Author: kezha1

The Greek word translated “daily” is only used here in the Lord’s Prayer. There are three interpretations for it. The first, is the sacramental view, referring to the bread received at the Lord’s Supper. Another view is that it symbolizes eternal life in the Lord’s coming Kingdom. The third, and the best view, takes it as a request for God’s provision for our physical needs. Jesus invites you to pray for the small things…not just the important and profound issues in your life. In fact, He welcomes all your requests…for each one is as important to Him as it is to you.

Jesus was not urging the people to disobey their Church Leaders…quite the opposite. He rightfully recognized the legitimate offices they occupied. But what Jesus condoned, was how the Scribes and the Pharisees had added human traditions to the Law…and then blatantly disregarded both Law and tradition. It was your old, “Do as I say, not what I do.” scenario of not following their own teachings and directives…and Jesus had called them on it.

A judicious person will look at every action and behavior in their life with Godly discernment, insight and moral understanding…knowing it promotes life. While the foolish person will readily listen to the deceitful speech of others that deal in falsehoods, and treachery. One listens to God…while the other is deluded by self-deception and lies.

The Antichrist is identified here and elsewhere in Scriptures as the “lawless one”. (I John 2:18, 4:3) He is an individual who will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called Godly, even to the point of proclaiming himself to be God. But we see how effortlessly Christ Jesus deals with him at His Second Coming. In Revelation 2:16 and 19:15 it’s called the “sword of His mouth”. So by Christ’s mere breath and His appearance again here on earth, He will totally overwhelm and destroy His enemies in an instant.

We see this metaphor used again by Isaiah when he writes, “The wicked conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” (Isaiah 59:4) Later, in the New Testament, James writes, “Evil desires are conceived and give birth to sin, and sin when full grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15) What they all are saying, is that wickedness isn’t just one impulsive act, but rather a lifestyle of unwise decisions & desires…and where the excitement of temptation, enticement, and seduction is a preferred way of life. Therefore, their point is clear…a sinner will reap what he sows, and sadly, their sin will always bring retribution upon them…including eternal/spiritual death.

When we’re in those times of our lives of great turmoil, stress, anxiety, and sorrow – our strength is zapped. We find ourselves drained mentally, physically, and spiritually … and with the inability to stand, or withstand the onslaught of all the chaos around us. But God promises He will give us the strength to stand as we put on the full armor of God. ” Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13-14)

Jesus was reassuring not only His disciples, but all Believers, that He will never abandon them…”and where I am, my servant also will be.” And until that day, we are to work with love and devotion serving the Lord… even though we’d rather be with Christ, like Paul longed for in Philippians 1:23. Jesus explained to His disciples in Mark 13:26 that His Second Coming will be an open declaration of His Divine Glory… and will commence with the so-called “Rapture of the Church” … as all righteous ones, without distinction, will be united with Christ, (caught up in the air ) and will live with Him forever. (I Thessalonians 4:17)

Maybe you can still remember that very old TV show, “Father Knows Best.” So in this Scripture, Isaiah is gently reminding us that it still holds true today…our Heavenly Father really does know what’s best for us. That’s because He is our Deliverer and Protector… His holiness is sacred and distinct…His awe-inspiring splendor is unique only to Him. And when He instructs and trains us, it’s always in truth, for He is the Source of all Truth. Now, His best for us may not be our first choice in actions and behaviors we want to do…but if we allow God to direct our journey in life, we can be sure He will guide us in all righteousness.

The Sabbatical principle is grounded in creation and integral to the abiding moral Law (Exodus 20:8-11). This day of rest was given to man for rejuvenation and worship (Exodus 23:12 & Deuteronomy 5:14), not for man to impose mountains of legalistic restrictions. Thus in these verses, Jesus explains that as Master of the Sabbath, He alone is the Mediator of these Laws…not man.

Originally found in Leviticus 19:18, mankind over the ages has tried to qualify just who a neighbor is and who is not. In Luke 10:29, an expert of the Law attempted to split hairs with Jesus when he asked Him, “Who is my neighbor?” But Jesus made it quite plain…it’s anyone in close proximity to us that we should be concerned with, regardless of whether or not there are mutual ties of kindred or nation. So that pretty much takes down all barriers of race, creed, or color. Therefore, when we see someone that needs help…we need to help. And in doing so, we’re fulfilling the Scripture to, “Love our neighbor.”