Mark 2:15–17 only One is righteous...Jesus Christ

There is no one righteous, not one human is righteous nor can become righteous, in his own works. God would not have sent His only begotten Son into the world to suffer and die for our sins if we could become sinless on our own. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die in our place.

Only Jesus Christ, all man-all God, is righteous.

It  takes a change of heart that by faith we believe in the salvation that God provided for His creation.

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith! He endured the agony of the Cross for us. In the shedding of His holy blood He purged us of our sin and then He rested at the right hand of the Father. It was finished! 

the purpose of the chastening of the Lord is our sanctification and the increasing of our faith.  Knowing that He never will leave us nor forsake us. We trust Him for our salvation. For whom the Lord loves He chastens.

We are to follow peace with all men. 

God is all knowing He knows our beginning and our end and everything in between. He knows who will believe and accept His offering gift of salvation and those who will not.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Those who believe are justified by faith. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus.  We are cleansed in His finished work. We have access to God in our faith through Him.

Romans 8:1 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

The perfect sacrifice of Jesus was all that was needed for mankind’s salvation. Faith saves us. 

Jesus was the express image of the Godhead and He upholds all things by the word of His power.

Luke 15:20b (ESV) "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him"

But one day the so-called "prodigal" (or reckless) son came to his senses and decided to go home (Luke 15:17-19). When he returned, his older brother was dutifully serving his father yet inwardly wrestling with feelings of unfairness. The father quickly forgave his prodigal son (Luke 15:20), but the angry older son lashed out, questioning his father's character. Not only did this older son accuse his father of being stingy toward him, but he also inflated his own righteousness: "I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate ..." (Luke 15:29, emphases added).

While we often read this parable and compare ourselves to the two sons, it's interesting how Jesus emphasizes the compassion and consistency of the father, who represents God. The father showed grace and compassion to both sons despite their outward rebellion or inner resentment.

In the Ancient Near East, it was considered humiliating for a wealthy landowner to run in public, yet "while he was still a long way off, his father saw [the prodigal son] and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). The father willingly bore the shame of running to welcome his son back home. He clothed his son with honor and threw a party to celebrate his return (Luke 15:22-24).

The father also responded with love and grace to his older son: "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours" (Luke 15:31).

Whether we wander from God to chase worldly pleasures or we appear close to Him yet inwardly seethe when life seems unfair, we are all sinful people. Yet we have a compassionate Father who runs with open arms toward us, ready to offer grace and celebrate our return to Him. First5

Garrison Keillor  “The astonishment of mornings on the river last week. I spent my mornings last week at a little white house with a porch overlooking the Connecticut River, astonished by the early morning light, the devout silence except for the twittering of exhilarated birds, and the longer I sat there without opening my phone or laptop, I felt the prospects of the day getting better and better. This is the benefit of going to bed early. It causes concern among others — Is he sick? Was he offended? — but I rise at five and tiptoe downstairs and am dazed by wonder, which is a good thing for a man in the business of humoristicism. Comedy is about incongruity and dissonance and irony but morning light makes a person grateful for the natural world, for quiet and coffee and for the love and friendship of the slumberers upstairs.” Excerpt from Sabbath Moments

Mark 2:15–17

15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them,  “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” The New King James Version

Sinner in the Gospels is generally used for people who are considered sinful by Jewish leaders. While certainly many of these people were involved in habits, lifestyles or occupations that led to unrighteous behavior, the label seems to be applied primarily to distinguish between those who were considered pious and those who were not. 

Jesus’ ministry was often focused on outsiders, including this group of people. In the ancient world, dining together was a primary expression of identity and belonging. For tax collectors and sinners to seek out table fellowship with Jesus implies they were interested in the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed.

Some scribes (teachers of the law) in Jesus’ day may have identified themselves with the agenda of the Pharisaic movement. Pharisees were one of the three Jewish schools of thought in Palestine at the time of Jesus according to the Jewish historian Josephus. While the extent of their influence is unclear, the Pharisees apparently had some influence in political, religious and social spheres in Jewish Palestine. The Pharisees were known for their skill at interpreting the Law of Moses, and they held strict views on what was appropriate behavior for a righteous person. 

In Mark, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for holding to traditions rather than obeying God’s commands. In chapter 2, they condemn Jesus’ choice to eat with those they viewed as unrighteous and unworthy, but Jesus is not interested in their rules about who is worthy of His attention.To call the righteous in this statement, Jesus is neither affirming nor denying that the Pharisees are righteous. He is simply pointing out that the call to repentance and offering of forgiveness are for those who need it—sinners. Faithlife Study Bible

In this instance Jesus was speaking tongue-in-cheek when He used the word righteous. None are righteous, though some, such as the Pharisees, fancied themselves as such. Instead, Christ came to call sinners to repentance. Jesus did not condone the activities of sinners, but required repentance—a change of mind that recognizes the need of a Savior and recognizes Jesus Christ as the only Savior. The NKJV Study Bible

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Luke 5:29–32 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”…

Acts 23:9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”

Matthew 9:10–13 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”…

Proverbs and the wisdom from God

Today I will travel to Columbus to transport my grandsons to their activities while Mommy works with movers to her new home.

May God’s abundance  keep her and her family safe and at peace in their new home.

In Proverbs 22:20, Solomon referred to "thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge" he had written (likely referring to the book of Proverbs). Interestingly, some scholars believe Solomon may have borrowed the structure of his writing from Egyptian wisdom writing called The Instruction of Amenemope, which focused on developing inner qualities that led to happiness.

Solomon's words in Proverbs 22:19 remind us that our first and most trusted source of wisdom should be God Himself. If we have chosen a life connected to God through faith in Jesus, then putting God's wisdom above all others is essential. First5

Chuang Tzu, “One has to be in the same place every day, watch the dawn from the same house, hear the same birds awake each morning, to realize how inexhaustibly rich and different is sameness.”

Yes, and amen. And this from Rabbi Abraham Heschel, “Awe enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine, to sense in small things the beginning of infinite significance, to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple; to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal.”

“God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.” (Ingrid Goff-Maidoff) Sabbath Moments

Could you use a strong shelter from life’s harsh elements? God offers you just that: the possibility of a worry-free life. Not just less worry, but no worry. Philippians 4:7 says, “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Worry is an option, not an assignment. Be quick to pray. Rather than worry about anything, Scripture says, “pray about everything.” Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind. In everything let your requests be made known to God. Do your part, and God will for sure do his. Max Lucado

IProverbs 22:17-18 ncline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

The process of seeking God's wisdom and building it into our lives takes time and discipline. We may even wonder where to start … but through our faith in Jesus, God's Spirit living in our hearts gives us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3).

In Proverbs 22:18, Solomon stated that "it will be pleasant" if we keep wisdom within us. But unlike the Amenemope text, which offered wisdom from humans, Solomon points us to wisdom and joy from the one true God.

Mark 3:7-9 By faith we are saved!

 Jesus sometimes needed a place to withdraw.

Life can sometimes be so demanding, in a good way, that we can become scattered. Sometimes we just need to get away to collect our thoughts and hear God.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

By faith we believe God, that in Jesus Christ, we are saved. 

Salvation is knowing that you are lost and believing in the perfect work of the Cross. When God created the world He saw that it was good it is the same with the Cross. His work was finished. Taking God by faith allows us to enter into His peace knowing we are not righteous but we know the One who is. 

Proverbs 21:3 (ESV) "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

God sees and knows my heart (Proverbs 21:2). In proverbs, we learn that righteousness and justice overflowing from a sincere heart are more valuable to the Lord than religious rituals (Proverbs 21:3).

Proverbs 21:21 tells us, "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

God's heart is for us "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with [our] God" (Micah 6:8). Righteousness is a journey. And along the way, we don't have to "put on a bold face" to disguise less-than-holy motives (Proverbs 21:29); instead, we can be honest with God and ask Him to transform both our hearts and our actions. Even when we choose fleshly desires, thankfully, His Spirit continually calls us back.

The goal of pursuing righteousness is not to achieve perfection; it is to know the One who is perfect. He is our great reward. 

If we're fretting over news of wars or conflicts in our own lives, we have hope because Jesus, the King of kings, is Lord of all. God the Father, by the power of the Spirit, has given Christ authority over everything on earth (Matthew 28:18). And He can change the hearts and minds of people today. Jesus is able to redeem even our most dire situation for good (Romans 8:28). Sabbath Moments

What an insidious notion this is…that the conversation, or relationship, or prayer, or liturgy, or encounter cannot be embraced, until or unless it is perfect. And when we honor that perfection value system, we cannot find the touch of God in our imperfect (everyday) moments. Sabbath Moments 

Mark 3:7-9

7 But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. 9 So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. The New King James Version

Roman province corresponding roughly to the old testament kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as the capital. This list of places indicates that news of Jesus’ deeds has reached beyond Galilee. Idumea was a territory southeast of Judaea. The places mentioned here—Idumea, the region across the Jordan, Tyre, and Sidon—were inhabited predominantly by non-Jewish people, which suggests that Jesus was attracting non-Jews as well as Jews. Idumea is far south of Galilee, and Tyre is far north; this indicates the broad geographic spread of Jesus’ message. 

The reception of Jesus by Gentiles is a significant theme in Mark. 

Idumea is the territory south of Judaea that separates it from Egypt. It derives from biblical Edom, whose inhabitants colonized this region during the Persian and Hellenistic periods. The mention of Idumea here indicates that Jesus’ fame spread even further than that of John the Baptist, who drew crowds only from Jerusalem and Judaea. Also known as Perea. Two major Phoenician cities that dominated the Mediterranean coast to the north and west of Galilee. Faithlife Study Bible

Because of this plot against His life, Jesus withdrew with the disciples from the area. Still crowds flocked to Him from north (Galilee), south (Judea), and beyond. Idumea, the birthplace of Herod the Great, was south of Judea. Beyond the Jordan refers to the cities on the east side of the Jordan River. Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicia in the Old Testament), both on the Lebanese coast, were also cities Jesus visited during His earthly ministry and mentioned in His teachings. The NKJV Study Bible

Luke 6:17–19 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed…

Matthew 4:24–25 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Matthew 12:15–16 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known,

Matthew 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Daniel 8:23–25 God's love replaces fear!

NOTHING, absolutely nothing, is out of God’s control.

We are safe and protected from evil by the very Spirit of God. Faith alone in His power pleases God.

Life is made up of choices

We choose the path that we want to follow. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of our God of justice. There are consequences to sin. Our lives given to God in the sacrifice of the Cross leads us to life and an abundance of peace.

Hebrews 11:24

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. The New King James Version

By Faith They Overcame!

The Egyptians knew a rich way of living life. Moses chose the way of his fathers. He had respect for the eternal God. By  faith Moses kept the Passover, by the sprinkling of blood on the lintels and saving the children of Israel from death. By faith he left Egypt and led his people as they they passed through the Red Sea. 

We need to do what God says to do… not man.

Acts 7:23 

35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. The New King James Version

Moses supposed that they would understand that he would lead them to the promised land. They did not. In God’s timing he would accomplish all that God created him to do in God’s power not in his own. 

I’m grateful for Marcus Borg’s affirmation, “Given all of life’s ambiguities and the reality of impermanence and suffering, our existence is remarkable, wondrous. It evokes awe and amazement. We need to pay attention. Really pay attention. Lest we become blind to the awe and wonder that fills our days.” Sabbath Moments 

When we gossip or curse others in anger or vengeance, Proverbs 20:19-20 states clear consequences for our relationships: We could push away potential friends or even bring judgment on ourselves. In contrast, Proverbs 20:22 encourages us to wait for the Lord, knowing He will deliver us. 

Although we cannot draw one breath without God's help, although we cannot control the actions of others, although we can't foresee many future events … we need not fear. When we cannot understand our own way, we can walk by faith, trusting our God, the Maker of heaven and earth (Colossians 1:16).

By His Spirit, we can walk in dependence on our Redeemer, knowing God chose us to be "holy and blameless" in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). We can daily commit our way into the hands of the One who is working all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11).

When we cannot understand our own way, let's trust in the "only wise God" (Romans 16:27). 

Daniel 8:23–25

23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25 “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. The New King James Version

Skilled in riddles implies wisdom in the ancient Near East. Antiochus displays a worldly wisdom, making him skilled in intrigue. This designation emphasizes his duplicity. Antiochus will have delusions of grandeur.

 In 1 Maccabees 1:29–30, Antiochus sends a large force to Jerusalem and destroys many. His judgment will come from God. Faithlife Study Bible

When the transgressors have reached their fullness means when the sinful actions of the Jews have reached the point where God cannot permit them to go any further without bringing punishment. 

A king refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the king of Syria who made his capital at Antioch. Not by his own power indicates that Antiochus would be energized by Satan, as will the Antichrist. Without human means: Antiochus died without human intervention. According to the apocryphal Book of 2 Maccabees, Antiochus died of a painful disease. The NKJV Study Bible

As long as we live in this world we must have something to do in it; and even those whom God has most honoured, must not think themselves above their business. Nor must the pleasure of communion with God take us from the duties of our callings, but we must in them abide with God. All who are intrusted with public business must discharge their trust uprightly; and, amidst all doubts and discouragements, they may, if true believers, look forward to a happy issue. Thus should we endeavour to compose our minds for attending to the duties to which each is appointed, in the church and in the world. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Daniel 11:36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.

Daniel 8:10–13 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down…

Daniel 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

Job 34:20 

In a moment they die, in the middle of the night;

The people are shaken and pass away;

The mighty are taken away without a hand.