The Daily Devotionals of The Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Today, Please pray for:
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Lectionary Readings:Today, Please pray for:
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Burlington UMC
Five Rivers District
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(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Sunday, 20 November 2016
This Sunday, November 20, 2016
Christ the King Sunday's Scripture Texts: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 23:1 “Oh no! The shepherds are destroying and scattering the sheep in my pasture!” says Adonai. 2 Therefore this is what Adonai, the God of Isra’el, says against the shepherds who shepherd my people: “You have scattered my flock, driven them away and not taken care of them. So I will ‘take care of’ you because of your evil deeds,” says Adonai. 3 “I myself will gather what remains of my flock from all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their homes, and they will be fruitful and increase their numbers. 4 I will appoint shepherds over them who will shepherd them; then they will no longer be afraid or disgraced; and none will be missing,” says Adonai.
5 “The days are coming,” says Adonai
when I will raise a righteous Branch for David.
He will reign as king and succeed,
he will do what is just and right in the land.
6 In his days Y’hudah will be saved,
Isra’el will live in safety,
and the name given to him will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our righteousness].
Psalm 46:1 (0) For the leader. By the descendants of Korach. On ‘alamot [high-pitched musical instruments?]. A song:
14 It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven. 15 He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation, 16 because in connection with him were created all things — in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities — they have all been created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and he holds everything together.
18 Also he is head of the Body, the Messianic Community — he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might hold first place in everything. 19 For it pleased God to have his full being live in his Son 20 and through his Son to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace through him, through having his Son shed his blood by being executed on a stake.
Luke 23:33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed him to a stake; and they nailed the criminals to stakes, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”
They divided up his clothes by throwing dice.[Luke 23:34 Psalm 22:19(18)] 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at him.[Luke 23:35 Psalm 22:8(7)] “He saved others,” they said, “so if he really is the Messiah, the one chosen by God, let him save himself!” 36 The soldiers too ridiculed him; they came up, offered him vinegar[Luke 23:36 Psalm 69:22(21)] 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 And there was a notice over him which read,
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
39 One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other one spoke up and rebuked the first, saying, “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same punishment as he is. 41 Ours is only fair; we’re getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man did nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Yeshua, remember me when you come as King.” 43 Yeshua said to him, “Yes! I promise that you will be with me today in Gan-‘Eden.”
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Verse 2
[2] Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
That feed — They are said to have fed this people, because it was their duty so to do.
Verse 5
[5] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Behold — Even the Jewish doctors, as well as the Christian interpreters, understand this as a prophecy of the Messiah who is called the branch, Isaiah 4:2; 53:2. And here, he is called the righteous branch, not only because himself was righteous, but because he maketh his people righteous.
Shall execute — Protecting the innocent, and defending his people throughout the world, judging the prince of the world, and by his spirit governing his people.
Verse 6
[6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Judah — During the reign and kingdom of the Messiah the people of God typified by Judah and Israel shall be saved with a spiritual salvation, and God will be a special protection to them.
And this — The name wherewith this branch shall be called, shall be, The Lord our righteousness. This place is an eminent proof of the Godhead of Christ, he is here called Jehovah, and what is proper to God alone, namely to justify, is here applied to Christ. He who knew no sin, was made sin, (that is, a sacrifice for sin) for us, that we might be made, the righteousness of God in him.
Psalm 46
2 (1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 (2) Therefore we are unafraid,
even if the earth gives way,
even if the mountains tumble
into the depths of the sea,
4 (3) even if its waters rage and foam,
and mountains shake at its turbulence. (Selah)
5 (4) There is a river whose streams
gladden the city of God,
the holy habitation of ‘Elyon —
6 (5) God is in the city.
It will not be moved —
when daybreak comes, God will help it.
7 (6) Nations were in turmoil,
kingdoms were moved;
his voice thundered forth,
and the earth melted away.
8 (7) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
9 (8) Come and see the works of Adonai,
the astounding deeds he has done on the earth.
10 (9) To the ends of the earth he makes wars cease —
he breaks the bow, snaps the spear,
burns the shields in the fire.
11 (10) “Desist, and learn that I am God,
supreme over the nations,
supreme over the earth.”
12 (11) Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us,
our fortress, the God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
Colossians 1:11 We pray that you will be continually strengthened with all the power that comes from his glorious might; so that you will be able to persevere and be patient in any situation, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father for having made you fit to share in the inheritance of his people in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.14 It is through his Son that we have redemption — that is, our sins have been forgiven. 15 He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is supreme over all creation, 16 because in connection with him were created all things — in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities — they have all been created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and he holds everything together.
18 Also he is head of the Body, the Messianic Community — he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might hold first place in everything. 19 For it pleased God to have his full being live in his Son 20 and through his Son to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace through him, through having his Son shed his blood by being executed on a stake.
Luke 23:33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed him to a stake; and they nailed the criminals to stakes, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”
They divided up his clothes by throwing dice.[Luke 23:34 Psalm 22:19(18)] 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at him.[Luke 23:35 Psalm 22:8(7)] “He saved others,” they said, “so if he really is the Messiah, the one chosen by God, let him save himself!” 36 The soldiers too ridiculed him; they came up, offered him vinegar[Luke 23:36 Psalm 69:22(21)] 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 And there was a notice over him which read,
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
39 One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other one spoke up and rebuked the first, saying, “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same punishment as he is. 41 Ours is only fair; we’re getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man did nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Yeshua, remember me when you come as King.” 43 Yeshua said to him, “Yes! I promise that you will be with me today in Gan-‘Eden.”
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Verse 2
[2] Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
That feed — They are said to have fed this people, because it was their duty so to do.
Verse 5
[5] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Behold — Even the Jewish doctors, as well as the Christian interpreters, understand this as a prophecy of the Messiah who is called the branch, Isaiah 4:2; 53:2. And here, he is called the righteous branch, not only because himself was righteous, but because he maketh his people righteous.
Shall execute — Protecting the innocent, and defending his people throughout the world, judging the prince of the world, and by his spirit governing his people.
Verse 6
[6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Judah — During the reign and kingdom of the Messiah the people of God typified by Judah and Israel shall be saved with a spiritual salvation, and God will be a special protection to them.
And this — The name wherewith this branch shall be called, shall be, The Lord our righteousness. This place is an eminent proof of the Godhead of Christ, he is here called Jehovah, and what is proper to God alone, namely to justify, is here applied to Christ. He who knew no sin, was made sin, (that is, a sacrifice for sin) for us, that we might be made, the righteousness of God in him.
Psalm 46
Verse 2
[2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Verse 2
[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The saints-This word expresses their union with God. And brethren — This, their union with their fellow-Christians.
Verse 3
[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
We give thanks — There is a near resemblance between this epistle, and those to the Ephesians and Philippians.
Verse 5
[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Ye heard before — I wrote to you.
In the word of truth, of the gospel — The true gospel preached to you.
Verse 6
[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
It bringeth forth fruit in all the world — That is, in every place where it is preached.
Ye knew the grace of God in truth — Truly experienced the gracious power of God.
Verse 7
[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
The fellowservant — Of Paul and Timotheus.
Verse 8
[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
Your love in the Spirit — Your love wrought in you by the Spirit.
Verse 9
[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
We pray for you — This was mentioned in general, Colossians 1:3, but now more particularly.
That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will — Of his revealed will.
In all wisdom — With all the wisdom from above.
And spiritual understanding — To discern by that light whatever agrees with, or differs from, his will.
Verse 10
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
That, knowing his whole will, ye may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing - So as actually to please him in all things; daily increasing in the living, experimental knowledge of God, our Father, Saviour, Sanctifier.
Verse 11
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Strengthened unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness — This is the highest point: not only to know, to do, to suffer, the whole will of God; but to suffer it to the end, not barely with patience, but with thankful joy.
Luke 23:33-43
Verse 34
[34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Then said Jesus — Our Lord passed most of the time on the cross in silence: yet seven sentences which he spoke thereon are recorded by the four evangelists, though no one evangelist has recorded them all. Hence it appears that the four Gospels are, as it were, four parts, which, joined together, make one symphony. Sometimes one of these only, sometimes two or three, sometimes all sound together.
Father — So he speaks both in the beginning and at the end of his sufferings on the cross: Forgive them - How striking is this passage! While they are actually nailing him to the cross, he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls more than the wounds they gave him; and as it were to forget his own anguish out of a concern for their own salvation. And how eminently was his prayer heard! It procured forgiveness for all that were penitent, and a suspension of vengeance even for the impenitent.
Verse 35
[35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
If thou be the Christ; Luke 23:37.
If thou be the king — The priests deride the name of Messiah: the soldiers the name of king.
Verse 38
[38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19.
Verse 39
[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
And one of the malefactors reviled him — St. Matthew says, the robbers: St. Mark, they that were crucified with him, reviled him. Either therefore St. Matthew and Mark put the plural for the singular (as the best authors sometimes do) or both reviled him at the first, till one of them felt "the overwhelming power of saving grace."
Verse 40
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
The other rebuked him — What a surprising degree was here of repentance, faith, and other graces! And what abundance of good works, in his public confession of his sin, reproof of his fellow criminal, his honourable testimony to Christ, and profession of faith in him, while he was in so disgraceful circumstances as were stumbling even to his disciples! This shows the power of Divine grace. But it encourages none to put off their repentance to the last hour; since, as far as appears, this was the first time this criminal had an opportunity of knowing any thing of Christ, and his conversion was designed to put a peculiar glory on our Saviour in his lowest state, while his enemies derided him, and his own disciples either denied or forsook him.
Verse 42
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Remember me when thou comest — From heaven, in thy kingdom - He acknowledges him a king, and such a king, as after he is dead, can profit the dead. The apostles themselves had not then so clear conceptions of the kingdom of Christ.
Verse 43
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In paradise — The place where the souls of the righteous remain from death till the resurrection. As if he had said, I will not only remember thee then, but this very day.
[2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though — Though there should be nothing but confusion, and desolations round about us: which are often expressed by such metaphors.
Verse 4
[4] There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
A river — This may design the gracious presence, and blessing of the Lord, which is frequently described under the name of waters.
Make glad — Shall not barely preserve it from danger, but give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The city — Jerusalem, the place where God's holy tabernacle is settled.
Verse 7
[7] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Raged — Against God, and against his people.
Uttered — He spake to them in his wrath.
The earth — The inhabitants of the earth were consumed.
Verse 8
[8] Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
Desolations — Among those who were vexatious to God's people.
Verse 9
[9] He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
To cease — He hath settled as in a firm and well-grounded peace.
The land — Of Israel: from one end of it to the other.
The bow — The bows and spears, and chariots of their enemies.
Verse 11
[11] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Be still — Stir no more against my people.
God — The only true and almighty God; your gods are but dumb and impotent idols.
Exalted — I will make myself glorious by my great and wonderful works.
Colossians 1:11-20Verse 2
[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The saints-This word expresses their union with God. And brethren — This, their union with their fellow-Christians.
Verse 3
[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
We give thanks — There is a near resemblance between this epistle, and those to the Ephesians and Philippians.
Verse 5
[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Ye heard before — I wrote to you.
In the word of truth, of the gospel — The true gospel preached to you.
Verse 6
[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
It bringeth forth fruit in all the world — That is, in every place where it is preached.
Ye knew the grace of God in truth — Truly experienced the gracious power of God.
Verse 7
[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
The fellowservant — Of Paul and Timotheus.
Verse 8
[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
Your love in the Spirit — Your love wrought in you by the Spirit.
Verse 9
[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
We pray for you — This was mentioned in general, Colossians 1:3, but now more particularly.
That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will — Of his revealed will.
In all wisdom — With all the wisdom from above.
And spiritual understanding — To discern by that light whatever agrees with, or differs from, his will.
Verse 10
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
That, knowing his whole will, ye may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing - So as actually to please him in all things; daily increasing in the living, experimental knowledge of God, our Father, Saviour, Sanctifier.
Verse 11
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Strengthened unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness — This is the highest point: not only to know, to do, to suffer, the whole will of God; but to suffer it to the end, not barely with patience, but with thankful joy.
Luke 23:33-43
Verse 34
[34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Then said Jesus — Our Lord passed most of the time on the cross in silence: yet seven sentences which he spoke thereon are recorded by the four evangelists, though no one evangelist has recorded them all. Hence it appears that the four Gospels are, as it were, four parts, which, joined together, make one symphony. Sometimes one of these only, sometimes two or three, sometimes all sound together.
Father — So he speaks both in the beginning and at the end of his sufferings on the cross: Forgive them - How striking is this passage! While they are actually nailing him to the cross, he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls more than the wounds they gave him; and as it were to forget his own anguish out of a concern for their own salvation. And how eminently was his prayer heard! It procured forgiveness for all that were penitent, and a suspension of vengeance even for the impenitent.
Verse 35
[35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
If thou be the Christ; Luke 23:37.
If thou be the king — The priests deride the name of Messiah: the soldiers the name of king.
Verse 38
[38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19.
Verse 39
[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
And one of the malefactors reviled him — St. Matthew says, the robbers: St. Mark, they that were crucified with him, reviled him. Either therefore St. Matthew and Mark put the plural for the singular (as the best authors sometimes do) or both reviled him at the first, till one of them felt "the overwhelming power of saving grace."
Verse 40
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
The other rebuked him — What a surprising degree was here of repentance, faith, and other graces! And what abundance of good works, in his public confession of his sin, reproof of his fellow criminal, his honourable testimony to Christ, and profession of faith in him, while he was in so disgraceful circumstances as were stumbling even to his disciples! This shows the power of Divine grace. But it encourages none to put off their repentance to the last hour; since, as far as appears, this was the first time this criminal had an opportunity of knowing any thing of Christ, and his conversion was designed to put a peculiar glory on our Saviour in his lowest state, while his enemies derided him, and his own disciples either denied or forsook him.
Verse 42
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Remember me when thou comest — From heaven, in thy kingdom - He acknowledges him a king, and such a king, as after he is dead, can profit the dead. The apostles themselves had not then so clear conceptions of the kingdom of Christ.
Verse 43
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In paradise — The place where the souls of the righteous remain from death till the resurrection. As if he had said, I will not only remember thee then, but this very day.
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The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
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Today's Scripture:
Link to GBOD Devotional
Contact Information:
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 East Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
-------
The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
-------
Today's Scripture:
John 7:37 Now on the last day of the festival, Hoshana Rabbah, Yeshua stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to me and drinking! 38 Whoever puts his trust in me, as the Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from his inmost being!” 39 (Now he said this about the Spirit, whom those who trusted in him were to receive later — the Spirit had not yet been given, because Yeshua had not yet been glorified.)
-------Link to GBOD Devotional
Contact Information:
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 East Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
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