Funeral: "The measure of a man" (Ps 37:21,26)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "THE MEASURE OF A MAN" (Ps 37:21,26)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2006

Where below you read "the deceased" Pastor Manuel

inserted the name of the individual.

What is The Measure of a Man? How do you evaluate his life? What qualities impressed people about him? When we lose a member of our congregation, as we did yesterday with the passing of the deceased, especially someone who meant so much to so many, it is fitting to ask these questions, not just to remember him, although that is certainly important, but to remind us about what is important in life. That is what I would like us to do this morning: to remember. It is an occasion to honor him, yet it is also an opportunity to check our own priorities, to make course adjustments, whether large or small, and ensure we are on track with God.

 

In recalling and recounting elements of the deceased's life, we do not suggest that he had reached the level of Christ-likeness to which we all aspire, merely that he made progress toward that goal, progress we noticed and progress we hope to make. Some of us came on the scene later in the deceased's life, so our contact with him was not as extensive as others. Some of you grew up with him. Many of you knew him all your life. I knew him relatively briefly but, in those few years, I saw what he became, the finished product, or at least as much as we see now.

 

Think for a few moments about what you might like to say.... David writes in Ps 37,

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously (Ps 37:21).

What impressed me about the deceased was his generosity. For example, he was generous with his time. The Choraleers prepare for a singing engagement by rehearsing extensively. It is a prerequisite to ministering effectively, and members of the group make a significant commitment to realizing that goal. Occasionally, the deceased would miss a rehearsal, not because he was tired or simply felt like staying home, but because he had another engagement, another request or obligation to be somewhere. His extensive schedule probably frustrated some people, and I would rather have seen him at rehearsal, but his absence was a sign of his generosity, his willingness to spend time with people. He was also generous with his money. As I sat in Diaconate meetings with him, where we discussed the needs of various people both inside and outside the church, he was never reluctant to recommend that we help, and he was always among the first to contribute. He also offered financial incentives for students to improve their grades, and there are probably other examples as well, because the deceased was generous with his money.

 

Occasionally, the media report that a celebrity donated a substantial amount of time or money to some charitable cause and, while that may be noteworthy, the quality of generosity is not defined by a single event. After stating that "the righteous give generously," David goes on to say,

They are always generous (Ps 37:26a)....

In the years I had known the deceased, I found that to be true of him. He was always generous.

 

Now it is your turn. Perhaps you recall other examples of his generosity, perhaps something else. What qualities impressed you about the deceased?

 

[Individual reflections]

 

What is The Measure of a Man? One day, others will reflect on your life, perhaps not this way, but they will note your passing. What will have impressed them? What would you like to have impressed them? ...If you could write your own obituary, what would you want it to say? ...While you are living, that is what you are doing. You are writing what will become the testimony of your life. Paul says to the Corinthians:

You yourselves are [a] letter...known and read by everybody (2 Cor 3:2).

That is a sobering thought.... It is also a wonderful opportunity to show others what is important in life, because how you spend your life is a measure of how you want to spend eternity. Paul goes on to say,

You...are a letter from Christ...written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God (2 Cor 3:3).

We have reflected upon what God said through the deceased. Now, from his new heavenly vantage point, the deceased would be asking, "What is God saying through you?"

For a pdf see here.

Funeral: "Home at last" (Ps 23:6b)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "HOME AT LAST" (Ps 23:6b)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

Where below you read "the deceased" Pastor Manuel

inserted the name of the individual.

In Ps 23, David draws from his own boyhood experience tending his father's sheep, and paints a vivid picture of pastoral life. As a shepherd leads his flock, he looks for "green pastures [and] quiet waters" (Ps 23:2) but knows he will encounter difficulties. The flock may even have to pass "through the valley of the shadow of death" (Ps 23:4) before returning home. David likens these early experiences to his later life's journey under the guidance of his shepherd, the LORD (Ps 23:1). David describes the end of that journey at the end of this psalm, when he would be Home at Last, saying...

I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Ps 23:6b).

While much of life, especially with God as one's shepherd, should be enjoyable, there are periods when a person welcomes less activity, a quieter existence. For example, when a person is traveling, whether for business or pleasure, it is often a welcome change to return home. In fact, the longer a person is away, the more one may look forward to getting back to a more regular and less demanding schedule. This was probably true for David. He may have had his father's flocks out for extended periods, moving them from place to place in search of suitable pasture, while at the same time watching out for danger from wild animals or robbers. After some time away, he probably looked forward to returning home.

 

In my visits with the deceased at the VA, I would report to him what was happening at church, significant events in the lives of people he knew, what special services we had planned, when the choir would be singing a holiday program. He often said that he hoped he could be there, but first, he would have to get home. He looked forward to returning home and mentioned it often. Even as more time passed, and it looked less and less likely that he would be able go home, he held on to that hope in....

• The place of God's care

When David composed the words at the close of his psalm, "the house of the LORD" had not yet been built. There was only the temporary structure of the tabernacle, which did not have room to "dwell in." The permanent and much larger edifice, the temple, would not exist until his son Solomon erected it. What David had in mind as he wrote this final verse was probably God's house in heaven which, as Jesus told the disciples, has plenty of room (John 14:2a). Regardless of how long David spent away from his earthly home, he could look forward to a heavenly home, a home he would never have to leave, a home where he would be with the LORD "forever."

• The permanence of God's care

Although the deceased was not able to return to his earthly home, he knew, as David knew, that regardless of how long he spent away, he could look forward to a heavenly home, "the house of the LORD." The deceased also knew, like David, that his heavenly home would be a permanent one.

 

Despite his hope, the deceased was never able to go back home while he was here. But because of his hope, the deceased will always be home. He is there now, with the LORD "forever." He is Home at Last.

 

If the deceased could get a message to folks here, especially to his family, it would surely be to confirm the value and veracity of what David wrote in Ps 23, that there is great advantage to having the LORD as one's shepherd, not the least of which is assurance about what awaits you at the end of life's journey: to "dwell in the house of the LORD forever." It is what David knew and what the deceased knows. It is the satisfaction, the contentment, the joy of being Home at Last.

For a pdf see here.

Funeral: "Through the valley" (Ps 23:4)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "THROUGH THE VALLEY" (Ps 23:4)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

Where below you read "the deceased" Pastor Manuel

inserted the name of the individual.

However carefully you plan, whatever preparations you make to do this or that, there are often unexpected events that require you to adjust.

• The boss needs you to work late, and you miss dinner with the family.
• The car breaks down, and you cannot make that important meeting.
• The mail brings an unexpected bill, and you must put off replacing that worn-out appliance.

These are the speed bumps of life, the unexpected twists and turns that make you change your expectations of what lies ahead.

 

There are also events you can anticipate, things we do not welcome but that we know lie ahead.

• The company is downsizing, and your job is being eliminated.
• The police arrest your best friend for stealing to support his drug habit, despite your repeated warnings to him.
• The doctor gives you the bad news about your condition.

These are also the speed bumps of life, perhaps more difficult because you see them coming and cannot avoid them. Whether expected or unexpected, seen or unseen, there are events we must all face.

 

Ps 23 was a familiar passage to the deceased, as it is to many, one especially significant because it describes God's care for His people in a personal way that is easy to grasp and appreciate. David, the author of this psalm, was a shepherd, so he understood the needs of sheep. He also understood that people are like sheep in many ways and that, as a shepherd looks to the needs of his flock, so the Lord looks to the needs of His people. One need common to sheep and people is that both require someone smarter than they are to watch over them. That is especially true when they travel through unfamiliar territory or unsafe terrain. Just as sheep need the presence of one they can trust, one who will look out for them, so people need the presence of one they can trust, one who will look out for them. The author frames this particular need and the way God meets it in v. 4.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (v. 4).

Much of life takes us through areas that are somewhat familiar or relatively safe. The experiences may not always be easy or enjoyable, but they do not pose a particular danger to us. They are also experiences we may, perhaps, avoid by choosing a different path. Redirecting our way, however, is not always possible. In fact...

I. There are some things we must all do.

...some things we cannot escape as long as we live in this world.

Funeral: "The continuity of God's Care" (Ps 23:1,6)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "THE CONTINUITY OF GOD'S CARE" (Ps 23:1,6)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2008

Where below you read "the deceased" Pastor Manuel

inserted the name of the individual.

In Ps 23, David draws from his own experience and paints a vivid picture of pastoral life: the responsibility a shepherd has to protect and provide for his flock, the responsiveness of the sheep to follow the shepherd wherever he leads. David likens the shepherd's task to the protection and provision God offers to His people, and likens the flock's compliance to the obedience God expects from His people. In the first and final phrases of this psalm, especially, we see The Continuity of God's Care.

 

David opens the psalm with his...

 

I. Commitment (promise) to God's care

 

In David's early years, he was a shepherd, so he knew what tending a flock entailed. He knew that sheep do not fend for themselves very well, that they need direction:

• To find the most nourishing food sources and
• To survive the perilous conditions of life in the wilderness.

David compares the needs sheep have to the needs people have.

• Like sheep, people need help in finding the most nourishing food sources, not just for physical sustenance but for spiritual sustenance as well.
• Like sheep, people need help surviving the perilous conditions of life, not just the normal uncertainties but situations that press one's physical limits and tax one's emotional reserves.

David's own experiences, as a shepherd, as a military leader, and even as a king made him familiar with such needs and with the importance of relying on God to meet those needs. So David's opening statement in this poem is his commitment to God's care: "The LORD is my shepherd" (Ps 23:la).

I had the privilege of knowing the deceased for ten years and, while that was a relatively short portion of his one hundred plus years, we had many opportunities to talk about spiritual matters. I did not know this psalm was one of his favorite biblical passages, but I would not have found that surprising. Ps 23 is a favorite for many people. What I did not realize until recently, however, is that he made it a regular part of his devotions, something he would recite every evening before retiring. That practice speaks to the commitment he made to God's care, that like David, the deceased was dependent on Him as his shepherd:

• To help him find the most nourishing food sources, and
• To help him survive the perilous conditions of life.

Like David, the deceased could say and did say repeatedly, "The LORD is my shepherd."

Funeral: "The Decision to serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "THE DECISION TO SERVE THE LORD" (Josh 24:15)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2008

This was delivered by Pastor Manuel at his father's funeral.

We value our independence, the ability to make decisions, both great and small. While the smaller decisions—the music we enjoy or the clothes we wear—have little affect on the course of our lives, the larger decisions—whom we marry or what job we take—can have a profound affect, on our present as well as on our future…on us as well as on others. This is especially so for the choice everyone must make, whether positively or negatively, whether by deliberation or by default—The Decision to Serve the Lord.

 

After the initial conquest of Canaan, the Israelites are ready to begin their settlement of the land. It marks the realization of a 500 year-old promise God made to their ancestors. It also marks the culmination of a forty-year pilgrimage in the wilderness, a delay in the fulfillment of that promise because of their disobedience to God. As they begin this new adventure, Joshua, Israel’s leader, challenges the people to review and, if necessary, to revise their loyalties. He says:

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh 24:15)

In issuing this challenge, Joshua alludes to his own choice. Whatever they decide, he and his household will serve God. It is a significant choice, but it is not a sudden

one, because…

 

I. Joshua made the decision to serve the LORD early.

 

We do not know when Joshua’s commitment to God began, but his first appearance in scripture, aiding Moses, was as “a young man” (Exod 33:11). Consequently, this was a decision he made early in life and, as later references show, it was a firm commitment, one that kept him from the troubles others of his generation encountered. When many Israelites grew disillusioned with the course God laid out, Joshua remained faithful and “followed the LORD fully” (Num 32:12). As a result, God allowed him to enter the Promised Land, while others did not.

 

Dad also made a commitment to God as a young man and, as one mark of that decision, he often mentioned his having taken the Methodist [Temperance] Pledge in the 1930s, which included a vow to abstain from alcohol. He did not consider it a way to earn favor with God but simply an expression of his devotion to God. It, too, was a firm commitment, a promise he took very seriously, and one that kept him and his family from many of the troubles those less disciplined encountered. It is also one his children have followed and from which we have reaped the same benefits.

Wedding: "Two are Better Than One" (Eccl 4:9a)

WEDDING CHARGE: "TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE" (Eccl 4:9a)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

Where below "Bride" and "Groom" are indicated Pastor Manuel

inserted the names of the individuals being married.

As a minister, I have had the privilege of officiating at several wedding ceremonies, most of which involve couples first starting a journey with another person. Despite the fact that in premarital counseling sessions I attempt to prepare couples for some of the challenges they might encounter, especially as they get to know each other better, I am aware that there will be many things only experience will enable them to face successfully. Consequently, I sometimes wonder if they will make it together.

 

Bride and Groom enter this union with the experience that eases my mind considerably. Moreover, having seen them together, I have little doubt that they will do well, although I cannot be absolutely sure, because they are usually on their best behavior in church when I see them. Nevertheless, I am more confident of their success and happiness, especially as I have noted their commitment to God as well as to each other.

 

They asked me to choose a biblical passage that I thought appropriate for the occasion. I considered Gen 2:18 where, after creating Adam...

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone."

...but my wife's modified translation of that verse, which she is fond of reciting (especially to me), always comes to mind. According to her version, and with a certain inflection, after creating Adam...

The LORD God said, "This is not good; I cannot leave this man alone.

...which implies something else.

 

However true that may have been in my case, there are some men who are able to function without supervision. Knowing that Groom is quite capable, I decided to select a different passage, three verses from Ecclesiastes:

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if [an adversary] can overpower [one] who is alone, two can resist him. (Eccl 4:9-12a)

Here Solomon mentions some of the practical benefits of life with another person, life that marriage exemplifies, beginning with the general assertion that a couple can work together to accomplish a common goal, a mutually beneficial goal, one that yields "a good return for their labor."

 

Bride and Groom, you will have opportunities to work on projects together that have the prospect of "a good return," in fact, a better return than anything you might attempt alone. Perhaps it is that missions trip you have been considering. In any case, it is certainly not just one thing. You will work on many things together, and whatever those projects might be, the outcome will be better because you will be involved together:

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

Wedding: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (Eccles 2:26; 3:12)

WEDDING CHARGE: "THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS" (Eccles 2:26; 3:12)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2010

The "Declaration of Independence" includes the assertion that God has endowed man with certain "unalienable rights," namely, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." It is that last one, The Pursuit of Happiness, I would like us to consider on this occasion, noting in particular two aspects of happiness.

• First, God's intention for you is that you be happy. Solomon said...

There is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. (Eccles 3:12)

That goal is what He wants for you, to be happy.

• Second, God's instruction to you will help you be happy. Again, Solomon said...

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, (Eccles 2:26a)

That guidance is what He provides for you, helping you to be happy.

Looking at these two principles more closely we see how they actually bear out.

I. God's intention for you is that you be happy.

From the beginning of time, God had you in mind, and He made provision for your happiness. In Genesis...

God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (Gen 2:18,24)

Through the institution of marriage, God made provision for your happiness...but He did not guarantee it. It is up to you to pursue happiness in your love for each other. Many people gauge the success of that pursuit, the degree of their happiness, by the way they feel. They say such things as...

I'm so in love that my heart races whenever we're together.

She's always on my mind. I can't wait to see her.

We're soul mates.

While there is a romantic element to love, the tensions of life will occasionally overshadow it (e.g., argument, financial difficulty, fatigue)—there will be times when you do not feel very loving. That is when there must be more to love than romance, something that holds you together, something that enables you to pursue happiness no matter how you feel.... Is there an alternative, a more reliable way for you to accomplish this together?

Wedding: "My Beloved" (Song 6:3a)

WEDDING CHARGE: "MY BELOVED" (Song 6:3a)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2001

Where below "Bride" and "Groom" are indicated Pastor Manuel

inserted the names of the individuals being married.

As I was considering which biblical passage would be appropriate to use in this charge to the couple, I wanted something different from what is often part of such occasions—perhaps something from the Book of Deuteronomy, in which Moses charges the Israelites about to enter the Promised Land. They were venturing into unknown territory much as Bride and Groom are. What sage counsel might the venerated leader of God's people give these two? After a careful search, I found in chapter 25 a helpful tip for the bride on their future relationship:

Do not muzzle an ox... (Deut 25:4a).

For the groom, Moses final words might be appropriate for this day:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified... (Deut 31:6a)

In the end, though, I decided one text applicable to both would be better, so I chose a passage from Canticles, the Song of Solomon, which is, appropriately, a wedding poem.

 

For centuries, people have wondered why a book of love poetry would be included in the biblical canon. Some suggested that it is an allegory of God's love for Israel or of Christ's love for the Church. More likely, though, is that it serves as a model of human love in a godly relationship. The poem is a series of lyrics in which the bride and groom express their affection for each other. With that in mind, I recommend to you both but a single line, perhaps the most familiar, from this great composition. The bride speaks these words, yet they could easily have come from the groom's lips as well, for they embody the attributes necessary for success and happiness in marriage:

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine (Song 6:3a).

There is no secret to what we find here, nothing lost for centuries and rediscovered in modern times. Like other books in the Hebrew wisdom tradition, such as Proverbs, what these words espouse is common sense, and I recommend them to you both as you begin your life together. A successful and happy marriage requires two attributes this verse contains: devotion and appreciation.

• Devotion: "I am my beloved's."

When the bride in the poem says this, she is not pledging bondage or subservience to her mate (as is clear from the next phrase). Rather, she is expressing her devotion; her desire and her decision to give all that she is and has to him. As I mentioned before, these words could come just as easily from the groom as from the bride, for marriage is the commitment of two people to each other. The traditional vows declare this devotion in phrases such as "forsaking all others for you alone" and "I pledge thee my troth (my fidelity/loyalty)."

Wedding: "Good to Be Together"

WEDDING CHARGE: "GOOD TO BE TOGETHER" (Gen 2:18)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2001

Where below "Bride" and "Groom" are indicated Pastor Manuel

inserted the names of the individuals being married.

As I was preparing my remarks, my wife Linda suggested I use that well-known admonition from the Apostle Paul: "Husbands, obey your wives" ( Col 3:19a). Because the subject of obedience in marriage, however, is such a delicate matter these days, it seemed best to use a more neutral text. I decided, instead, on Gen 2:18, the passage where God first establishes this institution. It is a familiar story and, as with the verse from Paul's letter, one my wife quotes with some frequency.

 

Although I know the passage well, having heard her use it often, I thought it best to check my recollection with the original. To my astonishment, I discovered that Linda had developed her own midrash, her own enhanced version. The difference is not great, but her rendition casts God's reason for marriage in a revealing light. Having made man from the dust of the earth, God looks at the epitome of His creation, shakes His head and, in her paraphrase, says, "Oy, this is not good. I cannot leave this man alone" ( Gen 2:18). Apparently, Linda's own experience has given her some insight into this event.

 

While not quite what the King James has, Linda's version may be essentially correct, despite the slight embellishment. Put yourself in God's shoes (metaphorically speaking). For several days, you have been creating some impressive stuff—light, seas, plants, stars, birds. At the end of each day, you look at what you have done and, with understandable satisfaction, say, "This is good." On the sixth day, for your final and greatest act, you make man, but when you examine the finished product, you realize, "Oy, this is not good. There is obviously something missing. This guy is not going to be able to make it in the real world without help." Only after you make woman, can you look with pride on the sixth day's labor and say, "Now this is good!" (Gen 1:31a)

 

Linda has perceived God's primeval dilemma as well as His wise solution. Through the revelation of personal experience, she has comprehended the tragic truth—one that enables her to read between the lines of scripture—that most men do not fare well left to their own devices.

 

When God says, "It is not good...to be alone," we can assume the opposite must be true, that "It is good to be together." Bride and Groom, you come to this union later than most couples do and with more experience than most couples have. Nevertheless, as you begin this new stage of your life, let me offer three recommendations. You may already have realized their value, but permit me to repeat them—ways to realize that it is Good to Be Together.

Weddings and funerals

TWO MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017

One of the most enjoyable tasks a minister has is conducting a wedding service, because it signals the start of life for two people and the enjoyable prospect that life holds for their future together. In addition to the legal pronouncement accompanying the service ("husband and wife"), the most important part is the charge he issues to them, although they will probably not remember it.

One of the least 'enjoyable' tasks a minister has is conducting a funeral service, because it signals the end of life for a person who may or may not have comported himself well and, therefore, has a potentially uncertain future from a minister's perspective. Thankfully, the determination of that future, whether with God or apart from God, is not a minister's responsibility. Although how that person lived often indicates how he will spend eternity, a minister must direct his remarks, which may include a brief meditation, to the living.

For the redeemed, of course, a funeral, like a wedding, should also be a celebration, as a child of God has entered eternity. In fact, there is no greater joy than the assurance of eternal life in the presence of the eternal God. It is the culmination of all goodness and blessing the Lord has in store for His people, including the certainty of a final resurrection to life.

The relative number of weddings and funerals is some indication of a congregation's health, not its spirituality but its numerical growth potential. A disproportionate number of funerals, for example, points to a church in decline and heading toward possible closure. The German Seventh Day Baptist church in Salemville PA is one such group, a loving assembly of God's people committed to serving Him but, barring some significant change, resigned to slow but eventual obscurity. The church has several factors that do not work in favor of numerical growth: a rural location, a non-traditional day of worship, and few programs, especially for children.

These wedding charges and funeral meditations are devotionals from services I have had the privilege of conducting in the course of ministry. My approach to them, like my approach to sermon preparation, is textual so each message reflects on a particular biblical passage. People will remember little of what I say, but if I can reinforce their recollection of an already familiar biblical passage, then it may come to mind again when a future need arises. Although I originally prepared these for specific occasions, I have removed mention of specific people but left the message itself intact.

Wedding Charges

"Good to Be Together" (Gen 2:18).
"My Beloved" (Song 6:3a).
"The Pursuit of Happiness" (Eccl 2:26; 3:12).
"Two are better than one" (Eccl 4:9a).

Funeral Meditations

"The Decision to Serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15).     NB: Because this meditation was very personal     (for my father, its only use), I did not revise it.
"The Continuity of God's Care" (Ps 23:1, 6).
"Through the Valley" (Ps 23:4).
"Home at Last" (Ps 23:6b).
"The Measure of a Man" (Ps 37:21, 26).
"A Temperament of Contentment" (Ps 86:12).
"God Is the Source" (Ps 90:1-12).
"Reflections on God's Protection" (Ps 91:1-16).
"Bless the Lord" (Ps 103:1-5).
"To Praise the LORD" (Ps 117:1-2).
"The Lord Is Your Guardian" (Ps 121:1-8).
"Reflections from Ps 139" (Ps 139:1-10).
"A Cheerful Look" (Prov 15:30a).
"Safe in the Arms of Jesus" (Mark 10:14,16).    NB: This meditation was for the death of an infant.
"Abundant Life" (John 10:7-10).

For a pdf of this post see here.

The Choice (Lev 22:20; Deut 12:13-14)

THE CHOICE: PLEASE YOURSELF OR PLEASE YOUR GOD (Lev 22:20; Deut 12:13-14)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017

There are rules that govern many situations, and if you are familiar with them you may not become discouraged when events do not unfold as you think they should.

A man drove by a little league game one day and, being a baseball fan, he decided to stop and watch for a while. He sat on the bleachers behind the fence and asked one of the players on the bench what the score was. "We're behind 24 to nothing," the boy answered with a smile. "Really?" the man said. "You don't look very discouraged." "Why should I be discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. "We haven't been up to bat yet."

There are rules that govern many situations, including rules about how you make The Choice: Please Yourself or Please Your God.

 

God made clear from the beginning that He cares about quality. At the end of each day during the creation He assigned His imprimatur: "It was good" (Gen 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). That concern for quality is also evident in the expectations He has from His people when He tells them to "be holy," an expectation He links to His own character: "because I am holy" (Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:26). This penchant for perfection extends also to the expectations He has for the offerings His people present to Him, and He issues guidelines for that.

 

I. God's rules dictate what to offer (Lev 22:20).¹

 

...and these rules are not open to negotiation or modification.

A. Man's standards are imperfect.

What they present to Him is unacceptable. Pagans, for example, offer anything, even unclean things that God abhors, like "pig's blood" (Isa 66:3).² Some pagans offer their own children, a practice God condemns repeatedly.³ Pagans think what someone presents does not matter, but it does matter, especially if the recipient is the Lord, because...

B. God's standards are perfect.

He decides what is acceptable or not.⁴ God told Moses in Leviticus that He has very exacting standards for whenever people bring an offering: "Do not bring anything with a defect,⁵ because it will not be accepted on your behalf" (Lev 22:20), and the point of any sacrifice is to present something God will accept.

 

There are also regulations about what is survivable for the minister. As God tells Aaron, "You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die" (10:9). Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu may have violated that regulation by becoming inebriated and offering "unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command"⁶ with the unfortunate result that "fire came out from the presence of the LORD...and they died before the LORD" (10:1-2).⁷ It is important that God's people not waste His time or jeopardize their own safety by ignoring His rules about what to offer!⁸

Ventured Capital (Luke 19:11-27)

THE VENTURED CAPITAL (Luke 19:11-27)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017

Marriage is an investment that will pay dividends if nurtured properly, like giving attention to one particular day each year:

"Honey," the wife asked her husband, "did you remember what day this is?" "Yes," he answered, "It's our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary." She inquired further, "And did you get me a gift?" "I did," he replied. "Well, what did you get me?" With obvious satisfaction at his foresight, he said, "I bought you a beautiful plot at the "Green Acres Cemetery." ...That was not the kind of gift she had in mind to mark their anniversary, but it was probably expensive, so she thanked him and left it at that. A year later, she posed the question again, "Honey, did you remember what day this is?" "Yes," he answered, "It's our twenty-sixth wedding anniversary." She inquired further, "And did you get me a gift?" "I did not," he replied. "Why not," she asked, amazed at his apparent insensitivity. "Because," he responded... "you didn't use the gift I got you last year."

Marriage is an investment that will pay dividends if nurtured properly. A relationship with God is also an investment that will pay dividends if nurtured properly, as Jesus describes in a parable: The Ventured Capital.

 

Although Jesus' reputation in first century Judaism as a renowned teacher won him invitations to some high society functions, he also mingled with less reputable elements.¹ One of those less reputable elements was tax collectors.² For example, Luke records: "Zacchaeus...was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.... Jesus...said to him, "Zacchaeus....I must stay at your house today." So he...welcomed him gladly. (19:2, 5-6) This fraternizing with such a dubious character raised some concern among Jesus' religious colleagues, which he speaks to in part during the meal with this parable of The Ventured Capital.³

 

I. Jesus addresses the imminence of the kingdom (Luke 19:11-15a).

A. The king begins his journey (vv. 11-12).

• He accepts the invitation to his coronation.

Luke 19:11 He went on to tell them a parable, because...the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.

When Jesus tells a parable he often depicts himself and his audience in the story, as he does here. The "man of noble birth" represents Jesus (Marshall 1978:702), who will one day assume the position of king over God's realm. He hinted at his messianic identity earlier in the ministry:

• When he demonstrated authority "to forgive sins" (5:24)
• When he claimed to be "Lord of the Sabbath" (6:5)
• When he performed numerous miracles: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised" (7:22)
• When he exercised power over nature by making a storm "calm" (8:24)
• When he sent a legion of demons into a herd of "pigs" (8:34)
• When he fed over "five thousand" (9:13) at one time
• When he predicted his death and resurrection "to life" (9:22)
• When he promised to return "in the glory...of the holy angels" (9:26)

It is no wonder he will be called "King of kings" (Rev 17:14; 19:16).

My Brother's Keeper (Gen 4:1-16)

MY BROTHER'S KEEPER (Gen 4:1-16)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017

Sibling rivalry is especially common when kids are young, so the challenge is often to find an activity they can do together without fighting.

Soon after the grandparents purchased a new front loading washer and dryer with all the "bells and whistles," their two young and energetic grandsons came for a visit. The boys chased each other through every room in the house for awhile, then it became unusually quiet. The grandparents looked all over until they found them. The boys had taken their little chairs into the laundry room and were sitting in front of the washer and dryer. When the grandparents asked what they were doing they said... "We're watching the laundry channel."

The challenge is often to find an activity normally competing siblings can do together without fighting. That challenge may become greater as they get older unless they learn their mutual responsibility to look out for each other, to be My Brother's Keeper.

 

The story of Cain and Abel is about two men and about the responsibility one has for the other, about the age-old question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

I. Abel is different than Cain (4:1-5).

A. He has a different occupation (vv. 1-2).

Gen 4:1 Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.

1. Abel was a shepherd. ¹
2. Cain was a farmer.

Theirs was not necessarily the first society,² merely the first recorded society. It was not a hunter-gatherer culture, which relies on foraging to secure food, but an agrarian culture, which relies on farming to secure food. Nothing in the text suggests that one food source or one occupation was better than another.³ Later, the biblical author writes...

• About the sons of Javan, who were sailors, perhaps traders, and how "from these [men] the maritime peoples spread" (Gen 10:5)
• About Nimrod, who was "a mighty hunter before the LORD" (Gen 10:9)

 As societies grew and spread so did the occupations that supported them. In this story, though, there were only two.

Messages from Matthew: Pursuing Different Goals at Passover (Matt 26:14-19)

MESSAGES FROM MATTHEW ON THE MINISTRY OF JESUS:
Pursuing Different Goals at Passover (Matt 26:14-19)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017
 

Sometimes a person who is dissatisfied with his income will want to supplement that income.

Unfortunately the way Andy chose to supplement his income was illegal and got him sent to prison, where he realized that he needed a different occupation. The warden saw that deep down Andy was a good person and made arrangements for him to learn a trade while doing his time. After three years, Andy was recognized as an excellent carpenter, and the warden would often give him a weekend pass to do odd jobs for people in the community. The warden was in the midst of remodeling his kitchen at home and, in fact, had done much of the work himself. All that remained was to cut out and attach the butcher block countertop. For this, the warden would need help, so he called Andy into his office and asked him to complete the job. Alas, Andy declined. "I'd really like to help you, Warden, but I dare not.... Counter fitting is what sent me to prison in the first place."

Sometimes a person who is dissatisfied with his income will want to supplement that income. Judas was dissatisfied with his income, so he decided to supplement it by betraying Jesus. As a result the two men ended up Pursuing Different Goals at Passover.

 

Judas and Jesus both have goals they want to meet. Judas's goal is selfish: He wants to benefit by profiting off another man's loss. Jesus' goal is selfless: He wants to benefit by having others profit off his loss: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:28).

I. Judas is concerned with profit (vv. 14-16).

Matt 25:14 One of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?" So they counted out for him. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

A. He asked about the possibility of betrayal...
B. He asked about the price for betrayal.

After confirming that the religious elite are interested in arresting Jesus,¹ Judas negotiates a price for his betraying the rabbi, "thirty pieces of silver." It is "a basic wage for two or three months" and the minimum price of a slave (Nolland 2005:1060).² Too late Judas realizes that his decision has unwelcome consequences. Perhaps he did not believe the authorities would follow through with their threat to kill Jesus or he thought the arrest would force Jesus to reveal his messianic identity.³ Either way, Judas regrets his betrayal and returns the silver: "Judas threw the money into the temple and left" (Matt 27:5a). Returning the money does nothing, however, to assuage his conscience,⁴ because "he went away and hanged himself" (Matt 27:5b).⁵

Messages from Matthew: The Prelude to Passover (Matt 26:1-5)

MESSAGES FROM MATTHEW ON THE MINISTRY OF JESUS:
The Prelude to Passover (Matt 26:1-5)

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Dr. Paul Manuel—2017
 

A major holiday, like a significant birthday or anniversary, often requires extensive preparation...or surreptitious preparation.

A man rushed to the jewelry counter in the mall, soon after the doors opened and said he needed a pair of diamond earrings. The clerk showed him a wide selection, and the man quickly picked out a pair. When she asked if he wanted the earrings gift-wrapped, he said, "That'd be great. But can you make it quick? I forgot today was my 25^th anniversary...and my wife thinks I'm taking out the trash."

As a major holiday approaches, it often requires extensive preparation. For Jews, the most important holiday may be the annual commemoration of Israel's freedom from slavery in Egypt. It is a celebration that people hold in small groups with a meal together, a meal that has grown more elaborate with the passage of time. For Jesus and his disciples the celebration required some preparation, such that The Prelude to Passover involved more than an ordinary gathering.
 

As Passover nears again, the disciples and Jesus look forward to another observance. They have been together now for over three years, and each year they have gone up to Jerusalem to celebrate. This year should be no different. They are older, of course, and their ministry has grown in popularity, as well as grown in envy among certain religious leaders. Still, their popularity affords them some protection, especially around the holiday. The high priest and certain members of the Sanhedrin are calling for Jesus' arrest, but that may simply be wishful thinking, the kind that often attends thoughts about political opponents. This year's celebration will probably go off without a hitch.

I. The disciples prepare for the holiday (vv. 1-2).

Matt 26:1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things [i.e., the Olivet Discourse], he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

A. The service is near.
B. The sentence will follow.

Wait, those two events should not go together. Passover, of course, happens every year at this time, and God's people will observe it this year just as they have done in years past. It is a festive occasion, a celebration of Israel's freedom from bondage in Egypt. How does that party relate in any way to Jesus' arrest, which does not sound like a fun time at all? The rabbi must be mistaken. The disciples will just ignore the crucifixion for now and concentrate on the celebration instead.

Jesus has just finished a major instructional session on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, which is a magnificent setting. He taught the disciples about what the future holds for them, including a special appearance he would be making.¹ The precise timing of those events was a mystery, but God would sort it all out. For now there was a celebration to make ready. As Jesus gives instructions for the festive occasion, he includes some disturbing news.