I am currently preaching a series of messages on selected parables of Jesus. It's funny how we often read the parables and want to identify ourselves as the hero of the narrative. Instead, we should identify Jesus as the hero. We are often the one that needs to be rescued. This Sunday I will be reading from Matthew 13:44-50 which begins with the "Parable of the Hidden Treasure." It's easy to think of ourselves as the man who found treasure and we are supposed to sacrifice and sell all we have to purchase this treasure (which we would suggest is Christ). There are several problems with this view (which by the way is the traditional view of the passage). For example, salvation or Christ are not something to be purchased. Salvation is a gift that God has offered us. When we understand that Christ is the One that gave up all He had to buy the field, the parable makes more sense. We are the ones who are redeemed (i.e. purchased). Let me encourage you to read through the parables of Jesus, only with a new lens. A lens that is focused on Jesus as the hero. I hope to see you this Sunday!
Click here to watch the Parables sermon series.
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I began to think this week of the depths of the heart of God. The Scriptures make clear that God rejoices over us. Zephaniah 3:17 declares, “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Have you ever stopped to consider that the God of all creation rejoices over you in song? Consider this passage that reveals God’s broken heart over people who are not even Israelites, “I know his wrath,” says the LORD, “But it is not right; his lies have made nothing right. Therefore I will wail for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; I will moarn for the men of Kir Heres. … Therefore My heart shall wail for the men of Kir Heres. Therefore the riches they have acquired have perished” (Jer. 48:30-31, 36).
God’s heart rejoices when someone is saved. God’s heart is broken when people are not walking in fellowship with Him. How well do you know the heart of God? Does your heart beat in sync with the things that God desires? Does your heart break when you witness the injustices in the world? Does your heart rejoice over one sinner who repents? As a believer, you are invited to know the very heart of God. The video below is a Hillsong worship song called “Hosanna.” It’s especially appropriate this week as we proclaim, “Hosanna, salvation has come!” Notice the lyrics of the bridge, “Heal my heart and make it clean; open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to live like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours; everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause; as I walk from nothing to eternity.” |
AuthorDr. Chris Dortch has been in vocational ministry since 1993. His blog is aimed to "equip the saints for the work of ministry." Archives
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