Priestly Parents

November 2

(Luke 1:5-6 NIV) “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. {6} Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. {7} But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.”

(1 Chronicles 24:1-10 NIV)  These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron: The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. {2} But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as the priests. {3} With the help of Zadok a descendant of Eleazar and Ahimelech a descendant of Ithamar, David separated them into divisions for their appointed order of ministering. {4} A larger number of leaders were found among Eleazar's descendants than among Ithamar's, and they were divided accordingly: sixteen heads of families from Eleazar's descendants and eight heads of families from Ithamar's descendants. {5} They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. {6} The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites--one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar. {7} The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, {8} the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, {9} the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin, {10} the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah…”

Zechariah and Elizabeth became parents late in life. Their son grew up to be known as John the Baptist -- the “voice of one calling in the desert” and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. It was not an accident that John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Neither was it an accident that he was born to parents who had given up on having children. His birth would be a miracle -- the first of many. God chose John’s parents with care. Both were descended from priestly lines that went clear back to Aaron’s day. They were steeped in the Scriptures and zealous for God’s glory. John’s ministry would eventually become more prophetic than priestly. His sanctuary would be the desert. His robe would be of camel hide. His message would be repentance. But he got his start in a home where God and God’s word were important. His foundation was solid. That is still a very good way to begin life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Post-Ascension Party

November 1

(Luke 24:52-53 NIV) “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. {53} And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

(John 4:24 NIV) "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

(Romans 12:1 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

(Revelation 4:10-11 NIV) ""The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: {11} "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.""

After Christ’s ascension into Heaven, His followers returned to Jerusalem with great joy in their hearts. Despair and fear were behind them. Jesus had defeated darkness and death. They knew the truth now, and their response was continual worship. For a time, they were at the temple every day, praising God and proclaiming the resurrection. They were Christ’s witnesses, and they preached repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all who would listen. This was their “spiritual act of worship”. The church today is still called to these same behaviors. We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and live our lives with joy, filled with praise for God. Worship Christ in spirit and in truth, for He is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power”. He is risen, and He has ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Praise the Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day       

Lifted to Heaven

October 31

(Luke 24:50-51 NIV) “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. {51} While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.”

(Acts 1:9-11 NIV) ““After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. {10} They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. {11} "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.””

(Mark 16:19-20 NIV) “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. {20} Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”

The earthly ministry of Jesus didn’t end with His death on the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus walked among His people for some forty days before His ascension into heaven. Scripture says, He was “taken up”. When people ask where heaven is, the scriptural answer is “up”. No one knows how far up heaven is, but from an earthly perspective we know that it’s not down. Jesus was taken up and eventually disappeared into the clouds. Scripture also notes that He was “taken”. Even though Christ could walk through walls after His resurrection, Scripture says He was “taken up”. This implies that He didn’t go home on His own power. God the Father chose the dates for Christ’s birth and death, and He chose the date that Jesus would be “taken up”. God provided the power for the resurrection and the ascension. He still does. Have you trusted in God’s power? It’s the only way to fly. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Spirit Powered Star Witnesses

October 30

(Luke 24:48-49 NIV) "You are witnesses of these things. {49} I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

(Acts 1:8 NIV) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

(Matthew 10:18 NIV) "On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles."

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others. He told them that they were now His witnesses to the world. They were to represent Him well and tell His story. He would no longer be there in body, but they would not be alone. They would not be operating on their own power. God’s Holy Spirit would adorn them with power from above. His mighty power would propel them outward as they took the Gospel to their neighbors, and to the entire world. They would appear before many high government officials and magistrates, but they were not to worry. The Spirit would give them words of testimony to share. From now on, they would be Spirit-powered witnesses. Christians, this is still our calling. We have been called to live as Spirit-powered witnesses. On our own, we will fail miserably. But with the Spirit’s power, we can become star witnesses for Christ. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Main Thing

October 29

(Luke 24:46-47 NIV) ““He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, {47} and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.””

(Mark 16:15-16 NIV) ““He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.””

(Acts 2:38-40 NIV) ““Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." {40} With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.””

Preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins is out of fashion among many well-read and enlightened Christians today. “Social Justice” and “Kingdom Living” dominate the agenda in many a church, and while these should be part of a complete discipleship package, we should never forget the main thing. The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing! Jesus did not die on the cross so that we could live better and be more compassionate. He would have us grow into those things, but Christ came to die for the sins of the world. He came to save us, and the road to salvation runs through repentance. Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead so that repentance and forgiveness of sins could be preached in all nations. He wants everyone to repent and be saved. This was Christ’s main thing. It was also the early church’s main thing. And it ought to be our main thing. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Open Minds

October 28

(Luke 24:45 NIV) “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”

(John 20:22 NIV) ““And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.””

(1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV) “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

The disciples spent three years walking with God Himself, but still struggled to understand the Scriptures. They seemed unable to grasp the “big picture” regarding Christ’s death and resurrection. But then, in a continuing display of grace, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and their minds were opened. Sometimes we forget that without divine help from the Spirit of God, we have little hope of grasping the things of the Lord. We may trust in reason to guide us into spiritual truth, but that can actually dampen the Spirit’s voice. We can read books and attend seminars, but if God’s Spirit is not active in our lives, translating God’s truth, we will fail at really understanding the Scriptures. We may appear sophisticated on the surface, but deep in our souls we will still be wandering and wondering. Like salvation, spiritual understanding is a gift from God. Pray for the Spirit to open your mind. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Everything Must Be Fulfilled

October 27

(Luke 24:44 NIV) ““He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.””

(Luke 24:27 NIV) “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

(Luke 18:31 NIV) ““Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.””

(Matthew 5:17 NIV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

(John 1:45 NIV) ““Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.””

Jesus told His disciples that everything written about Him in the Scriptures had to be fulfilled. When He spoke of the Scriptures, Jesus was speaking about the Old Testament. The Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms speak of a coming Messiah who would be a King and who would set Israel free -- a Messiah who would suffer and die for His people. Before His death, Jesus told His disciples that he was that Messiah. After His resurrection, He took them back to the Old Testament and explained it to them again. To those who would disconnect Christianity from the Old Testament, Jesus would say, “But that was my Bible. It is God’s word. It speaks of me. It is the Scripture that I came to fulfill. Don’t marginalize it! Embrace it, study it, and love it, along with the Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament. It all contains my word to you.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

His Hands and Feet

October 26

(Luke 24:39-40 NIV) ““Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." {40} When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.””

(Psalms 22:16 NIV) "Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet."

(Isaiah 53:5 NIV) "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

(Zechariah 12:10 NIV) "They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son."

(Revelation 1:7 NIV) "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen."

After Jesus rose from the dead, His body looked familiar, but it was also different. More than once, the disciples had trouble recognizing Him. Perhaps it was just their amazement and doubt, but it is also apparent that glory had somehow changed Christ’s appearance. His body had been transformed. On more than one occasion, Jesus referred to His hands and feet to confirm His identify. They had been pierced for our transgressions by evil men, and He bore the marks. He still bears those marks, and a day is coming when we will all look upon the One whom our sins have pierced. When Christ comes on the clouds to judge the world, every eye will see His hands and feet. Some will rejoice and some will mourn. Which group will you be in? Look at Him now! Believe now! And you will be among those who rejoice. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Touch Me and See

October 25

(Luke 24:37-43 NIV) ““They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. {38} He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? {39} Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." {40} When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. {41} And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" {42} They gave him a piece of broiled fish, {43} and he took it and ate it in their presence.””

(Matthew 9:20-22 NIV) ““Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. {21} She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." {22} Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.””

(Matthew 14:35-36 NIV) “And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him {36} and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.”

Often you will hear people say, “That person needs a touch from God.” While it is true that Christ occasionally reached out and touched people, perhaps what is more needed in our culture today are people who desire to touch Him. Reaching out to touch the Lord reveals an active faith. Being touched by God is more passive. Both touches can bring miraculous results, but a desire to touch Jesus and be changed is the genesis of saving faith. The risen Christ invited the troubled and doubtful disciples to touch Him. They thought He might be a ghost. But Jesus said, “It is me. Touch me. I have real flesh and bones. Do you have something I could eat? Believe!” Jesus is risen, and He is looking for people who will seek Him and reach out for Him -- people who desire to touch Him and be healed. Is your faith actively seeking Jesus today? Find Him and touch Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Peace of God

October 24

(Luke 24:36 NIV) "Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you.""

(Luke 2:14 NIV) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

(John 14:27 NIV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

(Philippians 4:7 NIV) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Early in Genesis, we hear God speak peace into the creation. Light overpowers darkness, and chaos surrenders to order. Later in the Gospels, when God comes to Earth in person, the angels declare that peace has come to Earth. At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus again speaks peace into His creation. The disciples were in disarray following Christ’s death, but the risen Lord spoke order into their chaos. He can still do that. The peace of God that surpasses all comprehension is available to those who will receive it. The chaos and darkness that have plagued our lives are no match for the serenity and light of Christ. The voice of our Savior can still bring tranquility to the troubled and fearful heart. The Spirit and the Scriptures enable us to face even death with assurance and peace of mind. Is that what your faith does for you? Have you received His peace? Will you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Standing Among Us

October 23

(Luke 24:36 NIV) "While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you.""

(John 20:19 NIV) "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!""

(John 20:26 NIV) "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!""

Jesus rose from the dead and stood among His disciples. He stood among them, and it changed them forever. Their hearts burned within them. The peace of God overwhelmed them. Their eyes were opened. They were never the same again after that day when Jesus stood among them. Jesus is still standing among us, and God calls us to respond to Him. He stands among us through His Holy Spirit, and He calls to the hearts of men and women. He stands among us in His word, which still speaks to hearing ears. He stands among us in His Church, which grows daily. Every day, more and more people respond to His presence. Will you be among them? Will you recognize him? Will you hear his voice? Will you feel His peace? Will you allow him to open your eyes fully? Is your heart burning within you? Respond to His presence and turn toward Him. He stands among us. Stand with Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Tell the Story

October 22

(Luke 24:33-35 NIV) ““They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together {34} and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." {35} Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.””

(Luke 8:36-39 NIV) ““Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. {37} Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. {38} The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, {39} "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.””

(Acts 1:8 NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

When you meet someone who has risen from the dead, it’s hard to keep it a secret. The two men who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus couldn’t wait to get back to Jerusalem and tell the story. When they arrived, they found the other disciples also telling the story. Jesus wants us to tell the story. After He had driven a legion of demons from a man in the region of Gerasenes, He commanded the man to return home and tell the story in the ten city area where he lived. Do you realize how the world could be changed if every Christian just told their story? Jesus does! And that’s why He commanded us to be His witnesses in our community, and even “to the ends of the Earth.” The church needs people who will tell their story. Speak up church! Take the muzzle off. But remember… to tell the story, you must first have a story. Have you met the risen Christ? Maybe it’s time for a meeting! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Hearts on Fire

October 21

(Luke 24:32 NIV) ““They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?””

(Jeremiah 20:9 NIV) ““But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.””

(2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV) ““For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.””

When Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus as Lord, they realized why their hearts had been burning within them. Jesus lights a fire in His people, and the wise disciple will tend it and feed it. You will be seen as strange if your heart burns for Jesus. You can be fired up about a political candidate or a sports team, but if your fire burns for the Lord, you will be seen as odd. So be it! What the church needs today are believers whose hearts burn within them. We need prophets whose hearts are on fire and who are weary of holding God’s word in, like a “fire shut up in their bones.” We need disciples who will allow the light of their fires to illumine the darkness of our world. We need Christians whose fire for Jesus cannot be extinguished by the wet blanket crowd of agnostics that surround them -- whose fire will burn down the gates of hell from the outside. Stoke the fire! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Spiritual Squinters

October 20

(Luke 24:31 NIV) “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him…”

(Luke 18:35-43 NIV) ““As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. {36} When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. {37} They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." {38} He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" {39} Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" {40} Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, {41} "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. {42} Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." {43} Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.””

(Ezekiel 12:2 NIV) “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.”

Yesterday we saw the sovereignty of God, but today let’s think about the free will of man. These two may appear to be incompatible, but they are really like two sides of the same coin. The Lord cures our blindness, but we must be willing to open our eyes. In His sovereignty, God gives us that choice. Jesus gives us sight and reveals Himself to us, but many do not want to see Him up close. Some prefer a fuzzy view of God. They become spiritual squinters. This allows them to keep God looking distant and indistinct. Clearly seeing Jesus changes us, and many of us don’t want to change. Open your eyes, Christian. Join the blind beggar in saying, “Lord I want to see.” Exercise your free will and gaze upon the face of Christ. Let His light fill you. Don’t be a willing partner in vision impairment. Don’t live your life as a spiritual squinter. Jesus is near. Open your eyes! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Then Their Eyes Were Opened

October 19

(Luke 24:15-16, 30-31 NIV) “As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; {16} but they were kept from recognizing him. -- {30} When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. {31} Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

(Romans 9:14-21 NIV) ““What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! {15} For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." {16} It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. {17} For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." {18} Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. {19} One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" {20} But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" {21} Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?””

(2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV) ““When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. {16} "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." {17} And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.””

Scripture tells us that Cleopas and his friend were prevented from recognizing Jesus. Think about that. Jesus may be very near to us, but we may be blind to Him. This is a lesson in the sovereignty of God. We can dispute it, we can curse it, we can consign it to the trash heap of discarded doctrines, but we cannot deny its existence on the pages of God’s word. God is sovereign. He reveals Himself to those whom He chooses. God eventually opened the eyes of the two men so they could recognize him. But unless God opens our eyes, we will remain blind to His presence. It is by grace you have been saved. God, in His sovereignty, has granted us vision. “I once was blind, but now I see.” If you know Jesus today, it is because He revealed Himself to you. Praise Him for His goodness. Thank Him for His mercy and revelation. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Stay With Us

October 18

(Luke 24:28-29 NIV) ““As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. {29} But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.””

(John 15:4 NIV) “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

(Psalm 51:11 NIV) “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

One mark of a true disciple is the desire to be with Jesus. The genuine follower of Christ will want to be in His presence. The men on the road to Emmaus did not want Jesus to leave. Like King David, they begged God to remain with them. Being in His presence was so sweet that they did not want it to end. We need Christians today who deeply desire more of Jesus, instead of taking His presence for granted. The Lord will know when we truly want Him with us. Our behavior will indicate our love. We’ll savor our times with Him. We won’t hide from him, or keep parts of our lives secret. We’ll quit making excuses for not praying. We’ll hardly be able to wait for Bible study. We’ll stop watching the clock during church. We’ll begin to enjoy God’s people more than worldly people. We’ll pray for His presence. God is looking for people who can’t get enough of Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

All the Scriptures

October 17

(Luke 24:25-27 NIV) ““He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! {26} Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" {27} And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.””

(John 5:39-40 NIV) “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, {40} yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

(2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV) “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, {15} and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. {16} All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The attitude of Christians toward the Old Testament varies widely. Some say it is no longer pertinent -- others say it carries the same weight as it did before Christ. But what is often overlooked is that the Old Testament was Christ’s Bible. When Jesus referred to the Scriptures, He was referring to our Old Testament. He spoke of them as God’s truth. He also used them to explain Himself and His mission. Jesus told Cleopas and his friend that if they understood the Law and the Prophets, they would know why the Messiah came, and why He had to die. Scripture itself does not bring eternal life, but it leads us to the One who does. God’s word, both the Old and New Testaments, points us to the Lord Jesus Christ. All Scripture comes from God, and is given to strengthen us, correct us, equip us, and save us. Dig in, and look for Christ in every word given to us by the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Powerful in Word and Deed

October 16

(Luke 24:18-24 NIV) ““One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" {19} "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.””

(Acts 7:22 NIV) “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

(Colossians 3:17 NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

(James 2:22 NIV)  "You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

Many Christians today want to be like Jesus. We buy WWJD bracelets. We attend seminars and buy books by the latest gurus and mega-church pastors. We are constantly searching for the right formula. But today, Cleopas gives us the formula for free. He declares that Jesus was a prophet, powerful in word and deed. And so if you really want to be like Jesus, work at becoming powerful in word and deed. Bulk up on God’s word, and then live it out before God and people. Speak the truth in love, and live the truth in love. Live and love as though Jesus lived in you. Pray to become powerful in speech and action. Speak and live in a way that Jesus could endorse. The size of our arena does not matter. When our speech and actions work together, our faith becomes complete, and we can grow powerful in word and deed. Be and do! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Downcast Faces

October 15

(Luke 24:17-24 NIV) ““He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. {18} One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" {19} "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. {20} The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; {21} but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. {22} In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning {23} but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. {24} Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.””

(John 16:16-22 NIV) ““In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." {17} Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and' Because I am going to the Father'?" {18} They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying." {19} Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? {20} I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. {21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. {22} So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.””

Without the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christian has no cause for joy. Our salvation is found in His suffering atonement and His glorious victory over death. There are teachers today who say that it’s unhealthy to focus on the cross and the blood of Jesus. They contend that the love of Christ, along with His life’s teaching, should be sufficient for Christian joy. But the two men on the road to Emmaus knew better. They had walked with Jesus. They had experienced His love and teaching. But they had no joy. They walked with downcast faces. They had hoped… but now they had none. It was not until they met the risen Christ, and came to understand His death for the forgiveness of their sin, that they found cause for celebration. Jesus came to bleed and die for the salvation of sinners. Only when we know that, and know Him as risen, can we find healing for our downcast faces. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Walking With Jesus Unaware

October 14

(Luke 24:13-16 NIV) “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. {14} They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. {15} As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; {16} but they were kept from recognizing him.”

(John 20:24-31 NIV) ““Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. {25} So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." {26} A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" {27} Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." {28} Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" {29} Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." {30} Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. {31} But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.””

When we reach the other side and know fully, we will be surprised at how many times Jesus walked beside us, and we were unaware. There are seasons of life when we are kept from recognizing His presence. In His sovereignty, God takes us through valleys where the sun is hidden and the darkness seems strong. In those times, faith must carry us through. He walks with us, even when we are unaware. We may ask, “How will I know when Jesus is walking with me?” That is the wrong question. We should be asking, “How will Jesus know when I am walking with Him?” We must get the focus off of our desire for awareness, and onto the desires of the Lord. He does not live to please us -- we live to please Him. We walk with Him when we put His words into practice and follow Him… even when we cannot see Him. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

The Wonder of It All

October 13

(Luke 24:9-12 NIV) “When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. {10} It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. {11} But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. {12} Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.”

(Luke 24:1-4 NIV) “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. {2} They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, {3} but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. {4} While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.”

(John 20:24-27 NIV) ““Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. {25} So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." {26} A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" {27} Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.””

The resurrection is a wonder greater than any of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. It is so wondrous that it can be difficult to believe. The women who saw the empty tomb wondered what it meant. Peter went to see, and also walked away wondering. Wonder is a positive term, but it’s only about a half inch from doubt, which is almost always toxic. Even though Jesus had told them He would rise again, the disciples doubted the women’s story. They considered it nonsense. Thomas’s response quickly skidded past wonder and into the pit of doubt. It took a special visit from the risen Christ to heal him. When you think of the resurrection, does it produce wonder, or doubt? Christian agnostics abound today in our polluted atmosphere of biblical skepticism. Wondrous stories are written off as myth because they seem like nonsense. Don’t go there! Believe the wonder. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Then They Remembered

October 12

(Luke 24:5-8 NIV) ““In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? {6} He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: {7} 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" {8} Then they remembered his words.””

(John 2:22 NIV) “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.”

Jesus spoke many words to his followers while He lived among them. We have only a few of them recorded in the New Testament. But, like us, His disciples often forgot what He said. Many times it did not make sense, or it was just too hard a teaching for minds not yet filled with the Spirit of God. The women went to the tomb to anoint a dead man because they forgot that Jesus said He would rise again on the third day. They had been surprised by His crucifixion because they forgot that He told them it was coming. Memory is a great gift, but many times it fails us. Worse yet, we are often very subjective and selective about what we file away in our memories. Whatever the case, until the angels reminded them, these women had forgotten that Christ had clearly spoken of His resurrection. What have you forgotten that Jesus has clearly told you? What will it take to jog your memory? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

He Has Risen

October 11

(Luke 24:1-6a NIV) ““On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. {2} They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, {3} but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. {4} While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. {5} In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? {6} He is not here; he has risen!””

(Acts 2:29-36 NIV) ““Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. {30} But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. {31} Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. {32} God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. {33} Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. {34} For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand {35} until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."' {36} "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.””

The empty tomb is one of the greatest miracles ever performed by God. Christ’s resurrection from the dead gives hope to billions of people, and it is the heartbeat of Christianity. If the women lied or were somehow deceived, the foundation for faith crumbles, and we who believe are fools. When the Spirit bears witness, and the resurrection of Jesus becomes truth in our hearts, we join the women in bowing down with our faces to the ground. A God so powerful as to command angels and bring the dead back to life, cannot be approached flippantly. The stone has been rolled away. The tomb is empty. Jesus is not there. He is no longer confined by Earth and flesh. He has risen, and we waste our time looking for the living among the dead. Give up the search for “life” in the stuff of this world. Look for life in Christ. Jesus is Lord and He lives! We serve a risen Savior. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Decent Burial

October 10

(Luke 23:50-56 NIV) “Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, {51} who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. {52} Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. {53} Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. {54} It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. {55} The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. {56} Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”

(Matthew 27:57-61 NIV) “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. {58} Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. {59} Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, {60} and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. {61} Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.”

(John 19:38-39 NIV) “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. {39} He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.”

After Christ’s death, two men stepped forward to claim His body. Joseph and Nicodemus were wealthy members of the ruling council that sentenced Jesus to death. They had both become “secret” disciples, because they feared their religious colleagues. But their hearts had been changed. That’s conversion. Now they both came out in a very public way, providing a compassionate service to our Savior. They could not prevent Christ’s death, but at least they could give Him a decent burial. We learn a couple of things here. First, wealthy people can be followers of Jesus. It’s not about our net worth -- it’s about our hearts. We also learn that one can only be a clandestine follower of Jesus for so long. At some point, circumstances will demand that we go public with our faith. Where are you in that? How about going public today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Believe and Confess

October 9

(Luke 23:47-49 NIV) ““The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." {48} When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. {49} But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.””

(Mark 15:39-41 NIV) ““And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" {40} Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. {41} In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.””

(Romans 10:9-13 NIV) ““… if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. {11} As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." {12} For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, {13} for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””

(1 Timothy 1:15 NIV) “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.”

Becoming a Christian is fairly simple. Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and you will be saved. It’s being a disciple that can prove to be difficult. This was the challenge of the Roman Centurion who oversaw Christ’s crucifixion. As he stood near the cross, he heard Christ offering forgiveness and mercy to soldiers and thieves alike -- and as he watched Jesus take His last breath, the Centurion’s heart was changed. He realized what the women standing nearby had known for months: that this man was the righteous Son of God. He believed in his heart, and confessed with his mouth. In so doing, he joined the crucified thief in becoming a man of faith, ready for Paradise. If thieves and men who crucified Christ can be saved, so can you. Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth. He is Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Ultimate Sacrifice

October 8

(Luke 23:46 NIV) ““Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.””

(Matthew 27:50 NIV) “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.”

(Romans 5:6-9 NIV) “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. {7} Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. {8} But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. {9} Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!”

(1 Corinthians 15:3 NIV) “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”

(Hebrews 2:14 NIV) “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil”

(1 Peter 3:18 NIV) “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

After around six hours on the cross, Jesus died. Luke, the physician, says, “He breathed His last.” Matthew says, “He gave up His spirit.” Let that soak in. God incarnate, the Word become flesh, the Creator of the universe… died. It is such a difficult concept that many cannot accept it. But it is an essential, foundational truth of Christianity. Our faith and salvation depend upon Christ’s death. He died for us. He died for our sins. He died to destroy the power of the devil. He died to conquer death. He died to bring us to God. In love, God gave the life of His Son to save us from the eternal penalty for our sins. Yes, Jesus was a good teacher, and He came to establish a community called the church. But His main purpose in coming was to save sinners. That’s you and me. Believe, and receive His gift. Accept His sacrifice. Believe, and be saved. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Torn Curtain

October 7

(Luke 23:44-45 NIV) “It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, {45} for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”

(Exodus 26:33 NIV) “Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”

(Hebrews 10:19-23 NIV) “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, {20} by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, {21} and since we have a great priest over the house of God, {22} let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. {23} Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

For a short time, as Jesus hung dying on the cross, darkness appeared to triumph over light. As Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world, the darkness grew bolder, and in a last ditch effort to defeat the light, it asserted itself over nature. Satan may have even claimed victory for a brief moment, as Christ took His last breath. But in that same moment, defeat came when the curtain in the Temple was torn in two. The barrier that separated God’s holy presence from humanity was torn asunder. The dividing wall between God and His people was no more. The sacrifice was complete. The Lamb of God had been slain for the sins of the world. God’s Spirit would no longer dwell behind a curtain in a temple made by human hands. He would now live in the hearts of those covered by the blood of the Lamb. They would be His dwelling place and His temple. Hallelujah! The curtain is gone! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

The Man in the Middle

October 6

(Luke 23:39-43 NIV) ““One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" {40} But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? {41} We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." {42} Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." {43} Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.””

(2 Corinthians 5:8-10 NIV) “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. {9} So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. {10} For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Two thieves were crucified along with Jesus -- one on His left, the other on His right. One died in sin, and faced the grimmest of reapers -- the other died with God’s assurance of Paradise. The difference between the two was their attitude toward the man in the middle. One cursed Jesus, and told Him that if He was really the Christ, He would save them and Himself. The second man rebuked the first, saying that they deserved punishment for their sin, but that Jesus was innocent. Then he uttered a short, but profound salvation prayer, acknowledging Jesus as Lord, and asking for God’s mercy. He asked the right person. The man in the middle just happened to be the Son of God, and Christ assured the repentant thief that they would soon be together in Paradise. Jesus is still the man in the middle -- the man between us and hell. And the wise still appeal to Him for mercy. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

If You Are

October 5

(Luke 23:35-38 NIV) ““The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." {36} The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar {37} and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." {38} There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.””

(Matthew 4:3-7 NIV) ““The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" {5} Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. {6} "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {7} Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.””

(Hebrews 12:2 NIV) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Everyone has their own perspective. The disciples saw the cross as a defeat. The writer of Hebrews saw the cross as a gateway to eternal joy and to the very throne of God. Satan saw the cross as one last opportunity for temptation, hoping Christ would abandon His mission of mercy. The sneering, mocking people were Satan’s tools. They taunted Jesus: “Show off your power. If you are God, prove it by coming down from the cross.” Satan had used the same line at the beginning of Christ’s ministry -- “if you are”. It was the same temptation: grab earthly power, instead of seeking God’s glory. But Jesus did not waiver. An eternal God does not think in terms of “if”. The great “I Am” does not deal in possibilities. Christ did not come to batter His enemies into submission, but to die for their sins. The cross was not a mistake or a defeat -- it was Christ’s original mission. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

By Grace

October 4

(Luke 22:34 NIV) ““Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.””

(Colossians 1:19-23 NIV) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, {20} and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. {21} Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. {22} But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- {23} if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.”

(Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. {8} For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The first words from Jesus after He was brutally crucified were in the form of a short prayer. He prayed that His Father would forgive those who nailed him to the cross. They did not deserve mercy. They had mocked, spit on, beat, and crucified the sinless Lamb of God. They did not deserve forgiveness -- and neither do we. But that is Christ’s prayer - then and now. We all drive nails into the hands and feet of our Lord in some way. All of us sin and fall short of God’s glory -- ALL of us. There are none innocent. No one is sinless. Every sin, whether we think of it as big or small, is a spike driven through the flesh of Christ and into the blood-stained wood of the cross. Jesus took every one of those nails and yet prayed, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” That’s grace -- unsolicited, undeserved, unearned mercy. “Because of His great love for us…” Praise Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

The Cross

October 3

(Luke 23:32-33 NIV) ““Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. {33} When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left.

(Psalms 22:16 NIV) “Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.”

(Galatians 2:20 NIV) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Crucifixion is extremely painful and brings a slow, torturous death. This was the death suffered by our Jesus. Christians love to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is the most important event in human history. It literally changed the world. We love our Easter Sunday. But before Sunday, came Friday -- before the resurrection, came a crucifixion. To get to the resurrection, Jesus had to go through the cross -- and so must we. Many Christians today would prefer to skip the cross. They would rather go directly to the resurrection. But without the cross, there is no resurrection. Without the cross, there is no forgiveness of sin. Without the cross, there is no eternal salvation. We must die to ourselves, before we can be born again. We must accept our crucifixion, before Christ can live in us. All roads to the resurrection lead to the cross of Christ. We cannot skip the cross. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

When the Tree Dries Up

October 2

(Luke 23:27-31 NIV) ““A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. {28} Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. {29} For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' {30} Then "'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' {31} For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?””

(Mark 4:4-6 NIV) “As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. {5} Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. {6} But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.”

(2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 NIV) “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. {8} And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. {9} The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, {10} and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. {11} For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie {12} and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

Women wept and wailed as they followed Jesus to Golgotha. But Christ said, “Don’t cry for me -- instead, weep for your children. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. If people do this when God’s Son is here and the tree is green… they will do worse things when He’s gone and the tree dries up.” Christ’s words to the women became a reality. Israel's hollow religion would soon come crashing down on both the guilty and the innocent. The three crosses on the hill that day were only a sampling of the judgment to come. When the Roman Army crushed a rebellion in Israel some years later, thousands of crosses lined the roads to Jerusalem. There was no mercy to be found. Infants were killed along with women and children, and God’s people were turned into wanderers and orphans for almost two thousand years. When the tree dries up, there is no longer any shade to be found. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Divine Interruptions

October 1    

(Luke 23:26 NIV) “As they led Jesus away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.”

(Mark 15:21 NIV) “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

Divine interruptions are not always pleasant, but they always serve God’s purpose. Simon of Cyrene was minding his own business when a Roman soldier ordered him to carry the cross of Christ. Jesus had been weakened by a severe beating and was unable to carry its weight. Simon was likely perturbed that his life had been interrupted. He had to be anxious about the welfare of his two sons. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time… or was he? As believers, we will need to do some unscheduled, tough ministry at times. It may be unpleasant -- even painful. This may come as a shock, but being comfortable and being a Christian are not always compatible. We are called by God to hurt along with others… to share their pain… to carry their cross… even though we may have other plans. And when those divine interruptions come, we are in the right place at the right time. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Surrendered To Their Will

September 30

(Luke 23:11-25 NIV) ““Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. {12} That day Herod and Pilate became friends--before this they had been enemies. {13} Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, {14} and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. {15} Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. {16} Therefore, I will punish him and then release him." {17}  {18} With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" {19} (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) {20} Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. {21} But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" {22} For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him." {23} But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. {24} So Pilate decided to grant their demand. {25} He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.””

(Matthew 27:19-26 NIV) ““While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." {20} But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. {21} "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. {22} "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" {23} "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" {24} When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" {25} All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" {26} Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.””

(Romans 12:1-2 NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We learn four things today. First, “passing the buck” is not a new phenomenon. Politicians, pundits, and preachers have done it for centuries. When Pilate passed the buck to Herod, Herod passed it back, and they became friends. Second, power corrupts. It corrupts because some have it and some don’t -- and those who have it will pay just about any price to keep it. Pilate was such a man. Third, having power and being spineless is a bad combination. We see it in many leaders today. When faced with the innocent Jesus, Pilate succumbed to the pressures of the crowd. He forfeited power to stay in power. Holding onto his position became more important than true justice. And fourth, one cannot do “their will” and “God’s will” at the same time. We will either conform to the will of the world, or we will be transformed to obey the will of God. We cannot do both. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Curiosity Killed the Cat

September 29

(Luke 23:4-12 NIV) ““Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man." {5} But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here." {6} On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. {7} When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. {8} When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. {9} He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. {10} The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. {11} Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. {12} That day Herod and Pilate became friends--before this they had been enemies.””

(Luke 9:7-9 NIV) ““Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, {8} others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. {9} But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.””

Herod was curious about Jesus. He had even tried to see Him. He wanted to see a miracle. He wasn’t interested in Jesus as a person -- he wasn’t looking for a Lord, he was looking for entertainment. But when Christ stood before Herod, He stood silent and did no miracles. Herod got to see nothing. He was disappointed and angered, so he ridiculed and mocked Christ. This is what happens when people are merely curious about Jesus, or when people see church as a place to be entertained. People come by the thousands to see miracles, but when Christ doesn’t deliver for them personally, they often mutate from curious to critical. Jesus didn’t come to entertain us with miracles -- He came to save our souls. But until the curiosity becomes conviction, and the conviction becomes conversion, it counts for nothing -- and the old saying will remain true: “Curiosity killed the cat.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Murder on the Mind

September 28

(Luke 23:1-5 NIV) ““Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. {2} And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king." {3} So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. {4} Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man." {5} But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.””

(Psalms 94:21-23 NIV) “They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. {22} But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. {23} He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.”

When Jesus told the council of elders that He was the Son of God, they immediately sent Him to Pilate. They had murder on their minds, and Pilate was the one who could hand out a death sentence. They accused Jesus of subverting the nation, opposing payment of taxes, and claiming to be Christ the King. Pilate seemed interested in only one of the charges, and asked Jesus if He was King of the Jews. Jesus said, “Yes.” Immediately, Pilate told Christ’s accusers that he could find no basis for criminal charges. But they persisted and eventually prevailed. Once more, Jesus tells us who He really is -- He is the King, and the Christ. This claim still brings murder to the minds of many. They will assassinate character, bring charges of discrimination, invent false charges, and do whatever they can to silence the truth of God. But they will not succeed. They never have -- and they never will. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

From His Own Lips

September 27

(Luke 22:63-71 NIV) ““The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. {64} They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" {65} And they said many other insulting things to him. {66} At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. {67} "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, {68} and if I asked you, you would not answer. {69} But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." {70} They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." {71} Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.””

(Matthew 16:13-16 NIV) ““When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" {14} They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." {15} "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" {16} Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””

The haunting question with Jesus is, “Who is this man?” It is the most important question you will ever answer. The men guarding Him thought they knew. As they beat Him and mocked Him, their taunts betrayed their hearts. Imagine their surprise and horror when they stood before Him on the day of their death. Jesus did not mince words when He stood before the religious elite. When asked if He was the Christ, He answered with a name they understood: “I AM”. He was indeed the Christ, and they were correct in saying that He was the Son of God. Many silly critics have said that Jesus never personally claimed to be God. But that is precisely what He is saying here. He is declaring, “I am the Christ, the Son of God, the “I Am”, and I will be seated at the right hand of Almighty God in eternity.” With His own lips Jesus tells us who He is. Do you need any more testimony? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

At a Distance

September 26

(Luke 22:54-62 NIV) ““Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. {55} But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. {56} A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." {57} But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. {58} A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. {59} About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." {60} Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. {61} The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." {62} And he went outside and wept bitterly.””

(Hebrews 11:35-40 NIV) “Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. {36} Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. {37} They were stoned ; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- {38} the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. {39} These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. {40} God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

It was a night of fear and confusion. Armed soldiers arrested Jesus, and His disciples ran for their lives. However, Peter stayed just close enough to observe what was happening. Scripture says he “followed at a distance”. Before His arrest, Jesus predicted that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny knowing Him three times. As Peter followed at a distance, he was recognized and confronted. He denied Christ three times, the rooster crowed, and Jesus looked at Peter. He was overwhelmed by shame and ran again, this time weeping bitterly. Today, many who claim allegiance to Christ deny Him on a daily basis. With words left unsaid, and deeds left undone, we too, follow at a distance. But eventually, like Peter, we will come under His gaze, and our hearts will be seized with shame. Following Christ at a distance still results in bitter weeping. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Arresting God

September 25

(Luke 22:49-54 NIV) ““When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" {50} And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. {51} But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him. {52} Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? {53} Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour--when darkness reigns." {54} Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.””

(Acts 7:48-56 NIV) ““However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: {49} "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? {50} Has not my hand made all these things?' {51} "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! {52} Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- {53} you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." {54} When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. {55} But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. {56} "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.””

It was a dark night when a mob of human beings arrested God. Think about that – God’s creation in open rebellion, arresting the Creator and holding Him prisoner. They operated in darkness, as light would have exposed their evil deeds and illumined their naked insurrection. They came with swords and clubs as though numbers alone would not suffice. If you look at their faces you’ll see they are the same people who wanted to rape the Lord’s angels in Sodom. They are the same people who picked up rocks to stone the woman caught in adultery. They are the same people who gnashed their teeth and killed the prophet Stephen. They are the same people who tried to kill Paul at the temple in Jerusalem. In the darkness, their outlines look vaguely familiar -- and if you look long enough, it will eventually dawn on you that they look a lot like you and me. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Judas Kiss

September 24

(Luke 22:47-48 NIV) ““While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, {48} but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?””

(Matthew 27:3-10 NIV)  "When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. {4} "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." {5} So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. {6} The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." {7} So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. {8} That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. {9} Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, {10} and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me.""

Judas led an armed crowd to Jesus and gave Him a kiss. It was the kiss of death -- for Jesus and for Judas. For both it was a fulfillment of prophecy. Betrayal is often a hasty action. It can happen on the spur of the moment, but its ramifications can last a lifetime. We have all done it, and we have all regretted it. Judas tried to “take it back”. He tried to return the blood money given him, but the weight of sin was too heavy on his heart, and it crushed him. Sin never gets lighter or easier to bear. It grows heavier by the day. And religion won’t help. The chief priests told Judas there was nothing they could do. Only a relationship with Jesus can save us from our sin, and Judas had severed that relationship. As Judas hung himself, he had to be thinking, “Why did I kiss and then condemn an innocent man? I was so close!” But when it comes to eternity, “close” doesn’t count. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day