Many people knew about Jesus but they responded differently.
Matthew 2:1-2 ESV
[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
King Herod wanted to keep his authority and did not like the news that there was another king of Jews. Sometimes we are like King Herod. We do not want Jesus to be our King and we do not want to submit to his authority
The chief priests and the teachers of the law were aware of Jesus birth and identified where Jesus would be born. However, instead of going out to seek Jesus, they remained where they were with their knowledge. They were more interested in remaining in their place and their comfortable positions. Although they knew of the messiah and his coming, they were indifferent to this great news.
Jesus came to the earth because He loved you.
The Magi were also aware of Jesus' and followed a star to find Him. When they did find him, they worshipped him and gave gifts.
The Magi demonstrated their understanding Jesus' kingship, humanity and divinity. They acknowledged his divinity and sacrificial love.
We can choose to be like King Herod and cling onto our power and refuse to follow Jesus. We could also choose to be like the chief priests and scribes who know the scriptures but do nothing through indifference. Or we can be like the Magi and humble ourselves and seek out Jesus
Revelation talks about the last day, and we see that we will be victorious.
Revelation 7:9 ESV
[9] After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
We read here that there's a number who is so large that it cannot be counted. These people are dressed in white and holding palm branches symbolizing righteousness.
We cannot escape suffering and the tribulation. As Christians, we suffer for Christ as Christ suffered for us. However, there is a reward for those who endure.
Revelation 7:16-17 ESV
[16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. [17] For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation was written as a book of comfort for the early Christians. They were being persecuted and they needed encouragement to give them the strength to persevere.
We know that the victory is already in Jesus. Jesus has won the battle and we are waiting for his return.
Salvation is promised to all who would believe in Jesus. Salvation is not reserved for certain groups of people or certain nations. Salvation was not just extended to the Israelites, but to all nations.
One key distinction between Christians and others is the emphasis of praising God. Those who praise God are already living in heaven. Worship is responding to God and his Grace
How do we respond to God's grace of salvation through Jesus.? We are reminded that the salvation that God offers is not just for us but also for others
In Revelation, we know who this letter was written to and by Whom. Jesus speaks to seven different churches and gives messages. One of the messages is to the Ladeceian Church. Jesus criticizes their lukewarm approach to Jesus.
Lukewarm means having no desire for God. They only read what they want and hear what they want. They are not compelled to repent or seek God more. Their efforts are half hearted.
One of the problems with the church in Laodecia is that they think they are rich and self-sufficient. They feel secure in their prosperity and comfortable life.
God is not gennie that just grants our wishes. Why do you worship?
Revelation 3:18 ESV
[18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
The Ladeceians were rich from trade. They had large reserves of gold, luxurious clothes and eye salve. Jesus shows them they need to obtain superior items from him because they are poor, blind and naked.
At first it seems that God is judging them, but really God is warning them and asking them to repent.
Revelation 3:16 ESV
[16] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
We see that God is waiting for us.
Revelation 3:20 ESV
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Where can we find God? We find him in our own heart. We need to return back to God. We need to be passionate about our worship and dedication
Yes, there is a warning, but more importantly, this is an invitation for us to return to God.
Christians give thanks to God, and they do not need any special reason or occasion to do this. The author of Psalm 138 gives thanks because God is good. Christians should give thanks because God is who God is.
Psalm 136:1 ESV
[1] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
God himself is the reason for our gratitude. God does great things and created all things.
Psalm 136:4-9 ESV
[4] to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; [5] to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; [6] to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; [7] to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; [8] the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; [9] the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Meeting friends, going to work, waking up, just breathing are all miracles. The everyday acts which seem so common to us are gifts. There is no guarantee that we will wake up or be able to go to work. They are gifts that we should be grateful for.
Life has sadness, pain, and loss. It is natural for our lives will have pain. We will face obstacles, and these hardships may dwarf everything else.
Romans 8:28 ESV
[28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We need to walk the narrow path. The end at the path will get worth and pains or sorrows we may face on the path. We are thankful for being on the path.
His love endures forever! We see this in verses 10 to 16.
Psalm 136:10-16 ESV
[10] to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; [11] and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
[12] with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever; [13] to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;
[14] and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; [15] but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
[16] to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever.
The Israelites only gave thanks to God after miracles and soon after these miracles, they forgot about God.
Whether our journey is crafted with trials or triumphs we can praise God for all we experience. The narrow path leads to God's glory.
For someone who is not a Christian, forgiving someone who has wronged us could be an impossible task and nonsensical. However, as Christians, we can trust in God and forgive others even when they are in the wrong.
In Psalms, we read very poetic prayers to God. These prayers are open and honest conversations with God.in Psalm 70, we read the Psalmist honestly pour his heart before God. He is not a pharisee, but someone who has a genuine relationship with God.
David could forgive King Saul because he had an honest conversation with God. He surrendered everything to God, so David could forgive.
We may forgive others but still have lingering anger or resentment. We need faith in order to truly trust God.
Psalm 70:4 ESV
[4] May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
This faith is that God is good. We believe God will do what is right and root out evil in our lives and in this world. We might forgive a bad person and see them prosper afterwards while other good people suffer. It is hard to witness this and have faith, but we need patience and understanding that God is in control. We do not know what God is doing. We do not know what is going to happen.
When we surrender all to God, He will carry all the burden and we must believe that God will bring justice to evil and bring rest to good people.
Forgiveness is for us. It brings us comfort and throws off our burdens
