Tomorrow, by faith, we join the chorus: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).
Jason Cicero
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
One Thing is Needed
Song: Seek Ye First
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Martha went about the business of serving Jesus. Mary was attentive. Martha was distracted. Martha asked if Jesus cared. Jesus carefully explained that Martha was worried and troubled about many things.
Jesus said to Martha, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). There is a time to serve and a time to listen. Once the serving is done, the word of Jesus abides. Let us learn that "one thing is needed."
"All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Martha went about the business of serving Jesus. Mary was attentive. Martha was distracted. Martha asked if Jesus cared. Jesus carefully explained that Martha was worried and troubled about many things.
Jesus said to Martha, "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). There is a time to serve and a time to listen. Once the serving is done, the word of Jesus abides. Let us learn that "one thing is needed."
"All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Longings for the Lost
Song: He Loves Me
Scripture: Luke 9:51-56
Jesus and the twelve were traveling to Jerusalem. They entered a village of the Samaritans. The "Sons of Thunder" longed to rain fire down on them. The "Son of Man" longed to save them.
To be this Man's disciple is to long his longings. Jesus is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Am I?
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 9:51-56
Jesus and the twelve were traveling to Jerusalem. They entered a village of the Samaritans. The "Sons of Thunder" longed to rain fire down on them. The "Son of Man" longed to save them.
To be this Man's disciple is to long his longings. Jesus is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Am I?
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Certain Women
Song: The Gospel Is For All
Scripture: Luke 8:1-3
Luke's gospel speaks to the universal nature of the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ is for every nation, tribe, people and tongue. It is for women too.
"Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities - Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance" (Luke 8:1-3; NKJV).
Women were a blessing to Jesus. The grace they received from Him prompted faith and works. These "certain women" provided for Him from their own possessions.
Whether you are a man or a woman the gospel is for you. Grace and forgiveness are available. You can be a "certain" someone too.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 8:1-3
Luke's gospel speaks to the universal nature of the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ is for every nation, tribe, people and tongue. It is for women too.
"Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities - Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance" (Luke 8:1-3; NKJV).
Women were a blessing to Jesus. The grace they received from Him prompted faith and works. These "certain women" provided for Him from their own possessions.
Whether you are a man or a woman the gospel is for you. Grace and forgiveness are available. You can be a "certain" someone too.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Do Not Weep
Song: No Tears In Heaven
Scripture: Luke 7:11-17
She had been a wife. Now she was a widow. Her marriage was blessed with one child, a son. Now he was gone too.
As she and her companions carry out her son's lifeless body she is seen by the Lord. He is moved in the depth of His being. Her sorrow becomes His. "Do not weep," He says to the widow of Nain. Jesus raises her son from the dead and proceeds to present him to his mother.
So powerful and so compassionate. So mighty and so merciful. So strong and so loving.
Jesus wiped away the tears of the widow of Nain. He longs to do the same for you. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 7:11-17
She had been a wife. Now she was a widow. Her marriage was blessed with one child, a son. Now he was gone too.
As she and her companions carry out her son's lifeless body she is seen by the Lord. He is moved in the depth of His being. Her sorrow becomes His. "Do not weep," He says to the widow of Nain. Jesus raises her son from the dead and proceeds to present him to his mother.
So powerful and so compassionate. So mighty and so merciful. So strong and so loving.
Jesus wiped away the tears of the widow of Nain. He longs to do the same for you. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Jason Cicero
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Sermon on the Plain
Song: Jesus, Let Us Come To Know You
Scripture: Luke 6:17-49
Matthew gives three chapters to The Sermon on the Mount. Luke's The Sermon on the Plain has many parallels, but is much shorter. This sermon begins with the beatitudes and the woes, and goes on to the proper conduct of the citizen of the kingdom of Heaven. Throughout these words of Jesus we are reminded of what it means to be a disciple: it is a whole way of life.
Read The Sermon on the Plain and hear the conclusion of the whole matter: "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the steam beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great" (Luke 6:46-49).
Jesus would have us come to Him. He would have us hear His sayings. He would have us do things. To hear and do is to be like a man who build's a house and lays the foundation on the rock. To come to Jesus, to hear His sayings, to do His things is essential to one's survival.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"Trust in the LORD will all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6; NKJV)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel..." (Luke 2:34).
The word "rising" refers to resurrection throughout the rest of the New Testament. To receive Him is to rise. To reject Him is to fall.
This Lord's Day we rise and proclaim His resurrection!
Jason Cicero
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wholly Different
Song: Holy, Holy, Holy
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (Luke 5:8). As the boats began to fill with fish Peter began to realize something. Jesus was different. Wholly different. Completely set apart from sin. Totally unlike Peter, a man who confesses to be full of sin.
Jesus responds to Peter's realization with these words: "Do not be afraid" (Luke 5:10). Although His holiness is terrifying He invites Peter near. He provides him the opportunity to share in His sanctified work. He allows Peter to forsake all and follow Him.
See His holiness. Fall before Him broken and contrite. Allow Him to relieve your fear and put you to His work. Peter did. You can too.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Good News
Song: The Great Physician
Scripture: Luke 4:16-21
Of all the prophecies concerning Himself, Christ chose to begin His Galilean ministry with this one: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…” (Isaiah 61:1-2; NKJV).
Christ came to preach good tidings...to heal the brokenhearted...to proclaim liberty to the captives...to unbind the bound...to proclaim the acceptable year of Jehovah.
Today, pause and consider just how good the good news really is. Christ came to do all of those things for you and for me. Beloved, the good news is so good...
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 4:16-21
Of all the prophecies concerning Himself, Christ chose to begin His Galilean ministry with this one: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…” (Isaiah 61:1-2; NKJV).
Christ came to preach good tidings...to heal the brokenhearted...to proclaim liberty to the captives...to unbind the bound...to proclaim the acceptable year of Jehovah.
Today, pause and consider just how good the good news really is. Christ came to do all of those things for you and for me. Beloved, the good news is so good...
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
All Flesh
Song: The Gospel Is For All
Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
"And all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:6). Only Luke quotes this section of Isaiah 40:5. It speaks to the universalism of the gospel. There is no kind of person the gospel cannot reach. There is no boundary the gospel cannot cross.
See what the apostle John saw and rejoice that the gospel is for you: "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people..." (Revelation 14:6).
See by faith what Simeon saw in the flesh: "For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
"And all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:6). Only Luke quotes this section of Isaiah 40:5. It speaks to the universalism of the gospel. There is no kind of person the gospel cannot reach. There is no boundary the gospel cannot cross.
See what the apostle John saw and rejoice that the gospel is for you: "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people..." (Revelation 14:6).
See by faith what Simeon saw in the flesh: "For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Seeing, Holding, Receiving
Song: Praise The Lord
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
Simeon was living in Jerusalem. But more importantly, He was waiting in Jerusalem. He wasn't waiting for just anything, mind you. He was "waiting for the Consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25).
"Consolation" has to do with a calling near for the purpose of comforting. Simeon was looking for Jehovah to call his chosen people near for the purpose of comforting them. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that "the Consolation of Israel" would come in the form a man, "the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:26).
Simeon did see "the Consolation of Israel." He did see "the Lord's Christ." Don't miss the beauty of this blessing. Simeon did not just see Him. He held Him in his arms: Simeon "took Him up in his arms and blessed God" (Luke 2:28).
The eyes of Simeon saw Jehovah's salvation. The arms of Simeon held Jehovah's salvation. The spirit of Simeon received Jehovah's salvation.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
Simeon was living in Jerusalem. But more importantly, He was waiting in Jerusalem. He wasn't waiting for just anything, mind you. He was "waiting for the Consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25).
"Consolation" has to do with a calling near for the purpose of comforting. Simeon was looking for Jehovah to call his chosen people near for the purpose of comforting them. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that "the Consolation of Israel" would come in the form a man, "the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:26).
Simeon did see "the Consolation of Israel." He did see "the Lord's Christ." Don't miss the beauty of this blessing. Simeon did not just see Him. He held Him in his arms: Simeon "took Him up in his arms and blessed God" (Luke 2:28).
The eyes of Simeon saw Jehovah's salvation. The arms of Simeon held Jehovah's salvation. The spirit of Simeon received Jehovah's salvation.
Jason Cicero
Monday, February 16, 2009
With God
Song: Sing And Rejoice In The Savior's Birth
Scripture: Luke 1:1-38
Three announcements. Three out of the ordinary births. Three very different responses.
Sarah laughed. "Therefore Sarah laughed within herself saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" (Genesis 18:12; NKJV).
Mary submitted. Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38; NKJV).
Always remember Gabriel's words and submit to God's will for you: "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hidden In My Heart
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11; NKJV)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
On this Valentine's Day know that no one is more passionate about you than Jesus: "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3; KJV).
Jason Cicero
Jason Cicero
Friday, February 13, 2009
And Peter
Song: Come To Jesus
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
"But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (Mark 16:7; NKJV).
On Sunday the angel spoke two of my favorite words in all of Scripture: "and Peter."
The Thursday before Peter spoke a number of words. Words of rebuke. Vehement words of disagreement. Words of denial.
Peter rebuked God. He vehemently disagreed with God. He verbally denied God three times.
Peter had a long way to go, but God wasn't finished with him yet: "But go, tell His disciples - and Peter." Do you have a long way to go too? Be encouraged! God is not finished with you either: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
"But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you" (Mark 16:7; NKJV).
On Sunday the angel spoke two of my favorite words in all of Scripture: "and Peter."
The Thursday before Peter spoke a number of words. Words of rebuke. Vehement words of disagreement. Words of denial.
Peter rebuked God. He vehemently disagreed with God. He verbally denied God three times.
Peter had a long way to go, but God wasn't finished with him yet: "But go, tell His disciples - and Peter." Do you have a long way to go too? Be encouraged! God is not finished with you either: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6; NKJV).
Jason Cicero
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Poured Out for Me
Song: O How I Love Jesus
Scripture: Mark 14:22-26
And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24; NASBU).
I love Jesus because He poured out His blood for me. His blood cleanses me. It removes my sins.
I love Jesus because His blood brings me into covenant with God. His blood dedicates the new covenant...my covenant. It fulfills the old covenant and brings the new covenant, my covenant into effect.
And He said to me, "This is My blood of the covenant, which I poured out for you."
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 14:22-26
And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24; NASBU).
I love Jesus because He poured out His blood for me. His blood cleanses me. It removes my sins.
I love Jesus because His blood brings me into covenant with God. His blood dedicates the new covenant...my covenant. It fulfills the old covenant and brings the new covenant, my covenant into effect.
And He said to me, "This is My blood of the covenant, which I poured out for you."
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
May I Be
Song: Jesus Is Coming Soon
Scripture: Mark 13
According to Jesus, when it comes to the business of His second coming I have two responsibilities: "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come" (Mark 13:33; NIV).
Be on guard! This phrase comes from a primary verb that means "to look at" (Strong's). Jesus would have me look at my life in relation to His coming in judgment. He would have me see whether or not I am ready to meet Him.
Be alert! This word literally means "to be sleepless, i.e. to keep awake" (Strong's). Jesus would have me to be ready for His coming morning, noon, or night. He would have me ready when He comes.
I do not know the occasion of His coming. But I know what He would have me be when He comes. May I be.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 13
According to Jesus, when it comes to the business of His second coming I have two responsibilities: "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come" (Mark 13:33; NIV).
Be on guard! This phrase comes from a primary verb that means "to look at" (Strong's). Jesus would have me look at my life in relation to His coming in judgment. He would have me see whether or not I am ready to meet Him.
Be alert! This word literally means "to be sleepless, i.e. to keep awake" (Strong's). Jesus would have me to be ready for His coming morning, noon, or night. He would have me ready when He comes.
I do not know the occasion of His coming. But I know what He would have me be when He comes. May I be.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Vineyard
Song: Call For Workers
Scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Everyone who would be this Man's disciple needs to be properly aligned in this: God the Father owns the vineyard. It is imperative that we submit to His will for His vineyard. It is by His grace that we have the opportunity to work in His vineyard. It is through His Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit that we will bring forth a harvest to the glory of the Father. Let us be content to do our Father's work His way to His glory.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Everyone who would be this Man's disciple needs to be properly aligned in this: God the Father owns the vineyard. It is imperative that we submit to His will for His vineyard. It is by His grace that we have the opportunity to work in His vineyard. It is through His Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit that we will bring forth a harvest to the glory of the Father. Let us be content to do our Father's work His way to His glory.
Jason Cicero
Monday, February 9, 2009
Hosanna
Song: Hosanna
Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mark 11:9-10; NKJV)
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew and Aramaic term that means "help" or "save now." It was used as a cry for assistance. It was also used as a greeting of praise.
Add "hosanna" to your vocabulary of faith. Cry out to the Lord for help on a daily basis. Greet Him with praise each day of your life. Long to shout "Hosanna!" when He comes again to save you from your sins!
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" (Mark 11:9-10; NKJV)
"Hosanna" is a Hebrew and Aramaic term that means "help" or "save now." It was used as a cry for assistance. It was also used as a greeting of praise.
Add "hosanna" to your vocabulary of faith. Cry out to the Lord for help on a daily basis. Greet Him with praise each day of your life. Long to shout "Hosanna!" when He comes again to save you from your sins!
Jason Cicero
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4; NKJV)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
I am so glad that Jesus is not ashamed to call me His brother. Tomorrow I will join Him in lifting my voice to our Fahter. Tomorrow He will join me...
"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." (Hebrews 2:12; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." (Hebrews 2:12; NKJV)
Jason Cicero
Friday, February 6, 2009
One Thing You Lack
Song: Love Lifted Me
Scripture: Mark 10:17-22
Question: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Answer: Keep the commandments.
Response: I do.
Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Keep the commandments for the right reason.
The rich young ruler was not rebuked by Jesus. He was obedient to the commandments. Yet, His heart was not set on eternal life. His heart was not set on treasure in Heaven. He needed to obey the commandments, but from a heart that desires nothing more than to see the Author behind each and every command.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 10:17-22
Question: What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Answer: Keep the commandments.
Response: I do.
Conclusion of the Whole Matter: Keep the commandments for the right reason.
The rich young ruler was not rebuked by Jesus. He was obedient to the commandments. Yet, His heart was not set on eternal life. His heart was not set on treasure in Heaven. He needed to obey the commandments, but from a heart that desires nothing more than to see the Author behind each and every command.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Jesus' Warning About Hell
Song: Sing To Me Of Heaven
Scripture: Mark 9:42-50
According to Jesus, to entice, trap, or to lead a believer into sin is a very serious matter. The hanging of a millstone around a person's neck and throwing them into the sea was a Gentile form of execution. Jesus said such a horrifying death is to be preferred to leading a Christian into sin.
The contrast of "life" with "hell" indicates that Jesus was referring to eternal life. The Greek word gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a garbage dump where fires burned continually. Jesus used gehenna to serve as a graphic symbol of eternal torment.
According to Jesus, Hell is real. According to Jesus, Hell is a place. According to Jesus, you don't want to go there.
According to Jesus, I should be about the business of doing whatever it takes not to go there...
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 9:42-50
According to Jesus, to entice, trap, or to lead a believer into sin is a very serious matter. The hanging of a millstone around a person's neck and throwing them into the sea was a Gentile form of execution. Jesus said such a horrifying death is to be preferred to leading a Christian into sin.
The contrast of "life" with "hell" indicates that Jesus was referring to eternal life. The Greek word gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a garbage dump where fires burned continually. Jesus used gehenna to serve as a graphic symbol of eternal torment.
According to Jesus, Hell is real. According to Jesus, Hell is a place. According to Jesus, you don't want to go there.
According to Jesus, I should be about the business of doing whatever it takes not to go there...
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ashamed
Song: I'm Not Ashamed
Scripture: Mark 8:34-38
Growing up my parents used a number of different methods to discipline me. My mom was good with a switch. My dad could take his belt off faster than a Texas outlaw could draw his gun. Sometimes my mom would just look at me.
Of all the punishments that came my way none was worse than having one or both of my parents say to me, "I'm so ashamed of you."
I can only think of one experience that would be worse: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38; NKJV).
Father, help me not to be ashamed of Him so that when He comes...He will not be ashamed of me. In His Name, Amen.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 8:34-38
Growing up my parents used a number of different methods to discipline me. My mom was good with a switch. My dad could take his belt off faster than a Texas outlaw could draw his gun. Sometimes my mom would just look at me.
Of all the punishments that came my way none was worse than having one or both of my parents say to me, "I'm so ashamed of you."
I can only think of one experience that would be worse: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38; NKJV).
Father, help me not to be ashamed of Him so that when He comes...He will not be ashamed of me. In His Name, Amen.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Even the Little Dogs
Song: O Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
Scripture: Mark 7:24-30
A Gentile woman was seeking Him. He was seeking some solitude. Falling at His feet she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
Jesus' answer was intended to put her off: "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs" (Mark 7:27; NKJV). Jesus speaks of the Jews as God's "children" and of their rights to His blessings. "Dogs" is a term in Rabbinic writings that describes Gentiles because of both their idolatrous and immoral ways. Jesus is not using "dogs" as a racist or derogatory remark, but as a test of the woman's faith.
Staying with His analogy and showing no anger at His remark, the Gentile woman reminded the Lord that "even the little dogs" sit "under the table" and "eat from the children's crumbs" (Mark 7:28; NKJV). Surely, she says, a Gentile might receive a crumb from the great storehouse of God's blessings that the Jews enjoy in abundance.
Today's Lesson: Even a little dog like me has the opportunity to respond to the Lord in faith and receive His gracious blessing!
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 7:24-30
A Gentile woman was seeking Him. He was seeking some solitude. Falling at His feet she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
Jesus' answer was intended to put her off: "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs" (Mark 7:27; NKJV). Jesus speaks of the Jews as God's "children" and of their rights to His blessings. "Dogs" is a term in Rabbinic writings that describes Gentiles because of both their idolatrous and immoral ways. Jesus is not using "dogs" as a racist or derogatory remark, but as a test of the woman's faith.
Staying with His analogy and showing no anger at His remark, the Gentile woman reminded the Lord that "even the little dogs" sit "under the table" and "eat from the children's crumbs" (Mark 7:28; NKJV). Surely, she says, a Gentile might receive a crumb from the great storehouse of God's blessings that the Jews enjoy in abundance.
Today's Lesson: Even a little dog like me has the opportunity to respond to the Lord in faith and receive His gracious blessing!
Jason Cicero
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wanna Get Away?
Song: Take Time To Be Holy
Scripture: Mark 6:30-32
Jesus sent out the twelve in pairs with authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). They went out and "preached that men should repent" (Mark 6:12; NASBU). The twelve "were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them" (Mark 6:13; NASBU).
Later the disciples returned to Jesus and "reported to Him all they had done and taught" (Mark 6:30; NASBU). Jesus said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31; NASBU). The Spirit tells us that so many people were coming and going they "did not even have time to eat" (Mark 6:31; NASBU). So they "went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves" (Mark 6:32; NASBU).
Jesus and the twelve needed to get away. So they got away. What do we learn? It's ok to get away.
Jason Cicero
Scripture: Mark 6:30-32
Jesus sent out the twelve in pairs with authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). They went out and "preached that men should repent" (Mark 6:12; NASBU). The twelve "were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them" (Mark 6:13; NASBU).
Later the disciples returned to Jesus and "reported to Him all they had done and taught" (Mark 6:30; NASBU). Jesus said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31; NASBU). The Spirit tells us that so many people were coming and going they "did not even have time to eat" (Mark 6:31; NASBU). So they "went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves" (Mark 6:32; NASBU).
Jesus and the twelve needed to get away. So they got away. What do we learn? It's ok to get away.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12; NKJV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
