God’s rest was a rest for us to copy.
A weekly day of rest is a creation ordinance like marriage. A day of rest is part of God’s blueprint for human life. God was not fatigued or weary. He set us an example, as a pattern for us to follow. It is a sacred rest that we can dedicate to God. God invites us to imitate him. It is for everyone. It is a creation regulation. It was made for man not just Jews. We ignore it at our peril. In Toffler’s Future Shock we are warned about changes coming so fast that we can not keep up – technological changes causes us stress, there is information overload, we have too much to think about and too much to learn. It is difficult to switch off. In the supermarket we have so much to choose from – too much, 8 or 9 choices of butter for example. In years past men had a hard life – it caused physical exhaustion and physical drain. Today we have a mental drain. Even though we have many opportunities for leisure we are still stressed out. God’s solution is the Sabbath day rest. In Switzerland it is a legal day of rest enforced by the police. It is seen as a piece of Heaven on Earth. The British influence in the EU caused the failure to make it an EU wide day of rest.
God’s rest made the 7th day a holy day – verse 3.
Holiness is separation from sin and closeness to God. It is a special day to be used in a different way from the other six. There is a pattern of work and rest and worship. We can see in Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 verse 3 – the curse of time indicates the Sabbath rest, God wants us to stop work and worship him. To remember who we are and who God is. To worship him in the one day God blesses as special so we can understand him who created us. We can only understand God by obeying him and God telling us all about himself. It is not just a holiday but also so we can apply our minds to the creator of the World. We are made to know and love God. We are spiritual beings and we need to care for our souls.
It is a Sabbath to the Lord our God – it is for us to meet together to worship God in between cycles of 6 days of work. It is easy to be so busy that we do not have time for spiritual refreshment and renewal. We are to be spiritually fed and refreshed, taught and instructed. We must take time to be holy. We show God that we love him and put him first and want to know his joy and blessing.
God’s rest was a day he blessed.
To worship God is to honour him – he alone is worthy of it. We are blessed in obedience to God’s commands. It is for man. It is good for family life when we are not forced to work (it benefits low income workers). God blesses it and pour out blessings on it. Our emotional, spiritual and physical well being are blessed by it. Rest is vital for physical and mental well being. Rest is for our benefit. We have to sleep at night, without it we are jaded and useless.
What about our spiritual well being? God knows it is hard for us to obey him. When we do, he will bless us – we are obeying his commands. We show him honour and respect when we do it. It costs something when we take time for the Lord every week – see Isaiah 58 verse 13, God promises blessing if we obey him in this. If we correctly prioritise our time we shall find joy, God will bless us and enrich our hearts. Christ rose on Sunday and poured out his Spirit on the World on a Sunday, we know refreshment and blessing, conversions come on Sunday, we feel encouragement and blessing on the Lord’s day as we gather for worship.
God’s rest foreshadowed spiritual rest – Hebrews 4 verse 3
God, having completed his work of creation, rests, as if to say, ‘This is the destiny of those who are my people; to rest as I rest, to rest in me.’ Psalm 95 verse 11. Sin is the basic cause of restlessness, and why we have no peace. By finding Christ who can give what we need, we then have peace with God and rest of conscience.
God’s rest foreshadowed eternal rest – Hebrews 4 verses 1 to 11
The Sabbath is a foretaste of God’s kingdom on earth. In closing let’s recall what saints do in heaven. They do the will of the Father and are occupied in service and worship for all eternity. Our citizenship is in heaven so we should live now as we would if we were in heaven.
Let this day then be a day spent reflecting on who God is as our Creator and Saviour. Rejoicing in the finished work of Christ and resting in all that He is.
Mark 2 verse 23 to 3 verse 6, Genesis Chapter 2 verse 1
It is man’s rest day, what exactly does it mean? There are important issues for everyone. It is a ‘holiday’, tomorrow (May 7th) is a bank holiday given by the state. God has given us a weekly rest for our good.
God rested on the seventh day – verse 2.
Why seven? It is everywhere, the number of completeness. It is not a natural number such as ten (the number of digits) or 12 ( a lunar number). 7 shows God’s completed creative activity.
God founded the seven-day week verse 2.
There is a rhythm of work and rest built into creation. For all of us whether we like it or not. There is a 30 day month – the lunar orbit. 365 day year – round the sun,. The day is base on the spinning of the earth. 24 hour day comes from the Egyptians. Where did the 7 day week come from? It is not from any natural cycle. The only way we can account for the week is that it was established at creation by God. God etched it on our minds. Why not 15? It is still universally practised in the whole world – well before the flood. In Genesis 8 verse 10 God waited 7 more days to send out the dove.
God’s rest was a rest for us to copy.
A weekly day of rest is a creation ordinance like marriage. A day of rest is part of God’s blueprint for human life. God was not fatigued or weary. He set us an example, as a pattern for us to follow. It is a sacred rest that we can dedicate to God. God invites us to imitate him. It is for everyone. It is a creation regulation. It was made for man not just Jews. We ignore it at our peril. In Toffler’s Future Shock we are warned about changes coming so fast that we can not keep up – technological changes causes us stress, there is information overload, we have too much to think about and too much to learn. It is difficult to switch off. In the supermarket we have so much to choose from – too much, 8 or 9 choices of butter for example. In years past men had a hard life – it caused physical exhaustion and physical drain. Today we have a mental drain. Even though we have many opportunities for leisure we are still stressed out. God’s solution is the Sabbath day rest. In Switzerland it is a legal day of rest enforced by the police. It is seen as a piece of Heaven on Earth. The British influence in the EU caused the failure to make it an EU wide day of rest.
God’s rest made the 7th day a holy day – verse 3.
Holiness is separation from sin and closeness to God. It is a special day to be used in a different way from the other six. There is a pattern of work and rest and worship. We can see in Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 verse 3 – the curse of time indicates the Sabbath rest, God wants us to stop work and worship him. To remember who we are and who God is. To worship him in the one day God blesses as special so we can understand him who created us. We can only understand God by obeying him and God telling us all about himself. It is not just a holiday but also so we can apply our minds to the creator of the World. We are made to know and love God. We are spiritual beings and we need to care for our souls.
It is a Sabbath to the Lord our God – it is for us to meet together to worship God in between cycles of 6 days of work. It is easy to be so busy that we do not have time for spiritual refreshment and renewal. We are to be spiritually fed and refreshed, taught and instructed. We must take time to be holy. We show God that we love him and put him first and want to know his joy and blessing.
God’s rest was a day he blessed.
To worship God is to honour him – he alone is worthy of it. We are blessed in obedience to God’s commands. It is for man. It is good for family life when we are not forced to work (it benefits low income workers). God blesses it and pour out blessings on it. Our emotional, spiritual and physical well being are blessed by it. Rest is vital for physical and mental well being. Rest is for our benefit. We have to sleep at night, without it we are jaded and useless.
What about our spiritual well being? God knows it is hard for us to obey him. When we do, he will bless us – we are obeying his commands. We show him honour and respect when we do it. It costs something when we take time for the Lord every week – see Isaiah 58 verse 13, God promises blessing if we obey him in this. If we correctly prioritise our time we shall find joy, God will bless us and enrich our hearts. Christ rose on Sunday and poured out his Spirit on the World on a Sunday, we know refreshment and blessing, conversions come on Sunday, we feel encouragement and blessing on the Lord’s day as we gather for worship.
God’s rest foreshadowed spiritual rest – Hebrews 4 verse 3
God, having completed his work of creation, rests, as if to say, ‘This is the destiny of those who are my people; to rest as I rest, to rest in me.’ Psalm 95 verse 11. Sin is the basic cause of restlessness, and why we have no peace. By finding Christ who can give what we need, we then have peace with God and rest of conscience.
God’s rest foreshadowed eternal rest – Hebrews 4 verses 1 to 11
The Sabbath is a foretaste of God’s kingdom on earth. In closing let’s recall what saints do in heaven. They do the will of the Father and are occupied in service and worship for all eternity. Our citizenship is in heaven so we should live now as we would if we were in heaven.
Let this day then be a day spent reflecting on who God is as our Creator and Saviour. Rejoicing in the finished work of Christ and resting in all that He is.
Sunday 6 May 2007
People Jesus met - Mary part two
People Jesus met – Mary of Bethany
Faith’s devotion – John 11 verse 45 to 12 verse 10
Context
a) Where – Jesus was in the house of Simon the Leper
This is often confused with Mary Magdalene. It is the same story as in Matthew and Mark. Mary of Magdalene is in Luke (she is described there as a sinner). We are in Bethany. A dinner is being given in honour of Jesus. We do not know who the host is but Martha is serving.
b) When – Saturday night – after the Sabbath was over.
John is precise, they arrived on Friday and the dinner was on Saturday night – in the presence of friends who loved him.
What Mary did. Verse 3
She poured an expensive perfume on his feet and wiped it with her hair, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Matthew and Mark say it was also on his head, it would have covered him. It was an alabaster phial, she broke the neck, it had served its purpose. It was very expensive, high quality perfume. John knew it was very expensive and it came from an aromatic herb grown in the Himalayas in India. It was used in cosmetics and for ritual use – it was often used for Kings’ anointing. It came on camel backs from far off lands. It was worth 300 denarii (more than a soldier’s pay) - £20,000 today.
The family was very well to do. They often hosted dinners. However, it was an extravagant, lavish gift.
The reaction it caused. – Judas objects verses 4 to 6
What triggered his comment? The other disciples were indignant. Judas’ real motive was that he wanted to have the money so he could steal it. No one suspected him at this point of having a double heart. The reason for his comment was his love of money, greed had a grip on him. His lack of commitment to spiritual values showed itself for the first time. His heart was not with Jesus but with the things of the World. There is a great contrast with Mary who showed selflessness, while Judas showed selfishness. Maybe this was the root of his betrayal, he knew the Sanhedrin were after Jesus, perhaps he worried about his financial security. This was an opportunity for financial gain that had gone with the perfume. Within hours he had agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins – half a years’ wages. He had spent 3 years in the closet, in association with Jesus, the perfect person, he saw miracles, heard the words but in the end he turned Jesus over to die, how could he do that? He made a wrong judgement on was truly valuable as millions do today.
It is possible to be quite close to Jesus Christ, to listen to good sermons, to have Christian parents or friends who live consistent Christian lives and yet fail to love Christ. You can be that close to Jesus Christ and yet be lost. When Christ comes, the divided heart will be exposed. This reaction was sad and heart breaking. Do our treasure have us or do we have it? Will our gold drag is down as it did Judas? We may not love money but there may be something else, we must all ask if something else is more important than Jesus.
What Jesus thought about it. Verse 7
a) It was an act of humble love and devotion. Mary had said in the most powerful way, ‘He is everything, I am nothing. I wish to be nothing but his servant.’ In a wealthy family a servant did the feet washing, it was not a nice job, it was done by the lowest servant. ‘I just want to be the servant of the Lord Jesus. It is an act of gratitude and love, it was not low self esteem. Why? Her brother was in rude good health, he had been brought back from the dead in answer to the family’s prayers. It was his greatest miracle. He had given her hope and shown her the way to life. He was so worthy of her love. He was worthy of her devotion. Sometimes we have fear and depression, poor health, difficult marriages and these should draw us to Jesus – we humbly put up with them.
b) It was an act of self forgetting love and devotion. She is oblivious to all around her. She wiped his feet with her hair. Women rarely let their hair down in public. It was an extraordinary scene and she was overcome with her love for him. She probably didn’t care what people said. Other saints did the same – David leapt and danced before God, his wife said that it was unbecoming a king, but David could not suppress himself. We can be too hide bound and stiff and formal.
c) It was an act of generous love and devotion. Mary gives the best thing that she has. It was probably a family heirloom, she used it all in one go. It was not silly female emotionalism. What is the best we can do? Do we give of our best as Mary did? Second best is not good enough for her. She would have said nothing is too good for our Lord, do we say this? We owe so much – he has forgiven our sins, we will go to Heaven. We must love him and give what we can – free time, money and our skills.
d) It was an act of wasteful love and devotion. The disciples saw it as a colossal waste of money. Jesus did care about the poor as did the early church. Whenever the gospel comes so does care for the poor. In this case spiritual devotion takes precedent over social concern. Social concern does not get to the root of the problem – a problem heart needs the gospel. We have plenty of opportunities to help the poor. Jesus knew he was the root and cure of sin.
e) It was an act of perceptive love and devotion – Matthew 26 verse 12. How did Mary come to understand this when others, particularly the disciples, failed to do so? By being often in the place where we find her now – at Jesus feet. Mary knew Jesus was soon going to die. Nard was often used in embalming. Mary wanted everyone to understand what was going to happen. She knew more clearly than the disciples. Why? Mary is always in the same place – at Jesus’ feet, that is symbolic of being taught (when Lazarus died Mary was at Jesus’ feet, when he was at their house before she sat at his feet).
f) It was an act of love and devotion that is a lasting memorial. The Lord is saying ‘what she did is a lesson for all of you’. Mary was finding out the greatness of Jesus’ loving heart. She caught a glimpse of Jesus’ love for her, and took the best thing that she had and just poured it all over Him. She loved Him because he first loved her. Matthew and Mark say Jesus said it would told as a memorial to her. We cannot do what each other can do, we should do what we can do and show our love for Jesus who died for us.
It is staggering that what she did is recorded, not what she says. We do not know what Mary said when Jesus was in her house, she was criticized for what she did but Jesus commended her, it is a lesson for us that we should love him who died for us. She showed her love for him as we should. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. What do we do in return? Do we take every opportunity to show our love? How are we showing that we love the Lord?
Faith’s devotion – John 11 verse 45 to 12 verse 10
Context
a) Where – Jesus was in the house of Simon the Leper
This is often confused with Mary Magdalene. It is the same story as in Matthew and Mark. Mary of Magdalene is in Luke (she is described there as a sinner). We are in Bethany. A dinner is being given in honour of Jesus. We do not know who the host is but Martha is serving.
b) When – Saturday night – after the Sabbath was over.
John is precise, they arrived on Friday and the dinner was on Saturday night – in the presence of friends who loved him.
What Mary did. Verse 3
She poured an expensive perfume on his feet and wiped it with her hair, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Matthew and Mark say it was also on his head, it would have covered him. It was an alabaster phial, she broke the neck, it had served its purpose. It was very expensive, high quality perfume. John knew it was very expensive and it came from an aromatic herb grown in the Himalayas in India. It was used in cosmetics and for ritual use – it was often used for Kings’ anointing. It came on camel backs from far off lands. It was worth 300 denarii (more than a soldier’s pay) - £20,000 today.
The family was very well to do. They often hosted dinners. However, it was an extravagant, lavish gift.
The reaction it caused. – Judas objects verses 4 to 6
What triggered his comment? The other disciples were indignant. Judas’ real motive was that he wanted to have the money so he could steal it. No one suspected him at this point of having a double heart. The reason for his comment was his love of money, greed had a grip on him. His lack of commitment to spiritual values showed itself for the first time. His heart was not with Jesus but with the things of the World. There is a great contrast with Mary who showed selflessness, while Judas showed selfishness. Maybe this was the root of his betrayal, he knew the Sanhedrin were after Jesus, perhaps he worried about his financial security. This was an opportunity for financial gain that had gone with the perfume. Within hours he had agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins – half a years’ wages. He had spent 3 years in the closet, in association with Jesus, the perfect person, he saw miracles, heard the words but in the end he turned Jesus over to die, how could he do that? He made a wrong judgement on was truly valuable as millions do today.
It is possible to be quite close to Jesus Christ, to listen to good sermons, to have Christian parents or friends who live consistent Christian lives and yet fail to love Christ. You can be that close to Jesus Christ and yet be lost. When Christ comes, the divided heart will be exposed. This reaction was sad and heart breaking. Do our treasure have us or do we have it? Will our gold drag is down as it did Judas? We may not love money but there may be something else, we must all ask if something else is more important than Jesus.
What Jesus thought about it. Verse 7
a) It was an act of humble love and devotion. Mary had said in the most powerful way, ‘He is everything, I am nothing. I wish to be nothing but his servant.’ In a wealthy family a servant did the feet washing, it was not a nice job, it was done by the lowest servant. ‘I just want to be the servant of the Lord Jesus. It is an act of gratitude and love, it was not low self esteem. Why? Her brother was in rude good health, he had been brought back from the dead in answer to the family’s prayers. It was his greatest miracle. He had given her hope and shown her the way to life. He was so worthy of her love. He was worthy of her devotion. Sometimes we have fear and depression, poor health, difficult marriages and these should draw us to Jesus – we humbly put up with them.
b) It was an act of self forgetting love and devotion. She is oblivious to all around her. She wiped his feet with her hair. Women rarely let their hair down in public. It was an extraordinary scene and she was overcome with her love for him. She probably didn’t care what people said. Other saints did the same – David leapt and danced before God, his wife said that it was unbecoming a king, but David could not suppress himself. We can be too hide bound and stiff and formal.
c) It was an act of generous love and devotion. Mary gives the best thing that she has. It was probably a family heirloom, she used it all in one go. It was not silly female emotionalism. What is the best we can do? Do we give of our best as Mary did? Second best is not good enough for her. She would have said nothing is too good for our Lord, do we say this? We owe so much – he has forgiven our sins, we will go to Heaven. We must love him and give what we can – free time, money and our skills.
d) It was an act of wasteful love and devotion. The disciples saw it as a colossal waste of money. Jesus did care about the poor as did the early church. Whenever the gospel comes so does care for the poor. In this case spiritual devotion takes precedent over social concern. Social concern does not get to the root of the problem – a problem heart needs the gospel. We have plenty of opportunities to help the poor. Jesus knew he was the root and cure of sin.
e) It was an act of perceptive love and devotion – Matthew 26 verse 12. How did Mary come to understand this when others, particularly the disciples, failed to do so? By being often in the place where we find her now – at Jesus feet. Mary knew Jesus was soon going to die. Nard was often used in embalming. Mary wanted everyone to understand what was going to happen. She knew more clearly than the disciples. Why? Mary is always in the same place – at Jesus’ feet, that is symbolic of being taught (when Lazarus died Mary was at Jesus’ feet, when he was at their house before she sat at his feet).
f) It was an act of love and devotion that is a lasting memorial. The Lord is saying ‘what she did is a lesson for all of you’. Mary was finding out the greatness of Jesus’ loving heart. She caught a glimpse of Jesus’ love for her, and took the best thing that she had and just poured it all over Him. She loved Him because he first loved her. Matthew and Mark say Jesus said it would told as a memorial to her. We cannot do what each other can do, we should do what we can do and show our love for Jesus who died for us.
It is staggering that what she did is recorded, not what she says. We do not know what Mary said when Jesus was in her house, she was criticized for what she did but Jesus commended her, it is a lesson for us that we should love him who died for us. She showed her love for him as we should. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. What do we do in return? Do we take every opportunity to show our love? How are we showing that we love the Lord?
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