Tweets & Rants 15 February 2013: Matthew 16:1-12; Acts 22; Psalm 37:1-22; Exodus 35-37
needs to have pity on those who may be materially prosperous and yet underneath are spiritually bankrupt. Psa 37:1 @WeeManWest
Matthew 16:3 I believe it was very clear to the Pharisees and Sadducees at this point exactly whom Jesus was. They now seek a heavenly sign as though the works Jesus was doing and the words He was teaching were not enough.
We are so apt at interpreting things in this physical world, yet we neglect the spiritual world. We neglect the spiritual things going on in our midst that God wants to use to speak to us. We don’t want to do the hard work involved in building a relationship with God through daily investigation and time. We want the easy way. We want a sign from heaven.
They would receive only this sign of Jonah, just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish and came out, so also would Jesus be in the belly of the earth and come out.
Matthew 16:7 The disciples thought Jesus’ was questioning them about their lack of bread when instead He is pointing out the corrupt nature of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus’ focus with the disciples was on their spiritual discipline. He was pointing them away from the spiritually dead and dangerous teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
He had provided bread for thousands on two separate occasions. He was well capable of providing for their physical provision. He knew that the more important issue for them would be spiritual provision and that only comes with seeking.
Acts 22:22 What a terrible response by the Jews?! Paul was giving his testimony and yet because he had been sent among the Gentiles to preach the Gospel he was worthy of death!
Religion is again clouding the minds of the people of Jerusalem. The Law doesn’t perpetually forbid the Gentiles from the people of God. Yet these Jews wanted nothing more than to see Paul slain for trying to reach the Gentiles.
Psalm 37:1 Admittedly it is very challenging to not be envious of evildoers. When we are honest about it we must admit that generally wrongdoers tend to prosper materially in this world.
Yet, we know their end. Rather than our envy they should have our pity and compassion. Though they may be materially prosperous they are spiritually bankrupt.
Psalm 37:4 I believe that so many people miss the very plain and simple truth of this verse. We must consider that just before it contextually David precedes this statement with challenges for us to trust in the Lord, do good, dwell, and befriend faithfulness. He then begins this statement with delight in the Lord.
What we can’t miss is that God’s greatest desire for us is not material prosperity but instead spritual prosperity. God wants the desires of our hearts to be God centered. If in our hearts, we desire His will, He will give us His will.
This verse doesn’t mean that if you desire a new car or house that you will get a new car or house.
Psalm 37:7 Patience is definitely a virtue. God so desires to bring His best into our lives. Unfortunately we see someone plotting and prospering and then we begin to plot so that maybe we can prosper.
Sometimes the only answer is to be still before God and wait patiently for Him. Just as the Israelites were told to be still at the banks of the Red Sea and wait for God’s deliverance. They weren’t to build boats and rafts, they weren’t to begin swimming lessons…they were to wait!
We don’t like to wait. We believe that we’ve been given a particular skill set so that we can make our own way. So often we do so and miss God’s best for our lives.
Psalm 37:13 The wicked have this world for their own plots. Yet, no matter how cleverly devised their plans are the Lord will hold final judgment. He knows their end and so should we.
Exodus 35:3 I believe that if one is going to “keep” the Sabbath and condemn everyone else for not “keeping” the Sabbath then I would expect that one to not even start their automobile on the Sabbath…or their oven…or turn on a light switch for that matter!
Exodus 36:6 I can’t help but wonder on the principle herein. God motivated the people to give in accord with His will. Do we ever stop to ask about our unfunded ventures if maybe God hasn’t put that into the hearts of the people to be done? Maybe God is setting the principle in place, maybe not.
I think our federal, state, and local governments would be wise to heed such a matter. Only do the public works that the public is willing to fund. I think this would balance the budget and would eliminate debt.
Radical Ranting Patriot 
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