When Jesus declared to the 70 that they should not rejoice in their authority over evil spirits, he pointed out an important spiritual truth. We tend to equate our self-worth and value with what we can do or accomplish. The 70 had done great things with the authority that Jesus had given to them, evenContinue reading “Freedom That No One Can Take Away”
Category Archives: disappointment
Jesus Forsaken
In one of Jesus’ statements on the cross, he cried out asking why God had forsaken him. The word he used, “forsake”, has an interesting usage and contrast in the rest of the New Testament. This is the only time the word is used in reference to God forsaking someone. All the other references referContinue reading “Jesus Forsaken”
Familiarity Breeds Contempt
The proverb familiarity breeds contempt was evident in Jesus’ neighbors’ response to him when he came to teach in Nazareth’s synagogue. They were amazed at his teaching and at the reports of what he had done in other cities, but rather than listening to Jesus, they were offended by him. The question is why? TheyContinue reading “Familiarity Breeds Contempt”
Defeating Temptations
Jesus’ 40 days in the desert to be tested by the devil give us a strategy for defeating temptation. First Satan may use our physical needs against us, in order to tempt us to live for ourselves, rather than living in a dependent relationship on our heavenly Father. Jesus refused to use his own powerContinue reading “Defeating Temptations”
Pride and Humility
The Scripture that declares that God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6) is easy to understand at one level, but can be difficult to accept in practice. This was Paul’s point as he concluded his discussion in Romans 9. When he declared that the Gentiles, who had lived dissolute livesContinue reading “Pride and Humility”
Jesus’ Truth Revealed Through Unbelief
The response of the religious leaders after Jesus’ death reveals a curious phenomenon that takes place in those who do not believe what Jesus said. The day following Jesus’ death and after he was buried, the religious leaders went to Pilate requesting that the tomb be guarded and sealed. Their reason? They remembered that JesusContinue reading “Jesus’ Truth Revealed Through Unbelief”
The Degradation of Humanity
Jesus’ crucifixion reveals the sad and surprising degradation of man. Pilate realized Jesus was innocent, yet yielded to the jealousy of the leaders and perverted justice. Thinking to preserve his own position, he revealed how unworthy he was of it. In so doing, Pilate reveals the addictive power of an exalted position. Once attained aContinue reading “The Degradation of Humanity”
Disappointment with God
During Jesus’ testing in the wilderness, Satan took him to the pinnacle of the temple and stated that since Jesus was the Son of God, he should throw himself down so that God would send angels to save him. Jesus saw the devil’s second temptation as testing the Lord God, which we are commanded notContinue reading “Disappointment with God”
David Freitag 