Why are Jews the Chosen People?

During Dinner last evening with my family, the following question was brought up: Why are Jewish people the Chosen People?  Out of all of the peoples of the world, why did God choose them?

So while I haven't been able to update this blog as frequently as I would like, I decided to combine what I responded with to my family as well as incorporate it into today's SOAP.

Scripture
Deuteronomy 7:7-9

It was not because you are more numerous than all the peoples that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you; for you are really the smallest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you and because of his fidelity to the oath he had sworn to your ancestors, that the Lord brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.  Know, then, that the Lord, your God, is God: the faithful God who keeps covenant mercy to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments...

Observation
God loved them because he made a promise to Abraham and his descendents because Abraham proved his faithfulness and love of God when he was tested.  This is what setup the Jewish people to be God's chosen people.  They were chosen to be the people where the Messiah would fulfill the prophesies and bring about salvation for the not just the Jews, but the rest of the world.  They were not chosen because they were saved.  They were not chosen because they would have a fun life full of pleasures and dancing ponies.  They had it rough.  They were enslaved.  They wandered around a desert for 40 years.  They were constantly attacked.  Many Jews died.  Being the Chosen People didn't mean you were safe and they didn't have an automatic ticket to heaven.  And not only that, God placed a pretty high standard on them compared to the rest of the heathen world.

Here's a pattern that someone pointed out that I thought was interesting:
Adam: God made a marriage covenant
Noah: God established a household covenant
Abraham: God established a tribal covenant
Moses: God established a national covenant
David: God established a national kingdom covenant
Jesus: God established a universal covenant (I added this one)


Application
Everyone thinks they're special.  So when we ask the question "why are they so special?", it's a bit selfish and humbling and sort of puts us in our place before God as we then become like the smallest of people.  Then we should realize that we are indeed special because through Jesus Christ, we are all now chosen people.  All you have to do is have faith.


Prayer
Lord, thank you for your glory on Earth and in Heaven.  You fulfilled the prophesies and brought salvation to all peoples of the Earth.  I pray that I continue to strengthen my faith in you and I pray that you help me continue to strengthen the faith in my family and friends.  Help me to understand my role in life and how I can better help others come to know your Glory and Salvation.  Amen.

Jesus Curses a Tree

Scripture
Mark 11:12-14

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he [Jesus] was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.

Observation
It is interesting that Jesus is shown here to what appears to be angered at a tree, and thus curses it so it will no longer fruit.  A few verses later (20-26), Jesus and the Apostles walk by that same tree and it is withered. Peter notices this and mentions that to Jesus, the tree he cursed is now withered!

At first, this could be a disturbing passage, that Jesus was angered at something that seemed trivial (he was hungry) and then cursed it because it didn't have any figs at that time, plus the verse mentions it wasn't even the right time of year, so it would be silly for Jesus to expect it to have figs.

So one can then conclude that Jesus knew the tree wasn't going to have figs, but purposefully let the Apostles to the tree and cursed it in front of them and this was all part of his plan.  He didn't do it out of spite, out of willy-nilly anger.  He did it on purpose and with a plan.  The plan is revealed in verses 23-26:

Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

Cursing the tree was a lesson to the Apostles.  And it's a lesson to all of us!  What first appears a bit ugly and disturbing is actually very beautiful and encouraging!  The sacrifice of the tree gives us all hope!

Application
How many times have we prayed to be healed, or prayed for a loved one, or prayed for something but in the back of your mind you're doubting. While God knows better than you, this scripture teaches us that we should believe and not doubt.  Our prayers can be powerful.  But note the little condition Jesus puts on this statement that "when you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions." which is a little prelude to our Lord's Prayer.

So, when we pray, pray with belief!  Do not doubt!  And most importantly, forgive those you have grievance with!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have taught us how to pray.  Help me to pray how you taught, pray with belief and pray with no doubts, pray with no hatred in my heart and pray with forgiveness of others.  Help all those who seek you through prayer and help us all in truly believing in you and what you promise.  I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, amen!

Christian Chains

Scripture
Acts 26:28-29

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except for these chains.”

Observation
What would Paul think about Christianity today?  I think he would be happy at how far and wide Christianity has spread.  We have come a long way since Paul was imprisoned and defending himself in court.  In some ways, Christianity has spread just like he wanted.  Many have listened to him and many have become like him without the chains. But unfortunately, people are still persecuted for being a Christian.  People are still killed for being a Christian.  How lucky are we to live in a nation where we have freedom of religion?  Yet even with that freedom, we are slowly being persecuted more and more. When will these chains finally come off, from all those who have suffered because of Jesus?  Well, I think the answer is simple, when Jesus returns and when we are resurrected on the last day.

Application
We must not give up hope.  I think a time is coming that we will be given even more challenges and it will be more difficult to be a Christian even in our great country.  There might come a time where we need to make a choice.  Do I listen to Paul and follow Jesus and risk being put in chains?  Or do I go with the flow, stay quiet and deny Him?  While I know we will each be challenged about our faith during our lives, this challenge could reach new levels.  Are we strong enough to meet that challenge?  I know I'm not strong enough on my own.  But with Jesus, I know I am strong enough.

Prayer
Jesus, stand beside me this hour and the next.  Help me to defend our faith in you and the good news that you bring.  How can people be so against the Good News?  It doesn't make sense except for the Evil One and his lies. Help defend me against satan and all his fallen.  Protect my family and my friends.  Keep all of us strong to do your Will.  If I should be challenged with my faith, I pray that you are there to help me face that challenge and to never deny you.  This I pray in your name, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Be Not Afraid

Scripture
Acts18:9-11

One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.” He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them.

Observation
Do not be afraid.  This is a powerful message that God gives to us.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you always.  Do not be afraid, for I go before you.  Be not afraid... one of my favorite songs/hymns at church.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmwD6d9Xo4

I applaud all those people that have the courage to stand up to society today and with love, tell the truth.  I don't see this often, but I've been very impressed with our current Pope Francis and his ability to speak with love and understanding and yet still speak God's truth.  It seems to upset people on the extreme left and right, but I think that means he's doing it right.

Application
How can I better proclaim the Good News? I usually avoid confrontational talk, but I should be better prepared to defend and proclaim the Good News when appropriate instead of just sitting or standing silently, looking on.  I should practice what I would say in different situations, so I don't say something completely offensive, or don't say anything at all. Everything should be approached with love, knowing that God will be with me when I need to speak on His behalf.  I'm still not sure how to do this, but I will be looking for ways to improve.

Prayer
Lord, help me to not be afraid of speaking your truth.  Help me to not be critical or shutdown when I hear people speaking your truth. I know I barely understand anything about You, and I'm just a human with faults.  You make me better.  Thank you for everything you do and I will follow you.   Amen.

Should we hate our family?

Scripture
Luke 14:26

If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Observation
Is Jesus really telling us that we must hate our father, mother, wife, children, siblings and ourselves? What does he mean?  We can look back to Abraham, he was willing to give up his own son's life for God, though he wasn't enjoying it and his heart was broken, he put God above all others and his will remained true to God.  That's what this means.  God is everything and we cannot put anyone else above Him, not even ourselves.  Jesus is using strong language here to get this point across.  To trust in Him and to follow Him, wherever it leads.  I still struggle with this passage because I think fanatics can take this to an extreme.  You can't take this out of context from the rest of the bible.  Beware of evil masquerading as your salvation.

Application
When God calls, we are too busy.  We find excuses not to heed his call.  I too often find myself in this situation where God is calling me, but I have better things to do.  Usually with church. Sports, camping, events are always getting in the way of going to church.  We try and make different times, go on Saturday evening instead of Sunday morning, or go Sunday evening.  But if church doesn't fit our schedule, it loses out. Am I putting Him above all things?  I would make a very poor disciple.  We are invited to His house dinner, but will we come or will we excuse ourselves with some lame reason like those in Luke and those in my own life? We must remain vigilant and steadfast to God's will and this requires prayer.  Don't lose sight that God is more important than sports or camping.

Prayer
My Lord, we are all so very busy these days.  I am busy.  None of that matters.  Only you matter.  Help me keep this perspective each and every day.  Help me to keep your day holy. I pray I can become a better disciple as we are all called to be your disciples.  Mother Mary of God, pray for me.  All the angles and saints in heaven, pray for me.  Jesus, save me.  Amen.

How Much More Are We

Scripture
Luke 12:22-34 (only 22-24 here)

He said to [his] disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!"

Observation
Luke 12 in general is pretty amazing, it was hard to pick out which verse to reflect upon.  I ultimately choose this one because it is the one that I remember most and it is so comforting. Isn't it great knowing that God loves us so much!? We go about our lives, worrying about so many things. Sometimes we barely have time to breath.  From our home, our work, the volunteer stuff we do, family activities, sports, school, friends and on an on.  Sometimes we can get bogged down and feel like we can't do enough, there's not enough time, we don't have enough money, etc.

Application
Sometimes we need to take a step back, take a little breather.  Reflect on our life and what we've been doing.  Prayer is so important with this and is one reason why we should do this every day, multiple times a day!  From this passage, we know that God loves us and will take care of us.  We just need to trust in Him and follow His guidance.  Sometimes we push Him out because of our busy life and that's when things can go wrong.

Prayer
Lord, help me to realize how much you love me.  Help me to realize that you will take care of me.  I thank you so much for your love and blessings.  I give up to you all of my worries, all of my fears, all of my shortcomings.  Help me to understand how much more there is to life than what I've been worrying about. Feed me Lord!  Amen.

On Being Blessed

I've spent way too much time today on this and was going to simply not write anything, but I feel I should write something.  I obviously failed at reflecting on a more consistent basis.  But again, I think I may have solved this and hopefully I can get to this at least a few times each week.  This time I've set aside time each day at work.

Scripture 
Luke 11:27-28

While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Observation
I picked this verse because this struck me as, wow, is this down-playing Jesus' mother and her role?  And I started doing research and this is where I spent a lot of time on this.  I was then going to avoid this verse as it is controversial but decided what the heck.  Mary is a very important figure to Catholics as well as Orthodox and some Protestant churches.  I found out that this is the verse that many non-Catholics use to down play Mary, mother of God.  Depending on the translation, some Bibles will show some affirmative in Jesus' reply in the form of something like "Yea, rather..." or similar (KJV).  Jesus affirms that his mother is blessed, but he goes deeper to say that hearing the word of God and observing the word is being blessed and that's what's important to us. The Greek word used there is an affirmative word to what the woman is saying.  Also, just a few chapters back you have the passage that states that all generations will call her blessed.  So Jesus is not contradicting scripture or saying that Mary is not important here.  But he is explaining how we can be blessed which is deeper and more important to us than simply stating the fact that Mary is blessed.  Which is kind of a "duh, of course she is, but if you want to know how you can be blessed, here's the formula."

Application
Sometimes we worry too much about other people when we need to first look at how we are.  How we are observing God's word and how we are obeying Jesus.  It's easy to point fingers at others and to see greatness in others without realizing that those who are wicked and those are blessed won't help my salvation at all so I should be focused on what's important first, my soul. I struggle with this as I can easily say that I care more for my children's souls than my own, or my wife's soul.  I want to put them first even before myself.  But I can't really help them, until I have helped myself.

Prayer
Lord, help me listen to you and to do your will always.  Help me understand you so I can then help my family understand you.  Help me to do your will so I can help my family do your will.  I pray that you guide me and protect me from those who would wish to do me evil. Be my guard, for no evil can surpass you.  Amen.