In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Fear Him who Sends to Hell

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Don’t fear people who can honestly only kill this body. They cannot kill your inner man—your soul. Rather, Fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in Hell ….these are Jesus’ words; and yet far too often, we regard God incorrectly. Yes, God is love. Yes, God is the Father of His children. But when God spanks His child, there should be some fear of that spanking—it’s not pleasant. When I was a child and got a spanking, you can be sure that I wasn’t looking forward to it—I feared it. As I grew older, some things changed in regard to how I behaved. I started to not behave the right way because I was afraid of the spanking but later because I wanted to honor my parents. And ultimately, I wanted to please God. O how many actions have been changed because I realized that my conduct was grieving the heart of my Heavenly Father! O may we Fear God—it is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Fear Them Not

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Do not fear man for one day everything will be laid open—nothing will be hidden, but every secret exposed at the Judgment seat of Christ! Every thought, every motive, every deed, every word will be judged at that day. In light of that, when we spend time in the secret place with the Lord and He gives us something to say—speak it when you come out. What you hear from the Holy Spirit in your ear, preach it on the housetops! Obey God rather than men. Do not fear man, but Fear God!

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Families at Odds and Fleeing as a Way of Life

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

If they persecuted our Lord, they will persecute us His followers. In these days we are seeing the hatred for Christ in many families that Jesus speaks of here: brother against siblings and his parents who believe in God, a father against his child, children against their parents. Jesus’s words are true that in some places around the world the persecution is so intense that family members are even literally handing over other relatives to be put to death for their Faith in Christ.

When you are persecuted, what does Jesus say? Surprisingly Jesus doesn’t say just stay and endure it (he does say to endure hatred), but flee to another city!—you will not be able to go through all the cities in Israel in this manner before Jesus returns! A reminder and promise of the brevity of the persecution in comparison to our Lord’s near return to make all things New!

We are not above our Master, therefore may we accept the sufferings of our Lord—for being identified with Him, we are hated by many (John 7).

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Difficulty to Be Expected

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Beware of men! Many you follow Christ; and have suffered for Christ. We are not to fear man, but God. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that persecution is very likely if you are following after your Lord who suffered for doing right. It seems it may even need to be taken as guaranteed. Sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Why is this missing from our theology and understanding of discipleship today?

Here Jesus warns His disciples that men will deliver them up to councils, scourge them in their synagogues (Jewish churches), and take them before governors and kings for a testimony on trial.

It is very important to obey what Jesus says next. When you are delivered up, don’t worry about how or what to speak. The Holy Spirit will speak through you at that time! O how often too we stress out about how to answer those who question our Faith or challenge us or persecute us! —may we depend on the Lord. For even though we haven’t prepared, the Holy Spirit, like Peter at Pentecost moved by His prompting, can testify to an unbelieving world!

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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As Sheep Amidst Wolves

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Jesus sent forth His disciples among the wolves. Today is no different. If you follow Christ, then Jesus is going to send you out among the wolves. You’re only a sheep so make sure that you are discerning—wise as a serpent and live at peace with everyone as much as depends on you—harmless as doves. Above all else, depend on your Chief Shepherd!

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Worthy Workmen

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

It is very important to understand that when Jesus came, He was not sent to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Yes, there were some who were Gentiles and Samaritans that He healed and preached to, but His purpose as the awaited Messiah was to come and declare the truth to Israel. Then when Israel had rejected it, the Gospel would go forth through Jesus’ disciples to the ends of the earth.

Paul understood this, for he always preached the Gospel to the Jews first, and then went to the Gentiles. Today, the Gospel has still not gone to the ends of the earth, but it shall go forth unto every tribe and nation and tongue before our Lord’s glorious return for us. With all that said, it was very important that Jesus commanded His disciples at this time to go forth and share the Gospel with the Jews only. Let’s go on and see the specific things Jesus sent His disciples out to do:

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Jesus laid it all out. Go! Preach! Heal the sick, cleanse the leapers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Don’t take any money for the trip, you’re worthy of your keep by those you minister too. When you go to a house, let your peace abide there if it is worthy. But if the home will not receive you, nor listen to your words, then when you leave the house (or even the entire city) shake the dust of your feet as a testimony against them.

There is much more that Jesus told His disciples when they were sent out. But today, mediate on these two passages. Contemplate what Jesus was telling His 12 and ask the Holy Spirit how this passage applies to you today. As a follower of Jesus, you are one of Jesus’ many disciples spread throughout the whole earth but how were the Apostles different? What strikes me is how the Lord’s provision for His servants was enough. This wasn’t a career, this was a mission.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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The Twelve

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Jesus gave power to his twelve disciples to cast out demons and heal the sick. It is significant to note that Jesus called and gave this power to them. Pause and meditate on that… It was Jesus here that gave; not a right they were entitled to.

The twelve apostles are listed out. Isn’t it interesting that Judas is named an Apostle? Jesus called each of these 12—they were His closest companions for a few years. They camped with Jesus, traveled with Jesus, heard Jesus preach, ate with Jesus, were at Jesus’ side as He did miracle after miracle….

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Sheep Without A Shepherd

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Jesus went about to all the cities and villages teaching in the synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom as well as healing every sickness and every disease among the people. However, these are not the things that moved Jesus to compassion in this passage.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Jesus was moved with compassion because the people fainted and were scattered abroad—they were like sheep having no shepherd. Jesus is the good shepherd and every pastor and minister (any Christian, evangelist, etc…) would do well to realize that they are undershepherds of the Good Shepherd and need to feed the flock of God good food and protect them.

We see Jesus turn to his disciples and say, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Jesus knew that the work was too great even for Him alone (just to the nation of Israel)! It seems to remain a similar problem throughout every age—there just aren’t enough laborers dedicated to the Lord to work the harvest that is on the earth. O that we would catch Jesus’ heart and pray that Father would send out more workers dedicated to Him to work His harvest! And what if the answer to your prayer is for you to go?

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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The Mute Man

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Here we see Jesus healing a mute man and the crowds marveling about it. Yet, the Pharisees say, with a heart that is hard and does not accept Jesus as Lord, “He casteth out the devils through the prince of devils.” May we not grow hard of heart and call God’s doings the work of the devil.

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Ryan's Books on Amazon

In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Two Blind Men

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

Two blind men followed Jesus crying out for Jesus to mercifully heal them. Jesus asks them an interesting question, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” They answered yes. Do you really believe Jesus is able to heal the blind, the sick, the oppressed, the brokenhearted—anyone? Jesus wants His followers to believe that He can do anything. Many things are impossible with men, but with God nothing is impossible!

Jesus healed them and the scripture says, “according to their faith.” However, Jesus told them not to tell anyone, but they disobeyed and spread His fame throughout that country. Far too often, we want Jesus heal us. He may say to us like He did to these two, “Do ye have faith that I can do this…then be it unto you according to your faith.” The sad thing is that many who may have had faith that Jesus could do anything, once they are healed, go on to disobey the Lord. They do not really love the Lord Jesus. They are not really willing to obey when He tells them to be quiet about what God has done for them; they want to get a slice of the glory of what God has done. Perhaps this is why Jesus says that many will cast out demons, heal the sick, and even raise the dead in His name; yet He will tell them when they are dead, “Depart from me you who practice lawlessness (disobey God’s commands), for I never knew you.”

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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A Little Girl and a Woman in Need of Jesus

While he spake these things unto them,

While Jesus was responding to the why He ate with tax collectors and sinners.

behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him,

When Scripture speaks of worship here, and many other places, it refers to bowing down before someone.

saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Look at this man’s faith! “My daughter is dead, but lay Your hand upon her and she shall live!” This ruler understood that Jesus had the power to heal and that His mere touch could revive her life.

19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

Again, we see an individual with Faith. “If only I can touch Jesus’ garment, I’ll be whole,” she thinks within her heart. She had been suffering for a long time. Interestingly, we learn in Mark’s account that the little girl Jesus is on His way to minister to is 12 years old (Mark 5:42), the same number of years that this woman had been suffering.

22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Jesus pauses to tell the woman to take comfort for her faith has indeed made her whole.

23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Jesus got to the ruler’s home and was laughed to scorn, that means mocked, derided, ridiculed because He said that the girl was asleep and not dead. O that we will not mock the Lord when He says that one only sleeps! Far too many today laugh the Lord to scorn and say, “O God can’t help them. They’re too far gone.”

After Jesus got the people out of the house, he took the young lady by the hand and she arose and because of this miracle, and Jesus fame spread throughout the land.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Why Are They Not Fasting?

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

John the Baptist’s disciples come to Jesus and ask why they and the Pharisees fasted often, but Jesus’ disciples didn’t. It seems like a just question. Jesus was by no means setting an example to never fast, but, He explains, while He is with the disciples, they don’t need to fast. However, when He is gone, they will. Jesus illustrates this with the Bride and the Bridegroom, an old garment and new cloth, and new wine into old wineskins versus new wine into new wine skins. Therefore, it is clearly a command of Jesus to fast.

Have you ever fasted (which simply means given up something for a special season to focus on the Lord)? You can fast anything. I encourage however, to not just “go without eating (or whatever it is),” but to take the extra time you have because of what you are forgoing and spend it in prayer and the Word. Fasting can be a time of communion. It is not about deprivation but recognizing our need being met by the Lord with even greater clarity.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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The Calling of Matthew

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

As Jesus went on from his healing of the man lying on the bed with palsy, he sees a man named Matthew and says, “Follow me.” What did Matthew do? No questions, he just got up and followed! Do we respond to Jesus like that?

Jesus then comes to a house and eats with tax collectors and sinners, when the Pharisees saw it and asked the disciples why Jesus was doing this. They asked this because they considered it abominable to eat with those who they looked down upon. Yet, Jesus responds in a very interesting way, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus did not come, nor does He send us to the nations, to only be around the “respectable.” Those sick in their sinful transgression need to be healed by repenting of their sin and finding everlasting life in Jesus Christ. O may we understand that. Ultimately, God desires mercy, not sacrifice from us.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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The Healing of the Paralyzed Man

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

After being asked to leave after “the pig incident,” Jesus gets into a boat and comes over to his own city. This likely was Capernaum (Jesus’ “base of operations”); however, it may have been Nazareth. Nazareth seems unlikely though because Jesus did not do much work there. Either way, the point is that Jesus came to a city he was identifying with and heals a man who was lying on his bed. Jesus not only heals him, but says, “thy sins be forgiven thee.” Remember, dear reader, that Jesus is always more concerned about the real issue with your heart than what is wrong with your temporary body.

The scribes of course take Jesus acting as God (which He is) by forgiving sins, as blasphemy. Jesus addresses them directly by asking which is easier to say—your sins are forgiven or get up and walk? Jesus answers, knowing that they need to see that God has the authority to forgive sins: “get up and walk, son.” So, the man rises and goes home as Jesus said. No fancy parading around the healed person, no asking him to stand up and share his testimony. Just, “Arise, take up they bed, and go unto thy house.” Get up and go home! That’s it. But the multitudes saw what God (who gave the power to heal the man) did; yet sadly they did not view Christ as God, but as a man (re-read verse 8 again).

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Get a short read on the Theology of the unchanging nature of our Savior in God’s Immutability

In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Jesus Heals the Demoniacs

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

Here Jesus ventures to the Gentile boarder (Jewish people did not have herds of pigs) and heals two demon possessed men who had apparently been abiding in the tombs, demonically strong with rage, and afflicting those who came near. The demons cry out when Jesus gets near! They don’t want to go to Hell and be locked up until the judgment as some demons are. No, they want to be free until the end, so they beg Jesus, send us into the pigs! Why? Because demons are spirits that have to be indwelling something it seems, possessing another. While we hear of God’s angels taking on the form “of men” and appearing to God’s people, I have never seen an instance in the Scriptures of demons doing so. Demons always are working within someone. Even Satan appears to possess a snake in the Garden of Eden showing the same inability to create but rather one who masquerades, deceives and uses others.

32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Jesus grants these demons their request. That is an important thing to note. Demons do not just run around willy nilly and do whatever they want, and neither does Satan. God has to allow them (check out opening chapters of the book of Job).

Well, this herd of pigs rushes right down into the sea and the people who were watching them went back and told. The result: grieving over their financial loss. A person’s business had been destroyed or at least suffered a heavy loss. The whole city comes out to Jesus and begs him to leave! They didn’t want any more of this man Jesus who had cost them so much rather than recognizing His authority and identity as the Son of God who could save them. Rather than faith in, they feared, were terrified of the Lord and refused to have anything to do with Him. Rather, they begged Him to leave them alone. What a sad response that we still see to the gospel by some who behold it, even miraculously.

The lesson to learn: sometimes, when God frees a sinner from his “demon,” it affects others’ livelihood. A good example may be Billy Sunday. When Sunday came to town, many bars ended up closing because so many got saved and gave up their addiction to alcohol. If our livelihood is affected, will we rejoice with the men God has freed?

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Jesus Sleeping Amidst the Storm

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Here is the oft quoted story of Jesus and calming the waves. Notice that this occurred right after He turned away from the multitudes and two men decided not to follow Him. As Jesus steps into the boat, the disciples follow Him. Our Lord then lays down and goes to sleep. His disciples, still not grasping who Jesus really was, cry out “Lord save us, lest we perish!” Jesus responds with something that may seem puzzling—why are you afraid, O ye of little faith? Our Lord then gets up, rebukes the winds and the sea and everything calms down. The disciples then are dumbfounded saying, “who is this man? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”

When the storms of life rage around us, do we run to the Lord and say, “Lord, save us lest we perish!”? Would Jesus respond to us the same way as He did the disciples— why are you afraid, O ye of little faith?

Our God is in control of all things. O may we have faith to trust in Him, especially when adversity strikes and times look bleak. And praise be the Lord for His mercy and patience with us as we struggle.

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Lord, I will Follow say Two…but…

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

In this instance, Jesus sees great crowds coming to Him, and He gives the order for His disciples to ready the boat to depart to the other side of the lake. This example reminds us that Jesus did not cater to the needs of people. No, Jesus was God wrapped in flesh and set us an example by only doing the will of His Father. Therefore, Jesus did not set up a healing shop and build a name for Himself on the testimonies of those He healed. No, Jesus sought God’s will in each and every instance. O that we would come to know such humility in our lives as to seek God in every instance that arises!

19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Here are two instances of people who came to Jesus in regard to following Him, and it appears that all this happened right before He got in the boat to leave (see 23)! If the account of these two is representative of the multitudes, we understand why Jesus was departing. Before we break it down, there is one thing that strikes me about this story. Jesus called His 12 Disciples to follow Him. One of these other ones came to Jesus and begged to follow Him and the other placed a condition upon following Him. Was it because they were enamored at His miracles? Did they want a slice of His popularity? Did they want to be identified with “the miracle worker”?

The first man, a scribe says “Master, I will follow you wherever you go.” This man called Jesus his master, as if he would be Jesus’ slave/servant voluntarily, but look at what Jesus says: “I have nowhere to lay my head.” In other words, Jesus was homeless. He traveled around, He was an itinerant, He did not have wealth and prestige, but was a humble servant that depended on God for provision. Jesus’ response appears to have gotten right the issue—this man is not really willing to give up a home (and the security of it) to follow Jesus.

Another man comes and says “Lord, let me first bury my father.” Jesus was calling this man to follow Him. Jesus was very upfront with those He called—He called them to count the cost and put it bluntly. Early on in ministry, I noticed far too many pray a prayer of salvation simply because they do not want to go to Hell and believe that if they pray a prayer and have an emotional experience once, that they are Christians. Jesus, however, said that those who are truly Christians follow Him. The man says, “FIRST, let me….” Jesus says “follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” I just recently heard an excellent point about this last verse (which is paralleled in Luke). The theologian said in effect that when Jesus said let the dead bury their own dead, in a way, Jesus was saying, that He would conqueror death and therefore, it shouldn’t be our focus or excuse.

In conclusion today I have one question, have you spent time with the Lord to the point that you know that Jesus has called you to Follow Him as His disciple? If not, have you been endeavoring to come to Jesus saying “Lord, I’ll follow you but….” or even begging to be counted a follower of Jesus, yet you will not dedicate your heart to Him (you’re holding onto your “house”—whatever it may be, instead of placing it on the altar for your Lord to do with as He wills)?

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Peter’s Sick Mother-in-Law

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Praise the Lord that our God has authority over sickness! Our God is sovereign! When He rebukes a fever it is gone immediately—in the snap of the fingers! In this story, we see how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and she got up and served Jesus and those who were with Him.

On a side note, some say that Peter was unmarried. In the Catholic church, false teaching says that Jesus made Peter Pope and all ministers within the Catholic church must be unmarried. However, Peter had a mother-in-law! I’m not saying that there are not any Christians in the Catholic church, I’m simply using one of their doctrines as an example of how we need to be on our guard and test doctrine based on the Word of God and cast out the traditions of men.

16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

When evening came, what happened? Many came to Jesus that were demon possessed and he cast the demons out and, in this instance, Jesus also healed all that were sick who came. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would do this: saying that He would take “our infirmities and bare our sicknesses.”

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

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Lord, I am Under Authority

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Jesus said that he would come and heal this man’s servant; however, the Centurion said, no, but just say the word and I know that he will be healed because I am a man that am under authority and I have men under me—when I tell them to do something, they do it. This man had such great faith! He knew that Jesus did not have to touch the servant to heal him, for Jesus had all authority and only had to say the word and it would be done. May we have faith like that! Faith that trusts in God having the power to do what He wills without being us having to be “touched.”

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In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.

SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture

Subscribe now

Lord, If It Is Your Will

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

In the Gospels, there are typically one of two reasons that Jesus is on a mountain. #1 to get apart and commune with His Father or #2 to teach the people from the “platform” of a mountain. This verse tells us that after Jesus came down from one particular mountain, great multitudes followed Him. Sadly, within a few short years, theses multitudes would fall away or even completely reject the Messiah and only a handful—some 500 to 120 remained in the gathered Faithful to the Lord through it all up to the day of Pentecost some say. Perhaps there were more who had believed and gone home who did not reside near the capital during His crucifixion, but we know not of them. What we do know for sure is that increasingly we are going to see Jesus move from the many to the few. Many follow at a distance as a fan but it becomes fewer and fewer who will truly stick it out and follow Jesus when it requires sacrifice.

2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

One definition in Scripture of worship means to bow down or humble yourself before someone; that appears to be what this leper is doing. What faith this leper had! He came to Jesus and said, Lord, if you will, You can make me clean. In other words, I know that you have the power to heal me, but, Lord Jesus, may Your will (not mine) be done.

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Jesus puts forth his hand and what? He touches Him and says, “I will: be thou clean.” Jesus said that it was His will for this individual to be cleansed and as we have seen before, that means that this was the Father’s will for Jesus only did the will of His Father. Immediately after Jesus stretched forth His hand and spoke, this man’s leprosy was cleansed!

4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Jesus also tells this man something that is very important. Jesus told this to a number of individuals, although not to all of them. Jesus said don’t tell anyone, but go the priest (as was laid out in the Law of God) and offer the gift Moses (the Law) commands, as a testimony to who? To the priests! Jesus does not always heal to give us a testimony to tell to everyone. Sometimes His healing of our infirmity or weakness is to be only for a small group or even one individual to see and give God the glory. Today, there is much talk and preaching about sharing everything God does for us as a testimony, but this is producing a problem. Miracles or touches from the Lord upon our physical or emotional selves are becoming “equivalent” with “having faith” and “the blessing of the Lord.” So many are going around proclaiming their testimony and saying that if God did it for me, He’ll do it for you. What is all this producing? The name of Christ is not really being glorified but reproached and mocked. Why? There are even those who say that Jesus died to give them complete physical health, and yet they are fearful of everything they eat, always switching to a new diet and diving into study about this cause of sickness and that, all the while claiming that they are “believing for” their healing. Those who watch them see this discrepancy and are turned off to their message, not drawn nearer to the Lord. Can the Lord Jesus heal? Absolutely! Does God still heal people, today? Yes! Should we claim what we want? No. We may ask the Lord, but we should ask as humble servants and with the faith of a child, asking our Daddy. But may we not demand that the Lord do our will!

Dear reader, may we, like this Leper who came to Jesus, say “Lord, if it be Your will, I know that You can heal me.” O Lord, may we be humble and may we be obedient to not grow prideful if we have been healed, but humbled by Your mercy and grace toward us in this earthly body.

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