From The Heart of A Shepherd by Pastor Travis D. Smith | Daily Devotional Meditations and a Biblica

Time 2020-11-01 23:09:26

Web Name: From The Heart of A Shepherd by Pastor Travis D. Smith | Daily Devotional Meditations and a Biblica

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Good morning, Heart of a Shepherd Readers!This post comes as your invitation to join Hillsdale Baptist Church for our 10:30 AM worship service. I am continuing my missions series in Luke 10, looking today at “The Mission, the Message, the Messenger, and the Mission Field (Luke 10:1-16).The Mission, Messenger, Message, and the MIssion Field Luke 10.1-16 student blankA new feature of Hillsdale s outreach to the world is an App that will translate my Sunday morning sermon into both Spanish and Portuguese (be patient, this is a new technology for us). We are excited about this opportunity to reach beyond the language barrier and reach the world for Christ!Hillsdale will be broadcasting today s Bible Study Hour (9:15am), followed by a full broadcast of our 10:30am worship service on Hillsdale s Facebook Page and http://www.HillsdaleBaptist.org.With the heart of a shepherd,Travis D. Smithhttp://www.HeartofAShepherd.comhttp://www.HillsdaleBaptist.orgCopyright 2020 Travis D. Smith Scripture Reading – Mark 11; John 12Having departed Jericho (Luke 19:1-28), Jesus and His disciples made their final journey to Jerusalem, and arrived in Bethany “six days before the Passover” (John 12:1). Bethany, located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives and some two miles east of Jerusalem, was the home of Martha, her sister Mary, and their brother Lazarus “whom [Jesus] raised from the dead” (12:1b).The resurrection of Lazarus from the dead had been a catalyst for many to believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 11:45). Howbeit, there were others who rejected Jesus, and they “went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done” (John 11:46).John 12:1-8 – Supper at the Home of Simon the LeperWe find Jesus and His disciples having supper (John 12:2) at the home of a man that Mark identified as “Simon the leper” (Mark 14:3). Knowing a leper would be an outcast in Jewish society, we must presume that Simon was no longer a leper, and had been the object of Jesus’ compassion and been healed. John makes mention that Martha was serving, and “Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him” (12:2b).The meal was suddenly interrupted when Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, took “a pound of ointment of spikenard very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment” (12:3).Mary’s actions were an example of extravagant, sacrificial love (12:3-4), and an expression of her gratitude to Jesus for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. Mary sacrificed her most precious possession (12:3a), for spikenard was a costly fragrance imported from India (and according to Judas, worth 300 pence, or 300 days wages, 12:5). Mary was also a picture of humility and loving devotion, for she used her hair to wipe our LORD’S feet (12:3b).Unfortunately, the beautiful portrait of loving devotion on Mary’s part was interrupted by the protests of a swindler, a phony, and a fraud named Judas, one of the Twelve (12:4-6).John 12:4-5   Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon s son, which should [would]betray him, 5  Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence [one year’s wages], and given to the poor?Judas resented Mary’s homage to Jesus, and his hypocrisy influenced the other disciples who, in the words of Mark, “had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?” (Mark 14:4)Matthew recalled the disciples expressing the same sentiment in his Gospel, and saying, “To what purpose is this waste? 9  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor” (Matthew 26:8-9).The first words of Judas recorded in the Gospels, reveal the covetousness of his heart. John would look back on this moment and later write of Judas, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor [poor people]; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (12:6 ).Judas’ biting rebuke of Mary’s sacrificial love and actions, earned him the wrath of Jesus who rebuked him saying, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying [burial] hath she kept [made preparation] this. 8  For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always” (12:7-8).I close, inviting you to consider how Mary offered the LORD not only her most precious possession, but that she seized the opportunity to identify with Christ’s sacrifice: She anointed Him for His burial (12:7).While others were deaf to Jesus prophesying His hour, the hour of His sacrifice for the sins of the world, was come; Mary had faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, the Lamb of God.Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Daily reading assignment – Luke 19Today’s devotional brings us to the last days before Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, His triumphant entry, and the Cross. Today’s Scripture reading takes us through Jericho, that most ancient of cities, located on an oasis in the desert, about ten miles northwest of the Dead Sea. It is in Jericho that Jesus had scheduled a providential encounter with a wealthy publican, a tax collector, named Zacchaeus.Luke 19 is rich in details that characterized Jesus’ earthly ministry. We observe His love for sinners, when He dined in the home of Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector of Jericho (19:1-10). We notice His concern that His disciples would be faithful after He was departed out of this world, expressed in the Parable of the Pounds (19:11-27).  When He beheld Jerusalem, Jesus’ love moved Him to tears; He understood the fickle nature of the people, and the wickedness of their leaders. He knew the throng who hailed Him as King, would soon cry for Him to be crucified (19:28-41).  He knew the inevitability of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem (19:42-44).Luke 19:1-10 – An Unexpected Guest for SupperBefore we close today’s commentary, let’s step into the scene where Zacchaeus comes face-to-face with Jesus.I have identified in earlier devotions the disdain the Jewish people held for tax collectors, known as publicans in the first century. Employed to collect taxes for Rome, publicans were not only considered traitors of Israel, but they were notorious for cheating the people and skimming monies from the taxes they collected. Publicans like Zacchaeus, enriched themselves at the expense of their own people, and were named among the worst of sinners.Imagine the dismay of the people when Jesus chose to dine in Zacchaeus’ home (19:5). We read, “Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house” (19:5).Zacchaeus was, at least in the eyes of the people, the most unlikely of all the men in Jericho, who would desire to have Jesus in his home. Nevertheless, Jesus knew the heart of Zacchaeus like none other. When Zacchaeus realized even he, a hated publican, could receive Jesus into his home, he rejoiced and obeyed immediately (19:6).The proud, self-righteous people began to murmur among themselves, appalled that Jesus would “be guest with a man that is a sinner” (19:7).Zacchaeus, however, was humbled and moved to repentance by the LORD’S love and compassion. His sorrow over his sin, moved him to rise from the table, and proclaim, “Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (19:8).Remember how the rich young ruler walked away from the LORD, because he was rich? Zacchaeus, genuinely repentant over his sin, desired to make restitution of all he had wrongfully taken (19:8).Jesus, recognizing in Zacchaeus the fruit of sincere repentance, announced:Luke 19:9a–10 – “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of man [a Messianic title; Daniel 7:13] is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”Though a notorious sinner in the eyes of man, Zacchaeus had been saved by faith in Jesus Christ. By his repentance, he was not only a “son of Abraham” by physical lineage; he had become a “son of Abraham” by saving faith (19:9-10).Galatians 3:6–7, 9 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham…9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.Friend, have you, like Zacchaeus, come to realize you are a lost sinner in the judgment of God Who is holy (Romans 3:10-12, 23)? Abraham and Zacchaeus were saved from the curse of sin, not by their good works, but because they believed God would place His righteousness to their account.Romans 3:23–24 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading Matthew 20-21Perhaps it is due to my privileged upbringing on a small farm in rural South Carolina, but the story of the farmer who hired day laborers to work in his vineyard is among my favorite of the parables (Matthew 20:1-16).  The contextual timeline is near the beginning of Christ’s final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem.Background for Matthew 20The LORD, had traveled south along the eastern shore of the Jordan River, and encountered a man that Luke identified as a “rich young ruler” (Luke 18:18). His identification as a “ruler” was most likely indicative of his role as a leader in his local synagogue. The young man came asking Jesus, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16)Boasting he had kept all the Commandments, Jesus asked him to give up the thing he loved most, his possessions: “Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor…and come follow me” (Matthew 19:21). Sadly, “when the young man heard [i.e. and understood] that saying, he went away sorrowful [grieving; sad]: for he had great possessions [estate; property]” (Matthew 19:22).As the rich man turned and walked away, Jesus declared to His disciples, “a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23).   Peter, often the spokesman for the disciples, then inquired of Jesus, “Behold we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27)The disciples had left everything and endured three years of sacrifice to follow Jesus.  They had forfeited their homes, families, and friends.  They had endured hardships and suffered mocking, scorn, and persecution.  All this had left Peter wondering; “LORD we have been with you from the beginning, what is our reward?”  That question is the backdrop for the Parable of the Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) that serves as an illustration of God’s grace and justice.Matthew 20:1-16 – The Parable of the LaborersThe owner of a vineyard realized his harvest was greater than his family and servants could harvest in a timely manner.  In our parable (Matthew 20:1-16), the farmer goes into the village on five occasions, in the same day, to hire men to work in his vineyard.  The first workers were hired at the 6:00am shift (Matthew 20:1-2) and agreed to work in the vineyard for a “penny a day” (actually one “denarii”, the daily salary of a Roman soldier and a large sum for a day laborer).  Four additional hires would follow that day: 9:00am, 12 Noon, 3:00pm and the final hire at 5:00pm. All were hired without a stated salary, but with the promise the owner of the vineyard would give them “whatsoever is right” (Matthew 20:4, 7).With 6:00pm marking the end of the workday, the owner’s foreman was directed to pay the laborers beginning with those who were hired at 5:00pm, meaning the last hour (Matthew 20:8).  To their amazement, the one’s who worked only one hour were paid the same wage (a penny or denarii) as those who labored at the 6:00am hour.Demonstrating the jealousy and covetousness that abides in the heart of sinful man, those who had negotiated a penny wage at 6:00am had “supposed that they should have received more” (Matthew 20:10).  Those jealous workers began murmuring and complaining against the owner of the vineyard, and accusing him of being unjust, protesting they should have received more (Matthew 20:11-12).Matthew 20:13-16 A Lesson in Grace and SalvationThe owner of the vineyard had paid the 6:00am workers what they had negotiated and agreed to; however, it was his business how he chose to reward the other laborers (Matthew 20:15).Application: Whether a sinner comes to Christ as a child or, like the penitent thief on the cross in his last hour, every believer is assured of heaven and eternal life (Matthew 20:16). Why?Because every sinner is saved by a gift of God’s grace, and no sinner can earn or merit salvation and forgiveness of sin. Whether you have served the LORD since being saved as a child, or you have come to accept Christ as Savior in the latter years of life, all sinners are saved on the same basis: God’s mercy and saving Grace, His favor that no works can merit.Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.”Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading – Matthew 19; Mark 10Today’s Scripture reading, Matthew 19 and Mark 10, begin with a question that has troubled many down through the ages, and continues to be misunderstood in our day: “Is it lawful for a man to put away [divorce] his wife for every cause?” (Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2)The issue of divorce was a matter of debate in Jesus’ day, and the Pharisees had approached Jesus, hoping to pull Him into the dispute (Matthew 19:1-12). They came, “tempting Him” (19:3), wanting to discredit Christ in the eyes of the public, and desiring to diminish His following. In an effort to place Jesus at odds with the Law, and their own liberal interpretation of the Law concerning divorce, the Pharisees asked, “Is it lawful for a man to put away [divorce] his wife for every [any] cause?”There were two schools of thought (Hillel and Shammai) on the matter of Divorce in Jesus’ day. The School of Hillel held a liberal interpretation of divorce, and it was adhered to by the Pharisees and a majority of 1st century Jews. Hillel taught that a man could divorce his wife for any reason; however, a woman was not permitted to divorce her husband. The School of Shammai represented the conservative, unpopular view on divorce. Followers of Shammai argued that divorce was unlawful, except in the case of adultery.Divorce had become a widespread practice among some Jewish people, and many Pharisees were guilty of multiple divorces, often for the most absurd reasons. Of course, such oligarchy would never permit a wife to divorce her husband for any cause! Jesus answered the Pharisees question on divorce, directing them to the authority of the Scriptures (19:4-6).Divorce was, and is, a violation of several Biblical principles. Divorce violates the Creator’s plan and design for man and woman. Citing the writings of Moses, Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female?” (19:4; Genesis 1:27; 2:24)Divorce is also a violation of God’s design for marriage which is “one flesh” (19:5). A man is commanded to leave his father and mother and “cleave to his wife” (19:5-6a). A man’s bond with his wife is to overshadow all human relationships, although two individuals, husband and wife are to be one, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Divorce violates the sanctity of marriage (19:6b). It was God’s plan, and His command, that what He had “joined (or yoked) together,” no man, court, or judge had the power or authority to “put asunder” (meaning to separate).Disregarding Jesus’ appeal to consider the Scriptures as their authority in the question of divorce, the Pharisees asked: “Why did Moses then command [charge; order] to give a writing [certificate; bill; paper] of divorcement, and to put her away [dismiss; divorce]?” (19:7)Those hypocritical religious leaders were not interested in God’s standard, design, or plan for marriage. They were looking to justify their sin, and disallow the sanctity of marriage. They suggested Moses as a defense of their distorted interpretation of divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4).Jesus answered their question, rebuking, and exposing their wickedness as a violation of God’s will and design for marriage (19:8). Leaving no ambiguity, Jesus spoke plainly:Matthew 19:9 9And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.Divorce was never God’s plan, and the only grounds for divorce is “fornication,” meaning sexual conduct with anyone who is not one’s spouse (19:9a).Jesus’ conclusion may come as a shock to some as it did to His disciples (19:10); but remember God’s purpose and design for marriage was companionship, for “it is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). God made one woman for one man, and Adam the first man was complete (Genesis 2:22). They were “one flesh,” and their union was designed to be inseparable (Genesis 2:24).Warning: Divorce is a rejection of God’s plan and design for mankind, and He is witness of the covenant vows of marriage (Malachi 2:14b).Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading – John 11John 11:1-45 – A Wondrous MiracleJohn introduces us to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and finds them in a crisis: “Lazarus was sick” (11:2), and his sisters had sent for Jesus “saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick” (11:3). No doubt Martha and Mary were certain Jesus would come quickly, and heal Lazarus of his illness, and one they believed was terminal.Jesus, however, expressed with certainty; “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (11:4b).John 11:5 reminds us how “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus;” however, His love had not spared Lazarus of his illness, nor had it moved Him to leave with haste where He was residing. Two days passed, when Jesus suddenly announced to His disciples, “Let us go into Judaea” (11:6).The mention of going to Judaea raised alarm with the disciples. Knowing the village of Bethany would place Jesus within the reach of His enemies who had threatened to stone Him (John 10:31; 11:8), the disciples desired to dissuade Jesus from going (11:8). Jesus announced, “Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him” (11:14).After a day’s journey, Jesus and His disciples arrived on the outskirts of Bethany, about “fifteen furlongs off” (11:18), about two miles out, and were met by some who informed Him that Lazarus was dead and had been “lain in the grave four days already” (11:17).Martha, hearing Jesus was close by, came to Him and complained, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (11:21). Nevertheless, Martha expressed faith that, with God’s power, Jesus could perform a miracle. Jesus answered her faith, “Thy brother shall rise again” (11:23).Martha expressed her faith in the “resurrection at the last day” (11:24); however, Jesus encouraged her weak faith saying, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (11:25-26)Confessing her faith that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God” (11:27), Martha rushed back to the house, and finding Mary, whispered to her secretly, “The Master is come, and calleth for thee” (11:28). Mary immediately rushed out of the house, and coming to Jesus was overcome with sorrow and through tears said to Jesus, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (11:32). Moved by the tears and sorrow of those who wept, Jesus asked, “Where have ye laid him?” (11:34), and wept (11:35).Martha protested when Jesus commanded the removal of the stone that sealed the cave where Lazarus was entombed (11:39), saying, “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” (11:39). Jesus lovingly rebuked Martha saying, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (11:40).Lifting His eyes up to heaven, Jesus prayed, and with a loud voice cried, “Lazarus, come forth” (11:43). Miraculously, Lazarus came from the tomb, his hands and feet bound “with graveclothes: and his face…bound with a napkin” (11:44a). Jesus then said to the people, “Loose him, and let him go” (11:44b).John 11:45-57 An Intolerable CrisisLooking back, the apostle John realizes that raising Lazarus from the dead after he had been dead for four days was the zenith of Jesus’ miracles, and gave cause for many Jews to believe He was the Christ, the Son of God (11:45).  For His enemies, the miracle was intolerable and they determined that Jesus must be put to death, or else their power and position among the people would be lost (11:46-53).Jesus, knowing the hearts of His enemies were set against Him, and knowing His appointment with the Cross as the Passover Lamb was at hand, withdrew from Jerusalem until it was time for Him to boldly, and publicly present Himself as the Christ, the Son of David, and heir to the throne of Israel (11:54-57).I close reminding all believers that God has appointed a day when Christ will return, and on that day: “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).Are You Ready for His Coming?Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading – Luke 18We are continuing our chronological reading of the Gospels, but I remind you that the chapter breaks in the midst of the four Gospels will not be as exacting as the historical timeline that leads Jesus to His appointment with the Cross. That explanation is not meant to confuse you; but to remind you that the numbering of verses and chapters in your Bible have been added by translators and editors to assist students of the Scriptures in private study and public worship.For example, today’s Scripture reading is Luke 18 and chronicles Christ’s oft repeated prophecy of His arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection (18:31-34). A parallel record of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, and the prophecy of His betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection is recorded in Matthew 20:17-19.Luke 18 – Luke 18 opens with a principle on prayer, followed by a parable that illustrates both the privilege, and power of persevering prayer.The Duty of Prayer: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (18:1).The word “ought” in this principle of prayer states, in essence, that perpetual, persistent prayer is an obligation, a necessity. Believers must always be in prayer, and “not to faint” (18:1b). The word “faint” implies discouragement, weariness, and fatigue.In principle and practice, believers are to persevere in prayer, and never grow discouraged or lose heart, because God hears and answers prayer in His time!The Parable: A Widow’s Appeal to a Heartless Judge (18:2-5)Jesus followed His exhortation to always pray, and not lose heart, with an illustration of a widow who petitioned a heartless judge who is described as neither fearing God or revering man (18:2).Widows in first century Israel relied on numerous sanctions for their care above those of other nations; yet, were often dependent on charity, or the benevolence of family who might neglect the command, “Honor thy father and mother” (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16).The judge in Christ’s parable, because he did not fear God’s judgment (18:2), had little concern for his petitioners, and even less for fairness or justice. Though tasked with a charge to dole out justice, such a judge would often be calloused, and spurious in matters of the law.While the identity of the widow’s “adversary” is not revealed (18:3), her perseverance in demanding of the judge her right to justice, was finally heeded when he succumbed to her unending appeals (18:4a). Though admitting he was unmoved by a fear of God or man (18:4b), he nevertheless succumbed to the widow’s demand, reasoning:Luke 18:5 5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.The Application (18:6-8)If a heartless, unjust, and wicked judge can be moved to justice and action by a poor widow’s appeal for relief from an adversary, imagine how much the heart of a loving God is moved by the persistent petitions of His people (18:7-8a).We have this promise: God hears the prayers of His people (“His own elect” – 18:7a), and He will, in His season, exact revenge against their enemies.Believer, trust the LORD, and cry out to Him day and night. In due season, if we do not “faint” and grow weary, the LORD will exact justice, and it will fall upon our adversaries “speedily,” and without warning (18:8a).Will you accept by faith, that God is patient, longsuffering, and just? (18:8b)There are times I cry out to the LORD for relief from trials, troubles, and yes, adversaries. I have faced men who desire to harm my testimony, and destroy my ministry. At such times, I am reminded that vengeance belongs to the LORD (Romans 12:19) and my role is to pray and trust God will exact justice in His time.Friend, there are some matters that will not be set right, and some enemies who will not be silenced, until Jesus Christ sits as Judge at His Second Coming (18:8b).Are we willing, like the widow, to persistently pray? If a godless judge will heed the continual cry of a poor widow, surely God will hear our prayers and exact justice in His time!Challenge: Heed the Widow’s Example, Don’t Lose Faith!Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading Luke 16-17Today s Scripture reading, Luke 16-17, continues with two additional parables taught by Jesus:  The Unfaithful Servant (16:1-13), and The Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31). The latter is believed by some to not fall into the category of a parable because it uses a man’s proper name, “Lazarus.”Four Spiritual Principles (guidelines) For Living in a Sin Cursed World (Luke 17:1-10)In Luke 17, Jesus moved from employing parables in His teaching, to teaching His disciples specific spiritual principles. The first principle was a warning: Offend “one of these little ones” (meaning, to discourage or lead one to sin), and you invoke God’s wrath (17:1-2).A second principle was a command for addressing offences: When offences arise, which is inevitable, don’t give place to bitterness. Rather, go to the one who has offended you, “rebuke him,” meaning to address his sin (17:3), and be ready to forgive (17:4).The essential of faith, was the third principle, and can be summed up in this: “Faith as [i.e. or as small as]a grain of mustard seed,” is powerful (17:5-6).The fourth principle was in the matter of obeying God: As a servant is duty bound to serve his master (17:7-9), so is a believer who serves the LORD (17:10). We have no cause or grounds for pride or boasting, for when we have served the LORD faithfully, “we have done that which was our duty to do” (17:10).Gratitude: A Blessed Attitude (Luke 17:11-19)With His appointment of the Cross before Him, Jesus, passed “through the midst of Samaria and Galilee,” setting His face to go up to Jerusalem (17:11). As He traveled with His disciples, Jesus encountered ten lepers who appealed to Him from afar, “Master, have mercy on us” (17:12-13).Jesus commanded the lepers, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests,” and as they went on their way, “they were cleansed” (17:14). Ten men had been healed, but only one “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan” (17:15-16).Notice the phrase, “he was a Samaritan” (17:16).“Misery loves company,” is a trite saying that might have described the unity of the lepers when they were ten in number. However, though they had all experienced the blessed miracle of healing and the wholeness that only Christ could give, only one, a Samaritan expressed sincere gratitude.The Samaritan, however, had known a life of rejection in Israel. He had borne not only the scars of leprosy, but the scorn of Jews who looked upon his lineage with disdain. He demonstrated a humility of one who had known rejection, and he was profoundly aware that he was the object of God’s grace.Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (17:17); “18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger” (17:18).Why a “stranger?” He was a Samaritan. Unlike the nine ungrateful men who had been healed of leprosy, he was a “stranger” from God’s covenant promises with Israel. He felt his unworthiness, and was sensitive to His need. He had been transformed, not merely physically, but spiritually.Jesus commanded the Samaritan, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (17:19). He was whole! Not only having been delivered from leprosy, but delivered from the curse of sin, by his faith in Jesus Christ!Friend, are you “whole?” Not merely physically, but spiritually whole. You can be, by simply turning from sin, putting your faith in Jesus Christ, and receiving Him as your Savior.2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading Luke 14-15A Word from the AuthorCongratulations to all who have followed my chronological Scripture reading schedule in 2020! Today’s reading assignment and devotional commentary is the three hundredth this year. I pray you have found this journey through the Scriptures spiritually enlightening, and the devotionals a blessing.Over the years I have found the majority of published daily devotionals to be topical, and lacking in substance. Because my heart is that of a shepherd for the members of Hillsdale Baptist Church, I set my heart this year to lead our church family through a chronological study of the Scriptures. While this discipline continues to be a great joy, it has been labor intensive, yet has been rewarded with readers from around the world.Thank you for following www.HeartofAShepherd.com. I would love to hear from any who have followed me on this journey through the Bible. You are invited to email me at: HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com.With the heart of a shepherd,Travis D. Smith, Senior Pastorwww.HillsdaleBaptist.orgEmail – HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.comSome of the most beloved Parables taught by Jesus are found in the Gospel of Luke, chapters 14-15.Luke 14 “The Parable of a Great Wedding Banquet” (14:7-14), encouraged humility and cautioned those who are inclined to pride and ambition. “The Parable of a Great Supper” (14:15-24), was a portrait of a great banquet where God is the host and invites the righteous to supper. Sadly, those who were first invited (i.e. proud, self-righteous religious leaders), refused the invitation (14:18-21a), and a second invitation was sent to those who were not first invited, “the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” (14:21). These would have been considered outcasts by the proud Pharisees, and therefore unworthy of the invitation. When the servant announced to His master that there was yet room at the his supper, he sent the servant out again, and commanded him to go outside the house of Israel to the Gentile nations: “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (14:23).Luke 15 – Illustrates three parables that demonstrate God’s love for lost sinners, and His joy when they are restored to Him.The “Parable of the Lost Sheep” (15:1-7), the “Parable of the Lost Coin” (15:8-10), and the “Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Self-righteous Eldest Son” (15:11-24) are illustrative of God’s longsuffering and love.Friend, what a blessed promise! God loves sinners, He seeks them, and when He finds them willing to come to Him, He restores them by extending His mercy, compassion, and saving grace.Ephesians 2:8–9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith Scripture reading – Luke 12-13The sin of covetousness is the malady of humanity, and is as ancient as sin itself. When Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7), he proposed that she consider the fruit of the tree that God had forbidden, the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). Initially, Eve resisted the temptation; however, the more she considered the forbidden fruit, the more she pondered what the serpent (Satan) suggested were its benefits.She saw that the fruit God had forbidden was “good for food,” appealing, for it was “pleasant to the eyes,” and had the prospect “to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6). Coveting what God had prohibited, Eve “took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7And the eyes of them both were opened” (Genesis 3:6-7).Covetousness goes by many names and is evidenced in many ways: Greed, lust, discontentment, “love of money” (1 Timothy 6:10), hoarding, and stinginess are a few words and attitudes that define a sin that has driven many a man or woman to self-destruction, and eternal damnation.The Parable of the “Rich Fool” (Luke 12:16-21) is universally known to many.In the parable, Jesus told the story of a rich man whose “passion for possessions” could not be satisfied. Even when he was blessed and his barns were filled and overflowing, he was not content. So the rich man determined to build larger barns, boasting within himself, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” (12:19). Sadly, the sum of the parable has been repeated and condemned by God since the fall of man: “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (12:20)What prompted this enduring illustration of covetousness? It was the request of a man whose “passion for possessions” had taken precedence over the natural affection one brother should have for another. The man had come to Jesus demanding, “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me” (12:13).  The Law was clear regarding inheritance, yet this brother was discontent, demanding his inheritance out of a heart of greed and gain.Recalling Jesus knew the hearts of all men, He recognized in the brother’s request an inordinate affection for wealth and possessions. Rebuking the man for his demand that He act as judge in a matter where the law had clearly spoken, Jesus warned: “Take heed [be quiet; i.e. listen], and beware of covetousness [i.e. greed; a desire or craving to have more]: for a man’s life consisteth [i.e. is defined by] not in the abundance [surplus; affluence] of the things which he possesseth” (12:15).Truth: A fool treasures riches, and eventually finds himself a slave of them.Luke 12:21 21So is he [a fool] that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.Where is your treasure?Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith

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