You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
TO PONDER
Interestingly, this psalm captures both something of our theme for this week and also last week.
This verse comes from arguably the most famous psalm in the Bible - the Shepherd Psalm. It uses the imagery of the Lord, being our shepherd. Who leads his sheep to good pasture and still waters. It evokes the image of the good shepherd who leaves the 99 in his flock to go and search for the one who has strayed (last weeks theme). But this verse also brings us to this week's question "where is Jesus at the party".
Jesus talked a lot about hunger and thirst in his teaching with his disciples and he often addressed people's physical hunger and thirst in miraculous ways. Think of the feeding of the 5,000 or even turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana.
'Preparing a table' for someone is an act of hospitality and generosity, and this verse from Psalm 23 certainly depicts something of the generous nature of God's provision. Overflowing cups, annointing with oil, these are acts and signs of blessing and abundance. This is the kind of life that Jesus came to make avaiable to us, even in the face of our enemies and critics we can have abundant and overflowing life with Jesus.
So I guess the challenge for us today, in light of this verse is how do we see the overflowing abundance of God's love and provision of all our needs even when we feel surrounded by 'enemies' or obstacles? Don't forget that your Good Shepherd is with you even then!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I tank you for the way you have taken care of all that needed to be done so that I could live in relationship with you. Please help me to recognise the overwhelming abundance of your love and mercy towards me so that I may never fail to freely share it with others. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
TO PONDER
Where is Jesus at the party? Based on his reading you might be forgiven for thinking he's spiking the punch.
But all jokes aside, what this story of Jesus turning water into wine really shows us is that Jesus is about preserving and protecting the dignity of those whose hospitality he has been invited to enjoy. Hospitality was, and still is, a big deal in many Middle Eastern cultures and the Jews were no exception. In fact God's Laws given to Moses, required that they welcomed strangers and provided means by which the Jewish community could provide for the needs of strangers, foreigners and widows. Running out of wine at a wedding celebration would not have simply been embarrassing, it likely would have been considered an insult to the invited guests.
But notice what Jesus does? He doesn't simply turn the water into weak cheap wine. The master of the banquet labels Jesus' miraculous wine as the very best.
By providing what was necessary, Jesus helped his friends avoid the shame and ridicule of not being able to adequately host their guests. However, he didn't stop there. He went above and beyond so that those who were there would experience the best he had to offer. Likewise, Jesus didn't just do the bare minimum so that you could get what you need to have eternal life when you die. He has given you everything to be able to have fulness of life in him every day. While it is perhaps a bit much to describe Jesus as a 'party animal', he does say to those following him, "I have come so that you may have life, and life in abundance (or fullness).
This doesn't mean that we will always have fullness in our bank accounts, or in our relationships, or in our vocation. However, it does mean that in all circumstances we have everything we need to be able to rejoice in who God is and all that he has done for us. That's where true life is to be found, in celebrating Jesus.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I simply ask that you help me to make a celebration of today. Whatever may come, help me to see you at work and to faithfully proclaim your goodness to me in all circumstances. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
TO PONDER
Same gospel, same issue, different story. As we said earlier in the week, Luke often has Jesus eating and drinking with people. Jesus liked eating and drinking and enjoying the company of others. And yet again, it is the 'respectable folk', the Pharisees and teachers of the law who cannot seem to get their heads around the fact that Jesus would choose to associate and be in contact with people that were considered 'less'. So much of ancient society and culture was based on status and perception and Jesus stood in direct contrast to that. Rather than trying to establish himself as being above or better than others he walked along side them and lifted them up.
In many ways, our world today has not progressed much from ancient civilisation and culture. Yes our technology has advanced, yes our way of life is easier and for the most part, more comfortable But we still operate on basically the same structures. Those who have wealth, influence, and power - along with those who associate with them and cosy up to them - are the people we often respect and try to emulate. However, as followers and disciples of Jesus it is Him that we are supposed to emulate.
One of the greatest deceptions of the modern world is the story that we can have it all and do it all if only we work hard enough. Jesus' came to show us that the opposite is true - we are more free the more we surrender control and put our lives in his hands. The more control we seek to hold for ourselves, the busier, harder and more demanding life becomes. That's not to say we all should quit our jobs and take up an ascetic lifestyle in a monastery, but there is something to be said for living and working not for ourselves but for the sake of others. This is what Jesus did for you and it is what he invites you to do for others - this is taking up your cross and following Him.
PRAYER:Jesus, the world today is so busy selling the idea that I have to look after myself first at the expense of others. It is too easy to be sucked in by that message. I pray that you would help me to learn see you more clearly and to follow you more closely - even if following you means laying down my agenda or the agenda of the world around me, and picking up my cross to follow you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
TO PONDER
Many Bible scholars believe this story to be Matthew's account of the same meal Jesus was at in yesterday's reading from Luke's gospel. It is likely that Levi and Matthew are the same person Levi being his Jewish name and Matthew being the Roman name he adopted working as a tax collector for Rome. What really matters here is not whose house Jesus is at but who he is there with.
Jesus made a point of spending time and eating with those who were often considered 'outsiders' by the rest of their community. This meant that Jesus' disciples did also, because as disciples, they went where Jesus went, did what Jesus did and ate what Jesus ate.
That's why we are asking the question, "Where is Jesus?" in our current sermon series. As disciples of Jesus ourselves, we also should be wherever Jesus is, doing whatever Jesus is doing and trying to become more like Jesus. So where are the places in your life where you get to interact with those who are perhaps considered 'less desirable'. Would your work colleagues question you the way the Pharisee's questioned Jesus disciples, "Why are you hanging out with those people?"
"Those people" are not necessarily tax collectors and 'sinners' today but they are the people our society marginalises and pushes to the edge. Those who are lonely and disconnected, those who are struggling financially, those who live with disabilities, the list goes on.
Jesus did not get to eat with every sinner and tax collector while he walked with his disciples, but whenever he was offered the chance he seems to have taken it. So as we follow Jesus we should look out for opportunities to come along side those who might need Jesus as their doctor and take the opportunities to bring Jesus to the party.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Please help me to see the places and opportunities you are giving me to bring you to people who need you in their lives. Give me a heart to practice hospitality not only with people like me, but also with those which the world overlooks and casts aside. Please help me to follow you more closely to all the places you want me to go. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
TO PONDER
When is the last time you went o the doctor? Are you a person who has a regularly scheduled checkup, or do you only visit the doctor when you know something is not quite right?
I'm a 'only visit the doctor when you are sick' kind of guy. That approach worked pretty well for me until I hit my 40's. Most things, most of the the time seemed to sort themselves out and I only required a trip to the doctor on very rare occasions. However, since I turned forty a couple of years ago, I have got to know my doctor fairly well. I think I've seen the doctor more in my 40's than I have the rest of my life combined.
I think an honest journey with Jesus can be similar. If we follow Jesus closely for a decent length of time we begin to recognise more and more our need of him. The problem is that we tend to see it the other way around. We think that as we grow and mature in faith, that we some how start to get it all figured out. Maybe we think - I can still believe in Jesus and be a Christian without going to a church. Or maybe we just begin to feel more confident that we have life under control more as we age and grow in wisdom and understanding so we rely on ourselves more and pray to God less?
The amazing thing about following Jesus is that when we are honest with ourselves and with him, we become both more aware of our brokenness but at the same time, also more aware of the amazing gift of his mercy and grace. Remember Jesus didn't come to save you because you were good enough to deserve it - in that way, it's not about you. He came because he knew you needed a doctor and in that regard, his life death and resurrection were all about you.
Don't let Jesus be like a doctor you only visit when things go bad. Check in with him as regularly as you can. You won't regret it.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are the great physician. I know that there are things in my life that are not as they should be. I know what some of them are, but I also know there are things I probably even kept hidden from myself. Create a clean heart in me Lord and put a new and right spirit within me that I might follow you more closely and others may see you in me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
TO PONDER:
Have you ever been lost for words? I have to admit, it’s not a problem I had ever really struggled with until recently. I have increasingly found, however, that the words I need are difficult to find. Thankfully, this doesn’t present itself when I am needing to get across a serious point, but rather when I am telling my children where to find something, or recalling the name of someone. The words are gone from my brain. It can be extremely frustrating!!
In our walk with Jesus it can sometimes be the same. Being acutely aware of my failings and my sinful nature and yet, unable to find the words to pray or sometimes even put into words how I am feeling about my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I want to share my life with Him, and yet sometimes I struggle to talk to him. How precious is it that God has provided us with our helper, Holy Spirit, to speak on our behalf and to do with even with wordless groans. Our God desires deep relationship with us, and have given us himself to help us to cultivate it. So, let’s not let lack of words keep us from spending time with Him, but instead ask Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf and trust that our hearts cry will be expressed perfectly.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you that you desire deep relationship with me. What an awesome privilege it is to be called you child! Help me to deepen my desire for relationship with you also. In those times when I find it hard to know how to express my heart and prayers, thank you Holy Spirit for interceding for me in perfect wordless groans, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
TO PONDER:
Freedom is a funny thing. Most of the time we don’t really even think about it, however as soon as it is taken away or even restricted we are acutely aware that we are in a very uncomfortable situation. Once we are aware of the limits that have been placed on us we can choose to succumb to the situation and accept it, or we can choose to fight against it to once again earn our freedom. Have you ever considered the fact that you are a captive? Each of us is a captive to sin, it restricts us from the life intended for us by our Creator and Father God. It is also a freedom we cannot work our way towards. We are helpless! However, as Jesus says in today’s verse; the Son sets us free! We don’t need to resign ourselves to our sinful capture. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has bought us back, we are free! Knowing that we were captive, but now we are free should change the way we live our day to day lives. It is not just a gift for a future time, we have been given a full life now! So, let’s live in our freedom, for we are free indeed!
PRAYER: Jesus, thank you that you could not leave me in my captivity to sin. Instead you came to earth and lived a life like mine. Even more than that, you paid my ransom and set me free from the burden of my sin. Help me to remember this truth each day and to live my new, free full life for your glory, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
TO PONDER
Have you ever been tired, I mean really tired. So tired you can’t keep your eyes open and you’re not sure if you could even make the short walk to your couch or bed. I am sure most of us have felt like this at least once in our lives. Maybe we have had a particularly busy week with work and family and other commitments, and come Friday evening you are exhausted, or perhaps you have completed a ‘good’ workout or other physical exercise and every muscle in your body aches. You are tired, exhausted and weary and you want a rest. Perhaps you can’t relate to this form of exhaustion, but you have felt the weight and burden of the world and all its struggles and pulls. It feels like each day you are going through life with weights strapped to your legs, making each movement an effort. We can bring these feelings to Jesus. He understands what it means to feel burdened. As he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the road set before him, he explained His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He understands your burden, but more than this, He promises to take it upon himself and replace it with his good, perfect and complete rest. So, if you are burdened today with the weight of your life, bring it to Jesus and receive rest.
PRAYER: Jesus, as you prepared to go to the cross, you felt the full weight of the task set before you. As I walk into this day I also feel burdened and overwhelmed. Help me to stop striving, to stop ploughing through in my own strength, and instead to turn to you,and receive your perfect rest, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
TO PONDER: I have never been 4-Wheel driving, but I have seen videos. It always makes my heart go into my throat when I see the track, often very steep and rocky, with water at the bottom. Or perhaps it is a river that is flowing, the depth of which is anybody’s guess. I don’t know how the drivers have the nerve to move the car forward so it tips over the edge, or it slowly drives into the unknown water. I guess it is because they have experienced or been told that it will be okay. Our faith walk can be like that too. We have times where we experience the unknown, the scary and rocky. Without being confident about the road ahead, we stay still, stuck to the spot. However Isaiah reminds us that we don’t need to fear, we don’t travel this life alone! We have Jesus with us as we pass through the water and walk through the fire and He promises that we won’t be burned or swept away. So, if you are feeling stuck in an area of your life, ask Jesus to help you have the courage to take the first step forward, and the faith to know that you don’t do that on your own.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you that as I walk through this life, with its excitement and also its struggles, I don’t do that on my own. When I feel stuck, help me to turn to you. Give me the courage to move forward into the life you have for me, and the faith and trust that you are with me through it all, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle