The Sign of Jonah

May 31

(Luke 11:29-30 NIV) “As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. {30} For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

(Matthew 12:39-40 NIV) “But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. {40} For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

(Jonah 1:15-17 NIV) “Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. {16} At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. {17} But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.”

(Jonah 3:1-5 NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." {3} Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days. {4} On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." {5} The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”

There were people who demanded a sign from Jesus to prove that He was the Messiah. Jesus told them that only one sign would be given to them. It would not be given to them on demand, but in God’s time, they would be given the “sign of Jonah”. Just as Jonah was in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights, Christ would be in the belly of the Earth for three days and three nights. Jesus would go to Jerusalem and be crucified. He would die there and be buried in a rich man’s tomb. But just as Jonah emerged alive from the belly of the fish on the third day, Jesus would emerge alive from the tomb on the third day. His resurrection from the dead would be the definitive sign that Jesus is Lord. It would be the only sign they would receive. We too have received our sign from God. Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Wicked Generation

May 30

(Luke 11:29 NIV) ““As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.””

(Matthew 12:38-39 NIV) ““Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you." {39} He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!””

“A wicked generation asks for a sign.” Why would Jesus say that? These people were not really interested in a sign from God. They were more interested in proving that Jesus was a false prophet. They wanted to humiliate Jesus in some way. No sign would have convinced them. Their hearts were hard and their minds were made up. Wickedness is godlessness and unbelief. It is more about a mindset, than a set of behaviors. You don’t have to be a terrorist or a mass murderer to be “wicked” in God’s eyes. If we consistently push God away and shun His revelation to us… if we ignore His word and consistently show a lack of faith… we have joined the wicked generation that Christ condemned. Jesus will not show off to win your heart. Your heart will be won when you allow God’s Spirit to soften it and when you become convinced of your need for His mercy and love. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

More Than Just Cleaning House

May 29

(Luke 11:24-28 NIV) ““When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' {25} When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. {26} Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." {27} As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." {28} He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.””

(Ephesians 5:18 NIV) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

(Ephesians 6:17 NIV) “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

When we come to Christ for the forgiveness of our sin, we must do more than just clean house. We must do more than just unload our sin on Jesus. We must do more than just change a few things in our lives. We must do more than just detoxify and sober up. We can’t just clean out the old junk that filled our life and expect our house to remain clean. Cleaning house is good, but if we want it to stay clean, we must fill our house back up with something better. If we don’t, we will very likely return to our old ways and end up worse off than we were before. The wise Christian will fill their house with God’s Spirit and God’s word. As we fill ourselves with the word of God, and as the Spirit testifies to its truth, we must then take steps to obey what we hear… because in the end, Christianity is more about being filled than being emptied. We must do more than just clean house. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Finger of God

May 28

(Luke 11:20-23 NIV) ““But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. {21} "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. {22} But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils. {23} "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.””

(Exodus 8:16-19 NIV) ““Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,' and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats." {17} They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon men and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. {18} But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. And the gnats were on men and animals. {19} The magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.””

(Deuteronomy 9:10 NIV) “The Lord gave me two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. On them were all the commandments the Lord proclaimed to you on the mountain out of the fire, on the day of the assembly.”

Satan is powerful and we would be wise to remember that. On our own, we are no match for this fallen angel and his demonic army. But when pitted against the Lord, the Devil always loses. With one finger, God can defeat Satan. With one finger, God sent plagues on Egypt and defeated Pharaoh. With one finger, God wrote the Commandments on tablets of stone. And with one finger, the Lord drives out demons from those blessed by His presence. Wherever Jesus goes, the demons flee. Wherever you find God’s kingdom, you find demons in retreat. If we go it alone, we may stand for a while against the evil one, but eventually we will be defeated. Without God, man’s power is never sufficient for victory. There is always someone stronger, bigger, smarter, or faster. Trust in the finger of God. We are either with Him or against Him -- there is no middle ground. Which will it be for you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Demonic Reality

May 27

(Luke 11:14-19 NIV) ““Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. {15} But some of them said, "By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons." {16} Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven. {17} Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. {18} If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. {19} Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.””

(John 8:37-47 NIV) ““I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. {38} I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." {39} "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. {40} As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. {41} You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." {42} Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. {43} Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. {44} You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. {45} Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! {46} Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? {47} He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.””

There are powerful spiritual forces at war in this world, and often we behave as if we had no clue. The same Bible that teaches the reality of Jesus Christ also teaches the reality of the demonic. Star Wars called this “the dark side of the force”. Sometimes these demons make people mute -- sometimes they make people into loud-mouthed religious zealots. Both confronted Jesus in Luke’s gospel. Jesus drove the demon from the man who was mute, but the demons of the religious zealots proved to be more stubborn. These experts claimed that Jesus used the power of the devil to drive out the devil. They said this because they belonged to Satan, and were adept at lying and accusing. Jesus told them they were foolish to think that Satan would drive himself out. No kingdom can survive if it is divided against itself. Neither can we! Choose this day whom you will serve. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

How to Pray: Part 2

May 26

(Luke 11:5-13 NIV) ““Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, {6} because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' {7} "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' {8} I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. {9} "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. {10} For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. {11} "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? {12} Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? {13} If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!””

(Hebrews 4:16 NIV) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

While teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus told of a man seeking bread late at night. The man kept knocking at a friend’s door until the friend got up and gave the man what he needed. Christ taught persistence and confidence in prayer. We come boldly before God’s throne because we are confident that He loves us, hears us, and desires what is good for us. We believe He is full of grace and mercy and will be our helper in times of need. We persist in prayer until God definitively says no to our request, or shows us that it is not His will. Being persistent in prayer will help align us with God’s will, and in the end will glorify God. When you knock on God’s door, knock more than once -- and then knock again. Watch for answers in unexpected ways and in unexpected places, but do not give up too easily. Become a pit bull in prayer. Pray with confidence and persistence. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

How to Pray: Part 1

May 25

(Luke 11:1-4 NIV) ““One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." {2} He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. {3} Give us each day our daily bread. {4} Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.””

(Matthew 6:5-13 NIV) ““And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. {6} But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. {7} And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. {8} Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. {9} "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, {10} your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. {11} Give us today our daily bread. {12} Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. {13} And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.””

Jesus taught by example, praying to His Father on a daily basis. The disciples asked Him to teach them to pray and Jesus taught them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”. They were to pray aloud -- to “say” their prayers. They were to pray intimately, as though addressing their Daddy. They were to praise God with reverence and remember His holiness. They were to pray for God’s Kingdom to come, in the world and in their lives. Christ was to reign over all mankind, starting with them. They were to pray for their basic needs, represented by “daily bread”. They were to give up self-reliance and trust God for everyday stuff. They were to ask for forgiveness of sin, and the grace to forgive sin. They were to pray for the strength to resist the temptation to sin. These were the important basic ingredients of daily prayer that Jesus taught. How are you doing in each of these areas? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day      

Reducing Our RPMs

May 24

(Luke 10:38-42 NIV) “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. {39} She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. {40} But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, {42} but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV) “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

(Colossians 3:2 NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Busyness and anxiety are killing us and our relationships. We are spending way too much time in the fast lane. Our RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) are too high and we need to reduce them. Too many RPMs and you will blow your engine. Let’s use RPMs as a different acronym today. “R” stands for more “Reflection”. Slow down and have some quiet time with God each day. “P” stands for clearer “Priorities”. Is your life “crisis driven” or “priority driven”? Our datebooks and checkbooks reflect our true priorities. “M” stands for changed “Minds”. Changing how we think, and what we think about, can change our life. Set your mind on things above. The “S” stands for recognized “Sin”. Let’s recognize that habitual busyness and anxiety are sins because they steal life from us and rob God of the praise due Him. Back off of the throttle. Slow down a little. Reduce the unhealthy RPMs in your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

The World’s B.A. Degree

May 23

(Luke 10:38-40 NIV) “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. {39} She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. {40} But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, {42} but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””

(Deuteronomy 28:65-66 NIV) “Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life.” 

This world’s new B.A. degree majors in Busyness and Anxiety, preparing us for our "open seven days a week" culture. Thanks to smart phones, we are always on call. Our eyes grow weary, looking for stuff we don’t have. Our hearts despair that we may not be able to afford it. We live in dread that somewhere, someone may get ahead of us in some way. Jesus confronted this spirit in Martha, who was worried and tense about many things. He wanted her to know that sitting at His feet was a good way to spend time. Her busyness and anxiety distracted her from the things of God. Her addiction to activity made her resentful of Mary’s serenity. Busyness and anxiety do not relieve boredom, increase productiveness, improve relationships, or lead to happiness. Rather, they are addictions that hinder life with God and lessen our quality of life here on Earth. Choose what is better. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Good Samaritan

May 22

(Luke 10:29-37 NIV) ““But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" {30} In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. {31} A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. {32} So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. {33} But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. {34} He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. {35} The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' {36} "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" {37} The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise.””

The man who asked Jesus how to obtain eternal life didn’t like the answer -- it disqualified him and the entire human race from earning eternity. He tried narrowing the definition of a neighbor to justify himself, but Jesus gave him no quarter. Christ told the story of a man who was beaten and robbed on the road to Jericho. Only a Samaritan stopped to lend aid, even though he was considered unclean and held in contempt by the Jews. Jesus didn’t make loving our neighbor easier -- He made it harder. We are called to love and serve those that we are prone to despise. Jesus not only destroyed this man’s hope of earning eternal life, He taught us that religious fervor without love is useless. The two religious men, who should have known God’s will, avoided the man in need. Only the Samaritan gave of his time and money to love his neighbor as himself. Go and do likewise. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Faith or Failure

May 21

(Luke 10:25-37 NIV) “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" {26} "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" {27} He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" {28} "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live.”

(Ephesians 2:4-9 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. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {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.”

A religious lawyer came to test Jesus, wanting to see if He was faithful to the Law. He asked the Lord what he had to do to obtain eternal life. Instead of giving an answer, Jesus asked the lawyer, “What do you think?” The lawyer answered, “Love God more than anything else and with everything you have -- and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” Jesus told him he was correct, and that to earn eternal life he needed to go and do this. But the lawyer knew he couldn’t -- nobody can. We can try, but we all fail. So the lawyer tried to get Jesus to narrow the field. If there were less people that he had to love, perhaps he could succeed at earning eternal life. He completely neglected the first part of the equation about loving God. No one does that perfectly. We can’t obtain eternal life by “doing stuff”. And so it comes down to grace. It’s faith or failure. Take your pick. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Blessed to See

May 20

(Luke 10:23-24 NIV) “Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. {24} For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.””

(1 Peter 1:8-12 NIV) “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, {9} for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. {10} Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, {11} trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. {12} It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”

Jesus reminded His disciples, and us, of how blessed we are to live with the knowledge of God. We are privileged to work for the Lord. We are seeing things happen that were prophesied long ago. We are living in the age that many of God’s followers preached about and longed to see -- but they died before it came. The original disciples were blessed because they lived in that narrow window of time where they could see and touch the Savior of the world. As Christ’s return approaches, we are also blessed to be living in a time the prophets spoke of -- a time when the name of Jesus would go all over the world. In this age of grace, we are privileged to be a part of a long line of holy messengers. Although we have not yet seen Jesus face to face, we are blessed to have been shown God’s grace. Now we are called to share that grace with the world. Go! Be a blessing! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sovereign Lord - Chosen People

May 19

(Luke 10:21-22 NIV) “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. {22} "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

(1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. {10} Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Our sovereign Lord is selective. Jesus praised His Father for being selective in revealing truth. The truth was revealed to some, but not to others. In turn, Jesus revealed the Father to some, but not to others. We can object to this selectiveness, but God is sovereign. Some will be saved -- some will perish. Understanding God’s sovereignty gave the disciples great courage. They trusted God to know what he was doing. Their enemies and antagonists could only do to them what the power of God allowed them to do. Threats didn’t faze these guys because they knew God was in charge -- not Pilate, not Herod, not the Pharisees -- not the ACLU, not the Supreme Court, not the President. God is in control. God is sovereign. You answer to Him. You receive your orders from Him. He holds your future in His hands. He has chosen you to declare His praises. Praise His name! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Main Thing

May 18

(Luke 10:19-20 NIV) “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. {20} However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

(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."

While the disciples were doing a victory dance because the spirits had submitted to them, Jesus reminded them that the main thing was to keep the main thing, the main thing. When we let the flashy stuff of faith distract us, we can forget the #1 priority. We can forget the main thing. We should rejoice that our names are written in Heaven, but remember that the main thing is seeing as many other names as possible written there. That’s the goal of the miracles, the healings, and the preaching. The main thing is lost people coming to Jesus for salvation. Resist becoming enamored by the latest trendy teaching or the newest fad in church growth. Don’t get sidetracked and forget the main thing. The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing… and the main thing is leading people to God’s Kingdom where their names will be written in heaven. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Power of God

May 17

(Luke 10:17-19 NIV) ““The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." {18} He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. {19} I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.””

(Matthew 22:29 NIV) “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

(Romans 1:16 NIV) “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

When God chooses to exert His power, nothing can resist it. Christ empowered His disciples, and they won a decisive victory over Satan. Nothing can resist the power of the God who spoke the universe into existence. This is the God who parted the Red Sea for His people to walk across on dry ground. This is the God who closed the mouths of lions for the young prophet Daniel. This is the God who brought down the walls of Jericho. This is the God who defeated the 450 prophets of Baal for Elijah. This is the God who helped David slay a giant with a slingshot. This is the God whose power raised Jesus from the dead. This is the God who has the power to change your life if you will surrender it to him. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that it was God’s power, not theirs, that brought them victory. He still wants us to know that. Let His power bring victory in your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God Owes Revelation to No One

May 16

(Luke 10:13 NIV) “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.”

(Matthew 11:23 NIV) “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.”

(Matthew 11:27 NIV) ““At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”

God does not owe revelation to anyone. Mercy and revelation are gifts of God. They come through God’s grace. God does not owe them to us. Not only does the little word “IF” tell us that the Lord has contingent knowledge -- it also tells us that God could have, but chose not to. God is sovereign. Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon did not get a chance to see the same miracles as Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Why? The answer to that question is above our pay grade. But it demonstrates that God owes revelation to no one. He hides things from some, and reveals things to others. So if you have heard God in the past, or are hearing God today, you are a blessed person. God is revealing Himself to you. He is pouring out His grace onto you. He does not owe that to you, or to anyone. It is the gift of God. Come to him. Thank Him. Bow down before Him. Praise Him. Give your life to Him. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Contingent Knowledge

May 15

(Luke 10:13 NIV) “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.”

(Matthew 11:23 NIV) “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.”

This may bother some, but our Lord has contingent knowledge. God not only knows everything that has happened, and everything that will happen -- He also knows what would have happened had things been different. God knows all contingencies. God is omniscient (or all knowing) and in His omniscience, God knows all the possibilities. Note the little word “IF” in today’s Scripture verses. Jesus was saying that “IF” certain things had happened, here’s how a certain people would have behaved in response. He says that “IF” His miracles would have been done in Sodom or other cities of the past, they would have repented and been saved. How does Jesus know that? God has contingent knowledge. That’s a lot of knowledge. We have a big God! A God who knows all things -- even what would have happened, but didn’t. Let the name of the Lord be praised. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Corporate Guilt

May 14

(Luke 10:12-15 NIV) “I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. {13} "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. {14} But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. {15} And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.”

(Joshua 5:3-6 NIV) “So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. {4} Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt--all the men of military age--died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. {5} All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. {6} The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

We stand in front of God as individuals. We are judged by whether or not we have repented of our sins and trusted Jesus for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. But there is a sense in which we are accountable for the sins of our city and nation. There is such a thing as corporate guilt. As Jesus speaks woe in Luke 10, he pronounces God’s judgment on entire cities. We bear some responsibility for what happens in our community and our nation. If we do not stand for the Lord and live for Jesus -- if we do not reflect God’s light, call for repentance, and pray for our nation -- we are corporately responsible for its demise. We cannot simply point fingers at the “unrighteous” and blame them for contaminating the place where we live. We live there too, and we share responsibility. There is such a thing as corporate guilt. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Punishment by Degree

May 13

(Luke 10:12-14 NIV) ““I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. {13} "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. {14} But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.””

(Hebrews 10:29-31 NIV) "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? {30} For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." {31} It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Rewards await those who welcome and follow Jesus -- punishment awaits those who will not. But did you know that there are varying degrees of reward and punishment in eternity? Scripture teaches that heavenly rewards will be greater for some than others. This won’t be a problem, as the envy and jealousy of our sin natures will be gone. Jesus also taught that there are different degrees of punishment in hell. He said that it would be “more bearable” for Sodom than for those who rejected him. He said it would be “more bearable” for Tyre and Sidon, than for Bethsaida and Korazin. “More bearable” means there must be varying degrees of punishment. Hebrews 10 says that those trampling the Son of God underfoot” will be punished more severely than others. How can that be unless there are different degrees of reward and punishment? Seek Christ, and then, seek the greater reward. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Half a God

May 12

(Luke 10:10-12 NIV) “But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, {11} 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' {12} I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”

(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.””

Sometimes we forget that the gospel includes judgment. We may even despise the concept. Some see judgment as bad news, but it’s really a part of the good news. Along with Christ’s offer of healing and a place in the Kingdom of God, comes a warning: if a city will not receive the gospel, they will suffer the consequences. God offers healing and new life, but if we refuse the offer, we are in danger of destruction. Many preach the love of God, but avoid the judgment of God. They like the sound of heaven, but cannot stomach the reality of hell. They believe in a God of grace, but not a God of judgment. They worship half a God -- and a half God is not the God of Scripture. We cannot pick and choose the traits we prefer for the Lord without moving into the area of idolatry. There will be a day of judgment. We all choose heaven or hell while we live here on Earth. Make your decision! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Understaffed Harvest

May 11

(Luke 10:1-9 NIV) ““After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. {2} He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. {3} Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. {4} Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. {5} "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' {6} If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. {7} Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. {8} "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. {9} Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'”

(Mark 16:15 NIV) “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to preach, teach, heal, and prepare the way for His coming. He knew they would have problems and face danger, but they would not want for an abundant harvest. They were in the right place, at the right time, and had the right message. Christ’s one lament was that there were not more workers. The harvest was bigger than His disciples could handle. The same is true today. In the average church, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. There are plenty of pew warmers and joy riders, but very few ministry workers. Many come expecting a full range of ministries, but are unwilling to get their hands dirty saving the lost, healing the sick, loving the children, or feeding the hungry. But Christ’s command has not changed. He still says, “Go!” It’s a dangerous job, with very few perks, but it is our mission. Have faith and be among the few. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Unfit for Service

May 10

(Luke 9:57-62 NIV) “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." {58} Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." {59} He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." {60} Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." {61} Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." {62} Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

(Matthew 7:13-14 NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. {14} But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

When Christ calls people to follow Him, He offers a “no exemptions, no excuses” contract. When you follow Jesus, you sign on for the entire trip. And the call is for today, not a year from now. Some who offer to follow are naïve, unaware of the gravity of their decision. Others commit to discipleship, but on their schedule and at their convenience. Christ says, “It doesn’t work that way. Disciples don’t set their own hours or make contract demands.” Signing on to work with Jesus means moving forward. Looking back will make us unfit for service. It is toxic to the call of God. And following Christ will always cost us something dear. Because of all this, more will turn Jesus down than will follow Him. The road is narrow and only a few will find it. Those who reject Christ’s contract become like the “walking dead”, who spend their lives burying the dead. Jesus offers life. Sign on! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Wrong Fire

May 9

(Luke 9:53-56 NIV) “… but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. {54} When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" {55} But Jesus turned and rebuked them, {56} and they went to another village.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 NIV)  "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. {16} Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. {19} Do not put out the Spirit's fire; {20} do not treat prophecies with contempt. {21} Test everything. Hold on to the good. {22} Avoid every kind of evil."

Followers of Jesus can sometimes have the wrong fire. James and John wanted to bring fire down upon this inhospitable village, but Jesus turned and rebuked their arrogance. Christ came to give life, not take it. He’s into restoration, not demolition. There are those who still practice the “scorched earth” policy of James and John. Disagree with their doctrinal positions, and they will turn you into soot and ashes. They too, have the wrong fire. Don’t join them. Christ’s fire does not burn people -- it warms hearts. The fire of God’s Spirit does not call disciples to destroy the city of unbelief -- it lights their way to a city where Christ will be received. His fire keeps us looking for the receptive, rather than lambasting the resistant. Somewhere, people are accepting Christ. Go there! This is what Jesus modeled. This is the kind of fire Christ would have us acquire. Is this the fire you have? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Set Your Face Like Flint

May 8

(Luke 9:51-53 NIV) “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. {52} And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; {53} but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.”

(Isaiah 50:7 NIV) “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

A few days after Moses and Elijah spoke with the transfigured Jesus regarding His “departure”, He “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” and His ordained appointment with the cross. Resolved to finish His mission, Christ “set His face like flint”, and headed for the Holy City to die for our sins. Not everyone cheered, as one village refused to welcome Him, and we discover that not all Samaritans were good. Christian, if you are going to follow Jesus today, you will need the resolve that He had. Even though modern day Samaritans do not welcome you, set your face like flint, and go where God has called you to go. Do what the Lord has called you to do, even if it means a cross of some kind. We all have our Jerusalem. Resolutely set out for that place. Do not be deterred or discouraged. You will not be put to shame. Set your face like flint. The Lord will travel with you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Churches in Competition

May 7

(Luke 9:49-50 NIV) ““Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." {50} "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you.””

(Ephesians 4:1-7 NIV) “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. {2} Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. {3} Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. {4} There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- {5} one Lord, one faith, one baptism; {6} one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. {7} But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

A competitive church is the epitome of pride. Jesus wants none of it. While churches turn their guns on one another, Satan slithers into the hearts and homes of the lost. Many churches today have the attitude of John: “They’re not us, so they must be conquered.” How foolish! The church across town is not the competition -- we are on the same team. We are not called to denigrate them and consider ourselves superior -- we are called to pray for them. We don’t become better children by cutting down our brothers and sisters. We don’t become greater by eliminating the competition. On Christ’s team there is no room for the competitive spirit. Every church that is lifting up Jesus, preaching the gospel, and driving out the demons of pride and sin, has a place on Christ’s team and in Christ’s heart. The wise Christian will not compete with those working to defeat our common enemy. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Greatest is the Least

May 6

(Luke 9:46-48 NIV) ““An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. {47} Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. {48} Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest.””

(Mark 9:33-34 NIV) ““They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" {34} But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.””

(John 13:12-17 NIV) “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. {13} "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. {14} Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. {15} I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. {16} I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. {17} Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

The ordinary men that Jesus chose as disciples developed an ego problem. It takes chutzpah to argue about who’s the greatest when you’re walking with the Creator of the universe. They knew it was wrong, because they tried to hide it from Jesus. We are much the same. Pride and ego are at the root of just about every church dispute. We might say they are about some important theological issue, but most of the time, it boils down to who’s going to be in charge -- in other words, who’s the greatest. Pride has destroyed more churches than the devil ever could. This will never change until we learn that being great involves becoming the least. Like a child, we must consider others above us. We must become like servants and wash the feet of those we are tempted to place below us. This is the Jesus way, for whoever is the least among you… he is the greatest! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Lord of All

May 5

(Luke 9:42-45 NIV) “Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. {43} And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, {44} "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." {45} But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.””

(Mark 1:22-28 NIV) “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. {23} Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, {24} "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" {25} "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" {26} The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. {27} The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." {28} News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.””

Jesus is Lord of all things. He never met a demon He couldn’t command. He spoke with authority, and everyone close to Him marveled at the greatness of God. His word still drives out demons. People are still amazed when the chaotic becomes peaceful… when the drunk sobers up -- when the addict gets clean -- when the sick are healed -- and when the broken are made whole. Today we credit the counseling, the doctors, the program, or even the church… but the power still comes from God. Human solutions can only take us so far. Without the Highest Power, the demons often return. When we give Him glory, people are still amazed. Glorify God, Christian! Jesus is still Lord of all things. He is Lord on the mountaintop and in the valley of the shadow of death. He is Lord of Heaven and Earth. He is Lord of life. He is Lord in death. The question is: Is He your Lord today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Unbelieving and Perverse

May 4

(Luke 9:37-41 NIV) “The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. {38} A man in the crowd called out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. {39} A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. {40} I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." {41} "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

(Mark 9:14-20 NIV) “When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. {15} As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. {16} "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. {17} A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. {18} Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." {19} "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." {20} So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.”

Where the Lord is absent, conflict and chaos reign. This is still true today. As the church fades in glory, division and mayhem gain strength. Jesus came down from the mountain to a world of impotent disciples and desperate sinners. While His disciples argued religion, Satan’s disciples ran free. It is easier to engage in theological debate than to confront the devil and save lost people. In frustration, Christ looked at the disciples and the religious leaders and called them “unbelieving and perverse”. That is not a mild rebuke. He lamented their failure of faith, their lack of power, and their biblical ignorance. Jesus likely feels the same today when His disciples argue religion, while the desperate remain disenfranchised and in bondage. Focus on the true enemy, Christian. Do not be found among the unbelieving and perverse when the Lord returns. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Mountaintop Junkies

May 3

(Luke 9:37 NIV) "The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him."

(Exodus 32:15-20 NIV) "Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. {16} The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. {17} When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, "There is the sound of war in the camp." {18} Moses replied: "It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear." {19} When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. {20} And he took the calf they had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it."

We all need mountaintop experiences to recharge our batteries, but we cannot stay there. We were not meant to live there. We all need to recharge our batteries, but if we stay hooked to the charger all the time, we can’t go anywhere. Mountaintop experiences serve a much bigger purpose than our personal edification. They send us back down the mountain with new power and momentum. Our mission is at the base of the mountain, not the top. Many Christians today are “mountaintop junkies”. They go from camp meeting to camp meeting seeking the newest spiritual high -- fawning over the latest Bible teacher/author. They are addicted to the mountaintop and have become useless disciples. Don’t go there. Go up that mountaintop occasionally, but get back down into the battle as soon as possible. That’s what Jesus did, and that’s what we should do. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Talking or Listening?

May 2

(Luke 9:30-36 NIV) “Two men, Moses and Elijah, {31} appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. {32} Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. {33} As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) {34} While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. {35} A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." {36} When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.”

(Matthew 17:5 NIV) ““While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!””

(Luke 6:46 NIV) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

When Christ was transfigured on the mountain, two great prophets of old came to speak with Him. They came to minister to Him as he headed for the cross in Jerusalem. There were others talking that day. Peter offered to build a shelter for Jesus and the prophets. Do you really think they needed shelter from anything this world could serve up? But then, Peter’s jabbering was interrupted by another voice. It was the voice of God. The glory of God came down in a cloud and God spoke words of encouragement to Jesus and the disciples. The Father said, “I love you, Son. I’m proud of you. Finish the mission. You can do this.” He also said to Peter, James, and John, “Be still and know that Jesus is Lord. Listen to Him. Trust and obey.” Today in the church, a lot of people talk about Jesus. But what we need are more who will listen to Him and do what He says. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Mountaintop Metamorphosis

May 1

(Luke 9:28-29 NIV) “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. {29} As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

(Matthew 17:2 NIV) “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

(Romans 12:2 NIV) “Do not conform 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.”

(2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV) “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

While on a mountaintop praying, Christ’s body took on the characteristics of his future glorified body. His clothes became as bright as lightning and His face began to shine like the sun. This event is called The Transfiguration. The Greek word used here, gives us our English word, “metamorphosis”. It describes a complete change, as when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It is the same creature, but in a different form. So it was with Jesus. He was transformed by the power of God. And so it will be with the obedient disciple: a metamorphosis takes place in us as we live for God’s glory. We are changed. We are being transformed by the “renewing of our mind”. With “ever increasing glory”, we take on the divine nature of Christ until that final day when we see Him face to face. Then our metamorphosis will be complete. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day