Upper Room Daily Reflections of Nashville, Tennessee, United States - daily words of wisdom and faith “Hold Onto Christ" for Monday, 2 February 2015Today’s Reflection:
SOMETIMES WE DO NOT CALL OUT IN BOLD FAITH like Bartimaeus [in Mark 4:35-39]; we scream (at least inwardly) in panic. When threatening, out-of-control events roar around us and the world rocks under our feet, we cry out in fear and outrage: “God, my life is going to pieces! Don’t you care? Are you sleeping?” . . .
When fear begins to overwhelm us, we can think of the living Christ, whose heart and voice are God’s heart and voice, speaking to us inwardly:
I am here. I will not leave you. Hold onto me. You are safe with me. Breathe slowly. Breathe deeply. My healing breath of life is flowing into you. Take my peace into your body. Take my peace into your heart.[Flora Slosson Wuellner]
Miracle: When Christ Touches Our Deepest Need
From pages 31, 34 of Miracle: When Christ Touches Our Deepest Need by Flora Slosson Wuellner. Copyright © 2008 by Flora Slosson Wuellner. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.
Today’s Question
Read the quote above and commit it to memory in your own words. Recall these words when you are afraid. Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.[Isaiah 40:21-23, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who are starting over.
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This week we remember: Aelred of Rievaulx (February 3).
Aelred of RievaulxFebruary 03
Aelred of Rievaulx (ca. 1110-67), Cistercian monk, spiritual writer. Aelred was raised in a foster home, the court of King David of Scotland. There he gained popularity and success but became restless and dissatisfied. At the age of twenty-four he left the court abruptly and offered himself at the gate of Rievaulx, a Cistercian monastery, to become a monk. He quickly rose in responsibility, first as novice master and later as leader of a group of monks that started a new monastery. Later he was recalled to become abbot at Rievaulx and supervised many daughter houses as well. He had a close relationship with Bernard of Clairvaux, since Clairvaux was the mother house of Rievaulx.
Aelred is best known for Spiritual Friendship, written over a span of years, in which he reflected on Cicero's theories of friendship and went far beyond. He advocated friendship on both the natural and the supernatural planes. He wrote from the perspective of his own experiences with friendship, through which he experienced a higher and deeper relationship with Christ and with God. Friendship was a reflection of the love of God, with God being the source.
Aelred, conscious of the dangers and pitfalls of friendship in monasteries, maintained that loving one's immediate neighbors with charity and goodwill offered a foretaste of heaven. No conflict existed between love of friends and love of God. Judgment of what was right would contribute to true friendship, which required constant attention. Aelred died as he had lived, surrounded by a crowd of monks. EWF
If Aelred of Rievaulx had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Lover. Aelred of Rievaulx is remembered on Febuary 3.
[Excerpted with permission from the entry on Aelred of Rievaulx by Elizabeth W. Fribance, fromThe Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe. Copyright © 2003 by Upper Room Books®. All rights reserved.]
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Lectionary Scriptures:
Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 24:7-10
Psalm 84
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
Malachi 3:1 Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me;
suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple.
The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming,
says the Lord of heavenly forces.
2 Who can endure the day of his coming?
Who can withstand his appearance?
He is like the refiner’s fire or the cleaner’s soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.
He will purify the Levites
and refine them like gold and silver.
They will belong to the Lord,
presenting a righteous offering.
4 The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord
as in ancient days and in former years.
Psalm 24:7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
8 Who is this glorious king?
The Lord—strong and powerful!
The Lord—powerful in battle!
9 Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
10 Who is this glorious king?
The Lord of heavenly forces—
he is the glorious king! Selah
Psalm 84: For the music leader. According to the Gittith. Of the Korahites. A psalm.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord of heavenly forces!
2 My very being[a] longs, even yearns,
for the Lord’s courtyards.
My heart and my body
will rejoice out loud to the living God!
3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there;
the swallow has found herself a nest
where she can lay her young beside your altars,
Lord of heavenly forces, my king, my God!
4 Those who live in your house are truly happy;
they praise you constantly. Selah
5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy;
pilgrimage is in their hearts.
6 As they pass through the Baca Valley,[b]
they make it a spring of water.
Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength,
until they see the supreme God in Zion.[c]
8 Lord God of heavenly forces,
hear my prayer;
listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah
9 Look at our shield, God;
pay close attention to the face of your anointed one!
10 Better is a single day in your courtyards
than a thousand days anywhere else!
I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house
than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked!
11 The Lord is a sun and shield;
God is favor and glory.
The Lord gives—doesn’t withhold!—good things
to those who walk with integrity.
12 Lord of heavenly forces,
those who trust in you are truly happy![Footnotes:
Psalm 84:2 Or soul
Psalm 84:6 LXX; Vulg Valley of Tears
Psalm 84:7 Correction; MT the God of gods will be seen in Zion]
Hebrews 2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he also shared the same things in the same way. He did this to destroy the one who holds the power over death—the devil—by dying. 15 He set free those who were held in slavery their entire lives by their fear of death. 16 Of course, he isn’t trying to help angels, but rather he’s helping Abraham’s descendants. 17 Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way. This was so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to wipe away the sins of the people. 18 He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted.
Luke 2:22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.[a]
Simeon’s response to Jesus
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Anna’s response to Jesus
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Jesus as a child in Nazareth
39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.[Footnotes:
Luke 2:24 Lev 12:8; 5:11 LXX
John Wesley Notes-Commentary for
Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas
Malachi 3:1-4
Verse 1
[1] Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
I — The Messiah.
My messenger — John the Baptist.
The Lord — The Messiah.
Whom ye seek — Whom ye, who truly fear God, long and wait for.
Suddenly come — After the coming of his fore-runner.
To his temple — That which was the second temple at Jerusalem, lately built by Zerubbabel and Joshua.
The messenger — The angel of the covenant, the Messiah, in whose blood the covenant between God and man was confirmed.
Whom ye delight in — You Jews, among whom, few there are, who do not please themselves to think of his coming, tho' from various motives.
Verse 2
[2] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Abide — Who shall be able to stand under the weight of those crosses which in that day, will fall on all sorts of men? The day - This day was from his preaching, 'till the utter destruction of Jerusalem, about seventy years after the birth of Christ.
A refiner's fire — Some are like metals, which nothing but a fierce fire can purge, such fire shall the troubles of these days be.
Fuller's soap — As boiling waters, into which, spotted cloaths are thrown, and as the rubbing of them with soap; so that day will prove to all, a day of great trial, to purge and refine.
Verse 3
[3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
He shall fit — As resolved to attend his work and finish it.
He shall purify — The effect of this fiery trial, shall be the thorough cleansing of the persons that are to pass through it.
Sons of Levi — Either the Jewish Levites, or all Christians, who are made priests unto God.
In righteousness — That they may offer themselves, their souls and bodies to God, in righteousness and true holiness.
Verse 4
[4] Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
The offerings — The services and duties of the whole Christian church.
Pleasant — Well pleasing to him.Psalm 24:7-10
Verse 7
[7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — He speaks here of the gates and doors of the temple, which by faith and the spirit of prophecy, he beheld as already built, whose doors he calls Everlasting, not so much because they were made of strong and durable materials, as in opposition to those of the tabernacle, which were removed from place to place. These gates he bids lift up their heads, or tops, by allusion to those gates which have a portcullis, which may be let down or taken up. And as the temple was a type of Christ, and of his church, and of heaven itself; so this place may also contain a representation, either of Christ's entrance into his church, or into the hearts of his faithful people, who are here commanded to set open their hearts and souls for his reception: or of his ascension into heaven, where the saints or angels are poetically introduced as preparing the way, and opening the heavenly gates to receive their Lord and king, returning to his royal habitation with triumph and glory.
The king — The Messiah, the king of Israel, and of his church, called the King, or Lord of glory, 1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1, both for that glory which is inherent in him, and that which is purchased by him for his members.
Verse 8
[8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord — He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in triumph.
Verse 9
[9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great importance of the matter, contained under these expressions.
Verse 10
[10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. /*Selah*/.
Of hosts — Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men, and all other creatures.Psalm 84
Verse 4
[4] Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. /*Selah*/.
They-That constantly abide in thy house; the priests and Levites, or other devout Jews who were there perpetually, as Anna, Luke 2:36-37.
They will — They are continually employed in that blessed work.
Verse 5
[5] Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Whose strength — Who trusteth in thee as his only strength.
Thy ways — Blessed are they whose hearts are set upon Zion and their journey is thither.
Verse 6
[6] Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
Baca — A dry valley in the way to Jerusalem, here put for all places of like nature.
Make a well — They dig divers little pits or wells in it for their relief.
The rain — God recompenses their diligence with his blessing, sending rain wherewith they may be filled.
Verse 7
[7] They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
They go — They grow stronger and stronger.
Appeareth — This is added as the blessed fruit of their long and tedious journey.
Verse 9
[9] Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
Look — Cast a favourable eye towards him.
Anointed — Of me, who though a vile sinner, am thine anointed king.
Verse 10
[10] For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Than dwell — In the greatest glory and plenty.
Verse 11
[11] For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
A sun — To enlighten and quicken, and direct and comfort his people.
Shield — To save his people from all their enemies.
Grace — His favour, which is better than life.
Glory — The honour which comes from God here, and eternal glory.Hebrews 2:14-18
Verse 14
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Since then these children partake of flesh and blood — Of human nature with all its infirmities. He also in like manner took part of the same; that through his own death he might destroy the tyranny of him that had, by God's permission, the power of death with regard to the ungodly. Death is the devil's servant and serjeant, delivering to him those whom he seizes in sin.
That is, the devil — The power was manifest to all; but who exerted it, they saw not.
Verse 15
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
And deliver them, as many as through fear of death were all their lifetime, till then, subject to bondage - Every man who fears death is subject to bondage; is in a slavish, uncomfortable state. And every man fears death, more or less, who knows not Christ: death is unwelcome to him, if he knows what death is. But he delivers all true believers from this bondage.
Verse 16
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
For verily he taketh not hold of angels — He does not take their nature upon him.
But he taketh hold of the seed of Abraham — He takes human nature upon him. St. Paul says the seed of Abraham, rather than the seed of Adam, because to Abraham was the promise made.
Verse 17
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Wherefore it behoved him — It was highly fit and proper, yea, necessary, in order to his design of redeeming them.
To be made in all things — That essentially pertain to human nature, and in all sufferings and temptations.
Like his brethren — This is a recapitulation of all that goes before: the sum of all that follows is added immediately. That he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest-Merciful toward sinners; faithful toward God. A priest or high priest is one who has a right of approaching God, and of bringing others to him. Faithful is treated of, Hebrews 3:2, etc., with its use; merciful, Hebrews 4:14, etc., with the use also; High Priest, Hebrews 5:4, etc., Hebrews 7:1, etc. The use is added from Heb 10:19.
In things pertaining to God, to expiate the sins of the people — Offering up their sacrifices and prayers to God; deriving God's grace, peace, and blessings upon them.
Verse 18
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
For in that he hath suffered being tempted himself he is able to succour them that are tempted — That is, he has given a manifest, demonstrative proof that he is able so to do.Luke 2:22-40
Verse 22
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
The days — The forty days prescribed, Leviticus 12:2,4.
Verse 23
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
Exodus 13:2.
Verse 24
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons — This offering sufficed for the poor. Leviticus 12:8.
Verse 25
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
The consolation of Israel — A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting consolation of the Israel of God.
The Holy Ghost was upon him — That is, he was a prophet.
Verse 27
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
By the Spirit — By a particular revelation or impulse from him.
Verse 30
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Thy salvation — Thy Christ, thy Saviour.
Verse 32
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And the glory of thy people Israel — For after the Gentiles are enlightened, all Israel shall be saved.
Verse 33
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken — For they did not thoroughly understand them.
Verse 34
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Simeon blessed them — Joseph and Mary.
This child is set for the fall and rising again of many — That is, he will be a savour of death to some, to unbelievers: a savour of life to others, to believers: and for a sign which shall be spoken against - A sign from God, yet rejected of men: but the time for declaring this at large was not yet come: that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed - The event will be, that by means of that contradiction, the inmost thoughts of many, whether good or bad, will be made manifest.
Verse 35
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
A sword shall pierce through thy own soul — So it did, when he suffered: particularly at his crucifixion.
Verse 37
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Fourscore and four years — These were the years of her life, not her widowhood only.
Who departed not from the temple — Who attended there at all the stated hours of prayer.
But served God with fastings and prayers — Even at that age.
Night and day — That is, spending therein a considerable part of the night, as well as of the day.
Verse 38
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
To all that were waiting for redemption — The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not actually gone: Daniel's weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God's salvation, when they are gone to enjoy it.
Verse 40
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
And the child grew — In bodily strength and stature; and waxed strong in spirit - The powers of his human mind daily improved; filled with wisdom - By the light of the indwelling Spirit, which gradually opened itself in his soul; and the grace of God was upon him - That is, the peculiar favour of God rested upon him, even as man.Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Lectionary Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 40:21 Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
Wasn’t it announced to you from the beginning?
Haven’t you understood since the earth was founded?
22 God inhabits the earth’s horizon—
its inhabitants are like locusts—
stretches out the skies like a curtain
and spreads it out like a tent for dwelling.
23 God makes dignitaries useless
and the earth’s judges into nothing.
24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely is their shoot rooted in the earth
when God breathes on them, and they dry up;
the windstorm carries them off like straw.
25 So to whom will you compare me,
and who is my equal? says the holy one.
Power for the weary
26 Look up at the sky and consider:
Who created these?
The one who brings out their attendants one by one,
summoning each of them by name.
Because of God’s great strength
and mighty power, not one is missing.
27 Why do you say, Jacob,
and declare, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord
my God ignores my predicament”?
28 Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the creator of the ends of the earth.
He doesn’t grow tired or weary.
His understanding is beyond human reach,
29 giving power to the tired
and reviving the exhausted.
30 Youths will become tired and weary,
young men will certainly stumble;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will fly up on wings like eagles;
they will run and not be tired;
they will walk and not be weary.
Psalm 147:1 Because it is a pleasure to make beautiful praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, gathering up Israel’s exiles.
3 God heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
4 God counts the stars by number,
giving each one a name.
5 Our Lord is great and so strong!
God’s knowledge can’t be grasped!
6 The Lord helps the poor,
but throws the wicked down on the dirt!
7 Sing to the Lord with thanks;
sing praises to our God with a lyre!
8 God covers the skies with clouds;
God makes rain for the earth;
God makes the mountains sprout green grass.
9 God gives food to the animals—
even to the baby ravens when they cry out.
10 God doesn’t prize the strength of a horse;
God doesn’t treasure the legs of a runner.
11 No. The Lord treasures the people
who honor him,
the people who wait for his faithful love.
20 God hasn’t done that with any other nation;
those nations have no knowledge of God’s rules.[a]
Praise the Lord![Footnotes:
Psalm 147:20 LXX, Tg, DSS (11QPsa) God hasn’t let those nations know his rules.]
1 Corinthians 9:16 If I preach the gospel, I have no reason to brag, since I’m obligated to do it. I’m in trouble if I don’t preach the gospel. 17 If I do this voluntarily, I get rewarded for it. But if I’m forced to do it, then I’ve been charged with a responsibility. 18 What reward do I get? That when I preach, I offer the good news free of charge. That’s why I don’t use the rights to which I’m entitled through the gospel.
19 Although I’m free from all people, I make myself a slave to all people, to recruit more of them. 20 I act like a Jew to the Jews, so I can recruit Jews. I act like I’m under the Law to those under the Law, so I can recruit those who are under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law). 21 I act like I’m outside the Law to those who are outside the Law, so I can recruit those outside the Law (though I’m not outside the law of God but rather under the law of Christ). 22 I act weak to the weak, so I can recruit the weak. I have become all things to all people, so I could save some by all possible means. 23 All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I can be a partner with it.
Mark 1: Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law
29 After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. 31 He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
Jesus’ ministry spreads
32 That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered near the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.
35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. 36 Simon and those with him tracked him down. 37 When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
38 He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” 39 He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
Verse 21
[21] Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Known — God to be the only true God, the maker and governor of the world.
Verse 22
[22] It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Sitteth — Far above this round earth, even in the highest heavens; from whence he looketh down upon the earth, where men appear to him like grasshoppers. As here we have the circle of the earth, so elsewhere we read of the circle of heaven, Job 22:14, and of the circle of the deep, or sea, Proverbs 8:27, because the form of the heaven, and earth and sea is circular.
Spreadeth — For the benefit of the earth and of mankind, that all parts might partake of its comfortable influences.
Verse 24
[24] Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.
Sown — They shall take no root, for planting and sowing are in order to taking root. They shall not continue and flourish, as they have vainly imagined, but shall be rooted up and perish.
Verse 26
[26] Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Bringeth — That at first brought them out of nothing, and from day to day brings them forth, making them to rise and set in their appointed times.
Faileth — Either to appear when he calls them; or to do the work to which he sends them.
Verse 27
[27] Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
What — Why dost thou give way to such jealousies concerning thy God, of whose infinite power and wisdom, and goodness, there are such evident demonstrations.
Is hid — He takes no notice of my prayers and tears, and sufferings, but suffers mine enemies to abuse me at their pleasure. This complaint is uttered in the name of the people, being prophetically supposed to be in captivity.
Judgment — My cause. God has neglected to plead my cause, and to give judgment for me against mine enemies.
Verse 30
[30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
The youths — The youngest and strongest men, left to themselves.
Verse 31
[31] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Wait — That rely upon him.
Renew — Shall grow stronger and stronger.Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Verse 4
[4] He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Calleth them — He exactly knows them as we do those whom we can call by name.
Verse 9
[9] He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
Ravens — Which he mentions because they were most contemptible, especially to the Jews, to whom they were unclean: and because they are not only neglected by men, but also forsaken by their dams as soon as ever they can fly, and so are wholly left to the care of Divine providence.
Verse 10
[10] He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
Delighteth not — As if he needed either the one or the other for the accomplishment of his designs.1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Verse 17
[17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
Willingly — He seems to mean, without receiving anything. St. Paul here speaks in a manner peculiar to himself. Another might have preached willingly, and yet have received a maintenance from the Corinthians. But if he had received anything from them, he would have termed it preaching unwillingly. And so, in the next verse, another might have used that power without abusing it. But his own using it at all, he would have termed abusing it.
A dispensation is intrusted to me — Therefore I dare not refrain.
Verse 18
[18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
What then is my reward — That circumstance in my conduct for which I expect a peculiar reward from my great Master? That I abuse not - Make not an unseasonable use of my power which I have in preaching the gospel.
Verse 19
[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
I made myself the servant of all — I acted with as self-denying a regard to their interest, and as much caution not to offend them, as if I had been literally their servant or slave. Where is the preacher of the gospel who treads in the same steps?
Verse 20
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To the Jews I became as a Jew — Conforming myself in all things to their manner of thinking and living, so far as; I could with innocence.
To them that are under the law — Who apprehend themselves to be still bound by the Mosaic law.
As under the law — Observing it myself, while I am among them. Not that he declared this to be necessary, or refused to converse with those who did not observe it. This was the very thing which he condemned in St. Peter, Galatians 2:14.
Verse 21
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To them that are without the law — The heathens.
As without the law — Neglecting its ceremonies.
Being not without the law to God — But as much as ever under its moral precepts.
Under the law to Christ — And in this sense all Christians will be under the law for ever.
Verse 22
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
I became as weak — As if I had been scrupulous too.
I became all things to all men — Accommodating myself to all, so far as I could consistent with truth and sincerity.Mark 1:29-39
Verse 29
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38.
Verse 32
[32] And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
When the sun was set — And, consequently, the Sabbath was ended, which they reckoned from sunset to sunset.
Verse 33
[33] And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And the whole city was gathered together at the door — O what a fair prospect was here! Who could then have imagined that all these blossoms would die away without fruit?
Verse 34
[34] And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
He suffered not the devils to say that they knew him — That is, according to Dr. Mead's hypothesis, (that the Scriptural demoniacs were only diseased persons,) He suffered not the diseases to say that they knew him!
Verse 35
[35] And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Rising a great while before day — So did he labour for us, both day and night. Luke 4:42.____________________________
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Sermon Story "The Infant Jesus Presented in the Temple" by Gary Lee Parker with Sermon Test for Monday, 2 February 2015
Scripture Texts: Luke 2:22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.[a]
Simeon’s response to Jesus
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Anna’s response to Jesus
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Jesus as a child in Nazareth
39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.[Footnotes:
Luke 2:24 Lev 12:8; 5:11 LXX
Joseph and Mary was good Jews. They were married even though they both had a vision that Mary would be pregnant without any help from a man, but conceived by the Holy Spirit of God. We know that Joseph followed the Law or torah because when he heard that Mary was pregnant, but not by him, he wanted to put her away quietly without her being stoned for adultery until God revealed to him that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit of God. Now, Mary and joseph both knew that the first child born to a woman, even though Joseph was not the physical father, that the child was given to the Lord for God's Holy puposes. After 40 days of being unclean according to the Torah, they went to the Temple to give the burnt offerings as required by the Torah to make Mary, the woman, clean according to the Torah. At this time, they were surprised by an old man, Simeon, and an old woman, Anna. First, simeon say Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus saying that God can let him dy because he has seen the Promise Messiah of God who will redeem His people, Israel, from their sins. He went on to prophesy that Jesus would cause many Israelites to rise or fall according to their own faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, he turned to Mary and said that the suffering of Jesus would pierce her own heart, but be not afraid. Next, Anna came and began to prophesy of Jesus being the Messiah and blessing Mary and Joseph as Simeon did. How would you respond if your were in Mary and Joseph's shoes? How would you respond if you were in Simeon or Anna's shoes? How do you respond to Jesus as the Messiah for the Jews and all the Gentiles as well? We come to sing the Hymn "Long-Awaited Holy One" by Delores Dufner, O.S.B. (b.1939)
1. Long-awaited Holy One,
Simeon hailed you as God’s Son.
Anna welcomed you with praise,
Glad fulfillment of her days.
2. Light of all the nations, shine!
Show, to those who wait, a sign:
God on earth, our host and guest,
In our flesh made manifest.
3. Radiance of God’s holy face,
Shine your love in ev’ry place.
Splendor of God’s glory bright,
Lead us to eternal light!
Sermon Story "Called to Go Beyond the Boundaries" by Gary Lee Parker with Sermon Test for Sunday, 8 February 2015Scripture Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:16 If I preach the gospel, I have no reason to brag, since I’m obligated to do it. I’m in trouble if I don’t preach the gospel. 17 If I do this voluntarily, I get rewarded for it. But if I’m forced to do it, then I’ve been charged with a responsibility. 18 What reward do I get? That when I preach, I offer the good news free of charge. That’s why I don’t use the rights to which I’m entitled through the gospel.
19 Although I’m free from all people, I make myself a slave to all people, to recruit more of them. 20 I act like a Jew to the Jews, so I can recruit Jews. I act like I’m under the Law to those under the Law, so I can recruit those who are under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law). 21 I act like I’m outside the Law to those who are outside the Law, so I can recruit those outside the Law (though I’m not outside the law of God but rather under the law of Christ). 22 I act weak to the weak, so I can recruit the weak. I have become all things to all people, so I could save some by all possible means. 23 All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I can be a partner with it.
We have the Apostle teaching about the call of God upon his life to preach the Gospel of the Messiah. Yes, we know from Paul's testimony that he was called to be a religious within Judaism as a Pharisee and held true to his word defending The Torah where fringe groups would abuse the Torah as he thought the Messianics were doing until Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. He spoke as though he was destined to preach the Good News of the Pronised Messiah to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. He says that God has allowed him to cross boundaries to become as other people are that some would come to a redemptive knowledge of Jesus, whether Jews or any Gentile people group. How do understnd what Paul was saying to the Messianic community in Corinth? How do you understand his call and the people of Corinth's call? How about now, are you able to grasp your call for proclaiming the Message of Jesus as a preacher, teacher, or other employment opportunity or even in your everyday life? There was a young man I knew who received a call from God to prepare for pastoral ministry to reach the counter-cultural or marginalized people with the Message of Jesus. This man did not realize until after graduating from a seminary and returning to the city and state where he first received God's call his life that this God Vision could not be done by one man or one group of people or even one church or even one denomination, but this meant to embrace the Vision of God to allow two denominations with the Wesleyan Theological background to work together for the growth of the Kingdom of God to reach the counter-cultural and marginalized, but especially the people who are differently abled to be fully involved in the church as clergy or laity to proclaim the Message of Jesus to all other people no matter what culture or sexual orientation or immigrant status or Ability. How do you see this as crossing boundaries as the Apostle Paul was talking about himself being as other people to allow them to become redemptive people of Jesus? We will sing this Hymn "Ye servants of God! Your Master proclaim" by Charles Wesley (1744)
1. You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name all-victorious of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.
2. God rules in the height, almighty to save;
though hid from our sight, his presence we have;
the great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.
3. "Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!"
let all cry aloud, and honor the Son;
the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.
4. Then let us adore and give him his right:
all glory and power, all wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing with angels above
and thanks never ceasing for infinite love.
____________________________Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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