July 30: Luke 22:14-23
Key Verse: Luke 22:21
But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.
Devotion:
When I was reading this before sitting down to write this devotional my mind was wandering a bit and imagines the disciples all sitting round the table at the passover supper when Jesus said these words – could you imagine what went through their minds on hearing these words… how many of them would have lifted their hands off the table to try and indicate it was not them!
When we get cornered by the truth we find it hard to admit to our faults and support the truth – instead we try to do what we can to hide our faults or short-comings just one more time; as if we do have a choice in the matter! We just don’t like admitting we are wrong!
When Jesus was saying these words, He was not saying them in a accusing manner to try and corner the betrayer and force them to stop, He was simply spelling out the truth and was going to accept that truth no matter what lay ahead! He did not turn His back on the betrayer(s) Yes I say betrayers because Peter would betray Jesus with his denials three times before the cock would crow!
We all have our faults and we all need time to sort things out – even though we may continue to follow those faults or wicked ways for a while yet. Jesus was not banishing them before their final acts of betrayal. Instead He was going to give them opportunity to repent right up until the last possible second. Peter would turn his ways around and be the disciple Jesus wanted, but Judas would take one too many steps forward into the evil ways and be trapper there!
Points to Ponder:
Do you think you don’t have a choice?
Will you make a choice even though you think you don’t have a choice?
July 29: Luke 22:1-13
Key Verse: Luke 22:8
Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.’
Devotion:
When we look into our Bibles and see the events which happened about 2000 years ago, we may get a bit confused why Jesus was so loving to the disciples… Judas had just gone to the chief priests and the officers of the temple to make plans to turn Jesus in, just for a bit of money! Ok, it may have been a fair amount of money for Judas, but that is all he was getting out of this!
Jesus knew what was going to happen and He continued to work with the disciples as if nothing was going to happen. The disciples had picked up on a change of mood and knew something was different, but they would not have had any idea things were going to be so very different from this time onward.
Jesus did not turn Judas away but continued to include him in everything, the passover feast, the gathering, the private time together and the washing of feet which came at the meal. Judas was included so he would have a final chance to stop what he was planning and admit his sins to Jesus; but the call of the money was too much and he gave in to the temptation!
Jesus knew this was going to happen but continued with everything. By now He would have been praying more to God the Father to make doubly sure this is what had to happen. He knew Judas would be tempted, knew he would betray Jesus and knew what Judas would do to himself after this had all come to pass. That is what Jesus would have had on His heart and what prompted Him to be straightforward and honest to Judas.
Points to Ponder:
Do you think Jesus does not know what you are up to?
Will you change your ways to be more like Jesus’ ways?
July 28: Matthew 13:47-52
Key Verse: Matthew 13:52
He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’
Devotion:
The first reaction I had from reading these verses today was annoyance at the wasteful way in which some modern fisherman treat their catches. When a large trawler gathers up the nets from trawling the sea, there are all manner of things caught in the nets. For commercial trawlers rules are set which they should be abiding by, one being the size of the fish and another being the type of fish. Anything which does not meet the criteria has to be returned… but how they do the returning is not always good!
It does not make commercial sense to spend too much time sorting out the catch and treating the catch with respect; instead some will toss anything back into the water in varying states of health. Typically you will see a large flock of seagulls gathered around the boats which are simply throwing fish back without regard to them… I wonder how people are going to be treated in the last days when the angels will be required to turn the unbelievers away from Heaven!
We should be examples by which others can learn from or look up to. God wants us to be shining lights – this means doing things how He would wants us to and showing people we do so with love, humility and pride. God wants others to see something special in us and be encouraged to find out what it is all about. That is what being a disciple is about, not just talking about Jesus but showing people a new way of hope and life!
Points to Ponder:
How do people see you?
Will you try to be more like Jesus today?
July 27: Matthew 13:44-46
Key Verse: Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Devotion:
I could imagine a person getting caught up in a treasure hunt, finding a treasure and then buying out a whole field just to make sure they can have claim to the treasure; worldly riches do strange things to people and it is a temptation we may all fall into at some stage in our lives. I’m pretty sure modern law and lawyers would have something to say about this treasure being found before the sale of the land – but then most of them are focused on worldly treasure instead of life!
I know I have lost riches by being persuaded by people who wanted what I had more than our friendship; finding out the truth about them wanting treasure more than friendship can be heartbreaking! This is something all of us have to face at some stage in our lives – the choice between what the world has to offer and what God has to offer…
Yes, it does come down to that in the end. God wants us to focus on love and friendships more than wealth and power. Wealth and power will only last as long as our earthly lives because once we lose our lives, we leave everything behind. Jesus reminded us of the greatest commandment being to love God and the second to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Once we see how great love is we can then get to see how great the relationship with God can be when we base it on love too. Jesus based His whole earthly life on love and showed us His love by giving His life for us. God showed us His love for us by bringing Jesus back to life so He could defeat death once and for all. That love is eternal and will never fade or die!
Points to Ponder:
What is your focus on, love or money?
Will you try to share a bit more love instead of trying to build up treasures?