Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14-15 Paul had discovered that false prophets had invaded the Corinthian church. He was concerned that comparing his own ministry with that of the false prophets could appear as foolish boasting. He expressed his main concern, however, in verse 3: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” The basis for Paul’s concern was that these false prophets in the church were talking about the same historical Jesus but were preaching Him a different way. He wrote, “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough” (verse 4). Christology is the primary doctrine that separates Christianity from the cults. Orthodox Christianity asserts that Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, the promised Messiah, who was one Person with two natures (fully God and fully man). Jesus said, “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24). To believe in Jesus wrongly is to receive a different spirit. If what we have received is not the Holy Spirit, it can only be an evil spirit. Demons, like their leader, can masquerade as angels of light. These spirit guides will seldom reveal their true nature as long as we continue to believe a lie. Such demons are behind cults, which do the work of Satan as the cult leaders masquerade as servants of righteousness. Consequently, many cult members can appear to live righteous lives. Their beliefs are typically legalistic and their leadership extremely authoritarian. If you have the wrong Jesus and the wrong spirit, you will have the wrong gospel. If Jesus isn’t who He said He is, then His sacrifice is not efficacious. His sacrificial death would be no different from the sacrifice of bulls and goats, which do not take away sin (see Hebrews 10:4). An erroneous gospel is not the gospel of grace but a false gospel of works. If we believe that Jesus did not die for the sins of humankind—as some cults teach—then we can be led to believe we must perform good works or religious services in order to receive forgiveness and eternal life. At the other extreme, New Age philosophies see Jesus as the master psychic. New Agers believe that He had the “spiritual power” to see and hear things that others could not, and they seek that power and enlightenment through mediums and spirit guides. New Age practitioners say we don’t need a Messiah to die for our sins—we just need to be enlightened to the truth that we are gods. They have bought the original lie that Satan sold to Eve. In John 7, when Jesus taught in the Temple courts and revealed what was in the people’s hearts, the crowd answered, “You are demon-possessed” (verse 20). They knew what He said was true, but they believed that He was getting His information from demons, just like modern-day psychics. A FEW QUESTIONS TO PONDER: In 2 Corinthians 11:1-13, what was Paul’s main concern for the believers? What separates Christianity from cults? If someone had esoteric (special) knowledge during the time of Christ, the people assumed he or she was getting the information from demons? What can we learn from this? What cults are you aware of that don’t have orthodox teaching about Jesus? Do they have a gospel of grace or works? How cult-proof are you and the church you attend? How easy would it be for you and your church to be deceived?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Painting was the last thing I expected to be doing on my birthday. And yet there I was, holding a dripping, shaking paintbrush beside my mom and my sisters. Year 48 was supposed to be a year filled with adventure and freedom. The last of my five kids was going to college, and Art and I were heading into our empty-nest years. I thought this new season would be as fun and predictable as one of those beautiful adult coloring books. Twenty-five years of marriage had helped life take shape, so all we had to do now was just add color. But nothing looked like I thought it would on this 48th birthday. Instead of planning for the future with my husband, I was trying to figure out how we’d ever glue the shattered pieces of our marriage back together again. Instead of dreaming, I felt like I was stuck in a nightmare. One where I opened the coloring book, and someone had erased all the beautifully drawn lines. There was nothing but white pages. Empty spaces. Endless possibilities of fear and failure. Metaphorically speaking, my life was now a blank canvas. And so, my mother suggested — no, actually she  demanded  — we get some blank canvases and paint on my birthday. I painted a boat. They all painted angels. And while my mom was right — it was therapeutic in many ways — it was also a terrifyingly vulnerable experience. The enemy of my soul didn’t want me painting that day. To create meant I would look a little bit like my Creator. To overcome the terrifying angst of the blank canvas meant I would forever have more compassion on other artists. You better believe as I placed the first blue and gray strokes onto the white emptiness before me, “not good enough” was pulsing through my head in almost deafening tones. Perfection mocked my boat. The bow was too high, the details too elementary, the reflection on the water too abrupt, and the back of the boat too off-center. Disappointment demanded I hyper-focus on what didn’t look quite right. I forced myself to send a picture of my boat to at least 20 friends. With each text I sent, I slowly made peace with my painting’s imperfections. Not for validation but rather confirmation that I could see the imperfections in my painting but not deem it worthless. I could see the imperfections in me and not deem myself worthless. It was an act of self-compassion. We must get to this place of self-compassion if we ever hope to have true, deep compassion for others. Disappointment begs us to be secretly disgusted with everything and everyone who has gaps, everything and everyone who also wrestles with the “not good enough” script. But what if, instead of being so epically disappointed with everyone, we saw in them the need for compassion? I like that word compassion. Compassion is being aware that all of us fear the imperfections deeply carved into our naked selves. We all cover up. And then we all get stripped bare when the wins become losses. And who do we want standing near us in those moments, dripping with disappointment and saturated with sorrow? I can assure you it isn’t people who don’t know the whole story, draped in gold-plated pride with mouths eager to spill out commentary, “Here’s what you did wrong. I would never have allowed myself to get in this position. If only you would have …” Nope. It’s those clothed with garments of understanding. They have personally experienced how excruciatingly painful it can sometimes be to simply be human. They keep in mind Colossians 3:12,  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” We are to put on each of these every day, like a painter puts on color she knows will connect her creation with others. God wants us, His creation, to connect with others and bring them light and life with the brush strokes of compassion. And the only way to gain more of this compassion is to pick up a paintbrush and sit in the seat of our own suffering. We find life-giving purpose and meaning when we allow God to take our painful experiences and comfort others. Have you walked through an unexpected season of darkness and suffering? Those seasons aren’t for nothing, sweet friend. Pick up the paintbrush. Put some paint on the emptiness. Color-correct your perspective. Forget the cravings for comfort zones. Trade your comfort for compassion. Get wet with paint. Put the brush to the canvas. Declare yourself a painter. And when someone steals all the lines from your coloring book, determine to color the world anyhow with the same generous compassion God offers every day. You are walking the way of the artist. You are simply showing up with compassion. And I love you for that. I love whatever is about to come to life on your canvas to the glory of our Almighty Creator. God. The Redeemer of dust. The Redeemer of us. Father God, no matter how much this life leaves me hurting, I always want to come out on the other side of pain loving. Help me be a woman of great compassion. A woman who wears her scars of suffering well — willingly sharing my survival story so others can know and believe survival is possible for them, too. And help me remember that no time showing up and bringing compassion to another human is ever a waste of time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Matthew 5:1-12 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (V.1) “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain.” The Ten Commandments were given from a mountain. Now, Jesus delivers his central teaching from a mountain. The mention of the mountain is not simply a statement of where Jesus spoke. It has ties to something important. Moses received the law from a mountain. Elijah received ministry instructions from a mountain. At the mount of transfiguration Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah. Moses was the lawgiver. Elijah the greatest prophet. Yet the Father said, “Listen to him.” That is, listen to Jesus. The symbolism is parallel to  Exodus 19 . It denotes the authority of Jesus. As Moses received the law from the mountain, so Jesus gave his teaching.  Note that Moses wasn’t the source of the law. He received it first, then gave it. But Jesus is the source of his teaching. He gives his law. But it is something more than simple law. Moses gave the law for running a nation. Jesus gives his law for running our lives. Note what Jesus says about this message in chapter 7.  “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  This is something that Moses could never say. Moses could not legitimately say, “Follow my law.” Whereas Jesus can say “follow my teachings” because he is the source of them. Moses was the source of nothing. Jesus probably gave this sermon many times. He was an itinerate preacher. There is a parallel of this passage in  Luke 6  with slight differences.  As we read these beatitudes of Jesus we should keep in mind that though he was encouraging his disciples, in reality, it was Jesus himself that did all these things. He was poor. He was meek. He mourned. He was all of these things. (V.3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Jesus’ first statement in his sermon sets the tone for everything that will follow. Specifically, the “poor” and the phrase “kingdom of God.” What does Jesus mean by using the word poor? To be poor in spirit is to acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy.  Throughout the Bible, the good news of God is generally given to the poor. That is, the average person not necessarily to the powerful and the wealthy. This is not to say that there’s anything wrong with gaining wealth, there’s not, but in Jesus day, it was the wealthy that often persecuted the poor, and in fact that sometimes happens today as well.  More important is the concept of spiritual bankruptcy. What does bankruptcy mean? To put it very simply, it means that you cannot pay your bills. This is how it is in our relationship with God. We owe a debt to God that we can never repay. So Jesus declares from his very first statement in the Sermon on the Mount that those who have nothing to count on, except for God, receive salvation from him, for theirs is the “kingdom of heaven.” Imagine being told, “You are completely bankrupt. Here, the kingdom is yours.” Now, Jesus was poor. He was humble and a servant. But he was not spiritually bankrupt. He had nothing. But spiritually, Jesus was rich. His was the kingdom.  What is the kingdom of heaven?  There are two stages to the kingdom of heaven. There is the kingdom now, and there is the kingdom future. Right now, every person who gives his life to Christ is part of the kingdom of heaven. And that kingdom is found both on earth and in heaven. But someday in the future, the kingdom of heaven will be on a new earth and a new heaven, which will be one location, one place. If we are poor in spirit, that is, spiritually bankrupt, once we come to receive Christ, we then get the kingdom of heaven both on the earth now and later on in heaven. (V.4) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” These statements by Jesus are a study in contrast. That is really true about this passage. On the one hand, there are those who mourn and the other hand those same people will be comforted, meaning, they will not mourn anymore. What do we mourn over? We mourn over our sin and condition. How do we bring comfort to those who mourn?  In his letter to the Romans Paul makes this statement,  “Weep with those who weep” (12:15) .  Sometimes, morning with someone is a way to bring comfort. To know that you are sharing the hurt of another person, they sense that they do not suffer alone.  I watched my first pastor, Roger Barrier, teach on this subject during a seminar. He had people sit down and groups of 2 to 4 and had them share something difficult from their lives. Then the people listening to that experience were to say something like, “I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’m so sorry.” The result was that people actually began to feel better when they realized somebody sympathized with their pain. Mourning with those who mourn is actually a way of giving comfort. Remember that Jesus grieved over Jerusalem. In fact, he mourns over the lost. (V.5) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.” What does it mean to be meek?  Often times, when we hear this word, we think of something like humble, introverted, or weak. It’s not a word that we really use much in modern society. But it has deep meaning. To be meek is to be submissive, without malice, self-controlled. So notice the contrast that Jesus is making. Someday, the submissive and controlled will achieve all power by reigning with Christ. That is an incredible contrast to go from being submissive and controlled to being powerful and in control in a spiritual sense. Of course, ultimately, Jesus is the one with supreme meekness. This passage is also about himself. He is the meek one, and he inherits the Earth. We just get to share it with him. (V.6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” To hunger and thirst in this context means to greatly desire something. Think about the things that you want. What do you desire in your life more than other things? Is it a relationship? Is it a promotion or raise or better retirement? Is it something to do with your kids or grandkids? What is it that is your chief desire in life? When I pray, I like to say that I want Jesus to be the chief affection of my life. I hunger and thirst for righteousness. The contrast that Jesus is offering us in this passage is that we shall be satisfied. In other words, we shall achieve the righteousness that we desire through him— through Christ—we will be satisfied only in him. But what is righteousness?  Righteousness covers a few things. First, righteousness is about our status with God. Are we in a right relationship with him? When we are in a right relationship with God, we are righteous, not by our own works, but by his work in our lives through Christ. Thus, we achieve righteousness by grace through faith. Secondly, it also means right living in our lives. Theologically, we refer to these distinctions as  orthodoxy , that is, right belief, compared with  orthopraxy , which is right action. Orthopraxy is a natural result of orthodoxy. If you don’t have right behaviors then you may not have right beliefs.  (V.7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” In general, there are two kinds of mercy. There is mercy to the suffering, and there is mercy to the guilty. God is concerned with both kinds of mercy. God has mercy on us because he recognizes that sin causes suffering. Because of sin, suffering was introduced into the world. And so God desires to be merciful to those who suffer, who are victims of their own sin. But he also desires to show mercy to the guilty, those who sin on purpose. We are all guilty before a holy God. Therefore, we need mercy. On top of this, God wants us to be merciful just as he is merciful to us. We need to be merciful to the suffering. And we need to be merciful to the guilty. There is always time for mercy. Just as God has shown us mercy, we must also show mercy to others. It’s like the story that Jesus told about the man in  Matthew 18  who owed 100 denarii to his master, and his master forgave him. But then that man went out and refused to forgive the smaller amount that someone owed him. The master was furious when he learned it and sent him to prison. He said,  “Should you not have shown him mercy as I showed you?”  Thus, mercy is a requirement of being a Christian. If you’ve met a Christian who has no mercy. The chances are he may not be a Christian. Remember the admonition in  Micah 6:8 ,  “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” ( Mic. 6:8 ). Ultimately, Jesus is the one who shows mercy. He did that on the cross on our behalf. He is the merciful one. (V.8) “Blessed are the pure heart for they shall see God.” What does it mean to have a pure heart? Do you have a pure heart right now? This verse is the culmination of the other verses before it. All of these verses deal with the heart. Being poor in spirit, morning, being meek. These are all things of the heart. So Jesus brings us all down to one great point: blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. If you are all these things, you are pure in heart. And then what follows, in the rest of the beatitudes, are how these things are expressed outwardly in our lives, from the heart. Note the difference here with the 10 Commandments. Nine of the 10 Commandments were about things that we do, our actions. But Jesus here is dealing with the heart. In fact, the heart was dealt with in the 10 Commandments, especially the 10th Commandment, “Do not covet.” Coveting happens within the heart. But here, Jesus is dealing with the heart in a much deeper way. So those who are pure in heart, who don’t do these things in their heart, who know Christ, get to see God. What kinds of expressions of the heart please God?  One of my favorite passages is  Jeremiah 9:24 .  “Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things, I delight, declares the LORD.” Notice what God says about these things. He “delights” in them. I love that word, delight. It’s more than being happy about something. It’s a tender joy in love, justice, and righteousness. I want to live a life where God says of me, “I delight in him.” Of course, Jesus is the one pure in heart, and he sees the Father as he really is. (V.9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Now we get to the actions. These are more than just what is in the heart; these are the things that flow out of the heart that have been previously dealt with. So, the first thing we could say about this passage is that those who delight in these things of God shall be peacemakers. Peacemaking pleases God.  This must’ve been a hard concept for Jesus’ listeners to grasp. They lived in a society where an enemy ruled over them, sometimes brutally. Why would the Jews want to make peace with the Romans? But in fact, there’s much more going in this passage than just peace with one another or peace between nations. The first kind of peacemaking, and the most important, is making peace with God. Not to have God as our enemy but as our friend. Our charge as Christians is to be peacemakers, bringing people into a peaceful relationship with the Divine Judge. And this is especially appropriate because the scripture calls Jesus the Prince of Peace ( Isaiah 9:6 ).  Of course, Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker. For it says in Romans chapter 5 that while we were yet still God’s enemies, Christ died for us. He is the ultimate peacemaker. (V.10) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” How have you experienced persecution for your faith? While recently in an African country, I heard the testimony of a man who was persecuted for his faith in Christ. Terrorists beheaded his father and brother, and when challenged to renounce Christ, he held firm. They took a knife to his neck, but he survived. He was persecuted for righteousness’ sake. His scars reminded me of Paul’s words,  “I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.” Now, we come to something shocking. After being declared peacemakers, then Jesus says we will be persecuted. Why would we be persecuted for being peacemakers? This is not the natural outcome that we normally think of when we think of peacemaking. This is the second time in the beatitudes that Jesus says “yours is the kingdom of heaven.” First, it was to the poor in spirit and now it is to those who are persecuted. The poor and the persecuted often deal in the same currency. They have made God their chief affection. And they are persecuted and poor for it. They delight in the things of God, not the things of the world.  Persecution is actually mentioned three times in the Beatitudes. It’s mentioned more than any other topic. First, we see it in this passage and then in the next passages to come, to know that persecution is a mark of faith in Christ, whether it is a soft persecution like we experience in America or a hard persecution where you can even lose your life in some countries, either way, persecution should be regarded as a regular part of the Christian life.  If we pray against persecution in our lives, then we’re denying ourselves the opportunity to identify with Jesus, as he also was persecuted for his faith.  But if we pray through persecution, then we share in the things that Jesus experienced as well and can identify with him even more. Ultimately, it will make us more like him. Noticed that Jesus referred to persecution for “righteousness sake.” Isn’t righteousness all the things that we’ve been talking about up until now? So the first few beatitudes are really setting the stage for how we will be treated by the world. We will be persecuted in some form for all these things. Jesus was persecuted by the religious leaders of his day. And it was for righteousness’ sake. But his persecution on the cross bought us righteousness.  (V.11) “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” There is a change in language used by Jesus. Previously, he spoke in the third person when he said, “Blessed are…” But now, he speaks directly saying that their persecution would be on “his account.” By saying “blessed are you.” He’s making a direct statement to his hearers. He is speaking directly to you. The last three beatitudes out of the entire list of nine talks about persecution, persecution for righteousness’s sake, and persecution for Jesus’ sake. The two are actually tied together. Only in Jesus do we have true righteousness. Slander is part of persecution. The things that you say and teach about Jesus will be twisted and turned into lies and attributed to you. I experienced this once in Mongolia when something I did was twisted into a lie in a court hearing. I could have gone to prison for it, but thankfully, the truth was revealed, and the prosecutor dropped the case against me. Jesus said these experiences are signs of our blessing. We are being truly identified with Christ. But he goes even further.  (V.12) “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” He doesn’t just tell us we are blessed. He goes further by telling us to express that blessing in a practical way. “Rejoice and be glad.” When was the last time you experienced persecution and thought you should rejoice and be glad for it? And yet the Bible tells us that these things were true of the apostles.  In the book of Acts, the apostles were beaten and reprimanded by the Jewish leadership for talking about Jesus publicly. They went away, rejoicing that they had been worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. And consider Paul in  Acts 16 . At one point, he was beaten and put in stocks, and he and Silas sang out and praised the Lord late in the evening, which resulted in their jailer coming to faith in Christ. This reminds me of one of my favorite passages of scripture in the book of Revelation. Jesus is talking to the church of Smyrna, which was undergoing persecution. And he says this. Let me paraphrase. “It’s bad; things are going to get worse, and then you’re gonna die. Be faithful anyway.” In essence, that’s what Jesus is telling his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. He’s telling them to endure and rejoice in all that they will endure, for great is their reward in heaven. This passage is also about Jesus. The scripture says in Hebrews, “For the joy sent before him he endured the cross despising its shame.” And for this Jesus received the ultimate reward. He is the king of the kingdom. INTERPRETATION How does Jesus fulfill these nine beatitudes? I began this lesson with the statement that Jesus is the one who does all of these nine things that he lists in the beatitudes. He is the one who is meek. He is the one who was poor. He is the one who is merciful, he is the one who is persecuted. Jesus is the model for how you and I are to live our lives. And that’s why we should interpret this passage as being about Jesus before being about us. Right away, this should tell us something about the Sermon on the Mount. Many people interpret the Sermon on the Mount as being about morality and how we should live our lives. And there’s a sense where that is true. However, Jesus is setting the stage right up front, and he is making it clear to all of us that this is about him. It’s not just about doing good, or enduring hardship, or enduring persecution. It’s all about him and who he is, and his doing of good, his enduring of hardship, his enduring of persecution, and so on. Remember the purpose of the four Gospels: to reveal to us who Jesus is and his plan for the world and for us. APPLICATION So here are some points to consider: 1.) Our attitude about blessings may need readjustment. What is blessing to you? 2.) Blessing is not necessarily about wealth, power, or ease of life. What kind of blessing are you seeking? 3.) Difficulties and persecution can be an opportunity for blessing. 4.) Joining Jesus in suffering identifies us with him.

God creates contradictory trials as a part of fulfilling His promises to us. In  Genesis 22:1-18 , God tested Abraham and told him to take his son, Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice – effectively telling Abraham to kill his own son. God’s instruction to Abraham presented various contradictions due to what appeared to be conflicting truths. There was a theological conflict: Isaac was the son of promise ( Genesis 21:1-3 ) and, through him, Abraham was supposed to be a father of many nations ( Genesis 17:5 ). This also presented a Biblical conflict: God condemns murder ( Exodus 20:13 ), yet, He told Moses to kill his son. The contradictions created an emotional and familial conflict as well: Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah; if Abraham killed his son he wouldn’t be protecting Isaac’s physical life or his wife’s emotional well-being. The story of Abraham and Isaac, even with all of its conflicts, presents an opportunity for the believer to learn how to handle contradictory circumstances in their own lives. Abraham’s example demonstrates the perspective we should have when things just aren’t making sense or when things don’t line up with the truth of God’s Word. First, we must be willing to obey God even when we don’t understand Him. Abraham chose to obey God immediately ( Genesis 22:3 ) even when God’s instruction didn’t seem to make sense. In the same way, we have to obey when we lack clarity about God’s purposes, His plans, or the outcome of our obedience. We also have to remember what God has done in the past. Abraham believed God could be trusted to solve the problem he faced. He remembered that God had already proven Himself capable: in Sarah’s old age God made it possible for her to bear a child. Another perspective that will help us in times of crisis is to trust that God transcends our crisis ( Genesis 22:8 ). The problems that God allows, He also has the power to solve. We just have to remember to look toward the spiritual when the physical isn’t making sense. Finally, we must be willing to sacrifice what is dearest to us – the most important things in our lives — to get the promises of God if that is what He asks of us. God’s provisions and promises are tied to His experience of our commitment to Him. It was only when Abraham had walked in full obedience that God declared, “…now I know” ( Genesis 22:12 ). God has prepared His answers in advance just like the ram was prepared in advance as a replacement for Isaac. The ram was already in the thicket ready to appear at God’s ordained timing. The same is true for us. God is faithful to provide, He is faithful to His Word, and He desires that we are faithful in our obedience to Him. LET’S GET PERSONAL What promises of God are you waiting for Him to fulfill in your life? Have you ever felt like the situation that God allowed or His instructions to you didn’t make any sense? Tell your group about a time when God called you to act on faith despite conflicts. What acts of faith is God waiting for you to complete in the midst of your contradictory crisis? What thing in your life is God waiting for you to hold up as a burnt offering, ready to give it all? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Abraham was faithful to obey completely. In what area of your life have you been partially obedient, instead of fully obedient? How does this message effect how you will move toward complete obedience in your Christian life? Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages:  Gen. 9:6 ;  John 8:56 ;  Heb 6:13-18 ;  11:17-19 ; and  James 2:21-23 RENEW YOUR MIND “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead . . .” –  James 2:17

God allows His children to face a dilemma in order to reveal the greatness of His power. What appears to be a no-win situation is actually a situation in which God can be glorified in the lives of those who love and obey Him. In  Exodus 14 , the Israelites found themselves in a precarious position. After fleeing Egypt and escaping the hard rule of Pharaoh, God’s people were stuck between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army that was now in hot pursuit. They found themselves in a no-win situation. Even though they had been obedient to God, they still faced peril in either direction. God uses dilemmas, like this one, to position His people to see His supernatural power. The Israelites were in God’s will despite the dilemma they faced. God had answered their prayers and Pharaoh released them. They had been obedient and left Egypt. The Israelite nation thought they were finally free yet they still faced a “catch-22.” But in  Exodus 14:13-16 , we see that in the midst of a desperate and stressful situation, the people of God cried out to the Lord for deliverance. Their dilemma made them dependent on God because they didn’t have a solution to the problem at hand. God answered their cries for supernatural intervention and split the Red Sea. The Israelites were able to walk across dry land. They prayed to God then acted in concert with Him. When we face hard circumstances, we should cry out to God and then be wiling to do what He says, even if we don’t know what the outcome is going to be. At the end of  Exodus 14 , the Bible tells us that the Israelites finally believed God. God allows both dilemmas and our deliverance in order to demonstrate His power. He delivers us from difficulties that he has allowed in order to grow our faith. His purpose is always to display His glory and power in the midst of our problems. GETTING STARTED It’s always interesting how much we can glean from the Bible – even from the stories we’ve heard over and over again. What new fact or thought did you learn after hearing from today’s sermon? The Israelites asked God to deliver them from the hand of Pharaoh. Their dilemma was a part of their deliverance. Are there any areas in your life that you have had the need to cry out for God’s deliverance? LET’S GET PERSONAL Have you ever been stuck in a “catch 22,” where if you turn to the right you find trouble and if you turn to the left you find trouble? What dilemma has God allowed you to experience past or present? Have you been able to experience God’s supernatural deliverance? Share some of your story. Your testimony will encourage other members of your group. How will this message help you in facing future dilemmas? What key points from today’s sermon are most important for you to remember, take to heart, and internalize? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Think about problems that you might be facing. Even if you are still waiting on ultimate deliverance, how has or is God demonstrating His power in your life? Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the follow passages:  Eph 6:10-18 ;  2 Cor 1:9-11 ;  4:7 ; and  Heb 11:6 ,  29 RENEW YOUR MIND But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;” –  2 Corinthians 4:7

In  Genesis 32:24-32  we find the story of Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the twin brother of Esau.  After deceiving his brother, Esau, out of his birthright ( Genesis 27 ), Jacob returns to Canaan twenty years later and is faced with meeting Esau again.  Jacob feared that his brother planned to kill him, so he sent messengers ahead of him with valuable gifts to attempt reconciliation.  He eventually sent his entire convoy, including his two wives, ahead of him ( Genesis 32:22-23 ). At the point when Jacob felt most alone, a man appeared in order to wrestle with Jacob until daybreak.  Jacob later realized he had struggled with the Angel of the Lord Himself.  Jacob named the land, “Peniel, for he said, ‘I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved’” ( Genesis 32:30 ).  Jacob had proven himself to be able to swindle his way to the top.  However, God intended to demonstrate to Jacob that neither wit nor wealth would be able to free him from this struggle.  Like Jacob, believers will enter periods of desperation and struggle that can lead to brokenness.  But brokenness has the potential to rid us of flaws in our character and sin in our flesh.  The process of brokenness is God’s way of stripping us of our self-sufficiency.  God often allows deep and painful spiritual struggles in our lives to take us to the next spiritual level. After a full night of struggle, the Angel of the Lord dislocated Jacob’s hip.  Even with a broken hip, Jacob continued wrestling with the Angel because he was committed to battling until he received a blessing.  At this point, the Angel of the Lord informed Jacob, whose name means “deceiver,” that his new name would be Israel, which means “one who God has helped” (lit-translation, “God fights/contends/prevails”).  Jacob’s decision to fight, even after being broken, revealed his commitment.  Like Jacob, believers must make a spiritual connection to our struggles (seeing God) and commit to holding on to God (trusting God) during the process of brokenness.  God uses this brokenness to change our identity and build our character just as He did with Jacob. Out of Jacob’s struggle came a greater spiritual blessing as he had a deeper experience with God.  Experiencing God at this level changed the trajectory of his life.  Though he had to live with a limp, his life and legacy were positively impacted.  As believers, we can expect purification throughout our struggles coupled with priceless blessings when we hold on to God.  Many believers don’t get the blessings God intended because they are not willing to stay in the battle.  Instead, they allow discouragement and frustration to overtake them, and thus they give up the fight.  You may begin to doubt that good can come from your struggles, yet, you must trust God’s strategic, intentional, and ultimately beneficial growth process for your life. GETTING STARTED Why do you think God allowed Jacob to wrestle with the Angel of the Lord as opposed to being immediately overcome? What was the significance of Jacob’s name being changed to Israel? What changes in his character did you observe that were consistent with the name change? LET’S GET PERSONAL Many of us often feel as if “life” has broken us down. We lack awareness that it was the process of brokenness orchestrated or allowed by God.  Has God taken you through a breaking process?  Tell your group about a period in your life when God was breaking you.  What did you learn?  What was the blessing you received?  What identifiable growth did you experience? In what areas does God need to break you now? As you listened to this week’s sermon, did it change your perspective on pain? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Have you considered that your current struggle is actually one with God? Do you need to commit to holding on or “wrestling” with God until He blesses you?  Spend time this week praying about these areas of your life. Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages:  Genesis 46:30 ;  48:3 ,  8-9 ;  2 Corinthians 1:8-10 ;  4:11 ; and  Hebrews 11:21 www.oakcliffbible.org

In  1 Kings 17 , the story is told of Elijah’s encounter with the widow of Zarephath – a nameless woman who lived in a city experiencing a dire situation. A drought had overtaken the land and as a result there was a lack of food to eat. But this difficult circumstance only provided an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power through His divine provision. This narrative ultimately illustrates how God supernaturally provides for those who operate by faith. Sometimes believers may feel a sense of drought about their own lives – as if something we desperately need or want is not available. This lack of provision can be emotional, physical, or financial in nature. It can be caused by sin or happen as a result of a trial, but in either case it can lead to a sense of hopelessness. However, the answer to any sense of drought we experience is always the Lord. The source of our solution is God Himself even if God chooses to use a resource He has provided to meet the need. Just like God guided Elijah in the season of drought and instructed him where to go, He is faithful to do the same in the life of the believer who looks to him for help. Just like God used a raven to feed Elijah a few verses earlier ( 1 Kings 17:4 ), God can use anything thing He created to be a source of provision for His children. The means of provision often involves God’s use of people. God told Elijah there would be a widow who would provide for him ( 1 Kings 17:9 ). God worked on Elijah’s behalf, making provision for exactly where He had told Elijah to go. Not only must we be open to God utilizing the resources of His choosing, we must also trust Him to work on our behalf in His timing. In order for the believer to see God’s divine provision at work, the first step always involves obedience to God’s Word. The widow had been commanded to feed Elijah, but he had to obey God and make his way to the widow ( 1 Kings 17:10 ). Without obedience, it is impossible to be in the right position for God’s miraculous provision. Next, provision usually involves ministry from one to another. Before the widow experienced divine provision, she had to exercise faith and be willing to minister to someone else even when she herself was in need ( Luke 6:38 ). She had to trust that in her ministry to others, she herself would not be left empty handed ( 1 Kings 17:14 ). Lastly, divine provision involves the supernatural reversal of circumstances. God reversed the widow’s situation ( 1 Kings 17:16 ). She ended up with more than she originally had given up. God has the power to reverse things we cannot see, but only when we are willing to exercise our faith. LET’S GET PERSONAL Have you ever experienced a drought in your life? How did God provide for you? Are you currently experiencing a drought? In what area(s) do you need to trust God for His divine provision? It’s easy to hope that God will use someone else as a resource to meet your need, but are you willing to be used as a resource? What are you in the position to give others so that you can be used by God and so that God can give to you? TAKE THE NEXT STEP What do you admire about the faith of Elijah and/or the widow? What can you do this week to grow and mature in your faith? Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages:  Deut 8:1-3 ;  11:13-17 ;  Psalm 104:10-12 ,  27-29 ;  Prov 11:25 ;  Luke 4:24-27 ;  6:38 ; and  Phil 4:18-19 RENEW YOUR MIND “Give and it will be given to you…” www.oakcliffbible.org – Luke 6:38

In  Daniel 3:1-30   we see the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew companions of Daniel appointed as assistants to him as he ruled over the province of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar created a statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar made a decree — people of all races, nations, and languages must bow to the statue at the sound of any harp, lyre, horn, flute, pipes, and any other musical instruments or face being thrown in a blazing furnace. This request was obviously problematic for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; they were being asked to conform to the values of the culture. Much like today’s believers, these three young men lived in a secular culture that sought to conform them to a humanistic worldview. As believers, we are pressured to conform to the values of the day which is ultimately idolatry. The culture wants Christ followers to “dumb-down” God and elevate man so that the two are indistinguishable. This presents an opportunity for righteous suffering when God’s people refuse to follow the crowd. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not conform to the culture and as a result they had to suffer. However, their suffering was not due to their work but to their worship. Notice that the Hebrew boys had official positions under King Nebuchadnezzar ( Dan 3:12 ). Alongside Daniel, they were granted their work through God’s favor and they completed their tasks with diligence and respect for the King ( Dan 2:46-49 ). However, they would not compromise a clear biblical value for the sake of their careers, positions, or recognition. Believers must resolve to trust God’s sovereignty over man’s power. Many believers face the pressures of compromise today in their corporate environments or in their personal relationships. Instead of bowing to this pressure, believers must resolve to stay committed even in the midst of righteous suffering. Faith in God did not keep them from the fire, but God joined them in the fire. Sometimes God keeps us from the difficulty but other times we must look for God’s presence in the middle of the trial or hard moments. We must be willing to suffer for righteous reasons so that God can get the glory. Nebuchadnezzar recognized God’s glory and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got promoted because they were willing to take a stand. Many believers don’t get promoted because they are not willing to take a stand for God, instead they acquiesce to the culture and that is not what God has called them to do. Only God promotes! Since God promotes, you should be more committed to Him than those who only appear to hold this power. GETTING STARTED Many of us often find ourselves in compromising positions because we seek to serve God but still live in the world. When did you feel pressured to conform to a standard that was contrary to your biblical value system. Why do you think Daniel named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as his companions to help him rule over Babylon? What character traits would you use to describe these three? LET’S GET PERSONAL What suffering have you endured because of your spiritual commitment? What promotions has God brought about in your life because of unwavering faith? As you listened to this week’s sermon, did you experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit? In what areas of your life do you need to stop compromising? TAKE THE NEXT STEP What do you admire about the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? What can you do this week to grow and mature your faith? Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages:  Daniel 1:1- 21; Daniel 6:1-28 ;  1 Peter 2:20 ;  1 Peter 3:14, 17 ;  1 Peter 4:16, 19 ;  1 Peter 5:10 ; and Psalm 75:6-7 . RENEW YOUR MIND “But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian…” 1 Peter 4:16

Read 2 Chronicles 34 "For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images." One of my greatest joys in life is studying God's Word. It hasn't always been that way, though. I spent years resistant to His Word. Then perplexed by His Word. And finally, so moved by His Word it broke through all my hurt, confusion and rejection. Jesus saved my life. And it was His Truth that rewrote the story of my life. But He couldn't change  my  story until I embraced  His  story. And that meant I had to stop viewing His Word as some out-of-date book and receive it as breath and life for each new day. Our response to His Word is very telling of how we view His Word. Truth we see in today's passage of Scripture. Second Chronicles 34 gives us an up-close look at the life of King Josiah, a man who began seeking God at an early age,  "while he was yet a boy " (2 Chronicles 34:3) and continued to respond to God with a heart of humility as he grew. The life of this king who  "did what was right in the eyes of the  " (2 Chronicles 34:2) reminds me of what theologian and scholar G. K. Beale said in his book,  We Become What We Worship : "We resemble what we revere, either for our ruin or restoration." King Josiah sought after the Lord and therefore his actions reflected the One whom he revered. The result? The restoration of the people of God for a season under the rule and reign of this righteous and upright king. King Josiah's seeking resulted in repairing the temple of the Lord, which led to the discovery of the Book of the Law. This is where we witness the first of two very different responses to God's Word. Notice in 2 Chronicles 34:15-18 how Hilkiah, the priest, and Shaphan, the secretary, each viewed the Book of the Law. Hilkiah referred to it by its proper name. However, when Shaphan delivered the message to King Josiah, he simply said that he had been given "a book." Clearly, the importance and reverence of this book was lost on Shaphan; however, the response of King Josiah helps us to see the importance of the words of the Lord. Not only did King Josiah tear his clothes upon hearing the Book of the Law, (2 Chronicles 34:19) he also humbly received correction and moved with wisdom after inquiring of the Lord - choices that ended up impacting the hearts of the entire nation. (2 Chronicles 34:29-33) Sadly, a quick look ahead at Josiah's family line reveals a very different reaction to God's Word. Instead of reverence or even indifference, Josiah's son Jehoiakim responded with defiance. When presented with the written word of the Lord from the prophet Jeremiah, Jehoiakim tore the Word of God and burned it in the flames. (Jeremiah 36:23) I don't think any of us would go to such extremes. But it still begs us to ask the question:  How will we respond to the Word when it is presented to us? Will we be torn in our hearts and drawn to repentance and worship? Or will we remain prideful and resistant? I believe our answers to these questions hinge on how we view God's Word. If we treat God's Word simply as an ancient book with some good principles, we will read it and take from it what we want. But if we truly believe the Bible is the living Word of the one true and holy God, we won't just read it; we'll let it read us. It will breathe fresh life into us, rearrange our wrong thinking, redirect our wayward heart tendencies and cause us to become more and more humble with each interaction. Though it chronicles events past tense, the Bible is God's Word speaking to us in present tense. And how we approach it matters more than we know. Prayer:  Father God, thank You for reminding me that the best way to approach Scripture is with humility and reverence. Your Word is living and active, sharp and effective, piercing all the way down to the very heart of my every thought, word and deed. Even if the truth is painful, Lord, I want You to speak to me. I want You to change me. I want to walk in the hope and freedom Your Word is holding out to me. In Jesus' name, amen. More Moments: I want to approach Scripture like King Josiah did — with a heart of humility and reverence. But what does that look like practically when it comes to my daily time in God's Word?  Read More My Moment: Do you ever feel resistant to the things God calls you to in His Word? How can you press past that resistance and allow Him to reorient your heart to His Truth? www.lysaterkeurst.com.

‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ’everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” Mark 14:36 (NIV) Do you ever feel like pain and sorrow are chasing you down? Like you just can’t outrun all of the hurt? Oh, friend. I know how difficult those seasons can be. That’s why I want us to look at someone in Scripture who understands this kind of pain — King David. Not only did David spend a significant amount of time before he became king running for his life from King Saul, but he also eventually ended up running from his very own son, Absalom. But whereas Saul openly sought David’s life, we find Absalom sneaking around behind his father’s back in an effort to rip the kingdom from David’s hands. With slick promises and conspiratorial kisses, Absalom easily steals  “the hearts of the people of Israel”  (2 Samuel 15:6b, NIV). And it isn’t long before David receives word his kingdom is crumbling right in front of him. (2 Samuel 15:13) In light of these events, David sees that his situation is desperately dangerous. He must escape. The route we find him taking to escape the city, weeping as he goes, is across the Kidron Valley, through the Garden of Gethsemane, over the Mount of Olives and into the Judean desert. This was the known escape route for those needing to quickly flee from danger in Jerusalem. Within this story we are reminded of a larger story — the people of God are continually wayward in their love and affections toward their king. They allow their hearts to be captivated by others. They are prone to stray. This was true for King David, and it would be true of another King who would come from David’s bloodline generations later — King Jesus. Years later, Jesus would sit in the Garden of Gethsemane, the very gateway of this known escape route, facing extreme danger. We read about Jesus in these difficult moments in Mark 14:34-36, where He laments:  “‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” His people were turning against Him. Jesus wasn’t meeting their expectations as king. They wanted Him dead. As I sat in the Garden of Gethsemane during a recent visit to the Holy Land, my heart was overcome with the reality of what Jesus was facing while in that very place. He knew He could escape. He knew He could flee like David had done. He knew the way to take to save Himself. But Jesus stayed so He could save us. Though my heart strays from Him, Jesus’ heart is compelled to stay for me. Jesus ends His prayer to God with nine earthshaking, demon-quaking, hell-shattering words,  “Yet not what I will, but what you will”  (Mark 14:36b). In other words, He completely submitted to God’s plan because He knew in the end, it was best. Jesus was the only King who perfectly fulfilled God’s will. As we read the story of King David, we must always remember that he simply points to the better David — Jesus, who is the King of kings. The contrast between David’s experience and Jesus’ is important: Both David and Jesus weep on the Mount of Olives. David weeps over the betrayal and potential loss that he faces — all things that affect him personally. Jesus weeps over the city and people of Jerusalem. As David escapes over the Mount of Olives, he faces the potential loss of his kingdom. As Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives, He begins His journey to the cross where He will conquer sin and death and establish the Kingdom of heaven. David’s kingdom will eventually be war torn and broken. The Kingdom of heaven will reign forever. What does this mean for us today? I would imagine we can all relate to David’s weeping. Our lives are riddled with evidence we live in a broken world — loss, hurt, death, betrayal, heartbreak and relationship breakdowns. But might we also remember Jesus’ weeping as well. He hurts when we hurt. And that’s the exact reason He made a way for us to one day enter His eternal Kingdom where there will be no more sorrow and no more weeping. Praise God! Lord, I can’t thank You enough for the fact that You stayed and suffered the pain of the cross for me. May the truth of Your sacrifice stir this sometimes-wandering heart of mine to stay faithful, stay hopeful, stay devoted to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY Revelation 21:4, “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV) RELATED RESOURCES How often do we feel stuck in the “in between?” In between life seasons. In between jobs. In between relationships. The “in between” feels like you’ll be stuck waiting forever. But God is working in the waiting.

On the night the disciples shared their first communion, Jesus prophesied that one of the twelve would betray him.  Jesus’ prediction proved very inflammatory for the disciples.  With all their fears stirred up they had trouble listening to anything Jesus said after this revelation.  Betrayal is like that for most of us.  Stories of bitter betrayal hit a special nerve and can distract us from hearing anything of importance after that affront.   When you think about the betrayal and arrests in the garden of Gethsemane what character do you focus on the most?Many people when they read this story think of Judas and his actions.  But, some might look to Peter and what he did when he swung a sword and took off Malchus’ ear. (John 18:10)   It is also, really easy in this incident to analyze the different characters and wonder what we might have done in the same circumstances.  These different dramas may cause us to either judge these people or judge ourselves.  But, what if there is a third option?  Instead, as we search this passage let’s try to keep our eyes on Jesus.  He is the person who will give us hope in this story.  Look at how he reacts when he is betrayed and what he does.   Consider this story in Luke 22:47-53.   47  While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48  but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49  And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50  And one of them struck the servant ">< a =">a">  of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51  But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52  Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53  When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” ESV Keep your eyes on Jesus because He is merciful. What does Jesus say when Judas comes to betray him?  Jesus asks Judas a searching question.  He doesn’t attack Judas, he appeals to Judas’ motives even as Judas is using a loving action like a kiss to betray him.  Jesus can be merciful to Judas because Jesus does not see Judas as his enemy.   In Ephesians 2:4-6 Paul teaches us that God is rich in mercy.  On the night Jesus was arrested he overflowed with mercy for Judas even as Judas was betraying him.  Being rich in mercy means that the God we serve is the God of second chances, and third chances and even more.  While we have breath he is always pouring out his unlimited mercy upon us.   Meanwhile, back in the garden the disciples rising from their sleepy prayers are slow to realize what Judas is doing.  Before Jesus can answer their requests about swords, Peter has already swung his and taken off the ear of the high priest’s servant.  Again, keeping our eyes on Jesus, what does he do in verse 51?   These arresting forces, coming cowardly at night, cannot restrain Jesus’ mercy.  At this crucial time Jesus does not act with fear or with violence, but with healing.  This is our merciful Savior.   When we are struggling why is it important to remember Jesus is rich in mercy? Keep your eyes on Jesus because he is not a victim.  Look back at Luke 22:51-52.  They might be arresting Jesus but he does not see himself as a victim in this story.  He knew what was coming and he chose to be obedient to God’s will that night.   The four New Testament Gospels each give us a different perspectives on the same events.  Their unique viewpoints add to the validity and the richness of the story because no two people will view the same circumstances exactly the same.  Look at John’s perspective on this arrest and it will clarify that Jesus was never a victim in the garden.   John 18:1-11   When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3  So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4  Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5  They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6  When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7  So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8  Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9  This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10  Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11  So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” ESV Why is it important to see Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross? Keep your eyes on Jesus because he knows who the real enemy is.  Back in Luke 22:3-6 we see Judas had become a puppet in Satan’s hands.  Luke’s revelation shows us that there was a greater evil behind Judas’ betrayal.  Look specifically at Luke 22:3.  Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.  ESV   Who was the real enemy Jesus was confronting on that night?  Satan.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the evil one.  This night, this assignment of reconciling the world was more important than the saving of Jesus’ physical life.   In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes that our spiritual enemies are not flesh and blood.  Where do you think the early church first learned this principle?  Probably in the garden when Jesus refuses to come against a fleshly enemy, and discerns the true powers of darkness at work that night.   Why is it important to recognize our enemy is not flesh and blood?   In his book,  Peace Child , Don Richardson records the story of his life as a young missionary who went to the island of Irian Jaya to serve the Sawi, a head hunting and cannibalistic tribe.  After Don had painstakingly learned enough Sawi he taught them the story of Jesus’ betrayal in the garden.  As Don told the story he was shocked and confused when the Sawi saw Judas as the hero of the tale.   That day Don learned how the Sawi culture admired deception and betrayal.  When they heard Judas had walked with Jesus for three years before his betraying kiss they were impressed with what they saw as his great deception skills.  This revelation drove Don to his knees.  As Don continued to live prayerfully among the Sawi, he often found himself bandaging up life threatening injuries even though he never trained as a doctor.  This was because the Sawi’s culture often triggered conflict and open war between the villages.   One day after a bloody battle Don in frustration threatened to leave the Sawi if they would not make peace with their neighbors.  This upset the village leaders because by now they relied on Don for his tools, medicine, and practices he brought from the modern world.  They told him “Don, you don’t know how hard it is to make peace.  We hate war, but we hate the cost of peace even more.”   It was then that Don learned how the Sawi for generations had brokered peace.  For peace to be made between two waring villages, the two Sawi chiefs would have to exchange one of their own babies to be raised by the rival chief.  As long as both of these children lived the two villages could enjoy peace.  After the giving of a peace child both groups worked hard to protect these children.  The cost of giving up a baby they loved was also the reason the Sawi would sometimes endure war over peace.   With this revelation Don unearthed a hidden picture of God’s love for all mankind within the Sawi culture.  Jesus was the ultimate Peace Child.  God sent Jesus to earth to secure our peace with him.  Within the Sawi narrative anyone who would harm a peace child was truly evil.  After the Sawi understood Jesus was God’s peace child they knew Judas was not a man they could admire.   Like the Sawi, when we first hear the story of the betrayal of Jesus it is easy to focus on Judas’ actions.  But, judging him will only exhaust us.  If we want true peace we need to keep our eyes on Jesus because he is the real hero in this story.   Hebrews 12:2 says,               Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him   endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  ESV

All of us have been shaped by the words of Billy Graham, whether we know it or not. Here are his most beloved words. Let them inspire and transform you today. .. the thing that kept Christ on that cross was love, not the nail. You can’t control the length of your life. You can control the depth. God will never send anybody to hell. If man goes to hell, he goes by his own free choice. God does not change – and neither does His love. He loved you before you were born… He loves you now… and He will love you forever. The number one problem in our world is alienation, rich versus poor, black versus white, labor versus management, conservative versus liberal, East versus West . . . But Christ came to bring about reconciliation and peace. Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day. I have a certainty about eternity that is a wonderful thing, and I thank God for giving me that certainty. I do not fear death. I may fear a little bit about the process, but not death itself, because I think the moment that my spirit leaves this body, I will be in the presence of the Lord. Someday your life will be over, no matter how much attention you give to your health. Will you look back with regret, because you nourished your body but starved your soul? Someday a loving Hand will be laid upon our shoulder and this brief message will be given: “Come home." There are three of you. There is the person you think you are. There is the person others think you are. There is the person God knows you are and can be through Christ. If you find a perfect church don’t join it: You’d spoil it. My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us, and will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us as we trust in Him. The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart that will not have lust and greed and hate in it. We need a heart filled with love and peace and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world. No nation is ever taller than when on its knees… Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys. No matter who you are or what your life has been like so far, the rest of your life’s journey can be different. With God’s help you can begin again.