The Messianic Banquet in Luke 22:29-30

And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. Luke 22:29-30

Looking at Bible Hub I found these additional cross references: Luke 13:29, People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. and Luke 14:15, When one of those reclining with Him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is everyone who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

These three passages form a coherent thread in Luke's Gospel around a single image: the eschatological feast in the kingdom of God. This image draws from Isaiah 25:6-9 and Jewish expectation of a great banquet when God restores his people.

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” Isaiah 25:9

Luke 13:29 — The Narrow Door

Jesus has just been asked, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" His answer subverts the question. He warns that many who assume their place at the table, those who ate and drank with him, in whose streets he taught, will find the door shut. Meanwhile, Gentiles from every direction will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The shocking reversal: assumed insiders out, unexpected outsiders in.

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Luke 14:15 — The Parable of the Great Banquet

Jesus is at dinner with a Pharisee on the Sabbath. He has been teaching about humility (take the low seat) and generosity (invite those who can't repay you). A dinner guest, perhaps moved by the imagery, blurts out a pious beatitude: "Blessed is everyone who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." Jesus responds with the Parable of the Great Banquet — where the invited guests all make excuses, and the host fills his table with the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, and then people from the highways and hedges. The beatitude is affirmed — but again with the same reversal dynamic.

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Luke 22:29-30 — The Last Supper

Now the image becomes covenantal and intimate. Jesus is at his final meal with the Twelve. He has just addressed the dispute about greatness among them. His response: I am giving you a kingdom — the same way my Father gave one to me — and in that kingdom, you will eat and drink at my table. The Greek word for table (τράπεζα / trapeza) is the same domestic table word used throughout Luke. The Twelve will also sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes.

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The Thread Together

Passage	Setting	Who Feasts	Emphasis
13:29	Travel narrative	Nations from all directions	Reversal — outsiders in
14:15	Sabbath dinner with Pharisees	The poor, the outcast, the far-off	Reversal — invited reject, uninvited receive
22:29-30	Last Supper	The Twelve specifically	Covenant grant — intimacy and authority

Luke is building a theology of the kingdom table that moves from broad (all nations) to specific (the Twelve), from warning (don't assume your seat) to promise (your seat is secured by covenant). The Last Supper itself is the foretaste — the actual meal in the actual kingdom has already begun.

Revelation 2:26-27, And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. / He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father.

Rev 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Revelation 20:4, Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Fellowship with Christ

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Christian lives between promise received and promise completed (Joshua 21:43–45, Hebrews 4:8–10)

 Joshua 21:43–45

“The Lord gave them rest on every side… Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made… had failed; all came to pass.”

Big Idea

God is the giver of true rest.
The rest Israel experienced in Joshua was not merely the absence of war. It was the fulfillment of God’s promise, the enjoyment of His presence, and the settled peace of living under His covenant faithfulness.

This passage shows three powerful truths:

1. God keeps His promises

2. God gives rest after struggle

3. God’s rest points beyond Canaan to a deeper spiritual rest in Christ

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1) Rest is the fulfillment of God’s promise

Joshua 21 emphasizes that Israel’s rest was not accidental or self-made. It was promised by God, secured by God, and given by God.

Key supporting texts:

• Exodus 33:14
  “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
  Rest is tied first to God’s presence, not merely favorable circumstances.

• Deuteronomy 12:10
  “When you go over the Jordan and live in the land… and he gives you rest from all your enemies around, so that you live in safety…”
  Joshua 21 is the realization of what God had spoken long before.

• 1 Kings 8:56
  “Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed…”
  Solomon later looks back and confirms the same truth: God’s Word does not fail.

Reflection:

Rest begins when we trust that God is faithful even when fulfillment takes time. Israel wandered, fought, waited, and endured, but God still brought them into what He promised.

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2) Rest often comes after conflict, not before it

Joshua 21 does not mean Israel never fought. It means that after seasons of warfare, uncertainty, and obedience, God established them.

Key supporting texts:

• Joshua 11:23
  “And the land had rest from war.”
  Rest came after battle, not instead of it.

• Joshua 23:1
  “A long time afterward, when the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies…”
  God’s timing often includes process, perseverance, and preparation.

• 2 Samuel 7:1
  “When the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies…”
  David also experienced that rest is something God establishes, not something man can manufacture.

Reflection:

Many people think peace means a life with no resistance. Biblically, peace often means God’s sustaining hand through the resistance until He settles what He has ordained.

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3) Biblical rest is more than stopping. It is settled peace in God

The Hebrew idea of rest carries the sense of security, settledness, and peace. It is not laziness or inactivity. It is living without fear because God has made His people secure.

Key supporting texts:

• Leviticus 26:6
  “I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.”
  God’s peace includes freedom from fear.

• Psalm 4:8
  “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
  Rest is inward before it is outward.

• Psalm 29:11
  “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
  Biblical peace is not weakness. It is strength under God’s blessing.

• Isaiah 26:3
  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
  Peace is maintained by trust, not by control.

Reflection:

The rest God gives includes:

• peace of conscience
• stability in uncertainty
• freedom from striving
• confidence in His care

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4) God’s rest is covenant peace, not merely circumstantial comfort

Israel’s rest in Joshua was tied to being in the land under God’s rule and promise. It was relational and covenantal.

Key supporting texts:

• Numbers 6:24–26
  “The Lord bless you and keep you… and give you peace.”
  Peace flows from God’s covenant blessing.

• Psalm 23:1–3
  “The Lord is my shepherd… he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
  God gives rest not only to nations but to souls.

• Jeremiah 6:16
  “Walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
  Rest is found in walking in God’s way.

Reflection:

Peace is not ultimately found in possessions, schedules, or control over outcomes. It is found in right relationship with God.

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5) Joshua’s rest was real, but not final

This is one of the most important biblical insights. Joshua 21 celebrates a true fulfillment, but the Bible later shows that this rest was not the ultimate rest God intended.

Key supporting texts:

• Psalm 95:7–11
  Long after Joshua, God still warns His people not to harden their hearts and miss His rest.

• Hebrews 3:18–19
  “They were unable to enter because of unbelief.”
  The greatest barrier to rest is not hardship. It is unbelief.

• Hebrews 4:8–10
  “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on… So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”
  This is crucial: Joshua gave a historical rest, but Christ gives eternal rest.

Reflection:

The land pointed to something greater:

• not just a place, but a Person
• not just military peace, but soul peace
• not just temporary safety, but eternal security

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6) Jesus is the fulfillment of promised rest

Everything Joshua 21 anticipates finds its fullest expression in Christ. Jesus gives what Canaan could only symbolize.

Key supporting texts:

Matthew 11:28–30

• “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
• Jesus offers rest not just for the body or nation, but for the weary soul.

John 14:27

• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled.”
• Christ gives a peace the world cannot produce.

Romans 5:1

• “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• The deepest peace is reconciliation with God.

Ephesians 2:13–14

• “He himself is our peace…”
• Jesus does not merely provide peace. He is peace.

Philippians 4:6–7

• “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The believer can experience inward peace even when outward conditions remain unsettled.

Reflection:

Joshua shows us the shadow.
Jesus gives us the substance.

Joshua led Israel into a land.
Jesus leads His people into peace with God, rest for the soul, and eternal hope.

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7) God’s promised rest includes both “already” and “not yet”

As believers, we experience real rest now, but we also still await the fullness of it.

Present rest:

• peace with God now (Romans 5:1)
• peace in trial now (John 16:33)
• soul rest in Christ now (Matthew 11:28–30)

Future rest:

• Revelation 14:13
  “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors.”

• Revelation 21:3–4
  “He will wipe away every tear… neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”
  Final rest means the complete removal of sorrow, sin, death, and conflict.

Reflection:

The Christian life is lived between:

• promise received
• and promise completed

Joshua 21 teaches us that what God starts, He finishes.

Joshua 21:43–45 teaches us:

• God is faithful to every promise
• God gives rest after seasons of struggle
• God’s peace is deeper than outward calm
• Earthly rest points to spiritual rest
• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promised rest

Ask:

• Where am I still living like God’s promises might fail?
• Where am I striving instead of resting in God’s faithfulness?
• Am I seeking peace from circumstances, or from Christ Himself?
• What battle has God already brought me through that should deepen my trust in Him now?

Joshua 21:43–45 is a monument to the faithfulness of God.
Israel stood in the land because God kept His word. And believers stand in grace today for the same reason.

The God who gave Israel rest on every side is the same God who gives His people peace in Christ.

Not one word failed then. Not one word will fail now.

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God’s Purposes in Life’s Hardships The Doctrine of Suffering

“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” (Nehemiah 4:6)

I've had the honor of doing life with people who are suffering in SALT, BSF, MNTC, and grace church. I've been reflecting lately on the psychology of suffering and how gaining higher ground perspective can help. This is only possible when we draw near to God however there's significant roadblocks to doing this with integrity. The problem with us and the Solution (James 4:1-10, Prov 3:1-8, 2 Peter 1:3-11)) is really about maturity. I've seen in my life and the life of others that we can fail to grow into our new nature and flourish. That we survive, stay alive, and sometimes thrive is a miracle. In BSF our goal is to magnify God and mature his people.

• The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, Matthew 13:38
• I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. John 17:15
• In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16
• But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Yesterday I had a divine appoint with a friend who's going through several hardships and beginning to desire a new way to live. We talked about Practical helps to overcome addiction (Allen Carr) and how a way of life that "always felt like me" can give way to a new/better life can give freedom. Jesus came to release the captive and set the prisoner free. A captive is bound by force and held against their will. They may be able to survive in captivity but they aren't free. A prisoner is someone who deserves being bound by force against their will. Jesus can to release the captive and set the prisoner free. 

In Luke 4:18-19 (Isaiah 61:1-2; Isaiah 58:6), Jesus declared his mission was to proclaim liberty to captives, heal the brokenhearted, and set the oppressed free. Fulfilling this prophecy, He came to release humanity from the bondage of sin, spiritual darkness, fear, and emotional brokenness, offering salvation through faith. 

Key aspects of Jesus setting the captives free include:

• Release from Sin & Guilt: Delivering individuals from the power of sin, spiritual oppression, and the condemnation of the law.
• Freedom from Oppression: Breaking the bondage of fear, addiction, emotional trauma, and generational curses.
• Spiritual Transformation: Offering a new nature and enabling people to become righteous before God as a free gift.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus identified this as his central mission, quoting Isaiah 61 in the synagogue to announce that the time of salvation and divine favor had arrived. 
• This liberation is not just physical, but a freedom of the soul and spirit, aiming to heal those crushed by life's calamities. 

As we study Nehemiah 4-6 we learn that any good and significant work encounters challenges. Pressing deadlines, changing priorities, and shortfalls in people and provisions are pitfalls that often arise between planning and completing a project. Serial setbacks lead many to believe the journey is impossible and the project insurmountable. Others embrace challenges as opportunities that stimulate and invigorate growth.

Genuine work for God faces even greater opposition that can make a task, project, or calling seem like a lashing tempest. Satan, a motivated spiritual enemy, fuels his forces with countless evil schemes and debilitating strategies at his disposal. Fallen humans can also launch a rogue wave of strident opposition. The enemy’s undercover work grows from an ominous ripple to a raging tsunami with an unseen undertow, attempting to drag victims into an overpowering sea. However, the battle belongs to the Lord. In His hands, currents that come against God’s faithful people become catalysts for growth and sanctification. Enduring work for the Lord requires our prayerful planning and His protection. As we turn to God, He equips, encourages, motivates, and matures those who steadfastly trust Him through trials and tribulation. Victory is assured, and the glory is His.

The key for us is to follow Nehemiah's leadership example and appeal to God (Nehemiah 4:4-5) – When scorned, Nehemiah turned to God in prayer. Similar to prayers of deliverance with which he was likely familiar (Psalms 74; 79),  Nehemiah opened his prayer by expressing honest vulnerability. He represented a despised people - not only in this current circumstance but throughout history (Genesis 12:3; Joel 3:2; Zechariah 12:2-3; Matthew 24:4-14; Luke 21:24). Nehemiah recognized God’s power and cried out to Him, asking that He would turn the enemies’ insults back on their heads. Rather than take matters into his own hands, Nehemiah understood and trusted that vengeance and judgment rightfully belong to the Lord (Romans 12:19). 

So onto the Doctrine talk

Nehemiah secured permission and delegated the workforce to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. Even so, Nehemiah faced external and internal challenges as he sought God’s purposes. First, a Samaritan administrator’s anger manifested into ugly taunts and violent threats. Always dependent on prayer, Nehemiah turned to God. He wisely prepared his people with plans to protect themselves from the Satan-induced schemes of their enemies and encouragement to continue working. Always on the prowl, Satan wants to devour God’s people and thwart God’s plans.

Why is hardship and suffering happening?

• Rebellion against God resulted in separation from Him and brought incalculable pain to creation (obituaries)
• Suffering comes as a consequence of sin’s presence in our world, but God can accomplish His purposes through our suffering (dispositions)
• Discounting the doctrine of suffering requires ignoring the reality and result of sin in our lives. (Depraved psychology)
• Coming to terms with suffering’s source and solution requires living in the hope only Jesus provides (Unfathomable hope)
• When I do not believe that God works through suffering, I question God’s goodness and wisdom when life gets hard, pulling away from Him rather than running to Him.
• When I believe that God is sovereign over suffering, I know that no matter what I experience or how long it lasts, God is with me. He is working all things together for good, and He will always be with His suffering people.

God uses suffering and life’s challenges to build faithful character and draw His people closer

to Him.

– Suffering causes us to lean on, trust, and surrender to God in ways we may not have before.

– Suffering exposes our need and neediness, leading us to depend on God.

– What suffering are you undergoing today? What are you learning about yourself and your God through it?

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Servant Songs of Isaiah, reverberate from Jesus to us today

 Reading https://wordgo.org/journal/how-does-isaiah-reveal-god-today

The Servant Songs of Isaiah are four poetic passages in the Book of Isaiah that describe the mission, suffering, and triumph of God’s "Servant." Jesus Christ—His character, mission, suffering, and redemptive purpose. 

1. Isaiah 42:1–9 – “The Chosen Servant”

• Theme: Justice with gentleness.
• Key Insight: The Servant is chosen, Spirit-filled, and will bring justice—not by force, but with compassion.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His baptism (Matthew 3:16–17), His healing ministry (Matthew 12:15–21).
• God blesses us with truth from the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7)
  

2. Isaiah 49:1–13 – “The Light to the Nations”

• Theme: Global mission, divine calling from the womb.
• Key Insight: The Servant feels discouragement but is reassured of global impact. 
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Jesus as the light to Gentiles (Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47); His ministry to the discouraged and outcast.
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)

3. Isaiah 50:4–11 – “The Obedient Servant”

• Theme: Unwavering obedience in suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant listens to God daily and does not turn away from abuse.
• thinking about 1 Chronicles 28:19 ("Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord." NLT, "All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan" ESV)
• 4 Ways to start Hearing God (from general to specific)
  
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His resolve to go to the cross (Luke 9:51), His silence before accusers (Isaiah 50:6 → Matthew 26:63).

4. Isaiah 52:13–53:12 – “The Suffering and Exalted Servant”

• Theme: Atonement through suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant is pierced for others’ sins, dies unjustly, yet is vindicated.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Passion narrative and crucifixion (Isaiah 53 → John 19; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Peter 2:24).
• When Jesus was dying he was speaking God's word

• Like Jesus we go from 

  • "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34

  to

  • "Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." Psalm 22:29-31, John 19:30

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False religion is obvious, life is rotten apart from God (Jeremiah 12-14)

Jeremiah 12-14

outline: 

• A) False religion is uprooted, so that we can learn the way, the truth and the life (Jer 12)
• B) We were made for God, purified in Him to care his flock, nothing from myself (Jer 13)
• C) We need to be completely "poor in spirit" to see God (Jer 14)

AIM: LORD, Create in me a pure heart that pursues You in love and truth. 

Key verses:

• Q: Why are wicked, evil people prosperous and happy... Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts. (Jer 12:1-2)
• A: Desolate, wasteland mourns...My people have planted wheat but are harvesting thorns. They have worn themselves out, but it has done them no good. They will harvest a crop of shame because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” (Jer 12:13), So this is what the Lord says to his people: “You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.” (Jer 14:10)
• Response: "Lord, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. For the sake of your reputation, Lord, do not abandon us. Do not disgrace your own glorious throne. Please remember us, and do not break your covenant with us. Can any of the worthless foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, you are the one, O Lord our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us." (Jer 14:20-22)

A) False religion is uprooted, so that we can learn the way, the truth and the life (Jer 12)

 Jer 12:1-4) LORD, justice - Jeremiah complaint Evil people happy, God lips, hearts empty, land suffers

• Eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands

5-13) LORD reply, tired now, family against you, my chosen people act like vultures, now abandoned, overtaken, barren, desolate and no one cares. They plant wheat and harvest thorns, warn out and will harvest a crop of shame.

• Do we spend our efforts on awareness (programs) or life changing power of God (prayer)?
• Do we meet physical (food/shelter) and spiritual (love God/worship) needs, cultivating the ground of repentance? 
• We need both, Knowledge of SIN cultivates a conscience and heart for God

Jer 12:14-17) LORD, I will uproot evil nations, uproot Judah from them - afterward I will have compassion on them all, learn my name, way and obey - else destroyed

• How God's wayward children repent with healed hearts (Jeremiah 3:6-4:2)
• I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do (Zephaniah 1:6)
• Jesus explains working in his kingdom is about giving not taking (Matthew 19:30-21:17)

B) We were made for God, purified in Him to care his flock, nothing from myself (Jer 13)

Jer 13:1-11) Loincloth, buried in a grave, rots - this is how pride of people who refuse to listen, follow selfish desires, worship other gods (popular music). As loincloth clings to mans waste, God created us to cling to Him to be His pride, glory, honor to His name.

• God answers Billie Eilish's question "what was I made for?"
• When have I spent more energy in things taking me away from the Lord than pursuing the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. How is pride at the root of my refusal to listen to the Lord. What might humble me before my I'm dead and buried? 
• Do we wash our robe or love to live a lie (Rev 22:14-15)

Jer 13:12-14) Jars meant for wine, everyone will be drunk; king, priests, prophets, common people - smashed against eachother, parents against children, pity/compassion won't keep Me from destroying them.

Jer 13:15-23) Listen, humbly, give glory to God, acknowledge Him before he brings darkness upon you, poverty, captives, exile, open eyes, where is your beautiful flock he care you to care for? Allies I cultivated rule over me. Why? I can't start doing good, when I've always done evil.

• I've spent more time mentoring non-believers than the beautiful flock the Lord gave me to care for. I've reaped thorns when my lips spoke of the Lord but he was not present. I didn't invite the Lord to show me, I showed the Lord what I would do. My heart now understands and I turn to the Lord to be healed. 
• Scribe who has read and the prophet who has seen

Jer 13:24-27) Scatter like chaff those who forgotten LORD, put trust in false gods, exposed to shame, adultery, lust, disgusting idol worship, sorrow awaits you, How long before you are pure?

• Spiritual believers but not followers of Jesus Christ
• The reason people forget about God and live miserable lives (Jeremiah 2-3:5)
• Wisdom comes from being sensitive to God's character (Jer 10)

C) We need to be completely "poor in spirit" to see God (Jer 14)

Jer 14:1-10) Drought, dry wells, death - People acknowledge wickedness, God's salvation, yet God reveals people love separation from God, unrestrained lives, wickedness. 

• John 3:16-21, "God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."

Jer 14:11-18) Don't intercede, while their prophets lie in God's name saying "all is well", foolishness from lying hearts, war, famine, disease - their own wickedness, pouring out death on them.

19-22) Rejected, wounded past hope of healing? Without peace, terrified. We confess our wickedness, sin against You, please remember us, don't break covenant with us. Worthless foreign gods can't make it rain, only LORD our God.

• Waiting on the Lord like a restaurant server, not a customer in line (Psalm 27:4,7-8)
• Principles and applications in praying for others
• Leave your jar behind and pick up your mat and walk

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Endurance during unbearable suffering (root cause analysis)

The Bible has wonderful examples how perseverance through suffering is worthwhile. A quick survey of my previous thoughts on suffering highlights fulfilled prophecy and promises that we can lean into when the going gets tough. My favorite resource is the book of Hebrews as it summarizes all the other great accounts through the lens of Jesus Christ, it culminates in Chapters 11-12 with the "hero's of the faith" who lived a life grounded in hope. 

"Hope is not a strategy" is a favorite saying of a friend of mine. He means hope as a verb as in, "I hope everyone likes this definition." or "I hope that this will turn out well." Hope as a noun is connected with faith: "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13)" and "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)"

Hope as a noun is the architecture, the plan, the hypothesis, the currency that must be backed by faith. Faith is trust, something you can lean on, put your weight into, it's verifiable - even when it can't be seen. Faith is the work, the test, the proof.

The biblical root cause of suffering is sin. Sin leads to hopelessness and it's hopelessness that is unbearable. Jesus paid for our sin and said it is finished. Now the good news is that we have access to father through Jesus. Hebrews explains all this but if you like a video format check out the The https://unanswered.prayercourse.org. It's a great resource that details how Jesus handled the suffering that is described in Hebrews 12:1-4. Jesus endured the cross and has commanded us to pick up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24-26). 

Categories of suffering everyone can relate to

• Physical: Pain
• Loss: Grief over something once had
• Emotional: Sadness without words
• Mental: Inability to understand
• Spiritual: Fear and anxiety from an invisible force
• Lost/aimless/directionless: No hope
• Relational: Suffering on behalf of another
• Social: "Glass ceiling", "Out group", "Other"

Biblical categories of suffering

• Natural: Creation is cursed, we are natural sinners
• Sin: Our natural inclination towards unbelief of Jesus' words
• Guilt: for what we've done
• Disobedience: Our natural inclination to dishonor our parents and authority
• Lying: Lack of integrity between what we say and do
• Covetousness: Our natural inclination to want what others have
• Shame: for who we are
• Idolater: Making a god, an authority of our own
• Deceitful: hiding our guilt from God and others
• Thief: Taking what isn't ours; adultery, debauchery, murder

Symptoms of suffering

Time perspective

 - Prison, waiting, held back (Philippians) 

Under God's discipline

 - God disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12)

As a result on unseen forces 

 - God proves Job by allowing Satanic activity

 - Daniel's prayer is answered but angel had another battle to finish first

Bottom line

 - Embrace there is a mystery, you don't have it all figured out.

 - There is knowing God and suffering. It's shallow to look at suffering through any lens but the cross.

Job 9:33 - needs a mediator.

 - You will never understand suffering unless you see it through the lens of Jesus on cross. The enemy wants us to give up in suffering.

Job points us to Jesus

Job 13:1  “Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand. 

What an interesting read. Job understands - alludes to Abel (Job 16:18), points to Jesus (Job 16:19,20) seeing death approach (Job 16:21)

 "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13)" and "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1)"

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End of suffering (Isaiah 25-35, Rev 21:4)

 Reading the Basic Doctrines provided by BSF, preparing for OT role and training this weekend. I have a close friend who is Buddhist. A foundation of Buda is suffering caused by the ego interpreting nature as good or bad with the ultimate resolution of indifference leading to non-existence (Nirvana). This is counter the Christian understanding of the cause and destiny of suffering.  Here's an excerpt of the Christian doctrine of suffering:

Suffering is the experience of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual pain and/or distress. Suffering entered the world as a consequence of the fall of Adam and Eve and will be eternally abolished in the new heaven and new earth (Genesis 3; Revelation 21)....Some possible reasons for suffering include loving discipline, purification and/or an increased intimacy with Jesus Christ while other reasons for suffering remain mysteriously hidden (Proverbs 3:12; Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 3:7-10). Regardless of the type, purpose or reason of the suffering, no suffering is outside of God’s sovereign rule (Isaiah 45:7). Rather, God is able to use it for good (Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 8:28)...God has promised the suffering of His people will eventually end (Revelation 21:4). Until then, believers should expect to share in the suffering of Jesus Christ as a result of taking up their cross and following Him in a hostile world (Mark 8:34-35; Romans 8:17-18; Colossians 1:24).

I looked up Rev 21:4 and found references to Isaiah that made me want to understand the broader context between Isaiah 25 and 35.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Rev 21:4

He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken. - Isaiah 25:8

So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. - Isaiah 35:10

So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. - Isaiah 51:11

Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. - Isaiah 60:20

I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. - Isaiah 65:19

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Congress, electoral college, fear and the call the repent

 Reading This Is the Life!: Enjoying the Blessings and Privileges of Faith in Christ

My favorite author, Warren Wiersbe, links Job 23:10, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 3:10; Tested, refined as gold, partake in Christ suffering, exceeding joy and in my mind I continued the linking: Hebrews 12:1-3, in light of Faith (Heb 11),

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The relevance to me is yesterday, our nation went into lockdown over a conspiracy theory that elections are not the people's will. Some Trump supporters want to overthrow the government and think that will preserve democracy. I had to flip through Fox and CNN to hear each senator speak on the topic and finally went to CSPAN, where I could listen to each side and not the pundits. Seems like our world is going crazy sometimes. 

In prayer and Bible study this morning, I realized that we live in a time where our natural instinct to lie is on steroids. Genesis 20:1-2 shows a truth about people; We go somewhere people don't know us and lie about our situation. The lie is generally partly true or previously true, but it's a defense mechanism that never works because God intervenes (Gen 20:3-7). God reveals the truth to people that help guide believers onto a righteous path, yet God's people are often slow to follow and defend themselves with wrong thinking (Gen 20:13). 

All of this brought me back to Romans 1:18-32, Diagnostics of depraved psychology and consequences. We must remember this letter to the church and have that see our current national reality:

 - We are in a time of massive adultery. Jesus in Matthew 5:28 said, "anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." and "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. (Matthew 15:19)"

 - We are in a time of massive murder of innocents. Good resource openbible.info/topics/abortion brought me to Acts 15:28-29, "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

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Job's friends show the danger of a shallow theology (Job 2-31)

Job 3-31
From Job 2:8, Job was full of boils and pain. Job 2:9, his wife didn't help. His friends didn't recognize him because he was wrecked, they grieved with him 7 days and nights in silence (Job 2:11-13).

Job then laments about his existence (Job 3:1-19), questions why God gives light and life to the miserable (Job 3:20-26).

Job's friends confuse a cry of pain with a cry of rebellion (Job 4:). They haSuffering is a punishment for sin, prosperity is the reward for righteousness. This is suffering is because he is godly not ungodly.
Job 22:5 - they think his evil is abundant.

22-31 (friends speeches)
That you could be silent (Job 16:2)

Job 21:4 - how then will you comfort me with empty nothings and falsehood.
It's hard to help suffering people without trying to say something with half baked answers. It's because we are uncomfortable with suffering.
 - Let go let God, turn that frown upside down
 - don['t insiuat you know why this is happening.

No Christian can avoid theology. Do we have a sound theology or a shallow theology.

It's shallow to expect faith without lament. Be wary of any teaching that says faith sheds no tears, expresses no pain... our faith says we have to content with "why" questions, we sorrow. Jesus was called a man of sorrows, he looked upon them and had compassion. He cried on the cross.
 - let people emote, emotion is energy in motion
 - grief is frightening to those watching it, so we want grief to stop.
 - Bible answers, "trite answers", "shallow answers" end up attacking the person who is grieving.
 - Rather be the Bible answers, let your silence be your wisdom. "God needed an angel (when someone dies)". Your never more safe than when your in God's will. "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" (minimizes persons pain).
 - Imbrace there is a mystery, you don't have it all figured out.
 - There is knowing God and suffering. It's shallow to look at suffering through any lens but the cross.
Job 9:33 - needs a mediator.

You will never understand suffering unless you see it through the lens of Jesus on cross. The enemy wants us to give up in suffering.

Job points us to Jesus
From Eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands

• Job 13:1  “Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand. 
• What an interesting read. Job understands - alludes to Abel (Job 16:18), points to Jesus (Job 16:19,20) seeing death approach (Job 16:21)

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Jesus our eternal high priest, order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14-5:10)

AIM: Obedience is learned in testing, suffering
Focus Verses:

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, Genesis 14:18

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Heb 5:7-10

Awesome, "there's a table you prepared for me, in the presence of my enemy. It's your body and blood you poured for me. This is how I fight my battles" - Surrounded ( Fight My Battles ) - UPPERROOM
John wrote so you would believe in Jesus, Son of God
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
A) Tested in Weakness: Jesus Son of God, superior High Priest
4:14) Jesus entered heaven as High Priest, Son of God, we firm in the belief
15) he understands our weaknesses, same testing yet didn't sin
16) Application: let us come boldly to throne of gracious God, mercy and grace when we need it most

B) Gentle with Others: All High Priests are men to represent people to God
5:1) Every high priest chosen to represent others in dealing with God, present gifts, sacrifices for sins
2) He's able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he is subject to same weaknesses
3) That's why he must offer sacrifices for personal sins and those of others
4) Not of his own, but called by God as Aaron was

C) Qualified Obedience: Called by God as Priest forever in the order of Melchizedek
5-6) Christ made no assumption but was chosen when God said to him
"You are my Son, Today I have become your Father", "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek"
7) on earth Jesus offered prayers and pleadings, crying, tears God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God
8) Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered
9) In this way, God qualified him perfect High Priest - became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.
Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit
Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)
10) God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek

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See suffering from a Biblical perspective

Setbacks are part of life, but in this we experience Romans 8:28. Setbacks are a setup to advance the Gospel, we can see God at work. Focus on what God is doing not on what we think he should be doing.
- beware of shallow teaching of a pain free life

"All things for good" is like ingredients of a cake, individual ingredients aren't good but together it's wonderful. When we come together in fellowship we can help others bring "ingredients" together as well help things "stir" and "fully bake"

Paul's life was full of setbacks, yet he wrote, taught, and lived a life of power.

Philippians 1:12-14
Setbacks like false imprisonment, can actually serve to further advance the Gospel and encourage others. Philippians is not a letter about "how to survive in prison" - he didn't "write his Congress person"

He didn't focus on prison but rather community of prayer and God's provision of the Spirit.

"for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
Philippians 1:19 NIV

Some suffering is corrective Proverbs 3, Hebrews 12
- 1 Peter 1:6-7, suffering is a test to see what our faith is made of. Like a teabag, you don't know what's in it until it's put in hot water.

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Language reveals truth that saves lives (sets prisoners free to live righteously) - Luke 4:18

Isaiah 61:1-3;Luke 4:16-21; 2 Cor 1:1-11; 1 Peter 4:19
Jesus came proclaiming liberty, recovery our sight, and granting us freedom. While we suffering greatly we are comforted greatly. Our affliction is for the comfort and salvation of YOU - we don't hide this truth from you - we've despaired even of living another day, and know our time is short. Yet we've trusted in God who raises the dead and he delivered us here and now and will in the future. Jesus taught us to pray and prayer is something we can do right now to receive God's help in our time of need.

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. - 1 Peter 4:19

Luke 4:18 has some words that aren't in Isaiah 61:1, "recovery of sight to the blind" is nestled in between "To proclaim liberty to captives" and "And freedom to prisoners;"
 - Reminds me of being blind in a dark cold cave. Recovery of sight, description of sunlight, the warmth, and pointing the way out is how freedom is given to prisoners.
 - I was studying "History of color" from great courses. Recovery of sight has to do with language and definition. In cultures that don't have a word for "blue" when asked to draw the sky, they'll use black crayon even while the blue crayon is present.
 - 1 John 3:2 explains sight restoration: "Jesus Christ...we will see him as he really is."
 - Restoring sight to the blind is a huge theme in scriptures: (Matt 11:4-5 (NIV), Isaiah 35:5 (NIV), Isaiah 29:18 (NIV), Isaiah 42:6-7 (NIV), Isaiah 42:16 (NIV),  Psalm 146:8 (NIV),  Isaiah 6:9-10 (NIV),  Isaiah 42:18-20 (NIV),  Isaiah 44:9 (NIV), Isaiah 56:10 (NIV), Isaiah 59:9-10 (NIV)
 - Blessed will see God (Matt 5)

Isaiah 61:3
When we have clear vision, understanding it's a grant or gift, it's physically life-changing. Like oil is physical but gladness is an abstract idea. A mantle of praise is clothing ourselves in praise instead of a "spirit of fainting". All this results in being called "oak of righteousness" the "planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified". In a previous study I saw new context around this scripture:

Lord God is "clothed" in righteousness, bringing justice and salvation for his own

• Isaiah 59:17; The Lord put on righteousness as his armor, wore the helmet of salvation and clothed himself with robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion (to bring justice)
• Isaiah 61:10; Overwhelming joy in the Lord God! He dressed me with clothing of salvation and a robe of righteousness
• Isaiah 63:1-3 The Lord's clothing stained red, announcing your salvation - the Lord has power to save! (Revelation 19:13)

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Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)

Romans 8:17-30

AIM: The Gospel promise is available to everyone who believes

One of the most treasured scriptures is Romans 8:28 "God works all things for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." This is consistently seen throughout the Bible. God sees our affliction (2 Samuel 16:12,22), belief is a sign of being called (Acts 13:48, Eph 2:8-10), God calls us through his love demonstrated in Christ (John 3:16, Romans 1:7) yet not all accept the gift of God and suffer condemnation instead of justification (John 3:17-21, Romans 8:30). Notice the tension between "those who love him" and "have been called".

God's call is good for everyone (John 3:16) and irrevocable (Romans 11:29) the only sin left that is unforgivable (eternal) is to not accept the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29). Accepting the Holy Spirit is to trust God with your life, receiving His work in you. Accepting God's call to receive Jesus (John 1:12) is not about saying the right thing (Matthew 7:21) it's about being transformed by the Spirit inside out (John 3:3, Romans 12:1-3).

Being transformed by the Holy Spirit will be evident to you (Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:22-23) and others because of your persevering faith and hope (1 Cor 13:13), peace (Matthew 5:9, 1 Peter 4:7-11) and love like Christ (John 13:34-35) from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22), that you demonstrate to children (Mark 9:36-37) and people in need in our everyday life (Matthew 25:39-40).

People are called by God through us (Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16) through Christ, through the Father (John 13:20). Even so, in this world, we still suffer but our hope is in the resurrection, eternal life, the promise of God through Jesus Christ and that's the essence of Romans 8:17-30, let's have a deeper look.

A) Family of God and the world suffer together with hope of restoration by God
17) children, heirs of God with Christ, share Christ sufferings then also in glory
Application: God precedes all who follow his way
18) present suffering not comparable to future glory
Application: seek first the kingdom of heaven
19) creation waits for God's children to be revealed
20) creation subjected to frustration by God, Adam's consequence (Gen 3:17-19, Gen 5:29) in hope
21) creation would be liberated from the bondage of decay, into freedom and glory of children of God

B) We groan, eagerly waiting for redemption of our bodies
22) whole creation groaning pains of childbirth
23) we (with Spirit) groan inwardly, eagerly wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies
24) For this hope, saved hope that is seen is no hope at all
25) but hope for what we don't have, wait patiently
Application: Hope is the architect, has the blueprint. Faith is the worker, Love is the executive (joyful toons 1 Cor 13:13)

C) The Holy Spirit helps us in ways we can't understand (unfathomable hope)
26) Same way, Spirit helps in our weakness, we don't know what to pray, He intercedes wordless groans
 - Application: His yoke is easy and his burden is light - see, feel, trust
27) He who searches our hearts knows mind of Spirit who intercedes accordance with God's will
 - Psalm 139:23-24, search me God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Application: When we give ourselves fully to God, he guides us in the way of everlasting.
28) WE KNOW that in all things Gods works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
29) God foreknew, predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son
30) predestined, called, justified and glorified
Application: The Gospel promise

Prayer: Lord help me to live today according to your will to love others as you have first loved me.

Geysers, planters and pruners: How people are born into and matured in the Faith

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Whoever is wise, consider the steadfast love of the Lord (Psalm 107:43)

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord .

Psalms 107:43 ESV 

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Psalms 107:14‭-‬15‭, ‬17‭-‬21 ESV

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Paul encourages Timothy to preach the Word of God

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Tim 2:7

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 2 Tim 4:22

A)
(1) From Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus
(2) To Timothy beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
 - Discipleship is one to one according to God's appointment. It is mutually edifying, producing maturity and life according to the promises of God.
 - This relationship is unique as Timothy is a "beloved son" Paul tells him later in the letter that isn't true of others.
 - Grace and mercy are like two sides of the same coin. Grace is getting what is not deserved and mercy is withholding wrath that is deserved. Both come from God and here we see another link. Peace from God. a life verse of mine is 1 Peter 4:7-11, reminds us that in our relationship with God through obedience to his way, "the peace of God that transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus"
(3-7) Paul thanks God, constantly remembering, praying day and night
 - sincere faith within you,
 - kindle the gift of God
 - power, love and discipline
(8-14) Therefore, don't be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus
 - or me a prisoner (I'm reminded of Danny who when he was little would visit his dad in Ethiopia who was in prison for not renouncing his faith in Jesus. He is my nephew now)
 - join in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God

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Jesus betrayed by Judas, then Peter fulfills prophecy

John 18:1-27
AIM: Jesus experienced betrayal, humiliation and mistreatment from those he loved, yet kept the peace

A) Jesus betrayed by Judas, defended by Peter is arrested
(1-3) Jesus + Disciples, Kidron (Jer 31:31-40) Valley olive grove - Judas familiar leads Roman soldiers + Temple guards torches, weapons
(4-7) Jesus knows, came forward - I AM, they fell down
(8-9) Jesus, IAM-let others go fulfills John 6:39, 17:12
(10-11) Simon Peter sword, right ear Malchus high priest slave/bondservant, Jesus rebukes "cup of suffering Father has given me"
Application: How will I remember Jesus and step forward into God's will for my life? When others have noble motives yet wrong actions, how will I correct their mistakes to keep the peace?

B) Jesus questioned by Annas, betrayed by Peter fulfilling prophecy
(12-14) Soldiers, officer, Temple guards arrested Jesus, bound to Annas Father in law Caiaphas high priest (Prophesied John 11:49-50)
(15-17) Simon Peter followed as did John (acquainted with the high priest), John let Peter in girl ask "You're not a disciple are you", Peter "nope"
(18) servants officers charcoal fire warming themselves, Peter with them
(19-21) Annas (High Priest) questions Jesus teaching, Jesus "Everyone knows - I preach regularly, why do you ask?"
(22-24) officer strikes Jesus, he responds "prove I'm wrong; if I'm right, why hit me?", Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas
(25-27) Meanwhile Simon Peter "you're not one of his disciples", "nope", a relative of Malchus "weren't you at olive grove", Peter denied it immediately a rooster crowed.
Application: When my friends deny me and I'm under pressure, how will I respond? 

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