God of the Living

Matthew 22:23-33

Inspired thots:

1) Jesus ALWAYS answer our questions. He also ALWAYS answers our PRAYER Request. Truly this is what I am experiencing these days. He is concern for me. As I submit and trust in Him, (for His ways are BEST), truly "all things work for good to those who love Him" Rom8:28
On another recent incident, I am so glad I said "yes" to God even though He released me from the task! For once, I didnt feel bad.

2) It was a clear answer to the Sadducees' question on Resurrection. Sure there'll be a Resurrection. But Jesus gave more insight than just answering the question.

3) Point 1: We are in error because we do not know God's word (the Scriptures) or God (know God, know His Power) v29
* to be on the RIGHT TRACK, one must KNOW ~ information is Key! Thus, reading and meditating on God's word is crucial (Ps 119:9) God's word is TRUTH; the Truth sets one free ~ free to go on the Right track.
* Apart from God, we can do nothing (John 15:5); when we do not KNOW God, we are in error; for God is the Creator of all things. Thus, if we do not know the Creator, how can we know anything else?

Point 2: There is no marriage in heaven... everyone is like the angels. We will finally be a heavenly being. Our focus will only be on GOD alone! As He has destined in the beginning. (v30)

Point 3: v32 Declaration ~ God is always concern with the Living, not the dead; that's why He is God of the living because He is a living God. He is the God of those who were living and heard Him like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and now ME, and all others who are alive!

God only Wants ONE Thing

Matthew 22:15-22

Inspired thots

The foolishness of man; how could the Pharisees think they can 'trap' Jesus? You cannot tie up a strong man unless he is willing. Thinking to be wise, he is a fool... perhaps so am I. Yes, its a money issue to be dealt here..

Are the learned really 'cowards'? The Pharisees sent their disciples to Jesus, instead of confronting Him personally; yet, they are the ones who had issues with Jesus. Why gang up with the Herodians? Is it their thinking that numbers will intinidate? So true in today's world too.

There is acknowledgement that:
1) Jesus has integrity
2) Jesus teaches the things of God - they recognise the teachings to be in accordance to their scripture
3) Jesus teaches the truth - it is said, His word is truth! (John 17:17)
4) Jesus is not swayed by man - He is not a people pleaser.
5) Jesus knows exactly how man is - but of course, He created man! (Gen 1:27)

This is a case of 'knowing what is right/true but not doing it'.
Worse still, it goes on to be against that which is right.
Yes, Jesus named these appropriately: hypocrites.
It's all in the heart - its the matter of the heart. Take check!

"Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God" v21
God doesnt want our material stuff; those are the world's possession. He wants what is His ~ us! man! ME! for He created me... I belong to Him.

Accepting the Banquet Invitation

Matthew 22:1-14

Inspired thots:

1) The wedding banquet is prepared, but it is one's choice to go or not.
Just like any wedding dinners we are invited to, we CAN CHOOSE to accept or decline the invitation... and there would be many 'good' reasons for us either way. So it is no surprise that there are declines and rejects to the grandest banquet prepared for man. But it would be wise to consider thoroughly before making the final decision.

Human banquets I can decline, but not this finale banquet prepared by God! I have to be there! Plus my loved ones! With God's people. It would be a really GRAND affair which I will look forward to...
if I can be excited over..., lets say, my child's wedding (in the future), I should be THAT excited over this grand banquet which God has prepared and is inviting me! Logical?

How sad that there are those who 'refused' and 'paid no attention' and 'went off'.

2) Though invited, there will be a check through; will I be chosen to enjoy that banquet? It is a grand event; there'll be lots of guests; my appearance matters. I need 'wedding clothes'. Yes, I may be invited to the banquet and I choose to attend, but I must 'give face' to the host. I must be properly attired; that is part of the honour and respect to the host. The proper attire at the proper function lends weight to the function objective.

I believe it is not only the physical appearance that is referenced here, but also the heart, mind, soul and spirit. My total being must be ready for the banquet... to fit in to enjoy the grandeur; just as I would in my child's celebration, isn't it?

Chance after chance

Matthew 21:28-46

Inspired thots:

1) Jesus was still addressing the chief priests and elders. They were actually quite an intelligent bunch. They understood His teachings and saying - the parables He told; they could answer His questions. (v31,41)

2) The chief priests and elders did not want to believe in Jesus as the Son of God; perhaps they didnt want to be associated with the lower classes who did (v31,32).

3) Indeed the kingdom of God was turned to the Gentiles instead who bore much fruit for Jesus.

The whole chapter of 21 is all about AUTHORITY; and with it, comes obedience having seen and impacted by the one in authority.

• Jesus' entry into Jerusalem ~ a declaration of His authority even if riding on a donkey, for the sake of the lower classes
• Jesus' cleansing of the temple ~ an act of authority reflecting His passion for what belongs to God
• the withering of the fig tree ~ an example of His authority having no bounds, extending even to nature
• Jesus refuting the chief priests ~ being sure of His authority stemming from His roots and source (who He is, where He came from, what's He to do)
• Parable of the 2 sons ~ there are always 2 sides to the coin; so it is when it comes to authority. Submit or not; Obey or not!
• Parable of the tenants ~ a devious act of insubmission to authority leading to dire consequences. Think before you act!

Remember~ be reminded! Meditate from mind to heart!

Jesus is THE Authority

Matthew 21:18-27

Inspired thots:

1) There were always TWO types of people around Jesus: believers and critics!
~ Whenever Jesus does something great, or a miracles, the BELIEVERS were in Awe; the CRITICS sneered and queried!

• Critics are actually people pleasers; attention seekers; limelight grabbers; noise makers; self righteous; excuse presenters.
• No one is better than self! Critics tend to put others down so that self can be exalted. But when queried, they put forth debates and excuses to avoid standing up.
• Believers are like lambs ~ gentle followers; thirsty sponges; open receivers;

2) Believers with faith can move mountains and wilt trees! Amazing! Just goes to show how lacking in faith I am!

3) Jesus has the Authority to do all things ~ all earth or in heaven (v27). And He has given His disciples the same Authority in His name (28:18). May I use His Authority to His glory!

The Road less traveled

Matthew 21:1-17

Inspired thots

1) Jesus chose to be humble, riding on a donkey to enter into Jerusalem. This is significant as He makes a point to take on that attitude to reach the lowly.

2) v13 As I was awakened early today, I sought the Lord in prayer. I saw some videos on YouTube of how MBBs come to the Lord in Kurdistan. And it is declared by the believers there that it is the power of prayer sweeping the earth that salvation should befall even Kurdistan. Praise the Lord!
This reinforces my role in intercessory prayer, waking up whenever the Lord calls and interceding however He leads. It is His house praying ~ His people called to pray...

3) v15... it was just a simple act ~ they saw ..wonderful things which Jesus did; ~ they heard... children giving praise to Jesus; they were indignant.
Normally one would be filled with awe or gratitude on seeing 'wonderful things done'; not these.
It is better to be grateful and give thanks than to be critical and self-righteous.
Yes, Lord... releasing it all to You!

Exercise My Strengths!

Matthew 20:29-34

Inspired thots

What did God speak to teach me from this simple and short passage?
~> Two blind men... sitting by the roadside; a pitiful sight! But when the opportunity came, they were alert and determine to grab it. They did well.

1) Do not let one weakness in me to cloud over my other strengths; instead, I should exercise my strengths to my benefit ~ just like the blind men, who couldnt see but they heard! ... and they shouted!

2) Do not let people deter or discourage me from receiving blessings from the Lord. The crowd tried to quiet the blind men, but they shouted all the louder!
If I have heard the Lord, I must persevere to receive from Him. (Matt7:7) Jesus will stop by me. He will give me my heart's desire. Only let the desire be righteous!

3) What great faith the blind men had! They asked and they received.
What gratitude they had! IMMEDIATELY... they followed Jesus on receiving their sight! Just like when the disciples were called by Jesus.

As my thoughts linger on, what did these men do from henceforth? Did they follow Jesus faithfully till His crucifixion, or did they 'flee when the Shepherd was stricken'?