Jesus is Continually Healing the Helpless

“Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The crowd was amazed and asked, ‘Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?’” (Matthew 12:22-23, NLT).

Healing is one of Jesus’ most prominent acts of ministry. He healed those with physical needs: lameness, blindness, and so on. He healed some who were troubled by a demonic presence, as in today’s passage. And Jesus helped those who needed spiritual healing: forgiveness of sin, cleansing of the soul, restoration of wholeness. Mark 2:1-12 shows Jesus healing people physically to demonstrate that he could also heal people spiritually.

No one talks much about demons today. (Maybe in the East Malaysia we’re quite familiar with these kind of talks. I think the West in the cities probably a bit difficult to imagine). Talks of demons is interpreted as primitive ignorance combined with a barely hidden fear that such an obvious display of evil would be terrifying. Some people chalk up all reported demonic activity to a simplistic view of reality that explains all natural phenomena in spiritual terms. But insisting that everything can be explained naturalistically eventually strips life of any meaning beyond chemical reactions. The Bible takes a more realistic approach by describing life experiences in real terms. The human writers (of the Bible) understood demons to be as much of the natural (fallen) order as any one of many items that can’t be seen (gases, love, light) but are still real.

In today’s passage, we glimpse an encounter between Jesus and demonic powers that had incapacitated a man’s sight and speech. This man with normal eyes and vocal cords couldn’t use them because a demon prevented him. Jesus’ impulsion of the demon freed this man to engage the world. Imagine for a moment the helplessness of blindness and muteness. This man “was brought to Jesus”; he didn’t find his own way. His whole experience is a teaching case for us of the incapacitating effects of sin and the wonderful ways God heals us.

Think about this: Jesus’ desire to heal others clearly demonstrated his compassion. His healing helped bring isolated people back into community. He urges us to show compassion toward others by praying for healing or bringing a healing word to those who are hurting. Do these and let people consider Jesus who is living in you by asking, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” For only Jesus can save, but we can make people ready to welcome Jesus in their life by preparing “the way… make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mark 1:2-3) through healing – physically and spiritually – the helpless. Pray.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The 10 Commandments and You

The 10 Commandments and You

Commandment		Bible Example	Modern Example
RESPECT FOR GOD You shall love the LORD your God	1. You shall have no other Gods before me.	The Exodus Exodus 34:11-14	Put God first! Today a “god” may be anything a person allows to rule his daily life: deities of other religions, superstitions, horoscopes, bad habits or addictions, friends, heroes, desire for money, fame or power.
	2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.	Golden Calf Exodus 32:1-8	Put your faith in God only. Worshipping or serving any man-made thing that is thought to have supernatural power: statues of gods of other religions, crystals, pictures, jewellery, amulets, charms, rabbit’s foot, or objects thought to have power or “good luck.”
	3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.	Don’t use God’s name in a false oath. Leviticus 19:12	Treat God’s name with respect. Don’t use God’s name lightly in making promises or in any other way. This is the name that raised people from the dead, caused blind to see, and made the paralyzed to walk. It is a powerful name and needs to be used with the right attitude.
	4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.	God provides enough on the sixth day for the seventh. Exodus 16:23-30	In Jesus’ time, very religious people obeyed this commandment by refusing to do any kind of work – even to the point of not helping people in need. Jesus said that Sabbath was made for man’s benefit. People should rest from their normal work, but also be available to do well to others. Today Christians set aside the day to worship God and meet with other Christians.
RESPECT FOR PEOPLE Love your neighbour as yourself	5. Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.	Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:51	Treat your parents with respect no matter what. You parents have made many sacrifices to raise you. They have changed diapers, lost sleep, bought food, toys and clothes, paid doctor bills and changed their schedules to help you. Even if you don’t get along with your parents, they deserve your gratitude. If your parents ask you to do something wrong, respectfully tell them no and suggest a good alternative that they might consider.
	6. You shall not murder.	Each person is made in God’s image. Genesis 9:6	Personal revenge belongs to God. God will make things right in the end. God has set up governments and rules to deal with murders. Life and death are in God’s hands. Examples: no revenge killing, murder, suicide, abortion or euthanasia (mercy killing). Jesus said we should love our enemies and pray for them.
	7. You shall not commit adultery.	Joseph runs from temptation. Genesis 39:1-13	Stay true to your husband or wife. Marriage vows made before God should be kept in spite of difficulties. Sex only within marriage relationship. No rape or incest. Avoid sexual temptation: provocative videos, movies, television, magazines, computer games or programs, pictures and books. Jesus said that even thinking about another person lustfully is wrong.
	8. You shall not steal.	Achan steals. Joshua 6:17-19 Joshua 7:1-5	Respect other’s possessions. Don’t take things that don’t belong to you. Examples: shoplifting (taking candy, toys, or anything from a store), taking money or valuables from others, cheating on tests and taxes, photocopying music or any printed material without permission.
	9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.	Honesty toward neighbours. Leviticus 19:13	Be trustworthy. Don’t falsely accuse or blame someone else. Don’t lie about them or to them. Don’t gossip. Don’t lie to God and to yourself by believing you are perfect. Keep your promises.
	10. You shall not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbour.	Life is more than possessions. Ecclesiastes 5:9-18; 6;12	Be content with what you have. Don’t long for things that belong to others. Examples: their house, car, job, bike, toys, jewellery, clothing, or friends. Ask God to give you what you need. He promises that He will take care of your needs! Seek wisdom and good character, not riches.

Taken from: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Time Lines (Torrance, California: Rose Publishing, Inc., 2005) pg. 57
Reproduce online for free by: Richard Angelus, blogger, Wordspeakstoday.blogspot.com

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus, Nuan Meh Raja Pengidup Aku (Sapa dititih Nuan?)

“[Jesus ngau bala murid ya] datai di nengeri Kapernaum, lalu leboh Hari Sabat Jesus mansang ngagai Kanisa, lalu belaboh ngajar. Orang mayoh alit bendar ati ninga utai ti di-ajar Iya. Iya enda baka sida pengajar Adat, tang Iya ngajar ngena kuasa. Leboh nya bisi siko lelaki ti dirasok antu mansang ngagai kanisa, lalu nyeraoh, ko iya, ‘Nama ti deka digaga nuan enggau kami, Jesus ari Nasaret? Kati nuan kitu deka ngerusak kami? Aku ngelala nuan: nuan tu seruan Allah Taala ti kudus!’ Jesus merintah antu, ‘Anang inggar, pansut ari orang tu!’ Antu nya ngusak orang nya, lalu iya nyeraoh sereta pansut ari orang nya. Orang mayoh bela alit ati, nya alai ko sida bejako enggau pangan diri, ‘Nama utai tu? Kati tu ajar ti baru? Orang tu bisi kuasa bejako enggau antu, lalu sida ngasi ka jako iya!’ Lalu berita pasal Jesus ngelekai jampat bendar di serata menoa dalam kandang Galili”
(Mark 1:21-28, Berita Manah Ka Rebak Diatu).

Kelia aki-ini kitai agi ngayau. Bakani gaya pendiau orang Iban maya nya? Nyamai kini? Raja tauka ketua bisi, tang iya mega ngayah ke orang, ngasoh nyadi ulun iya… Udah Rajah Brooke datai, bisi nyamai mimit. Tu tau dibanding enggau kitai mensia. Kenyau ari penyalah Adam (ngau Hawa) kelia kitai diau dalam pemetang. Raja bisi, lalu megai kuasa. Iya jaoh jai ari Raja Kelia. Sapa? Sitan! Taja mayoh orang amat manah pendiau naka olih tang antu agi nanchang sida, ngasoh sida takut ka iya, nitih ka iya, miring ka iya, nundok ka iya.

Dalam Injil tu bisi orang ti dirasok antu jai, betungga moa enggau Tuhan Jesus Kristus. Nya meh dua iko Raja. Sapa menang? Tuhan Jesus! Sapa alah? Raja pemetang, antu Sitan. Sapa dipilih nuan ka Raja ari kedua-dua Raja nya? Enti nuan nitih ka Jesus, anang ngemesai ka diri baka Parisi ngumbai diri kering, badas, tang ngaku diri udu beguna ka kuasa Tuhan Jesus, udu ditanchang ngena rantai Raja Penyai.

Engka ka nuan 1) Agi takut ka mimpi jai, agi arap ka burong, pengaroh tauka manang; 2) Takut ka mayoh bengkah pemali baka pemali orang ti ngandong enggau pemali bukai; enggau 3) Utai ti lebih agi nanchang kitai iya nya perangai ti jai, ti enda sebaka dalam siko-siko, baka – sekeda selalu ka ngirup langkau, sekeda nyabong, tauka tegian main judi, pemula, jampat ringat, begedi, ka amat ngenyai ka tuboh diri, tauka tuboh orang, burok kerja, burok sembiang, enggau ka mayuh utai bukai agi. Tiap kitai sigi nemu perangi diri empu. Tu meh utai ti dikena ka Sitan nanchang ka kitai.

Anang bejako munyi tu: “Perangi nya enda olih dibuai. Sigi lekat ba aku baka rantai.” Bisi siko Raja ti nemu muka semua rantai nya. Iya udah parai lalu angkat idup baru kena Iya ngalah ka kuasa pemarai enggau semoa pengelemi. Enti kitai udu arap ka Iya, Iya ulih alu deka ngalah ka perangi burok nuan ti jai. Semoa utai ti nanchang kitai lebih-lebih agi – dosa enggau kuasa dosa – deka dikalah ka Iya. Kitai patut nyerah diri ngagai kuasa besai Iya awak ka Iya nyadi Raja dalam ati, dalam pendiau kitai. Siapa Raja nya? “Yesus ari Nasaret, seruan Allah Taala ti kudus”.

Sembiang

O Tuhan Yesus, aku nyerah diri ngagai Nuan: tuboh aku, semangat aku, ati aku, runding enggau pengawa aku. Nuan di ambi aku ka Raja pendiau aku. Enggau kuasa besai Nuan, O Tuhan Jesus, ibun meh aku. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Who is Jesus' Mother, Brother and Sister?

"[Jesus] is not ashamed to call them [those who God makes holy] brothers and sisters"
(Hebrews 2:11)

“One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said… Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.’ Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother’” (Mark 3:20-21, 31-35, NLT).

No doubt Jesus’ family had heard that huge crowds taxed Jesus to the point of exhaustion. Many of us can identify with the expression of love and exasperation that only a family member could voice: “He’s out of his mind.” Jesus’ family was concerned for him, but they missed the point of his ministry. Even those who were closest to Jesus were slow to understand who he was and what he had come to do. Family members are the most difficult people to be a witness for Jesus. They require the most patience. They see us at our worst when our guard is down. Remember that Christ’s family rejected and ridiculed him. Only be strong and keep showing your love to them.

In today’s text, Jesus reminded his family that his ultimate role went far beyond the relationship they shared. Jesus taught his disciples, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine” (Matthew 10:37). Here he simply showed how the teaching applied to him. Jesus used this moment of human family dynamics to point out that the family of faith goes beyond earthly attachments to eternity.

So, who is Jesus’ family? “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Think about this: Not everyone has a brother or sister; not everyone enjoys the opportunity of having loving parents. But God’s family has no orphans; an “only child” in Jesus’ family doesn’t exist. The Bible calls God our Father, and Jesus our Brother and Saviour, and we – if we does the will of God – are God’s family. When we hear God’s Word by faith and by grace put it into practice, we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus. Then because Jesus is our Brother and God now become our Father, all of us are his children. Thus, we’re family.  We are not saved into facts or rules or a system of worship or a cult of followers, we are saved into a family. We are not saved and made to change our lives; we are saved and then have our lives transformed. Oh ya, welcome to God’s family, you who does the will of the Father!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Yesus ialah Peribadi yang Hidup, Bukan Suatu Sistem Kepercayaan

“Ikutlah Aku” (Matius 9:9).

Salah satu cubaan atau godaan yang paling bahaya bagi kita orang Kristian ialah mengalihkan pandangan kita dari keperibadian Yesus kepada perkara tentang Yesus seperti doktrin-Nya, umat-Nya, gereja-Nya, Firman-Nya atau misi-Nya. Ini ialah godaan yang paling bahaya kerana tidak salah untuk kita mengetahui dan melakukan perkara tentang Yesus. Malah, tanpa kita mengetahui semua perkara ini, kita tidak boleh menjadi pengikut-Nya yang baik dan setia. Semua perkara tentang Yesus adalah mustahak.

Apa yang sebenarnya menyebabkan ia paling bahaya ialah fokus kita (tanpa kita sedari) kepada semua ini – jika tidak diseimbangkan – akan mengakibatkan hubungan kita dengan Yesus secara peribadi akan terjejas. Jika kita terlalu fokus dengan perkara tentang Yesus, seperti ajaran-Nya, kita akan mudah hilang arah hidup sebagai pengikut Kristus, mempelajari Alkitab semata-mata untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan bagi tujuan akedemi, menjadi guru Alkitab yang mementingkan luaran seperti orang Farisi yang mengajar dan mengikut Hukum Taurat Allah. Atau, jika kita terlampau fokus dengan misi-Nya, ialah boleh menjadi suatu perkara peribadi untuk tujuan peribadi bagi kejayaan peribadi. Kita seperti sangat bersemangat dan berkobar-kobar untuk melakukan kehendak-Nya tanpa ada hubungan peribadi dengan Yesus dan Roh-Nya dalam kita melakukan kehendak-Nya.

Inilah sebabnya Yesus tidak memanggil pengikut-pengikut-Nya, “Ikutlah ajaran-Ku,” atau “Ikutlah teladan-Ku,” atau, “Ikutlah misi-Ku,” atau “Ikutlah pemikiran-Ku.” Setiap kali apabila Yesus memanggil kita, ia melibatkan hubungan peribadi. Yesus berkata, “Ikutlah Aku.” “Aku” bukan ajaran-Nya, bukan teladan-Nya, bukan misi-Nya, bukan pemikiran-Nya (walaupun semua ini sangat penting dan sangat Alkitabiah), tetapi – “Ikutlah Aku.” Terlalu kerap kita menjadikan hidup dan iman Kristian kita berpusat kepada apa yang boleh kita lakukan kepada Yesus. Tetapi Yesus tidak mengutamakan semua itu, yang paling utama ialah – hubungan peribadi kita dengan-Nya. Bukan perbuatan. Bukan keagamaan. Bukan perkara tentang Yesus.

Walau betapa penting dan sungguh digalakkan bagi kita untuk mengetahui perkara tentang Yesus (seperti dokrin dan teologi Kristian), kita tidak harus menjadikan semua itu sebagai teras bagi iman kita. Semua perkara tentang Yesus seharusnya datang dari hubungan kita dengan Tuhan Yesus. Yesus bukan suatu sistem kepercayaan. Yesus ialah Peribadi yang hidup. Dia ialah TUHAN. Ini harus menjadi keutamaan kita dahulu. Mengkaji Alkitab tentang Yesus dan melakukannya setiap hari tidak cukup. Hubungan peribadi diantara kita dan Yesus harus terjadi dahulu. Inilah yang paling utama. Oleh sebab itu, Yesus mengurniakan Roh Kudus untuk tinggal bersama kita dan di dalam kita. Sebagai pengikut Kristus pastikan bahawa kamu mempunyai hubungan dengan Yesus Kristus yang hidup. “Ikutlah Yesus.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus brings Unity in Diversity (The Gospel of Peace)

“Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelves disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples” (Luke 8:1-3, NLT).

People have often wondered why Jesus never called any women in the way he called the twelve disciples. Knowing the character of the disciples as we do, Jesus invitation to “follow me” wasn’t given based on some kind of impressive resume. In the culture of the day, established business people and leaders would be prohibited from the travelling lifestyle the disciples had. Peter, James, John, and the rest needed a specific challenge; the women, however, simply responded to Jesus’ character and words – they followed. Women were at the cross, while the disciples hid. They were also at the tomb early while the eleven grieved, and so they were the first to discover the joyful of Jesus’ resurrection.

The three women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna –were written in the Christian history. Mary Magdalene had been afflicted with multiple demons, which Jesus expelled. This explanation captures the basis for this Mary’s connection with Jesus. She filled the void evil left behind with devotion to the One who set her free. Joanna, on the other hand, was a woman with social influence and an important husband, which shows that Jesus drew followers from every strata of society. Susanna, who is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, may have been a person widely known during Jesus’ time.

These three and other women would probably not have been allowed to carry out public duties like preaching and baptizing, but the Scripture notes that they used their personal means to support the efforts of Jesus’ travelling band. They partnered in ministry with their money (Btw, this shows that Jesus and his disciples were not wealthy and materially rich. Thus, I sometime wonder, what is the basis of today’s prosperity gospel teaching in the light of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry?). Yet these women also bore witness to Jesus’ power in their lives. Their presence made practical the “preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God.” Citizenship in Jesus’ Kingdom was open to women too. No discrimination. Jesus wasn’t simply speaking about an ideal Kingdom that might be achieved at some future date. He was modelling the diversity, unity and love of people whose connection to one another through Jesus Christ overcame any other barrier. Here the writer was describing an early form of community that would later be called the church (ekklesia), the ones called out by God for his purposes.

Think about this: As Jesus invested in the lives of others, he ignored many of the social barriers that kept people separate such as gender, race, nationality, social class, language, personality, etc. This breaking down of walls is still a hallmarks of the Kingdom of God. Remember – Peter, John, James and Andrew were fisherman; John and James were called “Son of Thunder” due to their vengeful and fiery attitudes; Philip and Bartholomew were ‘good-boys’ very well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures; Matthew an ex-tax collector; Thomas the doubter; James of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus and Judas Iscariot were probably members of the revolutionary group called the Zealots; Saul of Tarsus or Paul was a Pharisees; maybe Nicodemus remained a Pharisees; and on and on. Jesus brought all of them together. You and me together. Us and them together. Jesus brings the Gospel of peace.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus is able to Rescue Us from Temptation

Jesus crushed the Serpent, the Devil under His feet at the Cross. Jesus wins. 

“And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one”

(Matthew 6:13, NLT).

Traditionally the first half of this verse asks, “Lead us not into temptation” (KJV), but a more accurate translation is “Don’t let us yield to temptation.” God doesn’t tempt us, as James clearly states: “When you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (James 1:13-14, NLT). At times God allows us to be tempted, as a test. But this testing always has a purpose. Always. God continually works to refine his people, teach them to depend on him. How he does this differs in every person’s life. Don’t try to compare.

The next line has been translated “Deliver us from evil” (KJV), but the more accurate translation is “Rescue us from the evil one.” Satan, the evil one, is actively looking for ways to harm God’s people, to throw them off course. Jesus wanted his followers to place their trust in God during trying times and to pray for deliverance from “the evil one” and his deceit. We can’t – absolutely can’t – resist temptation or defeat in our own strength; we must depend on God working in us and in our situation. Believers who pray these last lines of the Lord’s Prayer seriously will realize their sinful nature and their need to depend on God in the face of temptation.

Think about this: All Christians struggle with temptation. A temptation can be so subtle that we don’t even realize what is happening. Yet hear this promise: “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT). When temptations hit, thank God for trusting you that much, ask him to show you what to do, and pray for his strength to deliver you from the evil one. Ask God to show you ways to resist and endure, and thank him in advance for his promise of deliverance.

The truth is Jesus himself when he became human were being tempted (Matthew 4) but he never sinned. The Bible says Jesus “shared fully in our experience of temptation, except that he never sinned. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace will fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need” (Hebrew 4:15-16, J.B. Philips). Thus, as man, Jesus experiences our temptations; as God, he is able to rescue us from temptation and the deceits of the evil one. And even if we fall into temptation (it won’t be long, repent), his mercy and grace is there to lift you up again. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP. 

Jesus mai Kitai nudok ka Perintah Allah Taala

“Udah John [Pemaptisa] kena tutup, Jesus mansang ngagai menoa Galili lalu ngajar Berita Manah ari Allah Taala. Ko iya, ‘Timpoh ti patut udah datai, Perintah Allah Taala nyau semak! Lengka ka dosa kita lalu arap ka Berita Manah!’ Leboh Jesus bejalai di tebing Tasik Galili, iya meda dua iko orang berikan diri menyadi, Simon enggau menyadi iya Andrew, benong mukat ba tasik. Ko Jesus bejako enggau seduai, ‘Titih ka aku, lalu aku deka ngajar saduai jalai ngulih ka mensia.’ Saduai ninggal ka pukat lalu nitih ka iya.

Angkat ari nya Jesus meda dua iko agi orang diri menyadi, James seduai John anak Sebedi. Seduai dalam perau nyendia ka pukat saduai. Sereta Jesus meda saduai iya lalu ngangau ka saduai. Saduai ninggal ka apai saduai dalam perau enggau orang ti digaji saduai, lalu angkat nitih ka Yesus”

(Mark 1:14-20, Berita Manah ka Rebak Diatu).

Nuan diau dalam perintah Malaysia lalu dipegai parti politik ti badas (tauka enda), ko runding nuan. Tang nama ko Tuhan Jesus tadi: “Perintah Allah Taala nyau semak”. Kati kitai diasoh badu nyadi kaban perintah Malaysia, badu dipegai perintah? Ukai. Nya manah lalu nya peneka Allah Taala. Reti Perintah Allah Taala iya nya: Allah Taala nyadi Tuai, nyadi Raja, nyadi Perintah kitai, lalu kitai rakyat Iya. Lalu kitai nitih ka atur sereta peneka iya lebih ari semoa atur bukai. Peneka Allah Taala dititih dalam pengawa politik, dalam hal pelajar, dalam semoa utai ti dikereja kitai di dunya tu, di rumah, di tanah, ba tuboh, ba semengat kitai. Pia Perintah Allah Taala datai.

Enti pia anang ngasoh pengawa politik tauka pengawa ti bukai nyadi pun pengidup nuan lebih ari semoa, lalu Perintah Allah Taala enggau peneka Iya nadai endor agi. Nya pulai ka mayoh macham penyalah baka belaya, begedi, ngakal, nipu, datai ke rumah pechara. “Lengka ka dosa kita lalu arap ka Berita Manah!” ko Jesus tadi. Berubah amat-amat. Badu bepun ka peneka ati enggau roh dunya tang bepun ka peneka Allah Taala enggau perintah Iya; nya ngasoh semoa kitai diau baka diri menyedi (lebih-lebih agi kita orang Kristian) taja enda sebaka parti tauka bansa. Tuhan Yesus Kristus meh kepalak kitai. Iya meh Berita Manah tu.

Jesus lalu ngangau ka empat iko murid awak ka sida nulong Iya ngerembai ka Berita Manah nya, lalu sama ngau Iya nudok ka perintah Allah Taala. “Titih ka aku, lalu aku deka ngajar saduai jalai ngulih ka mensia,” ko Jesus, iya nya ngulih ka mensia ka dalam Perintah Allah Taala. “Saduai ninggal ka pukat lalu nitih ka iya,” kati ko nuan? Enti Tuhan nyadi Raja sereta Perintah dalam pengidup nuan, tentu nuan sedia ati deka amat enggau Iya nudok ka Perintah Allah Taala dalam ati orang bukai mega. Uji diatu nyerah ka diri enggau pengambis ati awak ka Tuhan ulih beguna ka nuan nudok ka Perintah-Iya ngena sebarang jalai ti di deka Tuhan.

Sembiang

O Tuhan Yesus Kristus, aku nyerah ka diri, peneka enggau pengawa aku, ngagai Nuan awak ka nyadi rakyat Nuan ka peneka Nuan aja dititih dalam semoa pengawa aku. Enti Nuan ngagau ka aku ba sabarang pengawa ngerembai ka Perintah Nuan dikeliling aku – tu meh Aku Tuhan kena meh aku. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Yesus, berikan Kami "Manna" yang Secukupnya Setiap Hari

Orang Israel mengumpul "manna" setiap hari di padang gurun

“Berilah kami makanan yang kami perlukan setiap hari” (Lukas 11:3, BM)

“Berilah kami makanan yang secukupnya setiap hari” (KSZI)

Beribu-ribu orang Israel telah menyeberangi Laut Gelagah melalui pimpinan Musa. Namun sejurus selepas itu, mereka mengalami masalah – mereka tidak cukup makanan. Mereka bersungut-sungut tetapi TUHAN ada jalan penyelesaiannya. TUHAN tahu. TUHAN berfirman kepada Musa, “Sekarang Aku akan menghujani kamu semua dengan makanan dari langit. Tiap-tiap hari umat mesti keluar untuk mengumpul roti secukupnya bagi satu hari… Pada hari yang keenam, mereka harus mengumpulkan makanan itu dua kali ganda banyaknya dan menyediakannya” (Keluaran 16:4-5, BM). Jika mereka mengambil lebih, makanan itu akan berulat dan berbau. Jadi, mereka hanya boleh mengambil makanan itu secukupnya. Mereka harus percaya bahawa TUHAN akan menyediakan makanan itu setiap hari. Mereka harus yakin akan TUHAN untuk hari esok. “Dengan cara ini Aku dapat menguji umat-Ku, supaya Aku tahu sama ada mereka mentaati perintah-Ku atau tidak” (16:4). Menyimpan makanan itu – manna – bukan suatu tindakkan yang bijak.

Menyimpan “manna” juga bukan suatu tindakkan yang bijak bagi kita sekarang. Ya, kita boleh membeli barang-barang dapur secukupnya untuk seminggu, tetapi bukan itu yang Yesus maksudkan dalam Lukas 11:3. Manna yang benar – makanan dan keperluan fisikal dan rohani kita – akan diberi dari hari ke hari. Kita tidak boleh berdoa atau menyembah Tuhan secukupnya pada hari ahad untuk bekalan kita selama seminggu (tidak!). Apa yang kita ‘makan’ semalam cukup untuk semalam saja tidak boleh dibawa keesokkan harinya. Kita tidak boleh mempersembahkan pemberian yang banyak pada hari ini sekaligus untuk sebulan (Ini tidak mungkin!). Sama seperti itu, kita tidak boleh menyimpan atau melabur perkara yang kita perlu dari TUHAN.  Kita harus sentiasa datang kepada-Nya, sentiasa percaya kepada-Nya, sentiasa meminta daripada-Nya, hari demi hari. 

Kenapa harus begini? Kerana TUHAN mahu – sangat mengingini – supaya kita mempunyai hubungan yang hidup dengan-Nya. TUHAN tahu sekiranya Dia memberikan kita apa yang kita perlukan untuk seminggu atau sebulan sekaligus, maka kita hanya akan mencari Dia sekali seminggu atau sekali sebulan sahaja. Sama seperti seorang kekasih yang tidak cukup hanya mendengar “I love you” sekali setahun, TUHAN tidak berpuas hati sekiranya kita datang sekali-sekala atau datang hanya bila perlu. “Manna” tidak berfungsi seperti itu, sama juga dengan hubungan kita dengan TUHAN. TUHAN BAPA, “berilah kami makanan yang secukupnya setiap hari.” Berdoa untuk “manna” dalam setiap keperluan dan perkara kita lakukan setiap hari. Jalinkan hubungan dengan TUHAN setiap hari. Hari ini untuk hari ini; esok untuk esok; dan begitulah untuk selama-lamanya. Amen. 

“Kamu tidak memerlukan lebih daripada apa yang Tuhan beri” (J.I. Packer)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus wants Us to Forgive Others as God have Forgiven Us

Just an illustration

“Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us… If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:12, 14-15, NLT).

The next line of the Lord’s Prayer (if you follow my posts) makes an important request but adds a significant condition. Sin includes both active and passive resistance to God. Instead of submitting to him, we turn away, disobey, and live the way we want. Because we are sinners, cut off from God, we are helpless and hopeless – unless he forgives us. Even as believers, we sin each day, so we must come to him for forgiveness, cleansing, and strength to go on. In prayer we humbly ask God to forgive our sins. But then Jesus’ prayer adds a condition, “Forgive us… as we have forgiven.” Jesus meant our forgiveness of others should reveal our understanding of God’s forgiveness of us. When believers understand the greatness of the forgiveness they have received, they willingly extend such forgiveness to others.

Jesus gave this startling warning: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. This does not refer to salvation, because salvation is not dependant on anything people can do. But living in relationship with God requires constant repentance of the sins that plague us. Because believers must come to God constantly for confession and forgiveness, refusing to forgive others reveals a lack of appreciation for the mercy received from God. All people are on common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. If we are unwilling to forgive others, we are denying and rejecting God’s forgiveness of us. “Forgive us our sins [O Lord], as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Forgiven by God. Therefore, forgive others.

Think about this: Be careful what you pray for! When we so easily repeat the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us,” do we really want God to hold us that accountable? May we be quick to forgive, extending grace to others in the same way God has extended grace to us. By the way, if there is someone you’ve been having a hard time forgiving, picture or imagine that person beside you at the foot of Jesus’ cross – both of you needing forgiveness. Then focus in prayer on your own need for the Lord’s forgiveness – which is already yours because of the Cross. And go, if possible, by all mean, meet the person – forgive and ask for forgiveness.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011). 

Jesus taught that God is our Sustainer and Provider

“May your [God’s] Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need”

(Matthew 6:10-11, NLT).

The Jewish people knew the prophecies of a coming Messiah, whom they expected to throw off the nation’s oppressors, defeat her enemies, and restore Israel to her former glory under King David and King Solomon (called the “Golden Age of Israel Kingdom”). God had announced his Kingdom in the Covenant with Abraham (see Genesis 17:7-8), and pious Jews were still waiting for it – even today. So most Jews found accepting Jesus as the Messiah to be very difficult because Jesus preached a spiritual Kingdom, not an earthly, physical one. At least the physical one – future Kingdom – is coming soon but first, spiritual Kingdom.

When Jesus told his disciples to pray, “May your Kingdom come soon,” he was referring to God’s spiritual reign, not Israel’s freedom from Rome. To pray, “May your Kingdom come soon,” is to ask that more and more people will enter God’s Kingdom and to ask God to rule in their lives. It also reaffirms belief in the coming of a future Kingdom, when all evil will be destroyed, God will establish the new heaven and earth, and his glory will be known to all the nations (Psalm 110:1, Revelation 21:1).

Saying “May your will be done” acknowledge total submission to God’s rule, praying that God’s perfect purpose will be accomplished in this world (“on earth”) as it already is in heaven. With submission to God and his rule comes total dependence. The next request regards personal needs and provisions. “Give us today the food we need” or better “Give us today our daily bread.” “Food” or “bread” refers to food in general, though it could also refer to spiritual nourishment. Ask God for physical and spiritual “food.” Notice that we must trust God “today” to provide what he knows we need.

Think about this: Believers must trust God for provision and not worry. The fact that God provides daily food does not mean we should just sit back, relax, and wait for food (or money) to drop into our laps. We need to work to earn enough to pay for what we eat. Praying for daily food acknowledges that God is Sustainer and Provider. God gives us ability and opportunities to work. He provides.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Francois Turrettini on the Threefold Office of Christ (Prophet, Priest and King)

The writings of John Calvin, especially his Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559), established a pattern which would become widespread within the Reformed Christology. The significance of Christ was explored using the model of the “threefold office,” which depicted him as prophet, priest and king. As a prophet, Christ declared the will of God; as a priest, he made atonement for sins; and as king, he rules over his people. The noted seventeenth-century Genevan theologian Francois Turrettini, a major exponent of the Reformed tradition, here sets out this understanding more fully, in a text originally published in Latin in 1679:

“The office of [Jesus] Christ is nothing other than a mediation between God and humanity, which he was sent into the world by the Father and anointed by the Holy Spirit to carry out. It embraces all that Christ was required to achieve during his mission and calling in relation to an offended God and offending humanity (erga Deus offensum et homines offendentes), reconciling and uniting them to each other…

This mediatorial office of Christ is distributed among three functions, which are individual parts of it: the prophetic, priestly and kingly. Christ sustained these together rather than separately, something which he alone was able to do. For what would, in the case of other people, be divided on account of his supreme perfection. There could indeed be people who were both kings and priests (such as Melchizedek) or kings and prophets (such as David), or priests and prophets (as in the case of some high priests) – but there is no other who perfectly fulfilled all three. This was reserved for Christ alone, in that he was able to uphold the truth which is embodied in these types…

The threefold misery of humanity resulting from sin (that is, ignorance, guilt, and the oppression and bondage of sin) required this threefold office. Ignorance is healed through the prophetic office, guilt through the priestly, and the oppression and bondage of sin through the kingly. The prophetic light scatters the darkness of error; the merit of the priest removes guilt and obtains reconciliation for us; the power of the king takes away the bondage of sin and death. The prophet shows God to us; the priest leads us to God; and the king joins us together with God, and glorifies us with him. The prophet illuminates the mind by the spirit of enlightenment; the priest soothes the heart and conscious by the spirit of consolation; the king subdues rebellious inclinations by the spirit of sanctification.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

References:

1) Institutio theologiae elencticae, topic 14, q. 5; in Institutio theologiae elenticae, 3 vols (Rome: Trajecti, 1734), vol. 2, pp. 424-427.

2) The Christian Theology Reader, edited by Alister E. McGrath (Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 1995), pp. 153-154.

Jesus taught Us to Honor God's Holy Name (that is, Himself)

Jesus taught his disciples how to pray...Just a picture.

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy”

(Matthew 6:9, NLT).

In saying, “May your name be kept holy,” Jesus opens his model prayer with an attitude of praise and honour to God. The first-person plural pronounce “our” may indicate that believers could pray it corporately.

The very first phrase of this prayer (called The Lord’s Prayer) contains a profound tension: We should approach God as “Father” while recognizing that he is “holy.” To be “holy” means to be sacred, perfect, and totally set apart. But “Father” refers to a close relationship. God is majestic and holy, transcending everything on earth (none compare to Him!), but he is also personal and loving. Many religious people understand that God is totally other, and they approach him with caution, with fear, and sometimes with complex rituals. This would have been the attitude of Jews of Jesus’ day. The Book of Leviticus highlights God’s holiness and provides detailed instructions for entering into his presence.

Because of Jesus and his work on the Cross as the final sacrifice, we can now come to God directly and boldly. He is our Father, and we are his children. But the last half of this statement – “may your name be kept holy” – indicates that we shouldn’t come to him flippantly or casually. God wants to hear and listen as a loving Father, but our being able to approach him is an awesome privilege. We must enter the King’s throne room respectfully. When we pray for God’s name to be “kept holy,” we are praying that this world will honour his name. And we look forward to Christ’s return when that will be a reality and all the world will recognize the power of his name.

Think about this: The first line of this model prayer is a statement of commitment to honour God’s holy name in how we live. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ; thus, our words and actions reflect on him.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Martin Luther on Justifying Faith

In this passage from The Freedom of a Christian, originally published in German in 1520, Martin Luther develops the idea that faith unites the believer to Christ, in much the same way as marriage unites a bride and bridegroom. The soul is thus made “single and free” from its sin on account of being married to Christ; Luther’s language here suggests the image of being “divorced from sin” in order to be “united with Christ.” Through this union, the believer shares in all Christ’s riches, while Christ swallows up the believer’s sin. The passage serves to emphasize that Luther sees faith as far more than intellectual assent to propositions. Faith establishes a living personal relationship between Christ and the believer.

“[In the twelves place], faith does not merely mean that the soul realizes that the divine word is full of all grace, free and holy; it also unites the soul with Christ (voreynigt auch die seele mit Christo), as a bride is united with her bridegroom. From such a marriage, St. Paul says (Ephesians 5:31-32), it follows that Christ and the soul become one body, so that they hold all things in common, whether for better or worse. This means that what Christ possesses belongs to the believing soul; and what the soul possesses, belongs to Christ. Thus Christ possesses all good things and holiness; these now belong to the soul. The soul possesses lots of vices and sin; these now belong to Christ.

Here we have a happy exchange (froelich wechtzel) and struggle. Christ is God and a human being, who has never sinned and whose holiness is unconquerable, eternal and almighty. So he makes the sin of the believing soul his own through its wedding ring (braudtring), which is faith, and acts as if he had done it [i.e., sin] himself, so that sin could be swallowed up in him. For his unconquerable righteousness is too strong for all sin, so that it is made single and free (leding und frei) from all its sins on account of its pledge, that is its faith, and can turn to the eternal righteousness of its bridegroom, Christ. Now is not this is a happy business (ein froehliche wirtschafft)? Christ, the rich, noble, and holy bridegroom, takes in marriage this poor, contemptible and sinful little prostitute (das arm vorachte boetzes huerlein), takes away all her evil, and bestows all his goodness upon her! It is no longer possible for sin to overwhelm her, for she is now found in Christ and is swallowed up by him, so that she possesses a rich righteousness in her bridegroom.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

References:

1) The Freedom of a Christian; in D. Martin Luthers Werke: Kritische Gesamtausgabe, vol.7 (Weimar: Bohlaus, 1897), 25.26-26.9.

2) The Christian Theology Reader, edited by Alister E. McGrath (Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 1995), pp. 229-230

Jesus dikering Ka Pengawa Ia (Pia Kitai Mega)

Gambar ti dilukis orang, ukai sebenar. 

“Enda lama udah nya Jesus datai ari Nasaret, dalam menoa Galili, lalu John maptisa iya dalam ai Jordan. Sereta Jesus pansut ari dalam ai, iya meda langit tebuka lalu Roh nurun atas iya baka burung aching. Lalu nyawa bisi didinga ari langit, ‘Nuan tu Anak ti dikesayau ka aku. Aku rindu bendar ka nuan.’ Tekala nya Roh lalu mai iya ngagai nemoa puang. Iya diau dia empat puloh ari empat puloh malam, lalu kena uji Sitan. Iya diau begulai enggau jelu kampong, tang melikat datai lalu ngintu iya”

(Mark 1:9-13, Berita Manah Ka Rebak Diatu).

Maya aku agi mit, aku diau belalai dalam rumah apai-indai. Aku tentu nadai nemu megai tanggong jawap besai. Pengawa mit mega baka ngibun madi aku ti mit, suah aku enda peduli ka. Tang dalam peragam ati, dia aku sigi orang besai serta beguna, baka pilot, jeneral tauka penyanyi ti beberita.

Tuhan Jesus diau belalai ba rumah apai-indai Iya selama 30 taun. Tang maya Iya 30 taun umor, dia Iya ninggal ka pengidup belalai Iya, dibaptisa ba dalam ai Jordan olih John Pemaptisa, lalu langit tebuka, Roh Kudus nurun atas iya. Nama digaga Roh? Iya nyedia ka Jesus ngereja pengawa enggau tanggong jawap ti diberi Allah Taala Apai ngagai Jesus, Anak Allah Taala. Nama pengawa nya? Nyadi Pengajar dunya. Nyadi Pengibun Badas. Nyadi mega Penebus Dunya ti deka meri nyawa diri ketegal samoa kitai. Enggau pandak – nyadi Mesiah. Tang ukai tekalanya Jesus belaboh ngereja samoa pengawa nya. Roh Kudus nyendia iya dulu selama 40 hari ba menoa puang, menoa sunyi.

Nuan tentu nitih ka chunto Tuhan Jesus; nuan udah dibasu pala mega (iya nyak, nuan udah dibaptiska). Roh Kudus udah datai ba nuan. Kuasa Roh udah digerah enggau kering agi enti nuan udah nerima pengetap (enggau pengarap), lalu bendar agi enti kuasa Roh udah dilepas ka ba nuan maya nuan nerima Yesus nyadi ka Tuhan ngau Penyelamat nuan. Nya alai badu kitai diau belalai, baka anak mit ti enda nemu megai pengawa berat. Roh empu udah nyendia ka nuan ka tanggong jawap nuan dalam bilik nuan, di rumah, ba opis, ba sekolah, ba barang endor nuan diau. Lalu pengawa diberi Roh ka nuan iya nya ngambik ungkup ari pengawa Jesus empu: ngajar pesan Tuhan, ngereja ngau niri ka Perintah Allah Taala ba barang endor nuan diau, nyadi ulun Tuhan nebus orang ari penyai ngau ngelepas ka sida ari dosa. Roh Kudus empu meri penau ka nuan, tang enda sebaka ba siko-siko.

Tang anang terus ngereja pengawa nya. Dulu nitih ka Tuhan Jesus ngagai endor sunyi; angka ukai (semesti ya) 40 ari, tang kadang-kadang sahari dua (dikumbai “retreat”) sajam atau setengah jam pama meh atau sekalika 15 minit enti ninting ari. Maya nya nuan meri ka ati nuan ngagai Roh Kudus nyendia nuan ka sebarang pengawa ti kedeka iya nunda ka penau ti udah diberi iya ka nuan. Dia iya ngering ka nuan mega ngelaban penguji Sitan ti mesti datai. Nuan mesti ngambi masa sunyi baka Tuhan Yesus sebedau ngereja ka pengawa Iya.

Sembiang

Jesus Pengajar aku, Pengibun enggau Raja serta Penebus aku, lepas ka kuasa Roh Nuan udu agi dalam aku, awak ka aku sedia ngereja barang pengawa ti kedeka Nuan, nyadi ulun Nuan niri Perintah Allah Taala. Nuan Anak ti dikesayau ka Apai. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Diambik, disemak, disalin ngau diubah ulih aku ari Mending Ka Tuhan: Berati ka Injil St Mark

Ditusun ulih F.A. Vergeer M.H.M.