Matthew 9:35-10:23

Dear RTB’ers,

Jesus now leaves Capernaum and travels throughout Galilee, sending the Twelve to do the same after giving them instructions. He also predicts trouble for them: Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves… Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for My sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. (vv. 10:16-18) We see Jesus’ warnings fulfilled after His Resurrection, in the Acts of the Apostles, especially in the apostle Paul’s journeys: When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next… (v. 10:23a; see this played out for Paul in Acts 13:44-14:7). We see Jesus’ warnings also in our own time, especially where Christians are persecuted by Moslems and repressed by government authorities in autocratic nations. One item in our Sunday “Prayers for the People” is a prayer for the persecuted church.

I spoke to our church last summer about us sharing our faith, as we imagined ourselves as either one of “the twelve” (well-prepared) or one of “the 72” (less well-prepared). My words back then bear repeating: “A final bit of Gospel guidance that I can offer is the best (except for Jesus’ command). I offer you the Holy Spirit… Here we have Jesus’ words during Luke’s “Travel Narrative”, Luke 12:11-12, And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Matthew’s words today are even stronger: For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (v. 10:20) Can you imagine God speaking through you? It happens. It’s His gift to us! Speak up! Share your faith!!

And stay after coffee hour tomorrow for our monthly RTB gathering. It’s a fun time – great discussions!

Blessings!

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See also:

• October 24 (2023) / Matthew 9:35-11:1, 14:1-12; Mark 6:7-29; Luke 3:19-20, 9:1-9
• March 6 (2021) / Matt. 9:35-10:15

Matthew 9:9-34

Dear RTB’ers,

Today, Jesus’ calling of Matthew (Levi) and another three healing miracles. Two of these healings were prophesied by Isaiah: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6a) Matthew quotes the Old Testament far more than any of the other gospel writers, but he did not quote Isaiah for these two healings. Surprising.

Each of the past two days I have posted of Jewish leaders (scribes) following or challenging Jesus. Today we have another Jewish leader, a synagogue official (Jairus) actively seeking Him out, not for a healing but for a resurrection! Jairus speaking: My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live. (v. 18b) And Jesus complied. I’m struck at the faith of this synagogue official, to believe that Jesus could raise the dead…! Along with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, one wonders at whether Jairus became a follower, either actively or silently. How could he not, every moment that he saw his daughter up and moving about?!

We see mention of “the house” twice today, in verses 10 and 28. Presumably Jesus is in Capernaum, which was His “headquarters” during His Galilean ministry: And getting into a boat He crossed over and came to His own city. (v. 9:1) “The house” in today’s reading is likely Peter’s residence, where Peter lived with his wife and mother-in-law. Jesus probably stayed there when He was in town. The series, The Chosen centers a lot of Jesus’ and His disciples’ activity in that house.

REMINDER: Our monthly RTB gathering this Sunday in Nathan Hall after coffee hour (and cleanup). Come join us!!

Blessings!

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See also:

• October 16 (2023) / Matthew 9:1-17, 12:1-14; Mark 2:1-3:6; Luke 5:17-6:11
• January 30 (2021) / Matt. 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32
• January 31 (2021) / Matt. 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39
• February 28 (2021) / Matt. 9:18-34

Matthew 8:23-9:8

Dear RTB’ers,

Yesterday’s STS introduction told us that we would be reading three sets of three miracles each in Matthew’s chapters 8 and 9. Yesterday we saw three healings – leprosy, paralysis, and a fever. Today we see the second of these three sets of miracles – Jesus calming the storm, casting out demons, and healing the paralytic.

I’m probably repeating myself, but I can’t read the incident of Jesus calming the storm without recalling one of the stories from our Avanza Jesus Storybook Bible, where the authors wrote that when Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm (v. 8:26b) that the wind and the sea recalled His voice from when He first created them at the beginning of history. A really nice thought…!

If I had been a bystander when Jesus healed the paralytic, what would I have thought? Would I have the same mind as the scribes, inherently suspicious: And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” (v. 9:3) How would I then have responded to Jesus’ comment, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” (vv. 9:4b-5) Would Jesus have convinced me when the man got up and left? What more would Jesus have to do before I joined Him, like yesterday’s scribe, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever you go.” (v. 8:19b) Which scribe would I tend toward, yesterday’s or today’s? Knowing myself, I probably would have wanted to follow Jesus for a while from a distance until I saw more of Him. I’m a bit slow, cautious that way.

Thankfully, today, I have seen more of Him and He has convinced me. He is my Way, Truth, and Life, and I am forever blessed in Him! Glory!!

Blessings!

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See also:

• October 22 (2023) / Matthew 8:23-34, 9:18-34; Mark 4:35-5:43; Luke 8:22-56
• February 25 (2021) / Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
• February 26 (2021) / Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20
• January 29 (2021) / Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

Matthew 8:1-22

Dear RTB’ers,

Back to Matthew for the next couple of weeks. Jesus has finished His “Sermon on the Mount”; immediately we see Him healing all kinds of infirmities – leprosy, paralysis, a fever, and …many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. (v. 16b) I tend to think that Jesus in Matthew’s gospel has a greater teaching focus than any of the other gospels, but consistent with the other synoptic gospels, Matthew also shows Jesus with a healing ministry and as a miracle worker.

Following Jesus… And a scribe came up and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” (v. 19) When I think of accounts of someone specifically mentioned as one who is following Jesus or asking about following Him, I have in mind His own selection of the twelve, mostly fishermen and other tradesmen. I also think of the “rich young ruler” asking about eternal life (Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18) and then declining Jesus’ suggestion. But here, early in Jesus’ ministry we have a scribe desiring to follow Him. Scribes are learned Jewish leaders who were responsible for teaching and interpreting Scripture in the Temple and in the synagogues. Later we will learn of other Jewish leaders (e.g., Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea) who also became bold enough to step out. Yes, a scribe following “wherever”… I wonder if he stayed on…?

Blessings!

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See also:

• January 28 (2021) / Matt. 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16
• February 12 (2021) / Matt. 8:5-13; John 4:46-54
• October 15 (2023) / Matthew 8:14-17; 4:23-25; 8:1-4; Mark 1:21-45; Luke 4:31-5:16
• January 26 (2021) / Matt. 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41
• July 2 (2019) / Matt. 8:18-22

Obadiah 1-21

Dear RTB’ers,

Obadiah, our final minor prophet during this stretch of RTB readings. Our STS authors give us a good introduction to Obadiah. I would especially encourage you to read their citation of Numbers 20:14-21. Those verses tell of Edom’s refusal to allow Israel to pass through their territory on their journey from the Wilderness to the Promised Land, even though Edom and Israel were “brother nations” due to their ancestry from Jacob and Esau. You might want to read the long history of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25, 27, 32-33) for a better understanding of that brotherly relationship.

Obadiah is all about Edom’s destruction. Some scholars read “Edom” to reflect any (or all) of those nations that fought with Israel, but for now we’ll just imagine that Obadiah meant Edom itself, the mountainous nation from the southern tip of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Obadiah tells Edom that it will fall: The pride of your heart has deceived you, who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (vv. 3-4)

The word “day” appears a dozen times in this one chapter. Mostly it is used as “that day” or “the day”, in conjunction with the Lord’s eight “do not…” commands in verses 12-14. That changes in the next verse, however, where “the day of the LORD”, suggests something more eschatological: For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (v. 15) Again, as with other “end times” prophecies that we have read, the Lord will rule from Jerusalem: But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy… Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s. (vv. 17a, 21) It’s worth noting that the NASB translates “saviors” as “deliverers”, suggesting a time more contemporary than an end-times prophecy. So it’s your call – current or end-times prophecy? Thoughts?

Blessings!

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See also: August 11 (2023) / Psalm 137; Obadiah; Jeremiah 52:28-30; Ezekiel 33:1-20.

Habakkuk 3

Dear RTB’ers,

We are covering two STS assignments today to make up for one of the four we fell short last year.

Without the STS intro and my Study Bible I would have been lost in today’s reading. Habakkuk is using poetic environmental images to describe Israel’s escape from Egypt and entry into the Promised Land. The mountains saw You and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their place at the light of Your arrows as they sped, at the flash of Your glittering spear. (vv. 10-11, as an example…)

We end Habakkuk with one of the strongest statements of faith that we will find in all of Scripture: Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (vv. 17-18)

Finally, one more time, a call to wait: Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. (v. 16b) Habakkuk has been told to expect the Babylonian invasion – it will happen. But in the end it is the Babylonians who will be defeated. In the end of all the trouble that we see around us, God will win out. Yes, wait.

Blessings!

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See also: July 6 (2023) / Habakkuk (again).

Habakkuk 2:6-20

Dear RTB’ers,

Today we continue the Lord’s second response to Habakkuk’s questions. We began this response yesterday with a one-word message: Wait. Today He pronounces five woes on the Chaldeans (Babylonians). Mostly I see the essence of those woes as chastisement on the Babylonians for plundering, for taking what is not theirs and using it for their own comfort. But, as we often see, the Babylonians will get theirs: The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory! (v. 16b) And I love the Lord’s taunting of the idol-makers in verses 19-20.

Two well-known verses today: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (v. 14) and But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him. (v. 20) Enjoy!

Blessings!

Habakkuk 1:1-2:5

Dear RTB’ers,

Habakkuk – the fifth of six minor prophets during this stretch of RTB readings. I feel like the STS authors should have done a better job at laying out this book. The text is actually a conversation between Habakkuk and God, with Habakkuk questioning and God answering. You’ll see God speaking in Hab. 1:5-11 and in Hab. 2:2-20. All the rest of the text in the first two chapters is Habakkuk questioning God, then all of chapter 3 is Habakkuk’s prayer of praise and rejoicing.

In today’s first four verses Habakkuk is asking God why the evil around him (presumably in Judah, particularly in Jerusalem) is going unpunished. God responds with these famous words, Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans… (vv. 5-6a) God tells Habakkuk that He is doing something unbelievable, that He will be punishing Judah by using the Chaldeans (Babylonians) as His instrument! Habakkuk is horrified! He responds, …why do You idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? (v.1:13b) That is, how can God send the godless Chaldeans up against the God-fearing (but sinful) Judeans? Essentially, Habakkuk asks if God doesn’t have other instruments that He can use to punish the sin in his midst?

God then responds with a good word for us: WAIT. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (v. 2:3) For us in our everyday lives, God is doing what He will do. Whatever in our lives seems to be going in a wrong direction – it is known to God. If we are uncomfortable with situations around us and are powerless to do anything about them, we just need to wait. God knows all that is going on. We just need to trust Him and wait. And pray. Yes, wait and pray, pray and wait.

Blessings!

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See also: July 6 22 (2023) / Habakkuk.

Nahum 2-3

Dear RTB’ers,

I noted yesterday that the book of Nahum is all about Nineveh and its judgment and destruction. That’s what today’s reading is all about, that final destruction. It gets confusing as to whether some of the text is referring to the advancing armies or to defenders in Nineveh itself. See especially Nahum 2:3-4. Beyond that, most of the text is clear; it’s not hard to imagine oneself in the middle of the city as it is being ravaged by invaders, and as officials, leaders, and traders flee before the onslaught.

Finally, Nahum leaves no doubt but that the Lord is responsible for the destruction of Nineveh: Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame. I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?” Where shall I seek comforters for you? (vv. 3:5-7)

Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC and never built again. According to my Study Bible, archeologists finally began to uncover her ruins in 1845.

Blessings!