St. Matthew, Chapter 24, verse: 24c; To lead astray

 Our paragraph topic is: (The sign of the last day) Part 4.  

When you read about the prophesies of Christ, it makes you wonder if any of it is true.  Nothing has taken place up to now that would indicate that his statements have happened yet.  We have not seen great signs or wonders that would make us doubt what we believe or change or minds from those beliefs.  Yet this is the Son of God who's making these predictions. 

He is telling those during his time, and even those of us today, to beware the signs of the last days for they are surely coming.  He says you will surely have great signs and wonders, false christs and false prophets, people calling out christ in every corner of the earth, but that will not be him.  He will only come in one shape, form or fashion; on a cloud with his angels so that every human can see him.  He says beware that the false signs and wonders are there: "So as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

So, what do we know.  We must be watchful on a daily basis.  We must be vigilant to know the truth of what is real and what is false based on what we hear, what we see, and what we know to be the truth.  There are many ways that false information is being spread today through the media.  We know that it can and has been used to spread untruths for political power and gain.  God only knows what other reasons it is being used for to manipulate the public.

Christ said that he would not leave us alone, that he would send us an advocate to help us and guide us every day.  Then let us use and call upon our spiritual guide to assist us in our journey.  Let us pray that he is with us every minute of the day to keep us on the path of justice and peace.  Let us walk the narrow path that we might remain within God's grace.  We are his people, and he is our Father, our provider, and our protector.  May we walk in this life in his grace and finish it with the love and peace that he gives us so that we may transition into his kingdom with the richness of his eternal grace.

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself.  Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ .   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.

St. Matthew, Chapter 22, verses: 46b; Any One?

Our paragraph topic is:  (The son of David) Part 7.   

No one could speak to the answer.  No one could utter a word.  No one could respond to the question of whose son he was.  No one knew the answer but he would not reveal it to the Pharisees.  It was not to be known or spoken of.  It was the revelation that would open the minds and hearts of those who wanted to know.  No one knew but did not want the others to know.

And so the question of the Christ went unanswered in the minds of the Pharisees.  They would not see.  They would not understand.  They could not be healed because No one would not have it.  Neither did anyone dare from that day forth to ask him any more questions. 

No One and Any One were together in their quest to trick the Christ.  They came together with the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and all those who were against him.  Each time they would attempt to trick him.  Each time they would seek to try him in the public eye.  Each time they would scheme in their hearts to do him harm to no avail.  It was not his time, until the time of his arrival in Jerusalem.

When is our time?  When will we go?  Will we know?  Some will and some will not.  For some the thief will come in an instant.  Others will know that the time has come for them to leave this plane and go to another existence.  Others will ask for his hand and call upon him to bring them home.  We all must go at some point in this journey.  We all must face the transition of life, death, and spirit.  It is our nature, given us from birth, from conception, from existence.  I am, we are, we shall be according to the will of God our Father.  Amen. 

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage nd then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ .   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in. 

St. Matthew, Chapter 22, verse: 19; The Coin.

Our paragraph topic is:  (Tribute to Caesar) Part 7.  

Christ knew nothing of money.  He had none.  His kingdom was not of this world.  His father provided all his needs and he lacked for nothing.  His lodging was provided for.  His food was given to him through his disciples.  He had clothing.  He had friends and followers who cared for his every need.  So he had no need for the trappings of the average person who sought to have wealth and money and valuables. 

But the Herodians sought to bring this concern to him so that they might have his thoughts on the earthly desires of who mankind should serve.  They asked Christ should man give tribute to Caesar.  Christ in turn asked:  "Show me the coin of the tribute." So they offered him a denarius.  

They offered him a coin with the face of Caesar so they could determine if he would say give tribute to Caesar.  By saying such he would be telling the people to not give tribute to their God as they were given to do for centuries.  For it was their duty as Jews to give tithes to the temple to support the synagogues throughout the years as members of the Jewish faith.  Yet here they were, the Herodians, seeking to get Christ so say otherwise.  But he knew of their trickery.  He knew of their wickedness and he saw through their schemes to trap him.  

They did not know who was before them.  They believed that Christ was an ordinary man, that he was a fake, a fraud, seeking to mislead the people.  The Torah had foretold of the coming of the Messiah.  It spoke of what he would do when he came.  Yet they did not believe or understand that he was the one who had come.  Others were able to see.  Others were able to hear the words that filled their hearts.  Others were able to believe within themselves that he was the One and their hearts were filled with the joy of a lifetime.  Yet there were those who could only believe that he was a fake or a fraud, that he sought to mislead, sought to take away their power and cause trouble for them.

Blessed were they who knew.  Blessed were they who were able to walk in the light.  Blessed were they who were able to hear the words that filled their hearts with joy.  Blessed were they who had such an opportunity in their lifetime to believe in what their hearts told them was the truth.  And blessed will you be when your eyes are opened and your ears hear and you are healed and walk in the light of the Lord.  No longer will you walk in darkness.  No longer will you stumble and fall.  No longer will you loose your way because he will be with you at all times.  He will light your way and guide you along the path of your journey.  Come!  Step out of the darkness into the light.  Become the child of God that you are.  He awaits you.  Christ awaits you.  The angels rejoice at your rebirth.

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage nd then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ .   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.  

St. Matthew, Chapter 22, verse: 10a; They gathered all.

Our paragraph topic is:  (The king's anger) Part 5.  

The king wanted to have a party.  He had made preparations to have a wedding feast and that was what he was going to do.  But no one came.  So he had to find people to attend.  He sent his servants out to the crossroads of the town and invited all that they saw, all that they met who were passing by the town, to come to the celebration.  There was a party going on.  There would be wine, and music, and food, and dancing, and laughter, so stop by on your journey and refresh yourself at this joyous event.

This was the message that was told to those that were met on the crossroads of the town.  They were greeted with this great celebration so that they would take a detour and come to the party and the king would have his celebration.  "And his servants went out into the roads, and gathered all whom they found."  

The king wanted to celebrate the wedding feast.  Christ is telling this parable so that the people will understand the kingdom of heaven.  God our Father wants to have a celebration and he wants to invite all to come.  He will send his servants out to all parts to gather all those that can come to the feast.  His love for all determines to what lengths he will go to make sure that all are included and no one is left out.

He has already made the invitation to those that he thought were special.  They refused his invitation and killed his messengers.  They did not want his message to spread to the people so they tried to stop it from spreading.  He sent his army out and burned their village and killed all involved.  He now invites all those who were not special, the common man, those on the crossroads of life, those who have not heard of the celebration, those who are not a part of the town where the king reigns, the outsiders.

This king is generous.  He is loving.  He is kind.  He is just.  This wedding feast is important to him because it is his son that is being wedded to the bride.  And that is something that is very important for him that he wants all to know and recognize.  Come to the wedding feast and see the bride.  Come to the wedding feast and celebrate the union of the two who will be joined together for life.  Come to the wedding feast and recognize your part in honoring the bride and groom.  For this is your future.  This is your past.  This is your place of worship and peace.  This is where you belong in this house, in this building, in this sanctuary with your brothers and sisters alike.  They await your coming.  They welcome you with open arms.  They greet you with a holy kiss.  They are yours and you are theirs.  Come! 

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage nd then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ .   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.    

St. Matthew, Chapter 21, verses: 45; To whom do I speak.

Our paragraph topic is:  (Application of the parable) Part 7.  

Christ came to the conclusion of his parables and the chief priest and the Pharisees consider all that he has said.  They ponder the meanings.  They seek the understandings.  And they finally know that Christ has spoken of them and directly to them.  There is no doubt that all that was spoken was spoken of them. 

There is a part that denies what was spoken and there is a part that knows what was spoken to them.  Finally the word breaks through that which was concealed, that which was hidden and brings to the surface that which is known to the conscience mind.  They were blinded and could not see.  They were deaf and could not hear.  They could not understand the Word and refused to allow meaning to enter.  But now the words were clear, the meaning was unmistakable, and the reaction came forth.  And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them.  

We see, we hear, we taste, we touch, we know.  These are the faculties that we use to determine meaning.  Often times we hear something spoken by someone and we do not know if the person is talking about us or if they are speaking in general.  In our houses of worship we listen to the homily by out pastor and imagine that the sermon applies to us or not.  When we allow for the words to sink end we find that there is meaning, there is a lesson that can and does apply.  

How do we hear?  How do we make meaning of what we hear?  How do we understand?  We use comparisons to relate.  We refer to our history to make sense of what we hear.  We translate meanings in order to use them for future use.  Above all to survive in this world we must have meaning in our lives.  Things must make sense.

But how can we make sense of that which the world claims does not exist?  How can we make sense of that which all society ignores.  We stand on the outside trying to compare the world with the spiritual, the non-world.  Christ gave us a key.  He opened a door so that we would not be left alone.  He built an institution that would help us, guide us, protect us in our daily lives.  And he provided a written testament to the journey that we would face in this world.

Within us is the key.  Within us is the knowledge.  Within us is the tool that we must use to transcend that which is physical to that which is spiritual.  The journey requires a leap.  The path is broken and we must cross a deep gorge.  The only way to the other side is through the belief and the faith that Christ has given us through his life here on earth.  Many times did he tell us to not be afraid.  Many times did he scorn us for our lake of faith.  And many times did he tell us that a mustard seed of faith would move mountains.  Ours is the opportunity.  Ours is the journey.  Ours is the joy in knowing that he lives and is with us at all times.  Take the leap.  Reach the other side.  Know the true meaning of who you are in Christ and yours will be the reward of heaven.

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage nd then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ .   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in. 

St. Matthew, Chapter 20, verse:27, The First Disciple.

Our paragraph topic is: (Humility according to Christ's example) Part 6.

He had told them many things along their journey over the past three years.  He showed them miracles.  He taught them of the kingdom of heaven.  He spoke to them about his father and the love that he has for them and for all mankind.  He did many things while he walked among and with them on this journey that they were making. 

For surely it was their journey.  It was their walk.  It was their training,  For Christ knew of his path.  He knew of his journey.  He knew the time and place and sacrifice and pain and suffering that he would face.  But the disciples were in training for their own walk, their own path, their own journey which would take place after Christ returned home to his father.  So he had to prepare them.  He had to plant the seeds that would grow into full blown leaders and teachers, and ministers of the church that he would leave behind.  And the disciples had to understand what would make them great, what would make them first among all.  So he told them:  "And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave."

And there it was in plain words for all to understand.  Desire to be first and you desire to be a slave.  Desire to be great and you desire to be a servant.  These were his words to his disciples who were passionate to be great, to be the best.  Yet his words posed a problem for them.  His words did not make since to them because no one wanted to be a slave.  No one wanted to be a servant.  In their time, slaves were the lowest and servants had no power, no prestige or privilege.  And they wanted to be known.

Yet Christ gave them his example.  He gave them the parameters by which they could measure their greatness, their position among each other.  Be a slave.  Be a servant to all.  A slave implied ownership.  A slave implied a lack of freedom.  A slave implied obedience, and those were the qualities that they did not posses nor did they desire to possess. 

Looking back from our vantage point of today, can we imitate the example that Christ left?  Can we become slaves?  Can we be completely obedient?  The temptation is great to do otherwise.  The culture that we live in today compels us to be anything but obedient to the example that Christ gave to us.  We are compelled to be first.  We are compelled to be great.  We are compelled to do whatever it takes to get ahead, to reap the rewards, to come out on top.  We are compelled to show the world that we have made it. 

How we dress, speak, eat, walk, and talk, all express who we are and who we want to become.  Our minds are constantly filled with the ideas and thoughts that drive us to want to be great, to be first, to be on top.  And for those who do not or can not fulfill their passion then the fall from the lofty heights of their passion leaves scars in their lives.  We become broken people who failed to reach the top.  Yet despite all that is given us, all that we see and hear to demonstrate that we are failures, we are great in his eye.  We are loved in his eyes.  We are protected and provided for under his arms.  If we just turn to him and accept that we are his children, we become great. 

 God is our Father.  He is the Creator.  He is the one who provides and protects.  We are winners in his eyes.  We are his children and he has given each and every one of us all that our hearts desire.  Come!  Open your minds and open your hearts and see that which you are since the beginning of time.  You will know the truth that is within you.  You will know the truth that no one or nothing in this world can take from you.  The life of Christ dwells within you and his love awaits your awakening.  You have a new life, a wonderful and glorious life ahead.  Come!  Start yours today.

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ.   The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you. Open the door and let him in.

St Matthew, Chapter 19, verse: 22a, The commandments: When the saying was heard.

Our paragraph topic is: (The rich young man speaks to Jesus) Part 15.

And then came the telling of what must be done.  Christ had given the rich young man all that was needed to fulfill the hunger within.  He had given him the commandments to follow.  He had given him the yoke to unburden.  He had given him the treasure to have.  And finally he gave him the opportunity to become a follower.  The ball was the with the young man.  He was now ready to decide which path he would take.  He was now at the cross roads of his life.

He sought out the word.  He traveled in search of that which was within him that he might know the truth.  He came to the cross roads of his innermost desires and now it was time to decide.  Was he ready?  Did he know the direction to take?  Was he hesitant to move forward now that he had the choice?  And this is where the influence of all that had come before, came to bear on his decision.  Which road would he take?  For he knew what was at stake.  He knew the physical consequences of the choice that he would make.  But did he truly know the spiritual opportunity that he was about to give up?  And scripture says: "But when the young man heard the saying," he knew which direction he would take.

We are given a choice in life.  We are born into this world preprogramed.  Our habits, our beliefs, our thoughts, desires, aspirations, our successes are all given to us when we come into this world.  We have little choice but to follow the path that is given to us during the first course of our lives.  But then the word comes to us.  The longing for something more hits us. The desire to know gnaws at us from within sending us on a journey questioning that which is given us from birth.  Is it the truth?  Is it right?  Are we on the right road?  And these questions brings us to the cross roads of life. 

It is at this juncture that we must decide which direction to take.  The choice is ours to make.  We have been given the commandments of life, as passed down to us from our parents and grandparents and those who came before us, be they true or false.  Those beliefs are reinforced in the school of life and in the workplace.  We know what is expected of us from authority.  Yet we search for more, desire more, thirst for that which will quench our parched lips for the sweetness of true drink.  And then we go on that quest that takes us to the cross roads.

What guidance do we have?  What direction shall we take?  How shall we know if we have chosen the correct path?  There is but one guide that will provide direction to our journey.  And that guide comes from within.  If we truly seek the truth then she will come to us.  If we truly desire to know then knowledge will reveal itself.  If we truly want what has been promised to us from birth then our inheritance will be revealed to us through the desire of the heart.  The heart will guide.  The heart will open the door.  The heart will speak to that which is within and let us know the truth of who we are.  Love is the key and the Father loves us more than we can imagine.  And through this love we will come to walk the path that he has given us to walk, witnessing to those in the dark who are seeking to know the light.  Come!  Hear the saying and you will know. 

Read the sign of the times! Read the Highlighted New Testament Bible and lift the scales from your eyes that you may see, that you may know, that you may find the truth of who you are in Christ. Read it as though you would read a good book, from cover to cover, and see for yourself. Do not study it in parts reading one passage and then skipping to another, but read it for understanding. Read it for knowledge. Read it for faith. Read it that your eyes may be opened, that your ears may hear, that your heart may be filled with the light of Christ. The Holy Spirit awaits you. Christ seeks to know you.  Open the door and let him in.