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Parables of the Kingdom {40 Days With the Storyteller}

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Days 11-14 of our Lenten reading plan "40 Days with the Storyteller" look at parables about God's Kingdom. From the nature of this kingdom, to its value, and even to the day of reckoning when some will be cast out, explore the parables Jesus told to help His people understand His kingdom.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

As we continue with our Lenten reading plan, 40 Days With the Storyteller, you may have noticed that days 11-14 all refer to the Kingdom of Heaven. But what exactly does that mean?

John MacArthur writes:

“Although the precise phrase is not found there, the kingdom of heaven is basically an Old Testament concept. David declares that ‘the Lord is King forever and ever’ (Psalm 10:16), that His kingdom is everlasting, and that His dominion ‘endures throughout all generations’ (Psalm 145:13). Daniel speaks of ‘the God of heaven [who] will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed’ (Daniel 2:44), a ‘kingdom [that] is an everlasting kingdom’ (Daniel 4:3). The God of heaven is the King of heaven, and the heavenly kingdom is God’s kingdom.”

The Kingdom of Heaven is not just the place we go when we die, it is the spiritual reign and dominion of God, now and for eternity. The Kingdom of Heaven is here on Earth in the hearts of His people.

Let’s take a look at some of the parables for this week that refer to this kingdom.

The Growing Seed

Day 11 – Mark 4:26-29

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” – Mark 4:26-29

There is hidden, dormant life in a seed. God has created the conditions of the human heart, like the conditions of the earth, for the seed of His Kingdom to sprout and grow, and ultimately bear fruit.

While cultivating the ground can help plants to grow, we do not control the sky and the rain, or even the original conditions of the soil – only God does. By its very nature the earth has the nutrients the seed needs to grow, and while we in this day have corrupted the soil (much like we as sinners corrupt our hearts) there remains still the inherent purpose of creation – a place where good growth is possible. We may labor in the fields, but God through His Holy Spirt brings the harvest!

Praise God that He has prepared our hearts to receive Him!

FOCUS: God has prepared the conditions for growth
QUESTION: Think about an area in which God wants you to grow in in your life. In what ways has God already prepared you or your circumstances to support this growth?

God has prepared the conditions of your heart for His Kingdom to grow within you. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

Day 12 – Matthew 13:31-33

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” – Matthew 13:31-33

Do not despise small beginnings! Most Kingdom growth is one on one – one person loving and serving another, and planting the seeds of truth and hope. It is not glamorous, and it may take a long time to see an impact.

Yet these small beginnings can, as the mustard seed of Israel, grow into something mighty and strong, or as yeast (leaven), spread all throughout and affect every aspect of someone.

“The scope of the parable of the seed sown, is to show that the beginnings of the gospel would be small, but its latter end would greatly increase; in this way the work of grace in the heart, the kingdom of God within us, would be carried on.” – Matthew Henry

FOCUS: What may seem small and inconsequential has mighty power when it comes from God.
QUESTION: What is something small in your life that has great power? Have you ever seen a big impact from a small decision/action?

What may seem small and inconsequential has mighty power when it comes from God. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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Treasure and Judgement

Day 13 – Matthew 13: 44-50

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13: 44-50

The parables of the treasure and pearl shift focus from the nature of the kingdom to its value. There is nothing of greater value than choosing God! Everything else is as dust compared to Him. The Israelites of Jesus’ day would have understood the buried treasure and the pearl as we understand a bank account – a place where you store your earthly gains.

“You may say that the treasure is the blessing that comes from Christianity, or the inward wealth of a submissive heart, or may use various modes of expression, but below them all lies this one great thought, that it is laid on my heart, dear brethren, to try and lay on yours now, that, when all is said and done, the only possession that makes us rich is–is what? God Himself. For that is the deepest meaning of the treasure.” – Alexander MacLaren

The parable of the net is a stern reminder that there will some day be an accounting. We must choose where our true treasure is, and invest in it!

FOCUS: Being part of God’s eternal kingdom is our greatest treasure.
QUESTION: How do you understand the treasure in today’s parables? Did anything especially grab your attention in today’s reading?

Being part of God’s eternal kingdom is our greatest treasure. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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New and Old Treasures

Day 14 – Matthew 13:51-52 

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.”  And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” – Matthew 13:51-52 

Treasure is treasure – whether it was acquired twenty years ago or yesterday. God will continue to give you treasure in His Word every day of your life. He is so faithful to give us what we need, by the power of His Holy Spirit, in the moment we need it!

“A skillful, faithful minister of the gospel, is a scribe, well versed in the things of the gospel, and able to teach them. Christ compares him to a good householder, who brings forth fruits of last year’s growth and this year’s gathering, abundance and variety, to entertain his friends. Old experiences and new observations, all have their use. Our place is at Christ’s feet, and we must daily learn old lessons over again, and new ones also.” – Matthew Henry

FOCUS: God continues to give His children treasure throughout their lives.
QUESTION: What new treasure have you recently acquired through God’s Word?

God will continue to give you treasure in His Word every day of your life. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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Read all 40 Days With the Storyteller!

Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent

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It’s day two of Lent which means there is still time to print your reading plan and catch up for our 40 Days with the Storyteller series! Grab your free bookmark reading plan: Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Early in his ministry, Jesus was teaching his disciples about the new kingdom. He was taking old ideas about faith and religion and turning them upside down.

In The Storytelling God, author Jared C Wilson explains that the Hebrew word for parable is rooted and related to the word “mashal” which means “proverb”. A parable, in Jewish understanding, is an illustration of wisdom. Ancient authors did not have pictures or diagrams or maps to enhance their writings (and besides, Jesus taught his disciples orally) so they used the language of symbolism to illustrate their teachings. Over the next three days, we’ll be reading parables that show us pictures of what a follower of Christ looks like.

Day 2: Matthew 5:13-15

In Matthew 5:13-15, Jesus tells the crowd that they are salt and light, giving them, and us, a picture of what a person who follows Jesus should look like.

What does salt make you think of? Flavor? A preservative? A stable compound, plentiful but valuable.

Can salt lose its saltiness?

“Most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes or the like, rather than by evaporation of salt water, and therefore contained many impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be leached out, leaving a residue so dilute it was of little worth.” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Mat/Mat-5.cfm?a=934013

How about light? Our house is out in the country, surrounded by fields. When it gets dark, it’s DARK. Almost oppressive. Sometimes I’ll go out at night and see the lights of the city in the distance. It’s dazzling and it really does light things up for miles around.

What does it mean for a Christian to be light?

“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.” – C.S. Lewis

What does it look like to be salt and light in a dark and rotting world? #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

Day 3: Luke 6:46-49

But how do we live like salt and light in a dark and rotting world? We’ve already talked about how Jesus was doing a new thing, restoring us to a place where we could again live in relationship with him. But to do this, Jesus said, we have to DO what he says.

he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

I like the imagery of verse 48, digging deep to lay your foundation on the rock. This life in Christ is not easy but there is value in the doing the hard work. When our faith is active it is strong, like the foundation of a house, able to withstand the flood.

Is your foundation built on a rock? #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

Day 4: Luke 7:36-47

Let’s set the stage a bit for this passage. Jesus is eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A “woman of the city, who was a sinner” hears he is in town and shows up for the party. That’s an interesting character description. Aren’t we all sinners? What sets this woman apart?

The Greek word used here for “sinner” is hamartolos which is translated as “devoted to sin, not free from sin, wicked, and specifically of men stained with certain vices or crimes, as in tax collectors or heathens.” Heathen, according to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, means Gentile, other than Jewish; an idolater. Can you relate with the woman of the city? I know I can.

Our sin is a debt we cannot pay. Whether it’s 50 or 500, it is more than we can afford. Thankfully, Jesus has cancelled our debt. We can be like woman, deeply, unashamedly grateful, or we can be like Simon, proud and scoffing behind Jesus’ back.

What can you do today to show Jesus your gratitude?

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Parables and Prerogatives of Christ – Mark 4-6

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How are you enjoying 40 Days with Jesus, our reading plan for Lent? Slowing down and focusing on both Christ’s actions and His nature has been a true gift for me. I hope it has been for you, too! Today, we’re going to take a look at more actions of Jesus, demonstrated through His parables and prerogatives in Mark 4 – 6.


My study Bible divides this section of Scripture into these two main divisions: The Parables of Christ, and the Prerogatives of Christ. I think those titles are great! Let’s look at them together.

 

Mark 4

Mark chapter four contains sections from both division. It starts out with some parables and then moves on to some prerogatives of Christ.

 

The Parables and Prerogatives of Christ- read more of the Reading Plan for Lent from DoNotDepart.com a Christian Women's Ministry </center

Parables


I love the parables! Like I mentioned to the DoNotDepart Facebook community, my father is a great storyteller, so maybe I associate a good story with fatherly love and instruction.  And stories from Jesus, the Master storyteller, are truly great stories! 

Here in Mark 4, Jesus teaches His audience through several parables. Now, the parables had a two-fold purpose. Fisrt, to explain truths to the spiritually open, and second, to obscure the meaning for those who lacked desire to receive the meaning. He knew that some listeners would “get it” and some would walk away still spiritually blind to the truths He was teaching.  (See Matthew 13:10-17 and Isaiah 6:9-10 to see how Jesus fulfilled prophecy in using the parables. Also, for a great study on the parables, consider the HelloMornings study, At My Savior’s Feet, authored in part by several of the DoNotDepart writers.)

 

Mark 4 presents us with several parables:

  • First, the Parable of the Sower, which details the various reactions to hearing the Gospel.
  • Next, the Parable of the Lamp, that reminds us that we bear Christ’s light and should let it shine out for His glory.
  • Then, the Parable of the Growing Seed, shows us that personal spiritual growth is certain, but can be slow.
  • Last, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which tells of the rapid spread and growth of the Christian faith.

 

Prerogatives


Mark chapter 4 closes with Jesus and the disciples on a boat, enduring a storm. Most of us know the story. Jesus is sleeping peacefully aboard the ship while the disciples feared and fretted. When they awoke Jesus and asked Him if He cared, His reply was, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

His reply makes me pause in reflection. When storms of life lash out at me, do I trust the One who is resting in me? Or do I fear?

Jesus’ parables teach us great truths. We should pray for listening hearts and then pause to examine our faith. We can always trust that God is able to calm our biggest storms!

 

Mark 5


The prerogatives of Jesus stretch on from Mark 4 into chapters 5 and 6 (and further until Mark 9:1).  

In Mark 5, Jesus demonstrates that He has authority over demons and illness. Wow! We have a powerful Savior, and His actions show great love for mankind.

Look closely with me at Mark 5:19. After casting demons out of a man, Jesus tells him:

 

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19 b

 

Yes! The Lord is so loving toward us and shows us such rich mercy. No matter how dire our situation, if we pray for spiritually open eyes, I am convinced that we can look and see God’s love and mercy. His actions are always something worth sharing!

Jesus doesn’t say much in this chapter of Mark, but the few words that are recorded are deep!

  • He calls a woman suffering from a bleeding issue that leaves her unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27) and excluded from aspects of her community “daughter” and tells her to “Go in peace. Your faith has made you well.” (verse 34)
  • Jesus tells Jairus to not be afraid, but to only believe. (Verse 36) After all, there are no limits to what God can do!
  • And proving this fact of limitlessness, Jesus tells a dead girl to arise… and it happens! (Verse 41)

    Jesus has authority over all our circumstances, no matter how serious or grim! Nothing is too big for Him and His love is immense!

Mark 6

One of my favorite stories from the sixth chapter of Mark is the feeding of the 5,000.

I love that it all starts with Jesus asking the apostles (that had just returned from their commission in verses 7-13) to come away with Him to rest. (It’s so invitational, isn’t it? After hard and exciting work, spiritual rest was so needed!

Alexander Maclaren offers us some insight from his commentary regarding this:

 

“After any great effort, the body cries for repose, but still more does the soul’s health demand quiet after exciting and successful work for Christ. Without much solitary communion with Jesus, effort for Him tends to become mechanical…” (Emphasis, mine.)

 

This all reminds me that when we serve family, friends, the Body of Christ, or otherwise in our community, we need to come away with Jesus for rest. It’s important that we renew mentally, physically, and especially spiritually so that we can be renewed and then continue serving in His name.

In this story, the disciples really didn’t get much time alone with Jesus since the crowds beat them to the “desolate place.” But Jesus set the example for them with compassionate service, and for giving even when they were tired. What an excellent reminder that Jesus can use the efforts in our tired moments when we draw near to Him!

Jesus is abundantly able to do great things! His marvelous nature is displayed as He calls us to rest and then renews us. Yes, sometimes we’ll serve while we’re tired, but through His strength it can be done. He shows us His miracles of awesome ability and even healing.

 

What from these chapters stood out most to you? Share with us in the comments of in our Facebook community. 

Looking at the Parables and Prerogatives of Christ in Mark 4 – 6. #40DaysWithJesus a Reading Plan for Lent

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Blessings!

Ali

Jesus as Messiah

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My husband and I aren’t usually into documentaries, but we recently watched two separate films focusing on two very different mountaineers. One was about a Canadian man who was out in nature every chance he had and loved solo climbs with as little gear as possible (that means no ropes!). He also eschewed social media (and even cell phones at times) and self-promotion, considering climbing to be a spiritual endeavor. 

The other documentary was about an ex-military Nepalese man who wanted to set new records and purposefully worked with sherpas (mountain guides) to bring attention to his country’s long history of paving the way for record-breaking men to reach the summit. He once posted a picture of a long line of people waiting to summit Mt. Everest, and it went viral around the globe.

It was so intriguing to see and learn about such differing personalities and approaches to mountaineering in these two men who shared an intense passion for the sport. I couldn’t help but think of Jesus—both the man the crowds wanted Him to be and the Man He actually was and is.

Who the Crowds Were

Before we look at who they thought Jesus was, we need to look at who the crowds were. 

 

“Likely, they are peasants and farmers and fishermen—the poor, the lower classes of society, the ‘people of the land.’ But they are also tax collectors, … prostitutes, and those labeled ‘sinners’ by the religious powers that be. … They are mostly Israelites, Galileans, and Judeans, people who worship the God of Israel while under occupation by the Roman Empire. But some of them are Gentiles, non-Israelites. … Jesus seems to love the crowds of Galilee. For the most part, he avoids Jerusalem and the larger cities and spends his time near the sea, in the farms and smaller villages.”1

 

We know from the Gospels that Jesus had compassion “for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus healed their sick and raised their dead. He cast out demons and forgave sins. He spoke to them plainly and in parables.

We also know that the crowds didn’t always know quite what to make of Jesus:

 

“Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.’ Then he said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’” (Luke 9:18‭-‬20)

 

Who the Crowds Thought Jesus Was

The name Jesus was most often called by the apostles (besides “Jesus” perhaps) was the word “Christ” from the Greek or the word “Messiah” from Hebrew, both meaning “anointed one”. By the time of Jesus’ ministry, there had been much discussion and speculation among the Jews about the promised messiah (There were, in fact, many proposed messiahs before and after Jesus’ time.).

After the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd exclaimed, “‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” (John 6:14) And Jesus’ response? “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” (v. 15, emphasis added) 

Jesus knew that it wasn’t time for such attention to be drawn to Him, for it was not yet His time to go to the cross. He saw their hearts and knew that they were like the Israelites in 1 Samuel 8 who, even after being warned by Samuel that they were rejecting God as their king said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:19‭-‬20)

The masses were tired of being under Roman occupation and wanted a king who could overthrow the powers that be and restore Israel as a nation.

 

Jesus Is So Much More

About a century after Jesus’ death and resurrection, a man named Bar Kochba led troops in an uprising against Rome. As he won some early skirmishes, Jews started to believe that this man was the messiah and would be the deliverer they needed from their Roman oppressors.

 

“The fight began in earnest in 135 CE— and it was a disaster. Rome crushed the uprising and over half a million Jews were slain and hundreds of thousand more exiled.”2

 

Even when the Jews got the man they wanted, he wasn’t the Man they needed. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall but who we are before the Living God is what will last for eternity. It’s as if the majority of those listening to Jesus’ teaching were crying with the psalmist, “Rise up; come to our help!” (Psalm 44:26a) They were begging Jesus to heal them and feed them and relieve them from the very real struggles they were living in. Jesus saw those needs and was moved to relieve some of their suffering.

But more than rescue from political unrest, the Jews and Gentiles needed to realize their deepest, truest need:

 

“Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!” (Psalm 44:26b, emphasis added)

 

We could host a whole series on messianic prophecies, what they meant, and how they have been or will be fulfilled. Pages and pages could be filled detailing cultural context and what the Jews were looking for in a deliverer. The simple truth is that we are the crowds. We all have wanted Jesus to fit into our neat little box of what we think He should be for us. But Jesus is so, so much more.

 

The Servant King

Jesus came to this world humbly and left this world humbly, as well. The very powers that the people hoped He would overthrow were the ones who asked if He should be crucified or set free. And the crowds who had so recently hailed Him as king on His triumphant entry in Jerusalem were many of the same people who cried “Crucify Him!” He was the unexpected servant King—Son of David, Son of Man, and Son of God—the One who was born to die for the sins of all who would believe in Him. 

One day, this Messiah, this Deliverer will return to rule and reign over all of creation “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10‭-‬11). But for now, He is slowly growing His kingdom on earth, and it starts with our hearts. Jesus deserves to be King of our hearts. How is He calling you to give Him greater reign in your life today?

Teachers: Lead Me To Jesus

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“Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1, CSB)

Teaching is a difficult job. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes and disguises. They could be an educator, a parent, a family member, a peer, a neighbor – anyone who can take an idea or skill and break it down into digestible parts so another human being can take it in where it can grow and bear fruit in their life. Like I said, teaching is not an easy thing to do!

This month on the blog we’re thinking about teachers. The people who came into our lives and left a mark that leads us to Jesus, the Master Teacher.

Ms. Webster

I am blessed to know many wonderful teachers. At every stage in my life, there have been people who have invested in my growth and led me to seek Jesus.

One such person was Ms. Webster, who taught my daughter’s first-grade class at a University Model School. At a UM school, students are with a teacher three days a week and home with a parent the other two. Sort of a cross between homeschool and private school. Ms. Webster had a way of putting Jesus at the center of everything. When I came to her crying because I couldn’t figure out how to explain a math concept, she came alongside me, encouraging and empowering me in my role as Brooklyn’s teacher.

She wore her authority and knowledge with humility, inviting me into the process and making it possible for me to follow her example.

Jesus, Model Teacher

Luke 6:17-49 records the great teachings of Jesus that we find in Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount.

In the context of his instruction to be careful about judging others, “He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

Teachers wear a heavy responsibility. Whether it’s their profession, a position they volunteered for, or the natural fit of the relationship, teachers serve as models who can lead to Jesus or away from Him. I am grateful for the teachers in my life who have shown me how to be more like Jesus and I hope I can do the same for the students I encounter.

 

What teachers have influenced your walk with Jesus? Share in the comments or on the Community Facebook Page!

Jesus is the Door – it’s a Metaphor

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Today’s post comes from guest author, Kristee Ravan. Kristee lives in Oklahoma with her husband, three kids, and cat.  She keeps busy with homeschooling, twin-wrangling, and supporting her husband’s ministry as a pastor. She has been writing and publishing devotions for several years and has also published two tween novels. Her books, The Cinderella Theorem and Calculating Christmas are available on Amazon.com. Kristee felt a call to be a missionary in childhood which led her to the jungles of Bolivia for two years after college. She was surprised when God called her back to the United States, but has been delighted with the ministry opportunities He planned for her, including supporting foster and adoptive families (and being an adoptive family!), educating others about how trauma affects children, and writing. You can connect with her on her Facebook author page, Kristee Ravan.

John 10 is a fun passage of scripture. My daughter and I memorized verses 7-18 a few years ago as part of our homeschool curriculum. I can still hear the scripture song in my head whenever I review this section.

On the surface, we get what Jesus is saying right away. He is the good shepherd. He lays down His life for us. There are wolves and things out there in the world, but the good shepherd is protecting us and giving us abundant life.

But I’m not frequenting sheep pens or caring for these animals in my regular life. Do we miss part of this metaphor about who Jesus is because we are so far removed from first-century shepherding?

He starts the metaphor in verse 7. “So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.’” (John 10.7, ESV)

Jesus had to say it again to them because His initial parable was not understood (verse 6).   So He tried to make it clearer in a metaphor, comparing Himself to the door of the sheep.

The context for this metaphor is found earlier in chapter 9. Jesus had healed (on the Sabbath!) a man who had been born blind.  The newly-sighted man wound up in hot water with the Pharisees because he was going around telling people Jesus had healed him. They banned the man from the synagogue and when Jesus heard about it, He visited the formerly-blind man and confirmed for him that he was the Son of Man and told (in the hearing of some of the Pharisees) the parable that wasn’t understood (John 10:1-5).

What was Jesus trying to clear up when He said, “I am the door of the sheep”? Did He just mean He was the way?

By kicking the no-longer- blind man out of the synagogue, the Pharisees had blocked his access to God.  They were acting as a door to God.  So when Jesus uses the door to the sheep metaphor, He is saying He is the door. He will decide who has access to God.

Comparing Himself to the door of the sheep was something His listeners would have understood.  Sheep and shepherds were ubiquitous at this time.

The door of the sheep was found on a sheep pen, usually made with stone walls.  In the evenings, the shepherd would bring his sheep there to rest safely.  As they entered through the opening—one at a time, the shepherd used his rod to stop them so he could examine them for injuries.

After all the sheep were in, the shepherd would lie across the opening, using his own body as the “door of the sheep.” This prevented predators from getting in and sheep from getting out. The sheep were completely in the shepherd’s care, trusting him for their protection and security.

What a lovely image of our Savior that is!  By understanding the metaphor as it would have been  in ancient times, we see so much more than just “Jesus is the way.” We see a kind and careful shepherd, who puts Himself in danger to protect us.

But “all we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53.6), and we don’t always feel satisfied with just a shepherd as our door. We look for other doors to protect us, to offer us security.  Maybe a relationship will finally give us that peace we seek? Or maybe we seek financial security from a job—but it leaves us with little time to serve the kingdom? Trusting these doors will not lead to the abundant life Jesus promised in verse 10.

Only through Him can we find true fulfillment, meaning, and abundant life.

 

Metaphorically Speaking: Exploring Metaphor in Scripture

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My life is an open book. Love is an open door. When God closes a door, he opens a window. Laughter is music for the soul. All the world is a stage. These are a few of my favorite… metaphors!

 

As a writer, homeschool mom, and perpetual student of the Bible, I have come to adore language, most especially when it is used to tell our stories. Story is easily the most accessible form of human communication because stories speak first to the heart, engaging the emotions, and then to the mind, inviting participation. Stories reveal the relationship between people and places and things and one very effective, often unassuming tool used to connect people and things in a story is the Metaphor.

Not a Simile but Similar

A metaphor is a figure of speech comparing two things, using something known to explain or describe something unknown (similes are a type of metaphor that use the words as or like in the comparison).

If we were to meet in the grocery store and I tell you my kids are a barrel of monkeys today, thanks to metaphor you’ll know they haven’t literally changed from human to animal, but that their behavior is wild and probably driving me crazy! If I tell you they’re growing like weeds, you’ll know I mean they’re growing quickly. And if you chuckle and remind me that childhood is a candle in the wind, I’ll know you’re reminding me how short and precious these years are.

Metaphors slip easily into our daily conversations and they are an important feature of Scripture too.

“If we don’t understand how metaphor works we will misunderstand most of what we read in the Bible.”

(Eugene Peterson, Eat This Book)

Meta-Poetical

Jesus frequently taught through parables (short stories intended to illustrate wisdom or truth – see some examples here) but he also used metaphors. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), he calls his disciples salt, light, a lamp, and a city on a hill. He teaches us to be like the sparrows and the lilies and warns against false prophets who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Each visual adds to the overall picture, giving us a glimpse of who we are and how we are meant to interact with the world.

He follows a long tradition of Hebrew poets (about 1/3 of the Bible is written in poetry!), using familiar imagery to connect feelings to truth and to give shape to abstract concepts.

The psalmists and the prophets filled their stories and songs with metaphor after metaphor so we can, in some small way, begin to understand the strength and wonder and love of our God. #metaphoricallyspeakingClick To Tweet

“For one thing, God’s action and presence among us is so beyond our comprehension that sober description and accurate definition are no longer functional. The levels of reality here are so beyond us that they compel extravagance of language.” (Peterson)

Miraculous Metaphor

When considering the structure of Hebrew poetry, its use of parallelism and metaphor, C.S. Lewis writes, “It is…a wise provision of God’s that poetry which was to be turned into all languages should have as its chief formal characteristic one that does not disappear (as mere meter does) in translation” (Reflections on the Psalms)

Despite thousands of years and miles and the differences in geography and culture that separate us from the world of the ancient authors of Scripture, we modern readers can access the same thoughts and feelings that occupied them through the sharing of common pictures like rocks, eagles, trees, streams, lions, and lambs.

This month on the blog we will be exploring some of our favorite metaphors for and from Scripture and considering together how these images illuminate our understanding of God so we can deepen our relationship with Him.

Thanks for coming on this journey with us! (That’s a metaphor!)

Reflecting God in the Art of Everyday

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“As I listen to the silence, I learn that my feelings about art and my feelings about the Creator of the Universe are inseparable.”~ Madeline L’Engle

It was the summer of 1996. I was in middle school, attending camp with my youth group in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. To say that it’s beautiful is an understatement. My time at that camp remains one of the most formative times of my faith. Those “mountain top experiences” set the stage for deep growth in my relationship with Christ. Surrounded by the majesty of creation I learned how to be still and worship. 

“The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. – Nahum 1:5

I remember spending one of the morning quiet times outside under a tree, awestruck by the serenity of the lake, when a tiny ant caught my eye. Something about the smallness of the ant struck me. The mountain in its grandeur; the ant in its ordinary simplicity; both spoke volumes about the One who Created them. 

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:19-20

Meeting God as Creator, an artist, helped me understand myself and how I could live a life that brings glory to God. 

What does it mean that God is an artist? 

A basic but useful definition for art is a skill, craft, or craftsmanship. An artist is one skilled in a particular task or occupation. Throughout history artists are responsible for making the things that tell our story. Artists communicate what happened, how we feel about what is happening, and what we hope will happen. 

God made everything from nothing and everything He made is both purposeful and beautiful.  He tells us our story. (Psalm 19:1)

At the end of each day of creation, God reflected on what He had made and declared that it was “good” (Genesis 1:4). When mankind grew more corrupt, He felt grief and regret. He experiences the journey and feels alongside us (Genesis 6:6).

Though we did nothing to deserve it, He made a way for us to be restored to Him, fulfilling the ultimate hope for our future (John 3:16-17). 

What does it mean to bear God’s image as an Artist? 

We may not all be professionals, painting, sculpting or singing for a living, but we are made in the image of a creator so we are always making something. We make order from chaos by living intentionally and setting goals. We cultivate our homes and relationships. We balance checkbooks, make discoveries, sing in the shower, and tell each other our stories, remembering, laughing, and crying together.

Because we carry His image as artists 

  • We craft our lives with excellence “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
  • We think and reflect on the things we see and interact with. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
  • We communicate who He is by telling our story “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

In many small ways, we are all artists. Like Adam naming the animals, we participate with God in the continuous work of creation, declaring that He is good.

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Stand on the Rock

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Todays post, “Stand on the Rock” focuses on Edward Mote’s beautiful hymn, My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (often called, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.)

This year has been quite tumultuous for most people. We’ve been confronted with a huge amount of suffering, fear, loss, insecurity, injustice, anger, and heartache in the last several months. When things seem to improve a little, another wave comes along. It can feel like almost minute to minute, the ground shifts from under our feet.

It’s easy to see it all and wonder, “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?” 

There’s a hymn that reminds me that no matter how the sands of the world shift, I stand on the Rock.

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. 

 

A Wise Builder

Edward Mote penned those words in his hymn, ”My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” well over 100 years ago. His words serve as a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49). 

A foolish builder might approach the water’s edge and think the close proximity to life-giving water is good enough. But sadly, that puts a foolish builder on the unstable, sandy shore. When the rains come, his house floods, sands shift, and the house collapses. The foolish builder in the parable represents someone who appears to come to Jesus but never does what He commands.

Mote’s words emphasize Jesus’ teachings that a wise builder hopes in and follows Jesus. As saved Christians, we’ve all chosen the solid Rock. Digging deep into the high Rock of Jesus gives us stability! Through the constant, steady nature of God, we can find hope when our world shifts. All of God’s promises are true, His commands are good, and His ways are best. Always!

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49)

It is only through Christ that we will ever find true healing, stability, peace, and hope. Jesus alone offers us security. This security dwells within a Believer’s heart now, and will come to complete fruition in eternity.

How Did Mote Know?

Edward Mote grew up as a non-Believer. Because his parents were busy managing a pub, he entertained himself by playing in the streets of London. He is reported to have said,

“So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.”

But by the grace of God, Mote heard a sermon preached and gave his life to Jesus. He even entered the ministry in his 50’s and served for almost 30  years, in addition to writing 100’s of hymns.

Yes, he personally knew what it was like to live a life without the hope of Christ. And I’m sure he saw many people turn to “sandy soil” rather than digging deep and settling on the Solid Rock.

Here are more lyrics to this beautiful hymn that express the hope we have in a “stormy” and unstable world:

When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When Darkness Veils His Lovely Face

As I said earlier, there is so much in our world that we could allow to “veil Jesus’ face.” Yet, we must remember, His grace is unchanging and He is our anchor. Christ’s blood supports, cleanses, and redeems us. 

When everything around us seems to give way, we must continually look to Him and be rooted in Him. Then we can remain standing… on the Solid Rock!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore… (Ephesians 6:13, 14a)

How have you been reminded of the strength and stability of the Rock lately? Let us know in the comments.

In Christ, our Solid Rock,
Ali

When the ground shifts under your feet, you might ask “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?” Let’s look to the hymn My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less to see that we stand on the Solid Rock. #HIStoriesBehindTheHymn

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Love: A Characteristic of the Spirit’s Fruit

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This month on DoNotDepart, we’re looking at the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit. Today’s post is about love.

What is Love?

We’ve written about love a lot here on DoNotDepart. Just type in “love” in the searchbar on our homepage and scroll through. 

I like this definition from Patti on love from this post: 

“…from a Christian worldview, love is not a feeling, it is a choice lived out in action.

In order to love in Jesus’ way, we have to understand His true definition of love. When we look at the truth given to us in Scripture, and modeled by Him in His earthly ministry, it is clear that love means serving.”

 

The Greek word used in the New Testament in agape. It has a different meaning than what our culture equates love with nowadays. Patti wrote about it right here.  I really recommend reading that post if you have time! If not, here’s the bones: 

“Agapé love is not based on merit or emotion. Agapé is a choice; a choice that God made when we least deserved it, and a choice that He asks you and I to make every day.” 

 

Do you see that word, choice? It really stands out to me! God commands me to show love, but I have to make the choice to obey. When I do, I enjoy the benefit of a better relationship with those I’m loving, and the Father I’m obeying.

God commands me to show love, but I have to make the choice to obey. Who should I love? Where do I get that love? And How can I love better? #FruitoftheSpirit

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Love: A Characteristic of the Spirit's Fruit. Read more about the Fruit of the Spirit at DoNotDepart.com

Who Should We Love

So, who should we love? Kelli answered this question while looking at 1 John 3:11-18 and 1 John 4:7-11. She tells us that there is no denying the fact that we are supposed to love our brothers.

And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 John 4:21)

 

And Jesus himself gave both this command and this answer to the lawyer who tested Him: 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  (Luke 10:27) 

 

In that second verse, Jesus was quoting Levitical law. If you read Leviticus 19:18 you’ll see the original, and if you follow down to Leviticus 19:33-34, you’ll see this:

When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:33-34)

 

In other words, the command to love others meant to love all others. This is also what Jesus taught in the Parable of the Good Samaritan when he was asked, “But who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) The answer is:  Everyone.

Clarke’s Commentary says,

our Lord shows here, that the acts of kindness which a man is bound to perform to his neighbor when in distress, he should perform to any person, of whatever nation, religion, or kindred, whom he finds in necessity.

 

Where Do We Get Godly Love?

I think each one of us could say that we don’t always feel like loving others.

Sometimes I give love easily, but not always. Sometimes I put my wants or feelings first, or I feel too tired to do yet another thing for someone else. Or I feel grouchy and like the other person doesn’t even deserve my efforts. 

How wrong of me! If I follow only my feelings, those same feelings that lead me to loving well can lead me into not loving at all. Instead of following only feelings, I need to choose to follow God.

Despite unpredictable feelings, I can tell you this:  the Spirit gives us nudges to be loving. Yes, even when I don’t feel like loving, I know I should because of His reminders. I just have to listen and obey. Like Patti said, it’s a choice! 

Whether we don’t feel like giving love or we are loving someone difficult, we can pray and ask God to guide and empower us. He is faithful! I firmly believe He will answer that prayer and give us opportunities to love better and offer His wise counsel to help us.

How to Love Better

My grandson is an active toddler. He runs with excitement, but if he’s tired or distracted, he trips over his sweet, busy feet and falls.

Sometimes we fall or fail, too, but we must pick ourselves up and go again.

In the introduction to this series, Patti wrote:

 The remarkable blessing of belonging to [Jesus] is that the closer we stick to Him, the more deeply we abide in Him, the more He makes these things true of us.

 

As a Vine-abider (see John 15:1-17), I want to allow Him to work sanctification in me. I want to stay firmly attached to Him and bear fruit for His glory!

The characteristic of love is a fruit of the Spirit that I want to bear well. I desire to love others better, so here are some questions that I’m asking myself. I hope they help you, too.

  1. Am I being an example of God’s love to those around me? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
  2. Am I sharing Jesus with others? (Matthew 28:19)
  3. Am I counting others as more significant than myself? (Phil 2:3-7)
  4. Am I seeing others the way God does? (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
  5. Am I “washing feet?” (John 13:1-17)
  6. Am I seeking opportunities to love actively? (Not just emotionally?) (Luke 11:28, Matthew 25:35-40)
  7. Am I apologizing sincerely when I mess up? (Matthew 5:23-24)

I’m praying that Jesus can say of both you and I that,

 …everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)

 

Who can you love today? What makes loving others easy for you? What makes it hard? Pray for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Make the choice today to obey His nudges.

Who should I love? Where do I get that love? And How can I love better? Read more at DoNotDepart.com #FruitoftheSpirit

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Read More:

We wrote an entire series about loving others. Check it out here!

Wondering what agape love really is? Find out here.

Want to teach your kids to love? Read how to Teach Kids to Be Missionally Minded.

40 Days with The Storyteller: Lent Recap

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Thank you for joining the DoNotDepart Team during the season of Lent as we explored Christ’s parables and illustrations.

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
“I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35

We enjoyed lingering over and discussing Jesus’ words with you in our Facebook community group. Lent and Easter 2019 have passed, but God’s Word and Hs resurrection power continue to work in our lives. Here’s a recap of our Lenten study.

40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent (Luke 5:33-38): We began with an introduction to Lent, the reading plan, and DoNotDepart resources. Ali looked at how Jesus fulfilled the law and makes all things new.

Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent. (Matthew 5:13-15, Luke 6:46-49, Luke 7:36-47): Jamie asked us to consider how Christians can be influencers in a sin-sick world, to dig deep into faith for a sure foundation, and live with gratitude for redeeming grace.

Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings} (Luke 12:15-21, Luke 12:35-40, Luke 12:41-48): Lisa encouraged us to make more room for God, make margin in our lives so we can max out on the gifts He gives us, and to the gifts God gives us to bless others.

Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43): Cheli shared that those who live in the Kingdom of Heaven repent, allow God’s Word to transform them, and persevere in hope.

Parables of the Kingdom {40 Days With the Storyteller} (Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50, 51-52): Patti reminded us that God’s Kingdom is capable of growing within us, a place where a little faith can be mighty, that the riches of the kingdom are found in God Himself, and a place where God’s Word continually yields new treasure.

Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness (John 10:1-18, Luke 17:7-10, Matthew 18:23-25, Luke 10:29-42): Ali challenged us to “choose best” based on God’s priorities: love, mercy, service and forgiveness.

How Do We Respond to the Heart of God? (Luke 11:5-10, Luke 14:7-14, 15-24, Luke 15:8-10): Jamie caused us to consider responding to the heart of God by extending help even when it’s inconvenient, exercising humility, accepting Christ’s invitation, and rejoicing when the lost are found.

Is There Grace in Accounting? (Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:11-19): Lisa pointed out in three parables “how God tilts grace in our favor.” We come up short, and He gives an overflow of grace.

Lessons on Grace and Mercy (Luke 15:20-32, Luke 16:1-13, 19-31): Cheli reflected on God’s desire to restore and extend mercy and challenged us to consider if our values match God’s values.

Our Gracious God Hears (Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 18:9-14) From this series of parables, Patti reminded us that our sovereign God hears our prayers when life is unfair, to pray with persistence because God is trustworthy, and to bring Him every request, no matter how humble, because He cares for us.

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Undeserving (Luke 19:12-26, Matthew 21:28-32, 33-46): Ali encouraged us to make use of what God has given, that God wants our yielded heart more than outward obedience, and that despite being rejected by mankind, He pursued the cross to make us His own.

Take Care: the danger of indifference (Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:31-40, Matthew 24:32-34): Jamie urged us to honor our Bridegroom, Jesus; to beware of apathy towards those in need, and to trust God because all of nature takes its cue from Him.

When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God (Matthew 24:36-44, 45-51, Matthew 25:1-13): Lisa called us to trust God because He is always with us and He always shows up on time. She added, “we walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.”

Recap of the 2019 Lenten Reading Plan, #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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We hope you will continue to engage in God’s Word and in discussion with us through your comments here and in our community Facebook page through the rest of the year.

 

When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God

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Are you a clock watcher? Do you keep a constant eye on the calendar to know what’s coming next?

What happens when you can’t trust time?

Join us for Days 38-40 of our Lenten readings.

When you can't trust time

We’re in our last three days of Lent readings. As we prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday, these stories from Jesus can lead us into a deeper level of trust despite the unknown.

When we can’t trust time—and we can’t control it or change it or predict it—we can place our trust in God’s goodness.

1. When You Don’t Know the Time, Stay Awake

Read Matthew 24:36-44 for Thursday, Day 38

We just don’t know when some things will happen. There were “whens” that God didn’t even tell Jesus when He was living in our time zone.

When Jesus was telling His listeners about His future coming in these scriptures, He said that no one knew the hour—or even the day—that it would be; only God knew.

But Jesus didn’t leave them (or us) without instruction in the waiting. When you don’t know when something is coming, stay awake for it. Be ready.

In big and small ways, the Master comes to us every day. And He often comes when we don’t expect Him. Maybe it’s through a sister’s email or a baby’s babbling or a spring lightning storm. But if we’ll stay vigilant, we’ll be ready to welcome His arrival.

Trust that Jesus always comes, is always here, and we won’t be caught off-guard.

2. When You Can’t See Him Working, Do Your Work Now

Read Matthew 24:45-51 for Friday, Day 39

Who is put in charge? Ideally, it’s the one who will do the work. The one who is dependable. The one who is responsible. With or without the tangible presence of the boss.

In this story we see the workers throwing a party when the boss is out of town. When the boss shows up—unannounced and unexpected—the workers get thrown out.

We typically do not know when the Lord will act. When will He restore what was lost? When will He bring closure to a distressing situation? When will He deliver us from a difficult season of life?

We can’t know His timing. But we can know this: He will show up right on time. And when He does, will He find us faithful? Will we still be trusting, still be loving, still be holding hope?

When we don’t see God working in our Friday, let’s do our work now anyway. Do the good we know to do. We’ll be blessed when Sunday arrives and the Master’s behind-the-scenes work becomes visible.

3. When You’re Out of Time, Know He’s Coming

Read Matthew 25:1-13 for Saturday, Day 40

This final reading is the parable of the Ten Wise and Foolish Virgins. We’re reminded how easy it is to misallocate our resources, including under or overestimating our time. Five of the young virgins used all their oil quickly and their lamps burned out. But the other five brought extra supplies of oil, and even though the bridegroom was delayed, their candles were still lit.

Timing is rarely up to us.

But even though we don’t know when, we can trust who.

If we keep our eyes on the person of Jesus Christ, knowing that He will always come through for us, we can keep our lamps of hope burning. Even when He’s late in our estimation, we won’t run out of reserves to believe in Him.

Watch Jesus, Not the Clock

Our clocks and our calendars can help us manage our time, but they are inadequate to prepare us for life’s uncertainty.

Whether we’re in a day of walking to the tomb with Jesus or walking out of it, we’ll walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.

When we rely most on who we know, the when matters much less.

Don’t be a clock-watcher. You can’t trust when; trust who. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Do you always know what time and day it is? How do you remain flexible with the Lord’s plans? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Take Care: the danger of indifference

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Lent Parables Days 35 – 37

Two days ago we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day marking Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people spread branches and cloaks on the ground, cheering for the man who would free them from the tyranny of Rome. Of course Jesus was always clear, he had come to free them from much more. There is an urgency in his parables as he prepares his disciples for the end of his time on earth, reminding them of what is most important.

Day 35: Matthew 22:1-14

You might be thinking this story sounds pretty similar to a parable we’ve already read, and you’re right! (Luke 14:15-24, day 21 of our Lent readings). But in Matthew’s account, Jesus expands the metaphor.

The invited guests snub the invitation (and mistreat his servants like in the parable of the Wicked Tenants) so the King, after avenging the deaths of his servants, opens the invitation to everyone – good or bad. He has made the feast ready and everyone is invited to come and receive.

In verse 11 the King looks around and sees someone who has come to the feast but is not wearing the wedding garment. I appreciated this explanation from Got Questions.org:

This was Jesus’ way of teaching the inadequacy of self-righteousness. From the very beginning, God has provided a “covering” for our sin. To insist on covering ourselves is to be clad in “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Adam and Eve tried to cover their shame, but they found their fig leaves to be woefully scant. God took away their handmade clothes and replaced them with skins of (sacrificed) animals (Genesis 3:7, 21). In the book of Revelation, we see those in heaven wearing “white robes” (Revelation 7:9), and we learn that the whiteness of the robes is due to their being washed in the blood of the Lamb (verse 14). We trust in God’s righteousness, not our own (Philippians 3:9).

Day 36: Matthew 25:31-40

In today’s parable Jesus talks about the judgement of the nations. When he comes in glory he will divide the nations into sheep and goats. The sheep, representing God’s children (see John 10) are distinguished by their love of others. The goats are set apart, not because they are wicked and do evil things, but because they didn’t take the time to care. Like the man who came to the feast and wore his own clothing, the goats were indifferent and unchanged by the grace of the gospel.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Day 37: Matthew 24:32-34

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. ” Matthew 24:32

When life gets stressful and hard, I find it helpful to burry my head, not in the sand to ignore the world around me, but in the ordinary things of life so I can remember what is truly important. Reading the Bible, playing with my children, washing the dishes, watering the plants. There is comfort in the natural things God has made for us. The simple routine of sunrise, sunset, and all the little things that make up the time in between. As Jesus tells his disciples what to expect in the coming days and beyond, he shows them the fig tree. An unassuming, beautiful reminder that everything follows a natural order, exactly as God has designed it to do.

As we continue our last few Lenten readings and prepare to celebrate our Savior’s resurrection, let’s remember to put on the wedding garment of Christ, take care of our neighbors, and watch the fig tree.

Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving (Lent Days 32-34)

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Thank you for joining us for “How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving.” This is post covers the readings for days 32-34 in our Lenten series, 40 Days with The Storyteller.

Luke 19:12-26 The Ten Minas – Make Good Use of What God’s Given

He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13Calling ten of his servants,a he gave them ten minas,b and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!c Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Luke 19:12-26)

Have you ever given someone a gift only to have it come back to you a few years later, unused? You know, the dreaded “regift” that returns to you, when the regifter forgot that you were the original giver?

It’s happened to me. It gave me a really good laugh since I am not one to get my feelings hurt easily! But I have to admit that it did puzzle me a bit. Why wasn’t the gift deemed useful in the first place? It put me on a quest to finding a more appropriate gift for that person the next time around. 

The Parable of the Ten Minas teaches us that God gives each of us a gift (usually interpreted as the gift of life). It is our duty to use our lives and not sit idly, wasting His investment.

We shouldn’t be “regifters” who keep what God has given us, do nothing with it, and then return it to Him unused! Rather, we should invest ourselves in order to reap for His kingdom.

In turn, He will bless us for our wisdom in using our lives for His sake.

Focus: My entire life is a gift. I am a steward of what God has given me; I should use my life for His glory.

Question: Are you investing what He has given you to reap more to the glory of God? 

Research:Why were all the servants in this story given the same gift, as opposed to the differing gifts in the Parable of the Talents? (Found in Matthew 25:14-30)

Matthew 21:28-32 The Two Sons – Rebellion and Obedience

28“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)

When my older two girls were young my husband and I realized this about them: Our oldest daughter, who is serious and responsible, almost always did what was expected even if she grumbled or complained about it. The younger is sweet and fun-loving and had great intentions, but often didn’t do what she was supposed to. (Hello, distraction and shiny objects!)

The parable of the two sons could be told by many parents, right? A father asks his two kids to work. One says no, but changes his mind. The other says yes, but doesn’t go. It doesn’t sound like much out of the ordinary, does it?

But Jesus shows us that what is profound here is God, not mankind. Mankind promises and doesn’t fulfill. We change our minds. We say “no” when we should say “yes.” And we say “yes” when we don’t mean it.

God surprises us by accepting people into His kingdom who don’t look like they measure up. Tax collectors (about on the same level as traitors in the Jewish opinion of the day) and harlots? This is certainly not who the Jews thought would inherit the kingdom. They were inwardly rebellious and looking only at the outward appearance of obedience and not at the heart.

Focus: God is more concerned with the intentions of the heart than on the outward appearances of obedience.

Question: Which of the two sons do you identify with? Why? 

Research: Who did the two sons in this parable represent? What was Jesus saying about them?

Matthew 21:33-46 the Wicked Tenants –  Illustration of Jesus’ Death

33Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servantsc to the tenants to get his fruit. 35And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;d

this was the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.44And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”e

45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. (Matthew 21:33-46)

I’ll be honest with you. This parable is very hard for me to write about– and it’s not because it’s difficult to interpret. This one isn’t. No, Jesus tells an easy to understand story that the chief priests and Pharisees knew was about them. 

This parable is difficult for me because God in the human form of Jesus is talking to His very own creation, telling them the true story of how they had rejected Him, and how they would throw Him out of His own “vineyard,” and then would kill him.

Thinking on what was done to my precious Lord is hard. 

Knowing it was my sin that He bore on the cross is hard.

I just sit here with tears, worshipping the Savior who so willingly shed His blood for me, someone as undeserving as the tax collectors and harlots from the last parable. 

There is nothing I can do to earn my own righteousness. My faith is built up, resulting in God’s glory, because of Jesus, the rejected stone. It is only by Him that I can bear fruit.

As hard as this parable is, it is also beautiful. God pursues us! He doesn’t want us left to ourselves to bear the punishment of our sin. No, He seeks to make Himself known to us.

Focus: Christ, rejected by His own people, loves mankind so much He pursues us anyway. He died for our sin as a willing sacrifice.

Question: How does this parable affect you? Why? What is your heart’s response to God?

Research: Who are the main characters in this parable and who do they represent? How does this enhance your understanding of the story?


How He Loves Us

He loves us so much that He sent us Jesus, Himself clothed in human flesh, to die for our sin, reconciling us to God.

 “Though being in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” (Phil 2:6-8)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.b The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconcilingc the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 (Cor 5:17-19)


What are your thoughts on these parables? Share with us in the comments or in our community group on Facebook. (Just search for the DoNotDepart Community.) We’d love to hear from you!

Blessings, Ali

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving (Lent Days 32-34) #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Our Gracious God Hears – Days 29-31

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Our Gracious God Hears - 40 Days With the Storyteller, Days 29-31

Laborers in the Vineyard – Limitless Grace

Day 29 – Matt 20:1-16 

“”For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.”” – Matthew 20:1-16 ESV

It is human nature to want to be treated fairly, and a first reading of the parable of the laborers of the vineyard seems to tell the story of a great unfairness. Why should those who work one hour be paid as much as those who work twelve? Yet our spiritual reality is that if God treated us fairly NONE of us would go to heaven! I am so thankful He does not operate by human standards of “fair!”

“There is great proneness in us to think that we have too little, and others too much of the tokens of God’s favour; and that we do too much, and others too little in the work of God. But if God gives grace to others, it is kindness to them, and no injustice to us… God punishes none more than they deserve, and recompenses every service done for him; he therefore does no wrong to any, by showing extraordinary grace to some… Let us never envy or grudge, but rejoice and praise God for his mercy to others as well as to ourselves.” – Matthew Henry

FOCUS: God’s grace looks different for each person.

QUESTION: How has God treated you “unfairly” and given what you do not deserve? Think in very detailed terms about your daily life and journal about the grace God has given you.

The Persistent Widow – Perseverant Faith

Day 30 – Luke 18:1-8 

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”” Luke 18:1-8 ESV

Despite living thousand of miles from each other, my friend Sandy and I have been praying together weekly for almost a decade. I have filled journals with our prayer requests. I can look back and read requests that were repeated week after week, that have now been answered. I believe that some day the unanswered requests I wrote down this week will also be answered, I just don’t know when!

Because we are stuck in time here on earth, we see things in a linear fashion, and when answers seem slow by our timetable, we can fall into thinking that God is ignoring us. We have no way of seeing the big picture. But the parable of the persistent widow reminds us that God does see us, and He never stops listening. 

It can be hard to persist in prayer though, can’t it? I find it so comforting that Jesus understands our weakness, and he knows that we have a tendency to lose heart. This is why he starts out this passage with an encouragement!

Perseverance in prayer demonstrates our faith in our Heavenly Father, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

FOCUS: We can persist in prayer because God is trustworthy

QUESTION: What are you persisting in prayer for right now? Is there something you stopped praying for because you “lost heart”? Pick that prayer request up again this week and offer it to the Lord.

The Pharisee and The Tax Collector – Pride/Humility

Day 31 – Luke 18:9-14 

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”” – Luke 18:9-14 ESV

The ways of the world tell us that those in power, and those most noticed, are clearly the most important. But God’s Kingdom operates with a reverse structure – the weakest and most humble are exalted!

Proverbs 11:2 says “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” It is wise to humble yourself before God, because His might is greater than all the accolades and power of this world.

And this mighty God cares about your humble prayer. He hears every word, and cares about your every need

“With this example of prayer favourably heard, there is surely no sin-burthened soul on earth who may not take courage in seeking God’s face. One great object of this parable, we may believe, was to suggest some such thoughts, to embolden sorrowful, heart-broken sinners simply to go to God, trusting in his great pitying love.” – The Pulpit Commentary

FOCUS:  God hears His children’s humble petitions.

QUESTION: Do you struggle with pride? Ask God to show you an area of pride in your life and invite Him to do a humbling work in you. 

Lessons on Grace and Mercy

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Over the next three days we will be reading successive passages from Luke 15 and 16 where Jesus shares a parable about God’s grace, illustrates God’s mercy, and challenges us to show mercy to others.

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Day 26: Grace Restores

Read Luke 15:20-32.

The Prodigal Son claimed his inheritance, left his father, and squandered everything. His wealth, status, and pride— gone. Lost but not abandoned, the prodigal turned toward home.

. . .But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Catching sight of his son, the father drops everything and runs to him. What a picture! A picture of God, the Father, running toward us with the riches of His grace given to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. Ephesians 2:5 states it this way: “. . .even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. . .” (clarification mine).

God’s grace saves AND restores. The robe, the feast, the relationship with the father— everything was restored, and the prodigal was made whole. Christ’s work on the cross makes us whole too:

. . .all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. (Colossians 1:20, MSG)

As you reflect on this passage today, thank God for His grace and restoration in your life.

 

Day 27: God is Merciful

Read Luke 16:1-13.

In today’s passage we find Jesus addressing His disciples with a parable. The “manager” in the parable represents the disciples and those of us who are disciples today. The “rich man,” the business owner in the story, is God. The manager was accused of bad stewardship of the business; his job is threatened. Under attack, he goes to work, trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Although his solution is problematic, it works to the benefit of the owner, and instead of disdain and disapproval, the owner bestows a commendation— mercy instead of consequence.

As we pursue God’s will, serve Him, and others; we’re going to mess up or be misunderstood. We can’t escape imperfections and failures, but we can trust God because He knows our hearts and motives.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3)

God supports and defends those who put their trust in Him. It is His nature to extend mercy to those who love Him and do His will.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

In response to God’s mercy, let’s approach Him with reverence and humility, and give Him our repentance, gratitude and faithfulness.

 

Day 28: Be Merciful

Read Luke 16:19-31.

Today, in an illustration about a rich man who neglects the needs of a poor man, Lazarus (meaning whom God helps); we are challenged to consider whether our values match God’s values. Following yesterday’s parable about God’s mercy, I believe this passage calls us to be merciful.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

The rich man faces torment in Hades as a result of his merciless treatment of Lazarus. The rich man is without excuse because the Law and Prophets make explicit God’s desires (Luke 16:29). In the case of mercy, God’s expectation is clear:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)

Today’s passage challenges me to show mercy, so that others may be blessed and experience this attribute of God. With mercy I choose to respond to rather than react when something doesn’t go my way. Mercy gives up the spotlight, so someone else can shine. Because of mercy I serve rather than seek to be served.

. . . In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

How can you show mercy to your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors?

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? Please share in the comments.

How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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