Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too, am working.” John 5:17 (Matthew 9:9-17, 12:1-21, Mark 2:13-3:19, Luke 5:27-6:19, John 5:1-47)

By declaring Himself the divine authority to forgive sin, Jesus aroused immediate opposition among the Jewish leaders. The Scribes and Pharisees correctly believed only God can do this, but they rejected Jesus as His Son and charged Him with blasphemy. They also questioned the absence of Jesus’ fasting during religious observances.  John the Baptist fasted, as did Moses, Isaiah and other Old Testament prophets in times of stress and strain. It had its function in worship, strength, guidance and clarity. Fasting for the Jewish authority was an advertisement of self-righteousness. Jesus had no need or patience for this empty act.

The Law was the authority and Jesus respected it as such, but tradition and interpretation evolved through the development of the synagogue and rabbis resulting in strict and highly ritualistic observances and ceremonial cleansing. Jesus violated these practices, not out of malicious negligence but through teaching that legalism is no substitute for the righteousness God demanded.

Jesus came to the pool of Bethesda. It was thought to have healing powers for those who were able to reach its waters when they miraculously stirred. A crippled man was lying at its edge when Jesus told him to take up his mat and walk.  Wonderful! Except it was the Sabbath.  After the Law had been sifted through the minds of the theologically shallow, healing and carrying one’s mat on the day of rest were both considered work. The Pharisees condemned Jesus for this kindness. Jesus responded by commenting the words above. His Father is always about His work, 24-7-365!  The Sabbath was a gift to man with the purpose of rest and restoration in the presence of God, not a prison of 24 hours. It is always the right time to do good.

The only objective of Heaven is to heal and make YOU whole.  There is no Law or Practice that can bring you and God together aside from prayer, worship and praise! Call His name and He will answer……EVERYTIME!!! Even on the Sabbath.

Love,

Gretchen

A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said, “Be clean!” Matthew 8:2-3 (Matthew 4:12-25, 8:1-17, 9:1-8, Mark 1:14-45, 2:1-12 Luke 4:14-49, 5:1-26)

Jesus did not stay in Judea, the capitol area of Palestine. Instead He went into Capernaum, along the Sea of Galilee, taking His ministry to the city streets and country roads. His favored place was the local synagogue where common men gathered to read, ponder and discuss scripture. Here He began teaching with authority and fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. His teaching focuses on repentance. One morning as He was walking along the shore, crowds began following Him, listening as He taught. He got in a fishing boat and pushed away so He could be seen and heard. After His lesson, He rowed back and directed Simeon to let down his nets in a specific place. Simeon did so and had to have assistance to bring in the massive catch. Four fishermen, Simeon, Andrew, James and John were called to set aside their profession and become fisher’s of men.

It was in the synagogue that Jesus rid a man of an evil spirit and people began following Him everywhere He went. He healed many of their diseases. Jesus arose early one morning to pray. When His disciples found Him they moved on to another area. He knew people would look to Him as a magician and call on Him to make the moment easier, rather than seek a redeemer to heal their sin and cure them for a lifetime and into an eternity. But, when a man with leprosy came forward, Jesus was moved with compassion. Leprosy was a horrible ailment that isolated its victim from friends and family. In love Jesus touched the untouchable first, then He healed Him.

Friends brought a crippled friend before the LORD. Jesus was moved again by the faith of the companions and told the disabled man His sins were forgiven, upsetting the scribes who cried accusations of blasphemy. When Jesus made the man’s body whole, his soul was already thriving. Jesus, the all powerful, modeled the priority of spiritual soul over the physical body. What good is a healthy body if the heart does not know eternal life? 

Yes, Jesus healed thousands, but His greater mission was salvation. Our earthly life is temporal, but the soul is forever. Keep things in perspective. Resist seeking the circus act, or the magician but diligently pursue Jesus, Lamb of God, The Christ, the Great I AM!

Love,

Gretchen

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (John 1:35-4:54)

John is the only Gospel writer who tells the story of Jesus’ early ministry and just like the prophets of old, He wasted no time confronting those who profaned the sanctity of the Temple. He extended His message beyond the Jewish nation appealing to the common man by touching everyday lives.

The first disciples came through John as he pointed them to the real Lamb of God, made a confession of joy in Jesus’ deity and declared he would become less as Jesus became more. John, Andrew, Simon, Philip and Nathan were named Jesus’ first partners in ministry.

By turning water into wine at His mother’s beckoning, Jesus begins His ministry of miracles. Although He was reluctant, He took part in a domestic, yet religious event that was the center of community life. This sets a precedent of a joy that accompanies Jesus’ presence in all we do. However, Jewish tradesmen using the sacred Temple grounds for profiteering was incredibly offensive. The money changers were cheating those who were most vulnerable. After watching Jesus’ actions toward man, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus in the dark of night. He became a believer but kept His faith a secret until all others had run away in fear and then he came forward, boldly defending Jesus.

Samaria was the archenemy of the Jewish people. These people were used to repopulate Israel when Assyria carried the Jews into bondage after the fall of Israel. Jews had good reason to hate Samaritans, but Jesus took the road less traveled, meets a woman at Jacob’s well and offers her a life giving water that will quench her thirst for all time. Following her testimony, many Samaritans were saved.

In the earliest moments of Jesus’ ministry we see a love that matriculates all parts of earthly life; domestic relationships, shame of past sins, secret questions and fear of being socially ostracized. Jesus met all of these people in their moments with eternal solutions.  Grasp and cling to His hope as if it is your only…..because it is.

Love,

Gretchen

And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 (Matthew 3:1-17, 4:1-11, Luke 3:1-23, 4:1-13, Mark 1:5-13, John 1:19-34)

John was Jesus’ cousin. They must have known each other as children and been told by their mothers the miraculous events of their births. Living more like a monk rather than a priest, John had a successful ministry. He was the antithesis to the religious leaders of his day. The Pharisees and Sadducees dressed for success in elaborate prayer robes, and lived lavish life styles. John was humble, wearing a scratchy gown of camel hide tied with a leather belt. He ate locust and honey, but was genuine and people listened and followed. He knew he was born to herald the event of the ages and he did just that by bringing news that a Messiah was near at hand.

Ritual bathing before worship was a common habit of the Jewish people. From this John instituted baptism as a representation of true repentance and forgiveness. As an evangelist he preached spiritual purity and strong, practical, ethical conduct in all aspects of life. As John was baptizing believers in the Jordan River, Jesus came too. What began as a ceremonial act became a dramatic confirmation of Jesus, Son of God. When Heaven opened, Jesus Himself had full understanding of all He was born to do.

Immediately following this profound event, Jesus went into the wilderness to fast and pray.  He knew why He left Heaven and how things must end so that Satan’s/sin’s bondage would end for all time.  After 40 days of introspection and deprivation, Jesus was vulnerable to His body’s needs and His spirit’s exhaustion. Satan seized the moment and tempted Him to satisfy his physical hunger, test God’s authenticity and His own supernatural power and access His own authority to make man do His will rather than sacrifice Himself to God’s plan. Each time Satan attacked, Jesus met Him with the very breath of God, His Word.

Through these events we see clearly that Jesus was fully man. What we read in moments He lived for over a month. He suffered and bent His will and authority for our greater good. This is only the beginning of His life of selfless sacrifice. He is worthy of honor long before He gave His life in place of ours.

Have a Great Friday,

Gretchen

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52 (Matthew 2:1-23 and Luke 2:39-52)

According to Jewish Law, every first born son was to be presented at the Temple following the period of purification, or 40 days.  At this time, the child’s parents were to offer a sacrifice of a yearling lamb and a pigeon. Jesus’ presentation reveals how very humble His earthly life was. His parents were poor, so instead of an expensive lamb, they were allowed to offer two pigeons.

Jesus’ supernatural birth came with a supernatural announcement. A brilliant star attracted the attention of astrologers/scholars from Persia. These pagan men of knowledge encountered the Messianic prophecies in their associations with the Jews of the Dispersion. They knew something spectacular was occurring and went in search of the ‘King of the Jews.’  Herod, who was suspicious of everyone, was alarmed by the Magi’s visit. In his distrust, he ordered all infant boys of Bethlehem slain. However, Joseph was forewarned, and with the valuable gifts from the wisemen, a trip and short stay in Egypt became possible. They remained until Herod died, then returned to Nazareth where Jesus became known as The Nazarene.

There is only one event in Jesus’ childhood recorded in scripture, Pentecost of His twelfth year. It was a special time. All Jewish boys of this age began their training in the Temple. When His family left Jerusalem to return home, Jesus was still deeply engaged in his conversations with the rabbis and was accidentally left. Three days later His worried parents found Him in the presence of His Father. It seems Mary was reminded at this time just who she was rearing and she treasured it in her heart.

There are some other known facts. Jesus had four brothers, James, Joses, Jude and Simon as well as sisters who are not named. He apprenticed as a carpenter with his earthly father. Joseph’s story ends before Jesus ministry begins, so it is surmised he died, leaving Jesus, the elder brother, as sole support for his mother and younger siblings, until He was 30 years of age, the time of spiritual leadership for Jewish men when Jesus’ ministry begins.

Little is much when God is in it, and this is especially true of these small vignettes in the life of Jesus the boy. God is sovereign, His love knows no end, He cares for those whose trust is in Him.

Merry Everything in May and All Year Long!

Gretchen

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. Luke 1:19 (Luke 1:5-80 and Matthew 1:18-25)

A new age was dawning. Matthew and Luke are the only two Gospel writers that tell the story of Jesus’ birth and early years. The divine story is wonderfully miraculous and the human side is touching and poignant. The intimate announcements to Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah and Joseph show God’s love for the smallest details of life. Blended with time and place far beyond happenstance God’s purposeful work is comfortingly evident.

As Rome became a world power Palestine was divided into provinces. Mary and Joseph lived in the village of Nazareth in the province of Galilee. Because Rome needed a current census to know how much income they could expect from taxes and what sort of military presence they needed to maintain across the empire, Joseph was required to take his family and return to Bethlehem in Judea. The prophets Isaiah and Micah foretold these events of a virgin birth in Bethlehem 100’s of years before there was a Judea!

Bethlehem is a very special place. Long before it was the birthplace of the Prince of Peace, it became the burial site of Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel. Ruth met Boaz and called on him to fill his obligation as her kinsman. They became the great grandparents of King David who was born and raised there, giving it the name, City of David. Jerome chose this site to write his Latin translation of scripture. But above all, because the world needed a Savior, Heaven’s Son became Man’s Salvation. And that’s why we celebrate Christmas 365/24/7.

Happy Wednesday,

Gretchen

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1 (Matthew 1:1-17, Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4 and John 1:1-18)

After so many years of military upheaval and falling to the whims of the stronger nations around them, Israel longs for an earthly conqueror, a King that will start a new world order. Instead, God provided a new dynamic in the relationship between Himself and man……a servant, not a powerful, charismatic emperor, but God Himself.  The LORD of Heaven submitted Himself to earth’s pain and sorrow. 

Genealogy ends the Old Testament narrative and the New Testament story begins the same way.  Matthew, a Jew, shows Jesus’ lineage from King David through His earthly father Joseph. Mark tells the story of Jesus as told by Peter and focuses on Jesus’ superhuman power. Luke, a non Jew concentrates on the humanity of God’s Son, and son of Mary. His kindness and suffering as an outcast are highlighted. John, known as Jesus’ very best friend, connects Jesus to infinity. He is God’s son, and God Himself, the Word, God’s revelation of Himself, a light in the darkest of times, Immanuel that has always been and always will be.

Jesus, Son of God, the Great ‘I AM’, was given many titles, each perfect to His character, but His own favorite name was “Son of Man.” Jesus embraced his human experience while leading all who had open hearts to understand He was the Son of God. This challenged the traditional teaching and hopes of Israel, but as the Gospel writers give their testimonial biographies rather than a history, Jesus’ purpose to save the world breathes life and extends to all eternity.

Love,

Gretchen

The LORD has established His throne in the Heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. Psalm 103:19 (I Chronicles 1-9)

Ezra, the diligent scribe, created a national archive. Not the most inspirational passage in the Bible but it is crucial to Israel’s history and the story of God’s infinite workings in the life of man, the fulfillment of prophecy and proof of Messiahship through the line of David. While It is vital that all generations to follow understand God’s Law brought man an elevated moral consciousness and established a new beginning for earth’s humanity, God reveals His unique relationship to Israel and the whole world through His works and His messengers, who show that over and over again, sin brings death, but God’s unending love brings hope and life. 

As the Old Testament narrative comes to a close, Israel’s history continues to evolve. There are writings, the Apocrypha, Biblical history that is not considered divinely inspired in origin, that continues to shed light on these years of struggle for Israel. Persia remained an influence in the daily lives of the diaspora. Their culture, language, diet, and infiltration of mysticism led to decay of moral Jewish tradition. The knee jerk reaction in religious leadership was legalism and the evolution of synagogues and rabbis. It was in these years that Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots and Essenes made their appearance and began to influence future theologies, interpretations and actions that are still felt today.

Even though there was no prophecy in the years 425 B.C. – 5 B.C., God is at work through history. Greece and Hellenism begins to have a profound effect on God’s people, preparing a means for the Gospel to spread throughout the entire world. Alexander, by his military conquests, linked the East to the West and Greek became a universal language. Once again, Palestine is caught in the middle of a struggle for world domination and its population was taken for colonization of other areas. Jewish intellect met Greek philosophy and over the course of many years the Gospel was efficiently spread and an early translation of the Old Testament was created in the Greek language.

The work of God in the years following Ezra and Nehemiah is vast. When it seems God is silent, calm your heart and trust His. He’s working miracles in the quiet of your fears and failures.

Love,

Gretchen

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:1 (Nehemiah 7-13)

Following the completion of the wall, Nehemiah sets out to organize national life. Jerusalem covers a large space and is still mostly rubble with not enough housing reconstructed and commerce unstable. The city needs a larger population so funds and direction are given for relocation as hearts turn to spiritual matters. Nehemiah was not content with pious preaching while sin was rampant.

On the first day of the Jewish New Year Ezra began reading from the Law that was given to Moses and carried into the Promised Land. A new awareness of Israel’s colossal failures brought about confession and repentance. The people agreed to sign a renewal of the covenant complete with promised loyalty to the One True God and ratified with a curse on anyone who breaks it. As a final act, Nehemiah lead reforms regarding intermarriage, honoring the sabbath, proper tithes and care for the Temple. Pagan gods bring out the lowest places in human nature, therefore, a Holy, set apart place for God alone must be the corner stone of all aspects of life.

As a memorialization of God’s grace, Israel observed the Feast of Tabernacles and remembered the work and power of God in delivering them out of slavery, into a homeland and eventually the world’s most powerful nation. In this moment, they were of one heart and mind and their singular objective was to obey and honor God. A confession heard and sins forgiven is earth’s highest reason to celebrate.

Love,

Gretchen

So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6 (Nehemiah 1-7)

Jewish tradition credits Ezra as the chronicler of Nehemiah’s story. He was the cup bearer to Persia’s ruler Artaxerxes when his brother brought disappointing news from Jerusalem. Progress on restoration and rebuilding had come to a halt. Nehemiah, a man that always turned to prayer first, prayed for four months before he took his burden to the king. Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah back home with the resources he would need to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.

Back in Jerusalem, rubble on top of rubble was still the scene even though the Temple had been rebuilt. When surrounding enemy nations realized this once great city was on its way to becoming a fortress again, they used all manner of force, ridicule, terrorism, intrigue and misrepresentation to stop progress. They succeeded for a time. If that wasn’t enough, the wealthy Jews were exploiting the poor, something God strictly forbade. This scandal hindered constructive progress toward a restored homeland. But, God’s plan outweighed any personal concerns a prayer warrior and courageous man of action like Nehemiah might have.

Nehemiah secretly inspected the walls before he publicly announced his mission. This brilliant civic engineer organized laborers and protectors so that life could continue as work began and in 55 days 1.5 miles of wall was complete.

Respect for God and His Law was paramount to Nehemiah’s objectives. His anecdote to evil (and there was plenty to go around) was prayer followed by action.  As a side note, Artexerxes’ step-mother Esther was probably still living and had a strong influence on his positive position toward Palestine. This is another story of miraculous timing and God’s sovereign power over all things. Long before the day Nehemiah was burdened with Jerusalem’s sad state of affairs, God had a plan of victory……..and He still does today!

Love,

Gretchen