November 20, 2007 8:48 AM
rik wrote:
But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. Pilate was the political leader of the time and I am sure he had seen many people come before him and emphatically try to justify there wrong doing, proclaim there innocence, of beg for mercy. Jesus did none of this! He remained silent. I know this would be near imposable for me. If I did nothing wrong I am going to be heard. I believe this to be true for most people, we as a race do not want to take blame for something we did not do (but taking credit for something we did not do, well that is a whole other topic all together). I look at my children and see there response to being accused of something they want to justify or proclaim there innocence. they cannot wait to interject there side of the story (most often it starts with but,but,but...)and proceed to tell me why they do not deserve the punishment. Am I the same way with God? NO actually I believe I have worse responses. I know I am guilty of a crime(sin) and will admit it to God(he knows anyway) but I expect grave and take advantage of it. This is a very scary thing to do, I know many of the passages about not taking advantage of God's grace Yet I seem to be hardened and lazy. I do not get indignant about my sin. I do not fight it as if it is stealing my soul, but that is exactly what it is doing. What happened to the radical approach we once had to resisting sin and working for God? I am very thankful for God's grace, and I am also very thankful for all of you and the prayers for me. this battle can NOT be fought alone (why would anyone want to fight alone). the more strands you have in a rope the stronger it is.
"10knowing it was out of envy..." Pilate knew the answers to the questions he asked Jesus. I do not often know the answers to the questions I ask God, yet when I ask them I sometimes feel like he is silent. I do not know what to do, but asking worldly people is definitely not the way to go. Pray, meditate, dig in the scriptures to find the answer. Seek advice from those who are wise, but do not go asking worldly people who are just part of the crowd.
Again I want to thank you for the prayers yesterday, they work. I have motivation today. Reply to this
November 20, 2007 9:26 AM
Rich wrote:
Sorry I didn't blog yesterday. I had a great QT and great prayer time yesterday, but spent very little time on computer. I feel bad about that because I see the blog as a way for us all to stay connected and to stay enthused about Jesus and about our daily time with God. I know that on days that I blog, I am happier and feel more "in touch" than on days I don't.
Rik - I appreciate your honesty yesterday. I too have noticed your short and weak blogs over the past couple of weeks. I apologize to you that I did not show enough concern, love, friendship to say something. We all need to spur one another on to good works. We need to encourage and admonish. I read your blog from yesterday and prayed. I agree totally with Mac. Demons are real, they attact us all the time and they do all that they can to distract, discourage and destroy us. Though we need to pray them out when they get in, I think it is better for us to prevent them from getting in in the first place. Like the football saying: "offense is exciting but defense wins championships." If there is anything we can do on a daily basis to prevent the devil from hurting us, we should.
I have been praying every morning and every night to be dressed in the armor of God (from Jeff's talk a couple of weeks ago). I memorized Ephesians 6:14-17. Each morning when I wake I first "dress" myself in the armor and then I "dress" my wife and my kids. I also do the same each night before I go to bed. I have noticed interesting things happening since I started this. My wife and I are talking more and I feel like I am more open to her feelings and more accepting of her insecurities (many of which have been 'encouraged' by me, to my shame). My daughter asked me on Sunday to begin reading the gospels to her every night so that she can learn more about Jesus. She said that in class on Sunday she realized that she could only think of about 4 miracles that Jesus did. She wants to know more about Jesus (this is not because of some great thing that I have done; in fact, I was ashamed when she told me that she was not sure of what Jesus' first miracle was). And my son has apologized to me several times during the past week for disrespect without me bugging him. Also, I told him a couple of nights ago that I am praying like this for him, especially that he be protected from demons. Last night he asked me to stay in his room extra when he was going to sleep to pray for him.
Maybe coincidence, maybe I am just more in touch, but I believe it is prayer. All this is to say that I am adding you (and Mac and Tony) to my daily "armor" prayer. We all need to stand strong but sometimes standing is difficult. That is where we need each other. The blog is great because it makes me think of you guys every day. Every time I see something you write, I am encouraged. Rick, thanks for your thoughts today - you encouraged me and made me think/pray for you. Please do the same for me. Reply to this
November 20, 2007 9:52 AM
Rich wrote:
Compare and contrast Jesus to the people in today's reading. First there are the "chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin." They spend the whole night trying to come up with some charge against Jesus. Finally, early in the morning, they "reach a decision." The decision is to condemn an innocent man - a man they all know deep in their hearts is innocent. Did it take them this long to condemn a guilty man? Of course not. They could do that in a short time. But, they knew Jesus was innocent. So, they needed to do something to convince themselves. Maybe it took till early in the morning when they were all tired and worn down to convince themselves (that is, to lie to themselves) that Jesus was guilty. It is much easier to convince me of something when I am tired than when I am awake and energized.
Then there is Pilate. He is a whimp! He knows that Jesus is not guilty of what he is charged with. In fact, he is 'amazed' by Jesus. Yet he does not have the backbone to do what he has the power to do. He lets the people choose for him. What kind of leader is this? If the people yell loud enough, he goes against his own convictions and does what they say! Who but a weak, ineffective leader would knowingly let a guilty and dangerous prisoner go and condemn an innocent man to die!
Then the people. Did they have no conviction of their own? Were these not the same people that the chief priests were afraid of - afraid to arrest Jesus during the day because of the people. Jesus was popular with everyone. He healed and taught great numbers of people. His following must have been huge. How could these people be so easily duped by the chief priests to call for Pilate to release Barabbas instead? How weak willed we are - easily swayed by the crowd. No real conviction. (I say we, because unfortunately I probably would have been doing the same if I was there - to my shame).
Then the soldiers. They have nothing specific against Jesus. He is a prisoner. Why did they mock him? Why strike him? I can almost justify a police officer beating up someone who guns down his partner. Or a soldier losing it against someone who kills his buddies. But Jesus? It is like a cop pulling me over for speeding and even though I am totally respectful and cooperative, the cop pulls me out of the car and beats the crap out of me. Why? Why this to Jesus?
Then the mockers at the cross. They say they will believe if Jesus works a miracle (comes off cross and saves himself). Did these guys not know of the miracles of Jesus? That he healed people of incurable diseases, healed blind and lame, drove out demons, raised people from the dead? Were they totally ignorant, stupid, blind???
Now, look at Jesus. Steadfast, determined, not swayed by men, honest, not argumentative, fully trusting in God. He even amazed people in his death (the centurion). Jesus is awesome! Jesus is so different! Jesus is someone to admire, follow, live and die for. Reply to this
November 20, 2007 1:02 PM
Sam wrote:
Good stuff today, ya'll. It seems that our 'human nature' is too human, and not natural enough. Jesus always did what was natural for a man/son of God to do...stand there and take it. Like Rick stated today, we probably don't stand there and take it--we lash back. It's our human (weak, sinful) side that causes us to do that. If we can become less human, like Rich suggests everyday to put on that armor, I bet we could stand there and take it a lot better. Just imagine an actual suit of armor...the vary in great detail depending upon country, era, etc, but all seem to have some sort of shield for protection. We have one, called prayer, but I don't use it enough. I am super encouraged by Rich and his daily prayers....thanks for adding us to your list...I definitely could use some for my current physical condition, as well as my spiritual one. I re-read what I wrote to Rick and it seemed to come off as very 'mean'...it was not intended that way, but it did. I apologize. I am particularly glad that this chapter does not go into a lot of detail about the sufferings of Jesus during this time. The mocking of Jesus is summarized in only four verses. And the crucifixion in only sixteen. We have all read details of what happened during that period of time after he was arrested and died, and we have all probably seen "The Passion" and other movies that may go into excruciating details about his suffering at the hands of so many. Yes, I thank Mark for not doing that, as I wouldn't be able to see the screen through the tears in my eyes if he had. What a horible way to die. Alone. Hated. Ripped apart. Stabbed. Punc....well, you know the rest. Yet Jesus satyed steadfast to his goal. HE is my hero! My little pain is nothing compared to his...sometimes we often forget that. Our 'pains' of this life are simply nothing, comared to what Jesus has done for us up to, on, and after that cross. I love him. Reply to this
But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
Pilate was the political leader of the time and I am sure he had seen many people come before him and emphatically try to justify there wrong doing, proclaim there innocence, of beg for mercy. Jesus did none of this! He remained silent. I know this would be near imposable for me. If I did nothing wrong I am going to be heard. I believe this to be true for most people, we as a race do not want to take blame for something we did not do (but taking credit for something we did not do, well that is a whole other topic all together). I look at my children and see there response to being accused of something they want to justify or proclaim there innocence. they cannot wait to interject there side of the story (most often it starts with but,but,but...)and proceed to tell me why they do not deserve the punishment. Am I the same way with God? NO actually I believe I have worse responses. I know I am guilty of a crime(sin) and will admit it to God(he knows anyway) but I expect grave and take advantage of it. This is a very scary thing to do, I know many of the passages about not taking advantage of God's grace Yet I seem to be hardened and lazy. I do not get indignant about my sin. I do not fight it as if it is stealing my soul, but that is exactly what it is doing. What happened to the radical approach we once had to resisting sin and working for God? I am very thankful for God's grace, and I am also very thankful for all of you and the prayers for me. this battle can NOT be fought alone (why would anyone want to fight alone). the more strands you have in a rope the stronger it is.
"10knowing it was out of envy..." Pilate knew the answers to the questions he asked Jesus. I do not often know the answers to the questions I ask God, yet when I ask them I sometimes feel like he is silent. I do not know what to do, but asking worldly people is definitely not the way to go. Pray, meditate, dig in the scriptures to find the answer. Seek advice from those who are wise, but do not go asking worldly people who are just part of the crowd.
Again I want to thank you for the prayers yesterday, they work. I have motivation today.
Reply to this
Sorry I didn't blog yesterday. I had a great QT and great prayer time yesterday, but spent very little time on computer. I feel bad about that because I see the blog as a way for us all to stay connected and to stay enthused about Jesus and about our daily time with God. I know that on days that I blog, I am happier and feel more "in touch" than on days I don't.
Rik - I appreciate your honesty yesterday. I too have noticed your short and weak blogs over the past couple of weeks. I apologize to you that I did not show enough concern, love, friendship to say something. We all need to spur one another on to good works. We need to encourage and admonish. I read your blog from yesterday and prayed. I agree totally with Mac. Demons are real, they attact us all the time and they do all that they can to distract, discourage and destroy us. Though we need to pray them out when they get in, I think it is better for us to prevent them from getting in in the first place. Like the football saying: "offense is exciting but defense wins championships." If there is anything we can do on a daily basis to prevent the devil from hurting us, we should.
I have been praying every morning and every night to be dressed in the armor of God (from Jeff's talk a couple of weeks ago). I memorized Ephesians 6:14-17. Each morning when I wake I first "dress" myself in the armor and then I "dress" my wife and my kids. I also do the same each night before I go to bed. I have noticed interesting things happening since I started this. My wife and I are talking more and I feel like I am more open to her feelings and more accepting of her insecurities (many of which have been 'encouraged' by me, to my shame). My daughter asked me on Sunday to begin reading the gospels to her every night so that she can learn more about Jesus. She said that in class on Sunday she realized that she could only think of about 4 miracles that Jesus did. She wants to know more about Jesus (this is not because of some great thing that I have done; in fact, I was ashamed when she told me that she was not sure of what Jesus' first miracle was). And my son has apologized to me several times during the past week for disrespect without me bugging him. Also, I told him a couple of nights ago that I am praying like this for him, especially that he be protected from demons. Last night he asked me to stay in his room extra when he was going to sleep to pray for him.
Maybe coincidence, maybe I am just more in touch, but I believe it is prayer. All this is to say that I am adding you (and Mac and Tony) to my daily "armor" prayer. We all need to stand strong but sometimes standing is difficult. That is where we need each other. The blog is great because it makes me think of you guys every day. Every time I see something you write, I am encouraged. Rick, thanks for your thoughts today - you encouraged me and made me think/pray for you. Please do the same for me.
Reply to this
Compare and contrast Jesus to the people in today's reading. First there are the "chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin." They spend the whole night trying to come up with some charge against Jesus. Finally, early in the morning, they "reach a decision." The decision is to condemn an innocent man - a man they all know deep in their hearts is innocent. Did it take them this long to condemn a guilty man? Of course not. They could do that in a short time. But, they knew Jesus was innocent. So, they needed to do something to convince themselves. Maybe it took till early in the morning when they were all tired and worn down to convince themselves (that is, to lie to themselves) that Jesus was guilty. It is much easier to convince me of something when I am tired than when I am awake and energized.
Then there is Pilate. He is a whimp! He knows that Jesus is not guilty of what he is charged with. In fact, he is 'amazed' by Jesus. Yet he does not have the backbone to do what he has the power to do. He lets the people choose for him. What kind of leader is this? If the people yell loud enough, he goes against his own convictions and does what they say! Who but a weak, ineffective leader would knowingly let a guilty and dangerous prisoner go and condemn an innocent man to die!
Then the people. Did they have no conviction of their own? Were these not the same people that the chief priests were afraid of - afraid to arrest Jesus during the day because of the people. Jesus was popular with everyone. He healed and taught great numbers of people. His following must have been huge. How could these people be so easily duped by the chief priests to call for Pilate to release Barabbas instead? How weak willed we are - easily swayed by the crowd. No real conviction. (I say we, because unfortunately I probably would have been doing the same if I was there - to my shame).
Then the soldiers. They have nothing specific against Jesus. He is a prisoner. Why did they mock him? Why strike him? I can almost justify a police officer beating up someone who guns down his partner. Or a soldier losing it against someone who kills his buddies. But Jesus? It is like a cop pulling me over for speeding and even though I am totally respectful and cooperative, the cop pulls me out of the car and beats the crap out of me. Why? Why this to Jesus?
Then the mockers at the cross. They say they will believe if Jesus works a miracle (comes off cross and saves himself). Did these guys not know of the miracles of Jesus? That he healed people of incurable diseases, healed blind and lame, drove out demons, raised people from the dead? Were they totally ignorant, stupid, blind???
Now, look at Jesus. Steadfast, determined, not swayed by men, honest, not argumentative, fully trusting in God. He even amazed people in his death (the centurion). Jesus is awesome! Jesus is so different! Jesus is someone to admire, follow, live and die for.
Reply to this
Good stuff today, ya'll. It seems that our 'human nature' is too human, and not natural enough. Jesus always did what was natural for a man/son of God to do...stand there and take it. Like Rick stated today, we probably don't stand there and take it--we lash back. It's our human (weak, sinful) side that causes us to do that. If we can become less human, like Rich suggests everyday to put on that armor, I bet we could stand there and take it a lot better. Just imagine an actual suit of armor...the vary in great detail depending upon country, era, etc, but all seem to have some sort of shield for protection. We have one, called prayer, but I don't use it enough. I am super encouraged by Rich and his daily prayers....thanks for adding us to your list...I definitely could use some for my current physical condition, as well as my spiritual one. I re-read what I wrote to Rick and it seemed to come off as very 'mean'...it was not intended that way, but it did. I apologize.
I am particularly glad that this chapter does not go into a lot of detail about the sufferings of Jesus during this time. The mocking of Jesus is summarized in only four verses. And the crucifixion in only sixteen. We have all read details of what happened during that period of time after he was arrested and died, and we have all probably seen "The Passion" and other movies that may go into excruciating details about his suffering at the hands of so many. Yes, I thank Mark for not doing that, as I wouldn't be able to see the screen through the tears in my eyes if he had. What a horible way to die. Alone. Hated. Ripped apart. Stabbed. Punc....well, you know the rest. Yet Jesus satyed steadfast to his goal. HE is my hero! My little pain is nothing compared to his...sometimes we often forget that. Our 'pains' of this life are simply nothing, comared to what Jesus has done for us up to, on, and after that cross. I love him.
Reply to this