# 312 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Let's talk a little more about Judas. One of the amazing things about Judas is that even after witnessing all the power of Jesus working miracles, even after hearing Him speak, even after being given the power to heal end exorcise demons himself, he never came to saving faith.
On the very night that he betrayed Jesus, he addressed Jesus as Rabbi and not Lord. “Is it I Rabbi?” (Mt 26:25) Jesus was a great teacher to him, but not Lord. What was it that blinded him so?
The answer is money. It was Judas who complained about the ointment poured on the feet of Jesus because it was money that could have been put into the treasury and given to the poor, but as the Holy Spirit informs us through John, “He said this not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief.” (Jn 12:6)
And listen to his question to the high priests in Mt 26:15, “What will you GIVE me if I deliver Him over to you.” Judas was motivated by money. He followed Jesus only for the temporal fringe benefits.
Jesus stated Judas' problem clearly in Lu 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
Judas serves as a reminder to all of us for all time to check our own motivation. Is Jesus just a great teacher to you? Is He just a benefactor? Or is He Lord? If He is truly Lord, than we should be interested in one thing, serving Him for His glory!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Judas the Betrayer and Faith Strengthener
# 311 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.” Next on the list of appointed Apostles is Judas Iscariot. This Judas is almost always referred to as the betrayer. He is the one who “surrendered,” or “gave Jesus up” to the authorities. He was also the embezzling treasurer of this traveling band of disciples as noted by John in Jn 12:6, “having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put in it.”
A thief and a turncoat. Why would Jesus pick such a lout to be an Apostle? Actually the answer to that question is found in Jn 13:18,19, “I am not speaking of all of you: I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, “He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me. I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place, you may believe that I am He.”
Did you get that? Judas was chosen for one reason....that Scripture would be fulfilled, and fulfilled scripture strengthens faith in Jesus! “That you may believe that I am He.” The Apostles didn't get it here in the upper room, but they would understand it all later, and it would strengthen their faith. That's what fulfilled scripture, (prophecy) is designed to do.....strengthen our faith.
Dt 18:21, “And if you say in your heart, How may we know the Word that the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken.”
May this fulfilled prophecy concerning Judas, strengthen your faith in Jesus as the Messiah today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
A thief and a turncoat. Why would Jesus pick such a lout to be an Apostle? Actually the answer to that question is found in Jn 13:18,19, “I am not speaking of all of you: I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, “He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me. I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place, you may believe that I am He.”
Did you get that? Judas was chosen for one reason....that Scripture would be fulfilled, and fulfilled scripture strengthens faith in Jesus! “That you may believe that I am He.” The Apostles didn't get it here in the upper room, but they would understand it all later, and it would strengthen their faith. That's what fulfilled scripture, (prophecy) is designed to do.....strengthen our faith.
Dt 18:21, “And if you say in your heart, How may we know the Word that the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken.”
May this fulfilled prophecy concerning Judas, strengthen your faith in Jesus as the Messiah today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Simon: Correctly Channeled Zealousy
# 310 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Simon the Cananite;”
Next on the list of appointed disciples is Simon the Cananite. Luke refers to Simon as the zealot. This nickname given to Simon indicates that he had at one time been a member of a political movement called the “zealots.”
The zealots were extreme in their desire to overthrow the Roman rule over the Jews. They left a trail of blood and violence wherever they went, and in the end, they came to nothing.
Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law made reference to them at a council meeting in Acts 5:37, “After him Judas the Galilean (a zealot) rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished and all who followed him were scattered.”
This census, by the way, was the one that caused Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of the Messiah.
Isn't it interesting that some revolted at the idea of a census and more taxation, (submission to government authorities) while Mary and Joseph submitted to the authorities. Perhaps Joseph and Mary they knew the truth behind Rom 13:1,2
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
In the long run, it's clear which path worked out for the better for Mary and Joseph. And it's clear which path worked out better for Simon the zealot.
No longer taking the law into his own hands, Simon placed himself in the hands of the Savior, and he became an instrument used of God to take the Gospel to the nations.
Sometimes we Christians become overly zealous about our government, forgetting that God is not only in control of the Kingdom of heaven, but also the “kingdoms of earth.” It is a good exercise to read Romans 13:1-7 at times like this and to remember that, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.(Prov 21:1)
Believe it fellow citizens of heaven and keep the main thing, the main thing.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Next on the list of appointed disciples is Simon the Cananite. Luke refers to Simon as the zealot. This nickname given to Simon indicates that he had at one time been a member of a political movement called the “zealots.”
The zealots were extreme in their desire to overthrow the Roman rule over the Jews. They left a trail of blood and violence wherever they went, and in the end, they came to nothing.
Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law made reference to them at a council meeting in Acts 5:37, “After him Judas the Galilean (a zealot) rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished and all who followed him were scattered.”
This census, by the way, was the one that caused Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of the Messiah.
Isn't it interesting that some revolted at the idea of a census and more taxation, (submission to government authorities) while Mary and Joseph submitted to the authorities. Perhaps Joseph and Mary they knew the truth behind Rom 13:1,2
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
In the long run, it's clear which path worked out for the better for Mary and Joseph. And it's clear which path worked out better for Simon the zealot.
No longer taking the law into his own hands, Simon placed himself in the hands of the Savior, and he became an instrument used of God to take the Gospel to the nations.
Sometimes we Christians become overly zealous about our government, forgetting that God is not only in control of the Kingdom of heaven, but also the “kingdoms of earth.” It is a good exercise to read Romans 13:1-7 at times like this and to remember that, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.(Prov 21:1)
Believe it fellow citizens of heaven and keep the main thing, the main thing.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thaddeus: The Other Judas Asks One Great Question
# 309 - Today we read from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on the list of appointed disciples is Thaddeus. Matthew names this disciple as Lebbaeus whose surname (make that nickname) is Thaddaeus. (Mt 10:3) Luke calls him Judas the son of James. (Luke 6:16)
The only other time we read of him in Scripture is found in Jn 14:22, “Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?”
This is the night of the Last Supper and Jesus has been telling His disciples about His departure, and Judas' question is the kind of question that shows he was paying close attention to what Jesus was saying. Basically, he interrupts the Lord's discourse because he doesn't quite understand how Jesus will still be evident to them, when Jesus is gone.
First of all bless this man for not being afraid to ask a question when he doesn't understand something!
Then, listen to our Lord's response, because this is how Jesus makes Himself evident to us even today. Judas, “If anyone loves Me He will keep My word.....and We will come to him.”
Love Jesus. Sacrificially commit to Him. Prove your sacrificial commitment by keeping, (guarding, treasuring) His words. ALL of them. As we treasure His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, Jesus will come to us and he will not only be more evident to us, but more evident to those around us as well.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Next on the list of appointed disciples is Thaddeus. Matthew names this disciple as Lebbaeus whose surname (make that nickname) is Thaddaeus. (Mt 10:3) Luke calls him Judas the son of James. (Luke 6:16)
The only other time we read of him in Scripture is found in Jn 14:22, “Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?”
This is the night of the Last Supper and Jesus has been telling His disciples about His departure, and Judas' question is the kind of question that shows he was paying close attention to what Jesus was saying. Basically, he interrupts the Lord's discourse because he doesn't quite understand how Jesus will still be evident to them, when Jesus is gone.
First of all bless this man for not being afraid to ask a question when he doesn't understand something!
Then, listen to our Lord's response, because this is how Jesus makes Himself evident to us even today. Judas, “If anyone loves Me He will keep My word.....and We will come to him.”
Love Jesus. Sacrificially commit to Him. Prove your sacrificial commitment by keeping, (guarding, treasuring) His words. ALL of them. As we treasure His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, Jesus will come to us and he will not only be more evident to us, but more evident to those around us as well.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
James, the Son of Alphaeus: The Careful Reading of Scripture
# 308 - Today we read from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on the list of appointed disciples is James the son of Alphaeus. This is a very difficult Apostle to track down. Some have made him out to be James the “brother of the Lord.” I have a hard time accepting that theory because of what is written in Jn 7:5, “For not even His brothers believed in Him.” it would seem unlikely that an unbelieving brother would've taken up with this band of disciples.
James, “the brother of Jesus” would come to faith after the resurrection of Jesus. Perhaps on the occasion of His special appearance to James as recorded in 1 Cor 15:7, “Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
There are other theories about the identity of this “James the son of Alphaeus,” but they are just that....theories. And if James the son of Alphaeus can teach us anything let it be that sometimes the Scriptures are silent on these matters.
It is enough to know that James, the son of Alphaeus was one of the original twelve apostles. If the Holy Spirit would've wanted us to know more about him, we would find it in the Scriptures.
Better to let the Scriptures remain silent on some matters, than to craft tales to support frivolous theology.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Next on the list of appointed disciples is James the son of Alphaeus. This is a very difficult Apostle to track down. Some have made him out to be James the “brother of the Lord.” I have a hard time accepting that theory because of what is written in Jn 7:5, “For not even His brothers believed in Him.” it would seem unlikely that an unbelieving brother would've taken up with this band of disciples.
James, “the brother of Jesus” would come to faith after the resurrection of Jesus. Perhaps on the occasion of His special appearance to James as recorded in 1 Cor 15:7, “Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
There are other theories about the identity of this “James the son of Alphaeus,” but they are just that....theories. And if James the son of Alphaeus can teach us anything let it be that sometimes the Scriptures are silent on these matters.
It is enough to know that James, the son of Alphaeus was one of the original twelve apostles. If the Holy Spirit would've wanted us to know more about him, we would find it in the Scriptures.
Better to let the Scriptures remain silent on some matters, than to craft tales to support frivolous theology.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Fearless Thomas
# 307 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Let's spend one more day looking at Thomas. Everyone refers to him as “doubting Thomas” but I believe that's a bad rap. I'd rather call him “Courageous Thomas.” let me give you a couple of reasons.
Have you ever wondered why He missed the first appearance of Jesus behind closed doors? It was because he wasn't “behind closed doors.” The others were behind closed doors we are told “for fear of the Jews.” Apparently Thomas wasn't as afraid.
Still another more telling incident occurs after the news of the death of Lazarus reached Jesus. (Jn 11:1-16) Jesus said, “Lazarus has died and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE. But let us go to him.” To return to Bethany was very dangerous, the Jews were looking to kill Jesus, but the only disciple who spoke up was Thomas and he said, “Let us also go that we may die with Him.” (Jn 11:16)
Why would he be willing to do that? Because Jesus associated His return to Bethany with some kind of opportunity to believe, to strengthen faith. (Jn 11:15) Thomas seized it. I don't call that a doubter. I call that someone who was always fearlessly looking for opportunities to strengthen his faith.
Oh, that we would do the same. Oh that we would learn to fearlessly trust God's promises and obey His Word, thereby exercising and strengthening our own faith.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Let's spend one more day looking at Thomas. Everyone refers to him as “doubting Thomas” but I believe that's a bad rap. I'd rather call him “Courageous Thomas.” let me give you a couple of reasons.
Have you ever wondered why He missed the first appearance of Jesus behind closed doors? It was because he wasn't “behind closed doors.” The others were behind closed doors we are told “for fear of the Jews.” Apparently Thomas wasn't as afraid.
Still another more telling incident occurs after the news of the death of Lazarus reached Jesus. (Jn 11:1-16) Jesus said, “Lazarus has died and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE. But let us go to him.” To return to Bethany was very dangerous, the Jews were looking to kill Jesus, but the only disciple who spoke up was Thomas and he said, “Let us also go that we may die with Him.” (Jn 11:16)
Why would he be willing to do that? Because Jesus associated His return to Bethany with some kind of opportunity to believe, to strengthen faith. (Jn 11:15) Thomas seized it. I don't call that a doubter. I call that someone who was always fearlessly looking for opportunities to strengthen his faith.
Oh, that we would do the same. Oh that we would learn to fearlessly trust God's promises and obey His Word, thereby exercising and strengthening our own faith.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Gutsy Thomas
# 306 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on our list of the apostles is Thomas, also called “Didymus.” which means twin. We have no biblical record of when or how Thomas received the call to follow Jesus.
But one incident dogs him in the minds of all who read the Scriptures. It occurred on the evening of the resurrection. The disciples were gathered in the upper room, “for fear of the Jews,” but Thomas wasn't with them. (Jn 20:19) Jesus appeared to the other disciples at this time, and they later told Thomas that they had seen the risen Lord and he replied, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” (Jn 20:25)
From that moment on, we have labeled him as “doubting Thomas.” Personally, I think it's a bad rap. I would rather call him something like courageous Thomas, or “fearless Thomas.
Think about it. It took a lot of guts to stand up and question the words of his companions of the last several years. What was he really saying? He was saying, “ I need more than your words and experience for proof!”
Oh that more in the church would be willing to bring up the tough questions with their peers. More willing to go to the law and the testimony for surety! Isa 8:20 says, “to the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
If we had the guts of Thomas, maybe we wouldn't be so quick to quietly accept the ungodly practices that have become so prevalent in the church today. Sparks will likely fly, but they usually do when iron sharpens iron. Just remember to “speak the truth in love.”
Thomas struggled with belief, but he was fearless in his pursuit of it. More on this tomorrow.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Next on our list of the apostles is Thomas, also called “Didymus.” which means twin. We have no biblical record of when or how Thomas received the call to follow Jesus.
But one incident dogs him in the minds of all who read the Scriptures. It occurred on the evening of the resurrection. The disciples were gathered in the upper room, “for fear of the Jews,” but Thomas wasn't with them. (Jn 20:19) Jesus appeared to the other disciples at this time, and they later told Thomas that they had seen the risen Lord and he replied, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” (Jn 20:25)
From that moment on, we have labeled him as “doubting Thomas.” Personally, I think it's a bad rap. I would rather call him something like courageous Thomas, or “fearless Thomas.
Think about it. It took a lot of guts to stand up and question the words of his companions of the last several years. What was he really saying? He was saying, “ I need more than your words and experience for proof!”
Oh that more in the church would be willing to bring up the tough questions with their peers. More willing to go to the law and the testimony for surety! Isa 8:20 says, “to the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
If we had the guts of Thomas, maybe we wouldn't be so quick to quietly accept the ungodly practices that have become so prevalent in the church today. Sparks will likely fly, but they usually do when iron sharpens iron. Just remember to “speak the truth in love.”
Thomas struggled with belief, but he was fearless in his pursuit of it. More on this tomorrow.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
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