An Interpretation of a "Difficult" Text

"And He said to them, 'When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?'  So they said, 'Nothing.'  Then He said to them, 'But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.'" (Luke 22:35, 36)

 

This text has been a "problem" for many Christians over the centuries. Adam Clarke, the 18th and 19th century English Methodist minister, who is most notable for his commentary work, wrote of our text, "I must here confess that the matter about the swords appears to me very obscure.  I am afraid I do not understand it, and I know of none who does."  Well, I hope I don't seem too presumptuous, but as I read our text the other day, I had a "take" on the passage.

 

I have heard much emphasis over the years concerning the "poverty" of Jesus and the disciples, how Jesus sent them out with nothing, to live as sort of Franciscan monks.  I also have heard the humanists mock the idea of going to war with the question, "What would Jesus do?  You can't find a justification for war in His teachings."  But our text inserts a little difficulty to the "poverty" and pacifist mentality in the Church.  Here Jesus seems to be saying that there will be a need for money and swords in the economy of the Kingdom.  If you consider the Church throughout the centuries, indeed, your own life, you will see that money and war have played a huge role in the sustenance, propagation, and maintenance of the Kingdom.

 

Only the God-Breathing Word will give you understanding.  We all have our prejudices and agenda to propagate.  My prayer is that whatever I may have will decrease with increasing rapidity. 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."  Amen.

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"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

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Theology 101

"In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear....In God (I will praise His word), in the LORD (I will praise His word)...." (From Psalm 56:4, 10)

 

Someone once asked me if our text means that we should praise the Bible.  My answer needs a little theology 101.

 

The Hebrew word, "dabar," translated, "word," in our text is from a primitive root which means, "to speak," i.e., the whole concept of communication.  Now there has been debate over the years as to whether, "dabar," is akin to the Greek word, "logos," used as in, among other places, John 1:1, "....And the Word was God."  From what I have been able to study, I believe it does.  Even Vine writes that, "the 'word' of God (dabar) indicates God's thoughts and will."  He later writes of the Greek word, "logos," that it denotes expression of thought, not the mere name of an object, as embodying a conception or idea."  (Are you still with me?) 

 

So we have, "thoughts, will, conception," or, "dabar," and, "logos."  This all speaks of Father's Heart, Father's "Mind," Father's Revelation, Father's Purpose, Father's Communication with His creation, Father's Word; hence, I give you, Jesus Christ.  The Revelation Word of the Blessed Trinity to Moses was, "I am that I am," or, "I am Who I am," or "I am What I am."  His Revelation Word in Jesus Christ is---------------- "Here I am!" 

 

Okay, so based on a very brief theology 101, I offer you this translation for a devotional thought today.  You must keep in mind that the word, "His," is not in the Hebrew text of verse 10.  "In God I will praise His Jesus....In God I will praise Jesus, in the LORD I will praise Jesus."  Well, only one word remaining that comes to me-------------------------------- Hallelujah. 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, in You I praise Jesus, in You I praise Jesus, in You I praise Jesus------------------------------- Hallelujah.  Amen.

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*    Preaching in the CCE meetings, March 21, 22

*    You are not properly informed if you do not regularly go to:

      www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com         

 

 

 

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

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"THEREFORE"

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though...." (Psalm 46:1, 2a)

 

I suggest that you read all of Psalm 46.  I know it is very familiar to most, and some, as I, probably have it memorized.  But in light of Wilkerson's recent prophecy, the global financial situation, and Obama's increasing alignment with rogue governments, most notably Iran, I think you need to read this with fresh Holy Spirit revelation.  I read it yesterday and it brought tears to my eyes as I was reminded just Who is "our refuge and strength, and just Who is my "very present help in trouble."  The Amplified Bible says, "a very present and well-proved help in trouble."  What Lover of Jesus Christ cannot say a hearty, "Amen," to this great passage.  Look over your life right now--- take a moment, or longer, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring "all things to your remembrance."   

 

No matter what happens in the days ahead, if Psalm 46 is not just in our Bible, but "in your mind and on your heart," we are prepared for anything the enemy will throw at us.  We will be "like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock," the Rock Jesus Christ and His Breath, the very Words of God.  The days ahead will give us new meaning to:

        "My hope is built on nothing less

         Than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness

         I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

         But wholly lean on Jesus' Name.

        

         On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;

         All other ground is sinking sand." 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for Your strengthening and empowering Word.  Amen.

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I am preaching in the CCE meetings March 21 & 22

Great Articles at:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

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What To Do With Prophecy

"One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." (Deuteronomy 19:15)

 

Some have been quite disturbed by David Wilkerson's recent prophesy.  But I must point out that David is not the only one saying such things.  Even secular pundits have been warning of global "food riots."  You may recall the barbaric stamping to death of the Wal-Mart employee last November, mobs of undisciplined, greedy, me-centered people caring less for a single human being than their own greed and survival.  These people were not from some remote jungle tribe.  They were people who have been the most economically and politically blessed people in human history.  What excuse did they have?---- None!  If this financial, business, etc. crisis becomes worse, a deprived American populace could very well out do Germany of the 1930s.  "Never Again" is posted in so many areas of the world.  But man does not have the power to "never again" anything.  Touch an unregenerate man's basic animal needs and instincts and he can become the most vicious, predatory animal on the planet.

 

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the other prophets, did not have their prophesies confirmed, but the New Testament does affirm our text and gives the indication that in the Church such should be the case.  Having said that, consider:  (1). More and more people are speaking of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2). Biblical prophesy is being fulfilled at an ever increasing speed.  (3).  And perhaps, the most recent event of deep significance is the election of an American President who every day keeps revealing the evil of his intents.  There are some very sobering Biblical passages referring to the days right before Jesus returns.  Are we ready?

 

Now what?  Do not panic.  Remember Y2K?  I did take some limited precautions, but I personally know of some who literally ruined their lives and the lives of their family in trying to "save themselves."  This is a time to obey the Word, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near."  Pray with others; test with others what the Lord Jesus is speaking to your heart; don't be a "lone wolf."  The Word warns and encourages us--- "For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."  This is not the time for, "I'm my own church!"  If you are not a part of a regular prayer group, I suggest that you change that.  "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, "Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven."  For what I need to know, I look to You.  Amen. 

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Blog:    www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com

 

 "Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

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Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession.

Wilkerson Prophesy

I could not forward the Wilkerson prophesy, so you can try his blot site.

http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/

Woody



"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



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Obama Keeps Going Down the Slippery Slope

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing an cursing.  Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." (Deut 30:19)

I received a prophetic warning from David Wilkerson today.  I may be able to forward it to you later in the day.  His basic assertion is that the financial "crisis" is basically a judgment "crisis," and that the world is headed for a great cataclysm.  Obama is signing today an order which overturns a President Bush ban on embryonic stem cell research.  It is literally a "life and death" issue, culture of life verses the culture of death.  It reflects the political and life philosophical differences between the Republican and Democrat parties.  Jesus Christ will not stand by and do nothing in the face of such impudency.

This is the age old battle-- those who are for life and those who are for death.  Some may think this too severe, but the last American election was a battle between life and death.  Obama's recent death sentence on human life cells reveals who is winning in America.  A look at history would almost bring the conclusion that the "death" people seem to be triumphant.  While that is not the case, the battle continues to rage, and will continue right up to the time the Lord Jesus Christ appears in glory.

The God-Breathing Word gives us the choice today between life and death.  While the faith of Islam and the face of the majority party in America is a faith of death, the Faith of Jesus is the Faith of Life, and those who claim to have received Jesus and committed their lives in obedience to Him and His Word will categorically reject "the culture of death," and reflect and stand for the culture of Life at every turn. 

Father, in Jesus' Name, by choosing You I have chosen Life.  May my life reflect nothing but that Life revealed only in You.  Amen.

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