LABOUR IN THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 / Keywords 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

 

15:50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[h]

55 “Where, O death, is your victory?

    Where, O death, is your sting?”[i]

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Footnotes

h. 1 Corinthians 15:54 Isaiah 25:8

i. 1 Corinthians 15:55 Hosea 13:14

1. Flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s kingdom. So how can we enter God’s kingdom then? The mystery is: we will all be changed in a flash at the last trumpet. The perishable will be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. At that moment death will be swallowed up in victory. Where then is death’s victory and sting (55)? Death’s sting is sin, and sin’s power is the law. But thanks be to God, we have victory in and through Jesus Christ our Lord!

2. Paul concludes this powerful chapter on the resurrection with a “therefore.” What, therefore, should we do? We should stand firm in the gospel and not be moved or shaken by doubts or enemies (1,58). We should always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Why? Because labor in the Lord is never a useless waste. “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” --C.T.Studd (1860-1931)

Prayer Father, thank you for the hope and promise we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. May our lives bring him glory, honor and praise. Amen.

One Word Therefore, live and labour for Jesus

 

 

WE SHALL BE LIKE JESUS!

1 Corinthians 15:35-49 / Keywords 15:49

And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

 

The Resurrection Body

15:35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we[g] bear the image of the heavenly man.

Footnotes

f. 1 Corinthians 15:45 Gen. 2:7

g. 1 Corinthians 15:49 Some early manuscripts so let us

1. Paul knew that some people imagined resurrected people would look like zombies! Paul explained that just as we cannot imagine a plant from its seed, we cannot fathom the resurrected body from this earthly body. Earthly splendor, like a muscle man or a beauty queen, is quite different from heavenly glory. Even the glory of the sun, moon and stars cannot compare with God’s glory.

2. Our earthly bodies are perishable, dishonorable, weak and natural. But our resurrection bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual.

3. Adam came from the dust and returned to the dust, just as we will one day (unless Jesus comes back first). Jesus came from heaven, born of a virgin, as a life-giving spirit. We inherited our mortal bodies from Adam. But we Christians have inherited a new life from Jesus. We are born again and “of heaven.” We look like Adam now. But we are being conformed to the likeness of Jesus. When we see Jesus, we shall be like him!

Prayer Father in heaven, I am a child of Adam, a sinner, who will die one day. But I am also a child of God through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. According to your promise, we Christians are being made more and more into the image of Christ. One day we shall all be like him. This is my joyful hope.

One Word We shall be like Jesus!

DON’T BE IGNORANT OF GOD, LIVE WITH RESURRECTION FAITH

1 Corinthians 15:29-34 / Keywords 15:34

Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame.

 

15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,

    for tomorrow we die.”[d]

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Footnotes

d. 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13

e. 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander

1. Christian baptism in the name of Jesus Christ lacks power and purpose if there is no resurrection, for baptism signifies a new life and hope in Jesus that extends beyond this life.

2. Paul faced many dangers, enemies and sufferings to preach the gospel and live for Christ. That would be foolish if there is no resurrection and heaven. Paul admits we might as well just pursue fun, comfort and entertainment as much as we can, if tomorrow we die and that’s all (Isa 22:13).

3. Paul quotes a Greek poet, whom the Corinthians would be familiar with: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Bad company rejects the resurrection and lives for here and now. Paul urges them to wake up, come back to their senses, and repent of such ignorant, shameful living. Rather, they should know and live according to God’s truth and power.

Prayer Father, may I not live like a fool, chasing the things of this world. May I rather live today with true knowledge of God and with living hope in Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

One Word Don’t be foolish, but wise; live with faith in Jesus’ resurrection

 

IN CHRIST ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 / Keywords 15:22

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive...

 

15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[c] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Footnotes

c. 1 Corinthians 15:27 Psalm 8:6

1. After pondering a world and a faith with no resurrection, Paul declares that Jesus Christ was indeed raised from the dead. That is truly good news to a world full of dead and dying people. Not only so, Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection, which means that others will follow. Death came by one man, Adam; resurrection comes by one man, Jesus Christ. A Christian—that is, one who belongs to Jesus—will rise to be with him forever. Praise and thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

2. Jesus reigns over all his enemies and will destroy all evil powers, including death itself. This authority was given to him by God our Father. Though Jesus is one in essence with God the Father, he remains eternally the Son of God, in submission to the Father. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit reign over all forever and ever. Amen!

Prayer Father God, in Adam I was lost in my sin without hope and I must die someday. But you have given me eternal life, hope and purpose in Christ. Now I belong to Jesus as your child, servant, and disciple. By your promise and through your Spirit, I am with Jesus now and forever. Amen.

One Word I am alive in Christ!

IF CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED…

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 / Keywords 15:19

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

 

The Resurrection of the Dead

15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1. In these verses, Paul debunks doubters of the resurrection. If the dead cannot rise again, then Jesus did not rise again. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then Christian faith and preaching is useless and vain. Moreover, Christians are then liars, who are preaching a false gospel and misrepresenting God by saying that he is mightier than he really is (if God cannot actually raise the dead). Does it make sense that the apostles and all the Christians who died for their faith died for a lie? Surely, they believed that Christ rose from the dead since people will not die for what they know is a lie.

2. Without Jesus’ resurrection, Christian faith is futile, and we would have no assurance or power over sin. Plus, Christians who’ve died are simply dead, and there is no heaven (or at least we can’t get there through Christ). If Christians only have hope in this world, then why would we live a holy life, denying ourselves and striving to grow in Jesus’ image? That would be pitiful. Not only that, why then did Jesus live a holy and beautiful life of self- sacrifice, and with such conviction and courage? Of course, Jesus knew the reality of resurrection and eternal life in heaven. This belief is not optional but rather vital for followers of Jesus.

Prayer Father, thank you for the compelling truth of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Christian lives are not pitiful, but full of hope, power and promise because Jesus rose, and so will I.

One Word Christian life is not pitiful, but glorious

REMEMBER THE GOSPEL, BY WHICH WE ARE SAVED

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 / Keywords 15:3,4

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

The Resurrection of Christ

15:1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Footnotes

a. 1 Corinthians 15:3 Or you at the first

b. 1 Corinthians 15:5 That is, Peter

1. In this letter, Apostle Paul addressed many problems that were happening in the church in Corinth. He declared that the most excellent way to deal with squabbles was through the love of God (Ch.13). Now he was compelled to remind them of the gospel, which is of first importance.

2. What is the gospel (which means “good news”)? According to the Scriptures, Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. This is the gospel by which we are saved, and the foundation on which we must stand firm. Otherwise, our faith is in vain. Christ died to remove the judgment we deserve for our sins. Christ was raised to give us victory, hope and power to live a new life in the Spirit.

3. The Risen Christ had witnesses including Peter, 500 believers, James, the apostles, and Paul. Paul felt unworthy to be an apostle since he had persecuted Christians. But God’s grace enabled him to work hard preaching the gospel, so that others might be saved by God’s grace.

Prayer Father, thank you for reminding us of the gospel of Jesus Christ, by which we are saved. May we stand firm in this gospel and share it with others, by the grace of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word Saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ

ARE THE UPRIGHT EVER DESTROYED?

Job 4:1-21 / Keywords 4:7

Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?

 

Eliphaz

4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:

2 “If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?

    But who can keep from speaking?

3 Think how you have instructed many,

    how you have strengthened feeble hands.

4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;

    you have strengthened faltering knees.

5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;

    it strikes you, and you are dismayed.

6 Should not your piety be your confidence

    and your blameless ways your hope?

7 “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished?

    Where were the upright ever destroyed?

8 As I have observed, those who plow evil

    and those who sow trouble reap it.

9 At the breath of God they perish;

    at the blast of his anger they are no more.

10 The lions may roar and growl,

    yet the teeth of the great lions are broken.

11 The lion perishes for lack of prey,

    and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.

12 “A word was secretly brought to me,

    my ears caught a whisper of it.

13 Amid disquieting dreams in the night,

    when deep sleep falls on people,

14 fear and trembling seized me

    and made all my bones shake.

15 A spirit glided past my face,

    and the hair on my body stood on end.

16 It stopped,

    but I could not tell what it was.

A form stood before my eyes,

    and I heard a hushed voice:

17 ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God?

    Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker?

18 If God places no trust in his servants,

    if he charges his angels with error,

19 how much more those who live in houses of clay,

    whose foundations are in the dust,

    who are crushed more readily than a moth!

20 Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces;

    unnoticed, they perish forever.

21 Are not the cords of their tent pulled up,

    so that they die without wisdom?’

1. After Job expresses his misery, his friends, after being silent for seven days, begin to answer him. They say many good things, and at first they seem to want to help Job, but it ends up becoming an intense and accusatory debate.

2. Eliphaz goes first and reminds Job of how many people he has helped before with wise words when they were suffering. So, he says Job should not refuse counsel when he himself is suffering (3-6). Then, Eliphaz asserts God’s justice, saying that the innocent have never perished, but the evil are the ones who receive trouble from God (7-11). He tells Job that his righteousness should be his hope (6), but he is indirectly suggesting that Job must have done something wicked. He tries to back up his argument by saying he received a revelation in a dream (12-21). 3. In fact, our own righteousness cannot be our hope, and we are not innocent. Jesus is our only hope. By faith we are considered upright based on what Jesus has done, and we will not perish, though we may suffer in this life.

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus, my righteousness. Help me not to rely on my own righteousness but trust your salvation even when I am suffering unjustly.

One Word Jesus’ righteousness is my hope

JOB EXPRESSES HIS MISERY

Job 3:1-26 / Keywords 3:23

Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?

 

Job Speaks

3:1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2 He said:

3 “May the day of my birth perish,

    and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’

4 That day—may it turn to darkness;

    may God above not care about it;

    may no light shine on it.

5 May gloom and utter darkness claim it once more;

    may a cloud settle over it;

    may blackness overwhelm it.

6 That night—may thick darkness seize it;

    may it not be included among the days of the year

    nor be entered in any of the months.

7 May that night be barren;

    may no shout of joy be heard in it.

8 May those who curse days[a] curse that day,

    those who are ready to rouse Leviathan.

9 May its morning stars become dark;

    may it wait for daylight in vain

    and not see the first rays of dawn,

10 for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me

    to hide trouble from my eyes.

11 “Why did I not perish at birth,

    and die as I came from the womb?

12 Why were there knees to receive me

    and breasts that I might be nursed?

13 For now I would be lying down in peace;

    I would be asleep and at rest

14 with kings and rulers of the earth,

    who built for themselves places now lying in ruins,

15 with princes who had gold,

    who filled their houses with silver.

16 Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child,

    like an infant who never saw the light of day?

17 There the wicked cease from turmoil,

    and there the weary are at rest.

18 Captives also enjoy their ease;

    they no longer hear the slave driver’s shout.

19 The small and the great are there,

    and the slaves are freed from their owners.

20 “Why is light given to those in misery,

    and life to the bitter of soul,

21 to those who long for death that does not come,

    who search for it more than for hidden treasure,

22 who are filled with gladness

    and rejoice when they reach the grave?

23 Why is life given to a man

    whose way is hidden,

    whom God has hedged in?

24 For sighing has become my daily food;

    my groans pour out like water.

25 What I feared has come upon me;

    what I dreaded has happened to me.

26 I have no peace, no quietness;

    I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Footnotes

a. Job 3:8 Or curse the sea

1. So far, Job has been incredibly strong in enduring his sufferings and still giving glory to God. But now, after seven days, he reveals his true struggle with an outpouring of words. He still doesn’t accuse God of wrongdoing, but he curses the day of his own birth (1). He wishes it could disappear from the calendar (6). In other words, he thinks it would be better if he had never been born. This is the lowest point of human despair.

2. In verses 11-19, Job asks why God let him be born if it was only to suffer. From verse 20, he phrases the question more generally. Why does God give life to people who cannot find any relief from their suffering? We may ask these questions when our faith is tested, because we cannot see the end of our own story (23). But if we struggle honestly before God, God will lead us through to a better place.

Prayer Father, thank you for showing me Job’s struggle. It helps me know that you fully understand. Even though my way may be hidden to myself, I trust your leading.

One Word Wait on God when the way is hidden

JOB IS AFFLICTED IN HIS BODY

Job 2:1-13 / Keywords 2:13

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

 

2:1 On another day the angels[a] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Footnotes

a. Job 2:1 Hebrew the sons of God

b. Job 2:10 The Hebrew word rendered foolish denotes moral deficiency.

1. Satan does not give up easily. He returned to accuse Job before God again, saying that though Job didn’t curse God after losing all his wealth and family, he still had his own health. So, God allowed Satan to strike Job’s body as well, afflicting him with painful sores (6-7).

2. When Job’s wife saw him in this pitiful condition, her faith reached its limit, and she urged him to curse God and die (9). But Job remained steadfast. He refused to accuse God of injustice, though he had now suffered unspeakably without learning any reason for it. He said, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (10) Job’s faith was simply that God was God and he was not. 3. Then, three of Job’s friends came to comfort him in his suffering (11-13). At first, they only stayed together with him in silence, a beautiful display of empathy that was more powerful than any words they could say.

Prayer Father, help me trust you as God even when I can’t understand. Thank you for friends who have helped me through times of suffering. Help me to comfort my suffering friends with compassion that goes beyond mere words.

One Word Let God be God; be a true friend

A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS TESTED

Job 1:1-22 / Keywords 1:21

and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

 

Prologue

1:1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.

4 His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.

6 One day the angels[a] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan[b] also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

    and naked I will depart.[c]

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Footnotes

a. Job 1:6 Hebrew the sons of God

b. Job 1:6 Hebrew satan means adversary.

c. Job 1:21 Or will return there

1. Job was an exemplary character, fearing God and shunning evil, and even praying to atone for his children’s sins (1-6). God was proud of Job and showed him off as an example that Satan does not rule everyone’s heart in this world (8).

2. But Satan accused Job of only loving God because he was blessed (9-11). So, as a test, God allowed Satan to destroy everything Job owned and even kill his children in a storm (12-19). It is difficult to understand why God would allow Satan to do this. But God was always in control, setting limits on Satan’s power. Our life is part of a larger spiritual struggle that we cannot see now, but can only grasp by faith.

3. Job easily could have blamed God for allowing this to happen to a righteous man. But instead, Job still praised God (20-22). If anything, his terrible loss made him worship God even more deeply for his almighty power. His praise was not dependent on what he got for himself, but on who God is. Job was already winning a great spiritual victory.

Prayer Father, thank you for Job’s example. I also don’t know the reason for many of my sufferings, but help me win a spiritual victory by worshiping you in steadfast faith.

One Word We can praise God no matter what

DAUGHTER, YOUR FAITH HAS HEALED YOU

Luke 8:40-48 / Keywords 8:48

Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

 

Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

8:40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[c] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Footnotes

c. Luke 8:43 Many manuscripts years, and she had spent all she had on doctors

1. While Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus’s daughter, a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came and touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and was immediately cured. When Jesus asked who had touched him, she came forward trembling at his feet. She may have felt unworthy, or guilty for touching Jesus while ceremonially unclean. Instead of rebuking or judging her, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

2. Jesus didn’t need to put her on the spot, but he wanted to show that, more than just a physical healer, he desires the intimacy of relationship. Like Jairus cared for her one and only daughter, Jesus loved the woman as his daughter. God loves each person very intimately as a loving father or mother. May we have the faith to approach and have such a beautiful relationship with our heavenly father and find restoration for our soul.

Prayer Father, thank you for your love for me. May I grow in a deeper relationship with you and find healing and restoration.

One Word A Father’s love

JESUS RESTORED A DEMON POSSESSED MAN

Luke 8:26-39 / Keywords 8:30

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him.

 

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

8:26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[b] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Footnotes

b. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; other manuscripts Gergesenes; also in verse 37

1. Jesus restored a man who was so far gone that he lived among the tombs. He did not even know who he was because he was so full of demons. No one in the community could help him, but Jesus reached out to him and restored him to his right mind.

2. When we are deep in sin and shame, it is hard to recognize ourselves as human beings worthy of love and acceptance. Jesus does not avoid reaching out to us even in our most broken states of mind, and he is able to drive out demons of self-hatred, shame, hopelessness, and more. The love of God restores us to the person whom God created us to be. In God's mercy and love, we can find healing from all that separated us from ourselves, God, and people.

Prayer Lord, your love has the power to drive out all demons that possess and rob us of our true selves. You restore us to you and one another.

One Word Jesus wants to know you

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

Luke 8:22-25 / Keywords 8:24

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

 

Jesus Calms the Storm

8:22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Footnotes

b. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; other manuscripts Gergesenes; also in verse 37

1. When storms of life come, it can be sudden, uncontrollable, and feel like it will rip our world apart. Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waters and calmed the storm. To the shocked disciples, Jesus asked, "Where is your faith?"

2. When storms come, it reminds us how fragile our lives are and how little we control in the world. Following Jesus doesn't mean we'll have a storm-free life. But we can grow in faith that God's goodness and power is greater than any storm. If we can entrust our own lives into God's hands, maybe we can dare to do even greater things than we could ever imagine.

Prayer Lord, when I am fearful, give me faith to trust in you, even in the biggest storms of life. You have come to know our suffering and death and have overcome.

One Word Have faith in God

GOD’S WORD SHINES AND BINDS

Luke 8:16-21 / Keywords 8:21

He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

 

A Lamp on a Stand

8:16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Footnotes

a. Luke 8:10 Isaiah 6:9

1. Following the parable of the sower, Jesus goes on to share about a lamp. When the seed of God's word grows in us and through perseverance bears fruit, it is like a lamp on a stand that shines for those in the darkness. The gospel is meant to bring the light of life to others in darkness. Those who have ears to hear and receive the gospel will grow brighter and brighter. The light of God’s love can do great things in the hearts of those who receive it and practice it.

2. Jesus' own family came to see him. When he was made aware of it, he used the occasion to acknowledge that those who hear God's word and put it into practice are his family. God's word put into practice binds humanity together. In God's grace and love, we belong to each other deeply and preciously like a loving, all inclusive, family.

Prayer Lord, give us open ears and open hearts to receive your word and put it into practice. May we shine your grace and love, creating a community of love.

One Word Put God’s word into practice

THE SEED WITH POTENTIAL

Luke 8:1-15 / Keywords 8:8

Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

 

The Parable of the Sower

8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;

    though hearing, they may not understand.’[a]

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Footnotes

a. Luke 8:10 Isaiah 6:9

1. Jesus chose twelve apostles, but many women followed Jesus very closely. In a patriarchal society, Jesus welcomed and empowered women and allowed them to live up to more than what society tolerated. When women boldly spoke up or did something outside of the ordinary, he always listened and was often amazed at their faith.

2. Jesus taught a large crowd about a farmer who scattered seed over all kinds of soil. God's word, the gospel, is like a seed. It may seem small and simple, but it has great potential and life-giving power. In good soil, the seed grows on its own and can yield a crop a hundred times more than was sown. God's word can change the course of one's life and even the course of history. The farmer doesn't do anything but spread the seed and trust in its potential. Likewise, we cannot do anything except receive it by faith and allow it to grow. God's word is his love letter to all people of the world who are suffering under the power of sin and shame. It is amazing grace and empowering love.

Prayer Lord, may the seed of your word penetrate the depths of our hearts and grow to empower us to live by faith, bearing good fruit.

One Word The seed in good soil will bear fruit

FORGIVENESS AND LOVE

Luke 7:36-50 / Keywords 7:47

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

 

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

7:36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[c] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Footnotes

c. Luke 7:41 A denarius was the usual daily wage of a day laborer (see Matt. 20:2).

1. There was a woman who lived a sinful life and was labeled a sinful woman by her community. She was considered unclean by the religious leaders, not even acceptable to God. She lived in shame and deep sorrow--until she met Jesus. Jesus accepted her with the grace of God. Jesus forgave her sins and released her from her shame, renewing her dignity and sense of belonging.

2. Forgiveness leads to a life of love. Love is not too different from forgiveness. It is accepting someone for who they are, mistakes and all. Love forgives, love heals, love shows affection. The woman loved Jesus with great affection, washing Jesus’ dirty feet with her tears of joy, thanksgiving, and gratitude and wiping it with her hair. She poured expensive perfume on them as well. In other gospels, Jesus called such acts of love beautiful (Mt 26:10). Jesus also washed his disciples’ feet.

3. God loves us as we are, despite our mistakes. God’s forgiveness leads to healing and renewal of soul. When we experience God’s love, we become defined by his love and mercy and not by our worst mistake.

Prayer Lord, your love and forgiveness strengthens me to live a life of love and wholeness. Help me to see others as you see me.

One Word Go in peace

INTO THE WILDERNESS

Luke 7:24-35 / Keywords 7:24

After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

 

7:24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,

    who will prepare your way before you.’[b]

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:

“‘We played the pipe for you,

    and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

    and you did not cry.’

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Footnotes

b. Luke 7:27 Mal. 3:1

1. Although John taught in the wilderness and by the Jordan river, many people came to him and later to Jesus from all over the Judean countryside to hear the good news of God's Kingdom. John preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins and prepared the way for Jesus. New hope and life were given to all who believed in their message.

2. Radical inclusivity marked Jesus' ministry. The sick, poor, unclean, and even notorious sinners were drawn to Jesus. It is because Jesus embraced and loved them.

3. The people most resistant to receive and accept John and Jesus were the religious leaders and teachers of the law. They could not change their minds about their own interpretation of what the Messiah should look like to them. They distorted reality based on their own ideas and agenda. They stayed in their comfort zone. In doing so, they rejected God's purpose for themselves and preserved their own shameful ways. Even now, we interpret and make our own image of Jesus to fit our politics and/or cultural norms excluding many whom Jesus would embrace. Yet the wisdom and grace of Jesus continues to advance in the unlikeliest of places.

Prayer Lord, we come to you out of our comfort zones and into the wilderness because you offer amazing grace and hope to all.

One Word Go and see

SEE AND HEAR WHAT GOD IS DOING

Luke 7:18-23 / Keywords 7:22

So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

 

Jesus and John the Baptist

7:18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Footnotes

a. Luke 7:22 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.

1. Before John’s imprisonment (Mt 11), God had used John the Baptist to preach a powerful message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins that turned many people’s hearts to God. It must have now been hard for his disciples to see him bound and unable to continue his work. But they were amazed at how powerfully God seemed to be working through Jesus.

2. When John sent two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus, Jesus told them to report back to John what they have seen and heard: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." The words reflect what Isaiah prophesied, especially in Isaiah chapters 35 and 61. 3. When our own ministry or work seems to be struggling, we don’t have to dwell in a sense of defeat. Sometimes we just need to look around to acknowledge that God is still working mightily through his Holy Spirit. We are not alone in God’s big picture and plan.

Prayer Lord, even in the time of trials, open our eyes to see how you are working to heal and to plant hope all around us.

One Word Open our eyes and ears

SUCH GREAT FAITH

Luke 7:1-17 / Keywords 7:9

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

 

The Faith of the Centurion

7:1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

1. The Roman centurion was a symbol of oppression to the Jewish people, but the centurion in this passage was different. His surprising love for the Jews, and his own servant, opened his heart to reach out to and put his faith in Jesus’ power to heal. He even had faith in the authority of Jesus' word alone to heal his dying servant. Ironically, such great faith was not found in the religious leaders, but in a Roman centurion.

2. A widow, whose only son had died, was suffering under the power of death. In her sorrow and vulnerability, Jesus compassionately went to her, and she heard Jesus’ voice, “Don’t cry.” Jesus sees us in our most vulnerable selves with compassion as his own child, mother, or sister. Out of his love, he comforted the widow and raised her dead son to life. 3. Whether we reach out to Jesus by faith or allow him to enter into our vulnerabilities, Jesus has the power and compassion to bring healing and hope. When we make the effort to connect rather than put up barriers, there can be healing in our hearts, in our communities and in the world.

Prayer Lord, give me faith that welcomes your power to heal me and those you put in my life.

One Word Faith that heals