THE FATHER’S HEART

TEXT: LUKE 15:1-24

TOPIC: THE FATHER’S HEART

The topic shall be discussed with the following sub-heading:

·         Introduction

·         Meaning

·         Foreword

·         The analysis of lost sheep, coin and son

·         The Father

·         Conclusion

Introduction

The intention of this chapter of scripture (majorly a parable)is Jesus’s reaction meant to correct the hypocrisy/wickedness in the name of keeping the law by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, this negative attitude is evident by their disposition towards Jesus (who was busy fulfilling mandate) in the first two verses Acts 15:1-2, however it needs to be reiterated that they did not believe in Jesus (the fulfilment of the law they thought/professed they were keeping Matt 5:17-20)hence should not have been bothered by who He associates with but were on a fault finding spree, they should have been more cautious as Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost and that he did. Luke 19:10.

Meaning

Father

Father: according to oxford advance learner’s dictionary international student’s edition 8^th edition defines father as follows:

·         To create something new

·         A male parent

·         The title of a priest especially in Roman catholic

·         A term used by Christians to refer to God-for this study this is more in line.

Foreword

Who is involved in a wrong thing, the number of people doing same the tenure with which this has been done cannot make it right.

God (our father in heaven) will never impose good/right on us even though we were created, sustained catered for by Him. Joshua 24:15, Rev. 3:20. 

The analysis of the lost sheep, coin and son

Their situation: they were all lost.

Their contribution: the coin is not likely to have contributed to its loss. The sheep can contribute a little rather than being totally responsible for its loss, while the son in the passage is solely responsible for his loss).

Their reaction: The coin could not do anything about the situation, the sheep also could not do much except maybe just bleat, and the son came to his mind and retraced his step. (While looking/praying in humility unto God for solution we need to take responsibility for our predicament)

The father’s heart

·         He answered his request even when it was wrong: asking for a portion of inheritance while the father is still living is wrong but he consented to know what is in the son’s heart, to give the son a chance for reorientation/reshaping, repentance and reconciliation.  Vs.12.

·         He was expecting the son’s return even while he was wallowing in disobedience, hence he ran to meet him on the shortest information Vs. 20.

·         He forgave the son sincerely and totally. Vs. 21-22.

·         He welcomed him in love and celebrated him. Vs. 22-24.

Conclusion

Whether we were/are lost in any form like the sheep/coin or son, The father’s arm which is the solution is widely opened and is waiting for our return from disobedience, immorality ,oppression of the devil, idolatry, fetish practices, wickedness, addictions and all forms of sin. Jesus in knocking, calling and waiting for our return to succour. Rev 3:20.This is the state of the father’s heart,

Shalom.

For we know in part……

   

JESUS, THE ESSENCE/FOCUS OF THE SCRIPTURES

TEXT: JOHN 5:39-40

TOPIC: JESUS, THE ESSENCE/FOCUS OF THE SCRIPTURES

The topic will be studied with the following sub-headings:

Introduction

Definition of terms

Foreword

Some reason the scripture is explored

Jesus the essence of the scripture

Conclusion

Introduction

People study and use the scriptures for a wide range of reasons which are often personal, spiritual, religious, incorrect, non-balance, human and often fallible. To get the best of the scriptures our, eyes, focus and heart must be on Jesus Heb. 12:2.

Definition of terms

JESUS: the Old Testament was majorly written in Hebrew as such the name Joshua in Hebrew mean almost the same that the name of Jesus means in Greek which is God is salvation, God saves and saviour.

Scriptures: The scholars defines it as the sacred writing of Christianity as contained in the bible, the holy book, also used as synonym for the Bible.

Foreword

The scripture is opened and closed: opened in the sense that it can be got in any book shop, can be bought and sold by anyone without restrictions, has been translated wholly into 683 languages and the New Testament into 1534 languages. Closed in the sense that it is written with the ink of the Holy Spirit. John 6:63

Any message that is not focused on or connected to Jesus is not a balanced message or not the gospel at all it can be any other thing.

You can be looking for the wrong thing in the right place and vice-versa. Just like the women in Luke 24:5 looking for the dead among the living.

Some reason the scripture is explored

Looking for a comfort for our wickedness/weakness: Matt 4:6 even the devil knows the scriptures and uses same to carry out is wicked enterprise. John 9:10-16, 35-41 the Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law in Jesus’s days used the scriptures both wrongly and with wrong intentions. 1 Sam 15:3 ff.

To prepare a sermon/listening to a same: this is a very good but shallow reason, it is and will always produce artificial, superficial, synthetic, simulated, specious results and always produce an orator not a carrier of the spirit, God must have spoken to you before he speaks through you. A microwave approach to a serious spiritual exercise.

Following a reading pattern: the word best studied systematically and this approach really exhibits this. This when taken religiously shows some discipline and commitment that the word of God deserves. Josh. 1:8.

Anxious to know more of and about God: God is expressed, modelled, revealed, and unveiled in all the pages of the scriptures for those with spiritual eyes Luke 24:31, Eph. 1:18.This is the best approach to the scripture with which the best can be got.  

Jesus the essence of the scriptures

(a)    The old testament fore-shadowed him. Matt 5: 17, offerings and sacrifices Heb. 10:10, Prophets and Prophecy Is.9:6-7, Priest and priestly engagement Heb.5:6-10, 6:20, 7:1-21, Creation John 1:1ff.

(b)   The New Testament is about His genealogy, purpose, works, persecution, death and resurrection also known as the gospel. His blood is referred to as the blood of the new covenant/testament Heb. 8:8, 13, 12:24.

(c)     He is bringing the end of it all. Rev 22:13.

Conclusion  

The scriptures shows us the way/door to the father and that is Jesus. John 14:16, John 10:7.Accept Him as your Lord and saviour, surrender to His leadership/Lordship, focus on Him when studying or having an encounter with the scriptures. There are unquantifiable blessings now and in eternity.

for we know in part