The Word for Today with Ray: December 2021

Friday, December 31, 2021

People Tell Jesus His Mother and Brothers Want to See Him - Luke 8:20

Luke the beloved physician wrote concerning Jesus, “Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press”, and in chapter eight and verse twenty of his book Luke wrote how people told Jesus, “your mother and your brethren stand without, desiring to see you” where we read:

And it was told him by certain which said,

your mother and your brethren stand without, desiring to see you.

The verse reads, “And it was told him by certain which said, ...” Luke began with the words, “and it was told him” or “and at the time and moment Jesus was advised how His mother and brother desired to meet with Him” “by certain” which means “by way of and through particular individuals” “which said” or “who uttered, declared and proclaimed” the following words. Luke shared how there were particular individuals who came to Jesus with the news concerning His “mother and brothers”.

The verse continues, “... your mother and your brethren stand without, desiring to see you.” Luke added the words “your mother” which means “Jesus' direct female ancestor and progenitor” “and your brethren” or “and Jesus' brothers by birth” “stand without” which means “were standing, fixed and established outside or out of doors”, “desiring to see you” or “intending, wishing and determining to take heed of, meet with and behold Jesus”. Luke shared how people came to Jesus to let Him know about His mother and brothers being outside “intending” to “behold or meet with” Him.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' mother, Mary, and His earthly “brothers” were determined to see Jesus. They had messengers convey their desire to Jesus who was deep within the crowd of people who were assembled. The implication is that Jesus' “mother and brothers” desired to meet with Him to discuss all the popularity He was experiencing among people. Some believe they were attempting to “save” Jesus from this onslaught of attention, however, Jesus will answer this quandary in our next verse. For now let it suffice us to know Jesus had a plan to “save” all of mankind by dying on the cross for their sins. Though His family may not have known the plan at this time, Jesus continued to proceed toward God's desire to bring “salvation” to everyone who will trust in, rely upon and cling to Him, and those who are wise will seek to “meet” Him with all their hearts.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “my mother and brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Jesus' Mother and Brothers Coming to Him - Luke 8:19

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus said, “No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how you hear: for whosoever has, to him shall be given; and whosoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have”, and in chapter eight and verse nineteen of his book Luke wrote, “then came to him his mother and his brethren” where we read:

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

The verse reads, “Then came to him his mother and his brethren,” Luke began with the words, “then came to him” or “moreover at that time arose and appeared to Jesus” “his mother” which means “Jesus' direct female ancestor and progenitor” “and his brethren” or “and Jesus' brothers”. Luke shared how Jesus' “mother and brothers” came to see Him.

The verse goes on to say, “and could not come at him for the press.” Luke continued with the words “and could not come at him” which means “and were unable to meet with Jesus” “for the press” or “because of the crowd, multitude and throng of people who surrounded Jesus”. Luke shared how Jesus' “mother and brothers” were unable to “meet with” Him because there was such a large group of people encompassing Him.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how there were so many people around Jesus that even His “mother and brothers” were unable to reach Him. Jesus was an attractive individual, and His teachings and miracles drew the attention of all who heard about Him. God desires for everyone to come to Him through His Son Jesus, and whether they are His immediate “family” or those throughout the world, all are invited to yield their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Luke shares how people told Jesus, “your mother and your brethren stand without, desiring to see you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Take Heed How You Hear - Luke 8:18

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus said, “No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad”, and in chapter eight and verse eighteen of his book Luke shared how Jesus said, “take heed therefore how you hear” where we read:

Take heed therefore how you hear: for whosoever has, to him shall be given;

and whosoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have.

The verse reads, “Take heed therefore how you hear: for whosoever has, to him shall be given;” Luke began with the words, “take heed therefore” or “discern, perceive, discover and understand then, wherefore and these things being so” “how you hear” which means “in what way disciples of Jesus are endowed with the faculty of hearing, perceiving, understanding and comprehending”: “for whosoever has” or “because, since and on account that whatever person owns, possesses and holds”, “to him shall be given” which means “to that person whether male or female will be granted, bestowed, supplied and furnished”. Luke shared how Jesus warned those listening to Him to be careful of the manner in which they “hear” because people who “have possessions” will be “granted” the same.

The verse continues, “ and whosoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have.” Luke added the words “and whosoever has not” which means “and whatever person whether male or female who does not own, possess and hold”, “from him shall be taken” or “separate and away from that person will be removed, carried off and caused to cease” “even that which he seems to have” which means “also and indeed the possession the person thinks, accounts and judges that they own, possess and hold”. Luke shared how Jesus said the person who does not “have possessions” will have even that they “think they own” taken away.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we note Jesus' warning to be careful about what a person “listens to” or “hears” because there will be “judgment” or “repercussions” for those things. God desires people to listen to Him and His “gospel” through His Son Jesus Christ even though there are many other offerings in “spiritual matters” available in the world. Those who trust in their “possessions” or other words and ideas that do not align with God's ways will find themselves stripped of everything they think they own. God wants the best for all people, and what He has to say is the most important words a person will ever “hear”. Those who are wise will “listen to” Him and put away all other words that lead to being “emptied” of everything they have ever owned.

Next time Luke shares, “then came to him his mother and his brethren”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Nothing is Secret - Luke 8:17

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus explained the parable of the seed and the sower, and then said, “No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light”, and in chapter eight and verse seventeen of his book Luke shared how Jesus says, “for nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest” where we read:

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest;

neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

The verse reads, “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest;” Luke began with the words, “for nothing is secret” or “because, since and on account that not one thing is hidden or concealed”, “that shall not be made manifest” which means “that will become, happen or come into existence as apparent, evident and known”. Luke shared how Jesus said “not one thing” will be kept in a “concealed or hidden” state, and everything will be made “known and apparent”.

The verse goes on to say, “neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.” Luke continued with the words “neither any thing hid” which means “nor and not one thing that is stored up or kept secret”, “that shall not be known” or “that will not be perceived, understood and made aware of” “and come abroad” which means “and arise and appear as apparent, evident, known and plainly recognized”. Luke shared how Jesus continued with the idea of “nothing being hidden” and how everything that may be “known” will be made “apparent and plainly recognized”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn what Jesus said about everything that seems to have been kept “secret” in this world. Not one thing that is “hidden” or “concealed” by people will continue in that state. God knows everything. He knows every “secret” people have, and as the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do”. (See Hebrews 4:13). God sent His Son Jesus into the world to pay the price for the “hidden” and unhidden “sins” they have committed, and those who put their faith and trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins and receive everlasting life from God.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “take heed therefore how you hear”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

An Uncovered Candle - Luke 8:16

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus began to explain the parable of the seed and the sower to His disciples by saying, “the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience”, and in chapter eight and verse sixteen of his book Luke shared how Jesus said, “no man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel” where we read:

No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed;

but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

The verse reads, “No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed;” Luke began with the words, “no man” or “not one person whether male or female”, “when he has lighted a candle” which means “at the time and moment that person has kindled, set or fastened fire to a lamp or that which is placed on a stand or candlestick” “covers it with a vessel or “hide or veils the candle with a household utensil, domestic gear or chosen instrument”, “or puts it under a bed” which means “or sets the candle in place or lays it beneath a small bed or couch”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to a person who “lights” a “candle” but does not “cover it” with a “utensil” or “hide it” beneath a “small bed” or “couch”.

The verse continues, “but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.” Luke added the words “but sets it on a candlestick” which means “however places and fixes in place the candle upon a lamp stand or candelabrum”, “that they which enter in” or “so people who come in or make entrance into a dwelling place” “may see the light” which means “are able to discern, perceive and have the power of seeing the illumination and brightness from the candle”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to the way a person puts a “candle” or “lamp” upon a “lamp stand” or “candelabrum” so people who enter their homes or dwelling places may be able to see.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus continued His discourse concerning the “seed” sown with the illustration of a “candle” or “lamp” not being hidden. The purpose of a “candle” or “lamp” is to bring “light” for people to see. Those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ are like “lamps” or “lights” within the world, and their relationship with God is not to be “hidden”. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they are “illuminated” or “lit” with His “holy fire”, they are to be “the lights of the world” so others may come to know Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “for nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Seed on Good Ground - Luke 8:15

The beloved physician Luke shared how Jesus began to explain the parable of the seed and sower by saying, “the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection”, and in chapter eight and verse fifteen of his book Luke shared how Jesus shares about the seed sown, “on the good ground” where we read:

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word,

keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

The verse reads, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, …” Luke began with the words, “but that on the good ground” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the seed that was scattered or sown upon beautiful, handsome, excellent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful and commendable arable land or territory” “are they, which, in an honest” which means “are the people, who, with a genuine and precious” “and good heart” or “and beautiful, handsome, excellent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful and commendable soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes and endeavors”, “having heard the word” which means “who were endowed with the faculty of hearing, perceiving, understanding and comprehending the speech, decree, mandate and order of God”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to the “seed sown on good ground” being like people who “listen to and receive” the word of God with “beautiful and commendable” “souls and minds”.

The verse goes on to say, “... keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke continued with the words “keep it” which means “retain, hold fast, secure and keep firm possession of the word of God”, “and bring forth fruit” or “and produce or bear fertile deeds” “with patience” which means “with steadfastness, constancy and endurance”. Luke shared how people who receive the word of God with “good souls and minds” not only “retain” it, but also “bear fertile” fruit over long periods of times.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus told His disciples the “seed sown upon good ground” represented people with “good” “souls and minds” who receive God's word, retain it and produce “fertile fruit” in God's Kingdom over great lengths of time. This is the type “seed” and “ground” everyone should aspire to be and receive. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus Christ, and when they receive Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” and nourish that relationship with His word, they shall produce “fruit” in God's Kingdom for all their lives.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “no man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.