December 12 - Acts 20:4-23:35 - Paul Braves Persecution to Set Things Right

Today’s Reading: Acts 20:4-23:35

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Paul wants to keep the peace between himself and the Jews, but they will not allow it.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Paul continued travelling. The Jews continued plotting against him.
Paul met Ephesian elders one last time and charged them to guard their flock. They prayed and cried together.
Agabus prophesied that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem. Paul held his resolve.
In Jerusalem, Paul purified himself in order to quell dissention; however, he was arrested in the Temple. On trial, Paul told of his conversion and commission to teach the Gentiles. He stirred up controversy by mentioning the resurrection of the dead before the High Council.
Paul's nephew uncovered an assassination plot against Paul. Paul was sent to Felix.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Elders are appointed to both lead the flock and guard against bad influences.

Paul's teary-eyed meeting with the Ephesian elders gives us a moment to look into the purpose for elders. Paul wanted them to continue helping their flock set things right and also to prevent bad influences from creeping in and taking members away. Listen to your elders. Their job is to protect you from influencers that might lead you to (spiritual) death.

Paul's attitude portrayed a person dedicated to setting things right in God's Name.

Paul is being told by his friends and travel partners that if he went to Jerusalem he would be arrested—something that could lead to his death. Paul, though, will not listen to their warnings because to him, "The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience" (21:13, The Message). We, like Paul, should be willing to go through trials and suffering because God might be able to work through us.

Paul wants to keep the peace between Jews and Christians but ultimately fails.

Many people may criticize Paul for attempting the Nazarite vow. They think he is caving in. However, I think Paul is living out his philosophy of being subject to the Law of Moses around Jews and not when around Gentiles in order to save both. The Jews think he is denigrating the Law of Moses, so Paul will show them he still respects the Law by going through with a vow. Unfortunately, the Jews do not allow that to happen and he is arrested anyway.

How can God work through you?

November 5 - Luke 20-21; Matthew 23: Jesus Confronts the Pharisees and Religious Scholars as Frauds

Today’s Reading: Luke 20-21; Matthew 23

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus gives the major issues He has with the religious scholars and Pharisees: they do not walk the talk.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus trapped His opponents when they questioned His Authority.
God would remove Israel from being His sole Chosen People.
Jesus answered the Pharisees and Sadducees. They could not answer His questions.
Jesus praised a poor widow for giving all.
The Pharisees and religious scholars failed to live the Law, prevented entrance to God's Kingdom, taught converts to argue, played games with promises, focused on the visible, and acted arrogantly toward their ancestors.
"Jerusalem, you would not come to Me."
The Temple would soon be destroyed. Although they could see signs of its destruction, they should ignore rumors of His Coming.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Pharisees taught a high morality but lived a low morality.

Jesus' major problem with the Pharisees and religious scholars was their obsession with making themselves look good while making everyone else seem lesser in comparison all the while having dark hearts. They taught that God's Kingdom was so difficult to get into they discouraged many from even trying. They wanted their degrees and places of importance and were willing to stop at nothing to get it—walking on as many people as possible to get to the top. Beware teachers who have an unobtainable standard for being "righteous".
In the Restoration Movement, we have struggled with these problems for the last few generations. We began, in similar fashion to the Pharisees, attempting to return to the Scriptures. In turn we began codifying more and more beliefs as "essentials". Although we did not do everything the Pharisees did we do have similarities—especially the one about going across the sea and teaching them how to argue.

The Pharisees thought they could game God's System.

What they forgot was God saw their hearts. You cannot game God's Righteousness. Setting things right is the only way to obey Him.

The End will come without signs.

Jesus told His Disciples how to know Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed. However, He wanted to make sure they were not confused into believing He returned, too.

Have you tried gaming God's Righteousness?

November 4 - Matthew 22; Mark 12: Futile Questions on a Futile Quest to Trap the Son of Man

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22; Mark 12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus shows both the Pharisees and the Sadducees that they miss Scripture by focusing on minute details.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus continued storytelling, "A king opened his banquet to anyone. One improperly-dressed person was removed.
"Vineyard workers beat and killed their master's servants and his son. They were executed and replaced."
Pharisees sprung a trap, "Should we pay taxes to Caesar?"
Jesus responded, "Give to both Caesar and God."
Sadducees questioned marriage at the resurrection.
Jesus responded, "Marriage is not needed then."
Pharisees asked, "What is the greatest commandment?"
"Love the Lord your god with everything and your neighbor as yourself."
"Beware religious scholars who do not set things right."
A poor widow gave more than anyone by giving all.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus splits the middle between Caesar and God.

The question about paying taxes to Caesar was not a softball question. Caesars were considered gods after their deaths and eventually called themselves gods and demanded worship. The Jews had rebelled against Rome in the past (the history is written in the Apocrypha). The question about paying taxes was about contributing to emperor worship or rebelling against Rome. If Jesus had answered "yes" He would have approved of emperor worship. If He answered "no" He would become a revolutionary. The answer the Pharisees got was the answer the least expected, "Respect Caesar as your leader, worship God as your Creator." Respect government officials, but only worship God.

Marriage is unnecessary when we are with God.

Marriage was meant to populate the world and provide a companion. When we are with God, we neither need to populate the Earth nor need companionship. God will be our Companion for eternity.

The greatest commands provide the foundation for every command given by God.

"Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: "Love others as well as you love yourself." These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them. (Matthew 22:37-40, The Message)

Every command falls into one of these two areas. The question we should ask when we see any command given by God is does it help love God or love my neighbor? Any command given beyond what is in Scripture should also be based on one of the two.

Jesus shows the futility of trapping Him in a theological quandary by proposing His own.

In this reading, Jesus was faced with three major questions which were futile attempts at trapping Him in theological quicksand. Jesus wanted to show how silly they were in asking these questions by posing His own. The answer is unimportant—it doesn't help people love God or love their neighbor as themselves. However, since the Pharisees cared more for the words of Scripture instead of its meaning, the question could not be answered. They did not understand that some things do not make sense because our rules are man-made, not God-given. Beware deep, theological discussions about minute details in Scripture. They may prevent you from seeing the meaning of the text.

Beware "scholars" who do not set things right.

The religious leaders complained that only "ignorant" people accepted Jesus. "Scholars" knew better than to obey Jesus, even though He did all of the things necessary for them to believe. Their issue wasn't Jesus at all. They did not care for setting things right. They wanted to keep their education posts. They did not have time to set things right. Jesus wanted everyone to beware of their teachings—they were not being followed.
As a seminary student, I had courses which I did not understand why they were important—at least in how they were taught. Religious training must walk a fine line between equipping for setting things right and setting up an elite class of "academics" who look down on others trying to obey God's Word. Although I realize most of the issues about this come from the students taking their training in the wrong way, we must keep a firm grasp on teaching students to obey God's Word along with understanding God's Word.

Giving is accepted based on mindset not amount.

Jesus was not discounting the gifts rich people brought. He was praising the widow for giving everything. She gave more than everyone else because she was willing to put more faith in God to provide for her future. By giving more we put more faith in God to provide for our needs.

Love the Lord Your god with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

November 3 - Mark 11; John 12: Jesus would be Lifted Up to Shine Light to the World

Today’s Reading: Mark 11; John 12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

When Jesus is lifted to give light to the world, they can set things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Mary, Lazarus' sister, anointed Jesus' Feet with oil. This infuriated Judas, who was embezzling money and preparing to betray Jesus.
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey to a fanfare.
Jesus threw merchants out of the Temple.
The Apostles could do great things if they embraced the God-life.
Jesus trapped His opponents when they questioned His Authority.
The Time to fulfill His Purpose had come. "I must be lifted up to draw everyone to Me. Believe in the Light."
Many leaders believed but in secret to keep their positions.
Jesus taught, "If you do not believe, My Words will judge you."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus told His Apostles to pray for everything in faith.

As I mentioned earlier, I am not very good with prayer. This passage is difficult for me to do because in this section Jesus tells His Apostles that if they pray with the outcome expected that God would do it.

That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. (Mark 11:24, The Message)

God's Chosen People should pray for everything because we should submit everything to God.

Judas, though an Apostle hand-picked by Jesus, was not dedicated to setting things right.

Jesus prayed all night before choosing the 12, yet one of them betrayed Him. The reason was not limited to the need for Jesus to be crucified. Judas was not dedicated to setting things right because he allowed his heart to serve money, not God. He used the poor as a club to guilt-trip people into giving to his purse, which he liberally took a piece of. Beware people who complain that you are not giving them enough under the guise of helping the poor. Their motives may not be good—although we should not become paranoid that all charities or social programs are corrupt.

Unless we die, we cannot gain Eternal Life.

"[A]nyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal " (John 12:25). We must give up on our lives and allow God to direct them. Until then we cannot set all things right.

If Jesus is raised, many people see the Light and set things right.

Jesus came to be the greatest example of God setting things right. This would be done by sacrificing himself. By telling the crowd that He must be lifted up He told them how He would die. Since Jesus is the Light, putting Him high shines light on the largest area. Jesus wants His Disciples to be Children of Light—shining God's Light into dark places. If God's Chosen People lift the Light, All People will have a chance to set things right.

There will be no subjective judging by God. Either you set things right or you did not.

Jesus told the crowds that He would not judge everyone. Instead, His Words would judge everyone. We will not have a chance to sweet-talk our way out of punishment. Nor will we need to prove our case. Either we set things right or we did not. It makes obeying Jesus a lot less mysterious. Listen to Jesus' Words. They will show you how to set things right.

Do you lift Jesus for the world to see His Light?

November 2 - Luke 18:15-19:48: Jesus, a Rich, Young Ruler, Zacchaeus, and Jerusalem

Today’s Reading: Luke 18:15-19:48

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

In two chapters Jesus tells a man to sell all his possessions and follow Him and gives a parable where a ruler punishes a servant for not putting his money in the bank.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus taught everyone must accept the Kingdom as children do.
Jesus challenged a young ruler, "Sell everything, donate the proceeds, and follow Me." He declined.
"We left everything," Peter stated.
"You won't regret it."
Jesus would be humiliated, crucified, and given new life.
Jesus healed a relentless, blind man.
Jesus praised Zacchaeus' decision to change his tax-collection habits.
An unpopular ruler gave more authority to servants who used his money and punished those who didn't.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to a grand reception. Jesus cried because Jerusalem rejected Him.
Jesus threw the merchants out of the Temple.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Zacchaeus provided an example of an "unrighteous" person receiving the Kingdom.

Yesterday we read from Matthew where Jesus used three parables set in a vineyard to inform Israel that God would open enrollment into His Chosen People. Previously we read examples of Non-Chosen People who had more faith than the Israelites. Today's example is not of a Non-Chosen Person but of a detestable sinner—a traitor to the Jewish people who most likely extorted Jews for his living. Zacchaeus accepted Jesus without Jesus challenging him in any way. Instead, all Jesus needed to do was visit. Jesus constantly battled the Pharisees, the religious scholars, and the priests and they tried as hard as possible not to believe. The parable of the two sons provided a glimpse into this situation with Zacchaeus playing the role of the first son who said he would not work but did and the Jews playing the other son who said he would but did not. Many so-called "unrighteous" people will enter God's Kingdom before many Chosen People.

God's approval rating does not excuse you from setting things right.

Something I had never realized until today was that the ruler in Jesus' parable about servants receiving money for investing was an all-around unpopular ruler. I knew the lazy servant had accused him of being this way but I never realized his popularity was less than that of Congress. However, the ruler (and by extension, Jesus) does not allow the servant to get away with not investing his money for that reason. In fact, he would have accepted the money back with simple interest from a bank. Because the servant did nothing with the money, he was punished. Jesus is clearly showing that when the masses have an unfavorable view of God, His Chosen People must continue to spread God's Light to the blind. His Love and His Word will return nothing less than simple interest. God would be fine with that. (NOTE: In 2011, a firm did a poll where they saw that God's approval rating was 52%. Is that good or bad?)

The story of the rich, young ruler and the parable of the vicious ruler are not about money.

The stories are not about the love of money or the importance of investment. These stories are about trusting in God to set things right. The rich, young ruler could not fathom life without his comforts. He could not imagine life where he followed Jesus without his investments. He did not have enough faith in God to let go. The unfaithful servant did not have enough courage to go into the marketplace with his ruler's money. He was punished because the ruler did not care what the opinion polls said about him. He wanted results—at least attempts at results. We could learn from these stories about the uses and abuses of money, but they are ancillary to the main story—have more faith in God than anything else.

If no one praised God, Earth's praises would be audible.

Sometimes I hear doomsday predictions that one day no one will care enough about God to praise Him. Although they may be true for humans, God doesn't need our praise. If we ceased praising God, the earth would fill the void. Jesus wasn't giving a command. He was telling the Pharisees that if His Disciples did not sing His Praises, creation would. Never fear, God's Awesome Goodness is always on display.

Do you have enough trust in God to do something rash if it meant setting things right?

October 30 - Luke 17:11-18:14: The Kingdom of God, Jesus' Return, and P.U.S.H.

Today’s Reading: Luke 17:11-18:14

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

I'm glad I'm not like the people who say they are glad they are not like the Pharisee who said he was glad not to be like the tax collector.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus healed 10 lepers. Only the Samaritan thanked Jesus.
Jesus told the Pharisees God's Kingdom was already here. To His Disciples He added, "Someday, don't fall for desperate attempts to see Me! I will arrive like lightning—like Noah's day or the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah—quick and sudden."
Jesus taught a parable about a woman bothering a judge until he answered her. "Continually pray to God and He will hear you."
He also compared a Pharisee's pompous chest-beating prayers to a tax collector's humble request for mercy. "The tax collector had his relationship made right, not the Pharisee."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Samaritan leper and the other nine illustrated Israel's problem with God.

Israel was taken out of Egypt and brought into a new land. They were given a stable kingdom and lived in ease. Instead of becoming a lighthouse to the nations they became self-righteous and treated God as just another god. Eventually they rejected Jesus because He was not like them. The Samaritans (half-blooded Jews and outsiders) were willing to listen to Jesus. They obeyed Him and wanted Him to stay around. Just like the Samaritan leper thanked Jesus while the other nine ignored Him, Non-Chosen People bless God while His Chosen People cannot find the time to praise Him.
This should seem somewhat familiar to Chosen People today. We struggle with accepting Jesus as our Lord. We want Him as our Savior to wash our sins away, but we struggle with obeying Him. There are many outside God's Chosen People who bless God. We must be willing to see their praises for what they are and join them.

Jesus' Disciples would one day long to be with Him.

Jesus realized the Apostles and Disciples would have the world's worst case of nostalgia after He left. He knew they would desperately seek to be with Him again. This is why He warned them not to fall into a trap and believe when people said Jesus was right around the corner or hiding in a back alley. Do not listen to anyone saying they are (or have seen) the Return of Jesus. His Return will be so obvious there will be no confusion. Unfortunately, this message has been lost throughout the years when many people have thought themselves the reincarnation of Jesus (or the sibling of Jesus).

The Kingdom of God existed even before Jesus died.

We are left with a large question—what is the Kingdom of God? I have a semi-educated guess. I believe the Kingdom of God consists of any person willing to set things right under God's direction. This is why Jesus told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God has already arrived. Some people were willing to set things right because they believed in Jesus and were willing to obey Him. Today, we spread the Kingdom of God not by claiming land for Him or by baptizing people in nations all over the earth. We spread the Kingdom of God by making Disciples of people around the world and help them obey Jesus.

P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) is not a trite cliché.

I have a confession to make: I do not like acronyms or other silly language tricks. I especially can't stand ones that are religious (F.R.O.G – Fully Rely On God or the infamous W.W.J.D. – What Would Jesus Do). However, P.U.S.H. is quite biblical. In fact, it quite succinctly summarizes Jesus' parable of the widow nagging the judge until he protected her. Continue to cry out for justice. God will hear you and act.

We must not think too much on the story of the Pharisee vs. the tax collector or we risk becoming the Pharisee.

Jesus wanted to make sure that His Disciples understood that God did not need to hear how wonderful they were. They would not set right their relationship with God if they acted like they were greater than everyone else. Only humility is acceptable to God when we pray. Prayer requires humility—we cannot get what we need on our own. Highlighting your strengths or successes to God does no good.
There is a funny story of a person teaching this story to a group. At the end of the class the teacher exclaimed in an excited voice, "Aren't we glad we aren't like this Pharisee?" In reality, many in the Restoration Movement have almost done this very thing. It is not limited to the Restoration Movement, either. Many Chosen People have thought "God is so lucky to have me (us) as His Chosen Person (People)." We must be ourselves—not too proud but remembering that we are God's Chosen People. If we humble ourselves and allow God to mold us, He will turn us into more than we could be alone.

How is god molding your life?

October 29 - John 11: Jesus Shows a Sample of the Resurrection

Today’s Reading: John 11

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus is not some distant, aloof god. He joins in the weeping over the death of a friend.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus' friend Lazarus was sick, to show God's Glory given to God's Son. Two days later, Jesus informed His Disciples, "Lazarus is dead and I will wake him."
Lazarus' sisters were distraught. Jesus told Martha, "I am the Resurrection. Anyone believing in Me will live."
As Mary ran to greed Him, Jesus wept.
Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb. Many believed.
Jesus kept performing miracles—the Pharisees' worst nightmare. One man suggested Jesus become a martyr. Unbeknownst to them, they were preparing a world-wide sacrifice for sin.
Jesus and His Disciples went into seclusion.
The Passover came once again.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Lazarus' death was meant to show Jesus' Glory given by the Father.

Jesus' miracles were meant to help others believe in Him. In this instance, He gave a clear sign that He was from the Father—He did something no other person could do.

Lazarus' resurrection provided an object lesson into how God will make all things right in the end.

Jesus wanted everyone to know He is the Resurrection and the Life. He had the power to take away death and return life. His Resurrection was meant to give hope that one day we, too, would be given life again. It is this Resurrection that makes Christianity worthy of its sacrifice.

The Pharisees set up the ultimate irony—their political move to martyr one to save their power was used to set relationships around the world right with God.

John is not a great storyteller if you love suspense. He adds commentary which gives the end of the story. In this case, the cat is out of the bag—Jesus is going to be murdered for the salvation of the world. The Pharisees, on the other hand, do not know this and think their prudent action to sacrifice one to save their power will work. It shows a great truth about God we saw way back in Joseph's day—God can use acts meant for harm to set things right. The greatest act to set things right was meant to hold power in one group's hands.

How has God used harmful situations to set things right in your life?

October 28 - Luke 16-17:10: God's Crafty, Forgiving People

Today’s Reading: Luke 16-17:10

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus wanted His Chosen People to be as crafty as evil people—but for the opposite purposes.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus presented a parable of a manager cheating his employer to bank favors. Jesus summarized, "Be similarly crafty for setting things right."
Liars always cheat, regardless of responsibility.
Jesus told the Pharisees, "God's Law never loses Authority. He sees through your legal loopholes."
Jesus told a parable about a rich man punished at death. He wanted someone to warn his family; however, since they would not listen, no one was sent.
Jesus told His Disciples, "Forgive liberally during trials."
The Disciples cried for more faith. Jesus countered, "There is no such thing as 'more' faith. Do your job with humility."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus wanted His Disciples to be crafty about setting things right.

The story of the dishonest manager is strange. He praises a dishonest person in order to show the reason for his dishonesty. Then He tells His Disciples they should also be crafty. The difference, obviously, is that He wants them to be crafty in setting things right. Exploit loopholes in the law—to set things right. Challenge cultural norms—to set things right. Do favors for others so they need to do favors for you—to set things right. God's Chosen People should not be naïve when it comes to ways of exploiting the system to get God's Way. Find ways around existing barriers to set things right.

Honesty does not pop up when a person has more responsibility.

We all have some form of this in our lives: that part of us that we vow to fix when we need to use it. Jesus tells His Disciples they should be honest in everything, big or small. Honesty in small acts may translate to honesty in large acts. Dishonesty in small acts means dishonesty in large acts. If you find yourself being dishonest about something small, remember you may not be given more responsibility until you develop integrity in small things. Having more responsibility does not fix any part of our lives.
I remember a congregation that I worked for who had a member that only came once in a while to worship with us and when he left the building he also left his faith. One of the men thought if we gave him more responsibility he would shape up and be more involved. Needless to say, it didn't work.

The Pharisees wanted to be exonerated of their sins by technicality.

The Pharisees loved money. They wanted to keep their lifestyles intact. Part of having money was the ability to find a new wife when they were finished with their current one. So they found a loophole in the Law and exploited it to legitimize their lust and adultery. This is the exact opposite of what Jesus meant when He told His Disciples to be crafty in setting things right. Jesus had to tell them their actions were not acceptable because God knew their divorces were selfish attempts to get around God's Law. God sees through our pretenses and actions to know our heart's intentions for everything we do.

God's Law would never go away.

The Law of Moses has often been considered antiquated or "abolished". Earlier we read how God's Message stays the same—God wants rivers of mercy and oceans of justice. When we began the laws portion of the Pentateuch, I mentioned that when the laws were read as a whole they retained respectability. In our reading today Jesus added that the focus of the Law may have changed from sacrifice and prophets, but "The sky will disintegrate and the earth dissolve / before a single letter of God’s Law wears out" (16:17, The Message). Although we may not be under the literal demands of the Law of Moses, it is still relevant for today.

Abraham understood the rich man's family would not listen to Lazarus any more than Moses or the Prophets.

The rich man wanted Lazarus, a poor invalid who lived on the rich man's steps, to return and warn his family of their fate should they continue going down the same path. This could be considered the ultimate compliment for Lazarus and the ultimate humiliation for the rich man. Abraham, on the other hand, would not allow it. The reason he gave is chilling—they would not have listened. You may wonder why he would suggest such a thing, but he knew that people who have no trust in God and desire a sign will not believe that sign. Moses doubted himself, not God. Gideon also doubted himself. Signs are not meant to stop a person from doubting God. They are meant to show God's Authority resides in the person giving or receiving the sign, depending on the situation. God has provided sufficient witnesses for the world to trust Him. They do not need personal signs.

Forgiveness is the way to hold the bond between friends.

Today is the second time this thought has surfaced. In the first, Jesus told Peter to forgive in excess of 70 x 7 times. Today's reading urges His Disciples to forgive each other as often as needed. This is meant to keep the peace between Chosen People so they can endure their trials.

There is no such thing as "more" faith.

There is only "trust" and "mistrust". You either trust God to set things right or you don't. Either you are willing to obey His Way or you aren't. Either you are His Servant or you are not. Do not ask God to increase your faith. Trust God and your bond will grow.

How crafty are you in setting things right?

October 27 - Luke 14-15: God's Chosen People Cannot Be Bothered to Eat with the God Who Sets Things Right

Today’s Reading: Luke 14-15

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Following Jesus has a high cost. It also has a high reward.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus argued that if Pharisees could rescue someone on the Sabbath, then He could heal, too.
Jesus added, "Sitting in a seat of honor before being asked brings embarrassment," and "Inviting misfits who can't pay back brings blessings."
Jesus told a parable of a man whose friends were too busy to attend his dinner party. Instead, he called misfits, the homeless, and strangers to join him.
Personal sacrifice is essential to following Jesus.
God celebrates over one relationship set right. A man's son returned home after squandering his inheritance and received a banquet. His (faithful) brother resented the banquet.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus presented another paradox: those who want to be in the seat of honor should take the lowest seat available.

Jesus previously mentioned that children were the greatest in the Kingdom of God and if the Apostles wanted to be the greatest they should become the servant of everyone. Today's reading continued that paradox of becoming the greatest by being the lowest. This time the setting is a banquet. If you want to be considered great and honored, become humble as a servant and take low positions. Then you can be called to a higher place.

We are to give without expectations of receiving.

At the same dinner Jesus told the host that he should not limit his guest list to those who were rich enough or friendly enough to invite him back. If we gave without expectations we would be blessed greater than if we only gave to our "friends". Christianity is among the few religions that give in thanksgiving to what God has done in the past. God challenged Israel to test His Faithfulness by giving the entire tithe. Jesus challenges us to give even when the person can't or doesn't want to give back. Giving is based on what God has done for us in the past, not what we want from God in the future.

God's Chosen People cannot be bothered to eat with Him.

The saddest part of Jesus' parable of the man who gave a feast is that the man's friends could not be bothered to join him in his celebration. Jesus is showing the Pharisee how his statement about those sitting at God's Table may be true but the ones at the Table are not who he thinks they are. The Pharisee thinks the people in the "Pharisee Hall of Fame" are there. Jesus tells him they couldn't be bothered to join God at His Table. In their place were the misfits, the homeless, the ones the Pharisees would least expect to be there. This is a glimpse into what will soon happen when Israel cannot be bothered to set things right even though God sent His Son to earth. God calls others to join Him at His Table because His Chosen People are unwilling to obey Him.
We as Christians should read this parable and realize we are in both groups. We were once the strangers on the highway God called to join Him. After a generation or two we became the ones to whom God sent an invitation. Now we cannot be bothered. We have taken a new job and need to make sure they are impressed by us. We have bought a new thing and need to spend time paying it off or playing with it while we can. Or we have married and want to enjoy our togetherness. You can fill in your own excuse but the truth remains—God is calling others to set things right because His Chosen People are too "busy" to do it. That may sound harsh, but it sounded equally as harsh to the Pharisees who heard it.

Becoming Jesus' Disciple requires greater commitment to Him than to any other person—even yourself.

God has twice told His Chosen People the great benefits of obeying Him and the great punishments for cheating on Him. Jesus gives another version of this when He says we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him. We could lose our parents, our spouses, our children, our siblings, our friends, our freedom, or our lives if we decide to become God's Chosen Person. Jesus has wrecked many people's careers. He has taken away dreams. Many who obey Him would testify that He replaces them with much better relationships, careers, or dreams, but it still hurts to have them taken away. Being Jesus' Disciple is for anyone but not for everyone. If a person is not willing to pay the price, they are only setting themselves up for greater punishment in the future by trying.

God rejoices over one person who needs to repent.

Yesterday I mentioned how Jesus did not want to solve systematic problems because He wants to solve individual problems and through solving these individual problems the systematic problems would work themselves out. Today Jesus' saying is that God rejoices over that individual who sets their lives right. Just like a shepherd rejoices over the return of one sheep, God rejoices over the return of one person. The issue isn't that Jesus loves that person more than the 99 who are safe in His Care. It's because when something you own (or someone you love) returns, it is greater than replacing it (or them) with something (or someone) else. You have a relationship with that thing or person. It feels great to have that relationship set right. No person is too insignificant to God that He does not rejoice when they return.

The Prodigal Son's brother became bitter because the he never received a fanfare similar to his brother's.

The brother's issue sounds very familiar,

Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast! (15:29-30, The Message)

The brother thinks that his father's rejoicing over his brother's return means the father loves his prodigal son more than his faithful son. The brother is wrong—everything the father owned now belonged to him. The fanfare was because a severed relationship was set whole. The brother did not realize he was inside the safe barn with God's other sheep the entire time the lost sheep, his brother, was in danger of death. God's Chosen People must deal with their bitterness and rejoice when someone sets their relationship right with God. If not, we start down the road Jonah and his contemporaries travelled and may become so bitter we kick someone out for trying to set things right with the "wrong" people.

Have you counted the cost to becoming Jesus' Disciple?

October 25 - Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42: Setting Things Right with Your Neighbor

Today’s Reading: Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Similar to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus wants His Chosen People to no longer focus on "standards" or definitions. He wants us to set things right because we can.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus sent 70 disciples to teach. God's Authority would protect them.
Jesus was asked "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus told a parable about a Samaritan man who helped a stranger. The Samaritan was the man's neighbor.
Jesus taught the disciples to persistently ask God to give what they needed. God would give what was best.
Jesus complained, "You want 'signs' but argue over minutia. Your eyes are too narrow to allow in My Saving Light. Stop looking for loopholes around God's Law."
Pharisees and religious scholars wanted Jesus murdered.
Jews refused Jesus as their Shepherd, but many believed in Him.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Jesus' missionary style was to allow insiders to call people to the messengers.

Churches have a problem going out. We love to stay in and wait for people to somehow find us. Jesus wanted His disciples to find a generous person and let them bring others to hear about Jesus. This is similar to how the first city accepted Jesus as their Lord. Find people in your city who can call others to listen to the Good News.

Jesus removed any limitation to the definition of a "neighbor".

As He did in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took a standard (or a request for a definite answer) and turned it into a mindset. The Samaritan helped the man because He wanted to set things right. There was no law or moral code requiring him to act. There was no money in helping the man. The injured stranger needed someone to help him and the Samaritan was the one. There is no rule or standard to who constitutes your neighbors. Help anyone who needs your help.

Mary understood what was essential and what could wait.

I believe Jesus' point wasn't that kitchens were unnecessary. His point was that priority should go to learning how to set things right. We should not use this story as an excuse to never leave our lecture halls or living room small groups to do community service projects. We should learn from this example not to siphon time from the essentials in order to keep up a sparkling-clean home.

Jesus taught that prayer is like a friend calling another friend to help.

I struggle with prayer. It isn't because I don't think God hears my prayer or that He doesn't want to answer them. I struggle because I have difficulty seeing prayer as calling out to a friend to help in the middle of the night. It seems too distant, too formal. I struggle to balance rote prayers for the sake of praying and persistently praying for what I need. However, persistence pays off—especially when it comes to God. Before you start praying a million times for $10 million, remember that God gives us what we need. Don't bargain, ask for tradeoffs, or give ultimatums. Continuously ask God to set things right until it happens.

Jesus came to set things right, not perform magic tricks.

The Pharisees, religious scholars, and Jews wanted Jesus to perform sign after sign. They were not interested in following Jesus but discrediting Him, as I mentioned earlier. Jesus would not perform a miracle at their every beck-and-call. They had all the evidence they needed. They lacked faith not evidence.

It is not the outside that matters. The outside should mirror the inside.

The Pharisees struggled to obey God because they wanted all of the esteem from obeying God without the hard task of changing themselves to set things right. This is why Jesus has to make them see they are like a clean tomb—the dirty, dead bones are inside.

Do you struggle with praying like you are asking a friend for help?

October 24 - John 9-10:21: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who Sets Things Right

Today’s Reading: John 9-10:21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus calls His Sheep by name and sacrifices Himself for them. The Pharisees argue with their sheep and insult them.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus told His Disciples that God shows His Power by healing.
Once blind, a man confessed to his townspeople that the Prophet Jesus healed him. The Pharisees sneered at this ridiculous idea.
The man's parents confirmed that he was once blind. Angry, the Pharisees threw the new believer out.
Later, Jesus told the man, "I give sight to the blind and blind arrogant 'see-ers'. I am the gate only shepherds use. I sacrifice Myself for the sheep. I will soon merge them all into one Flock. I give Myself freely and can retrieve My Life by the Father's Word."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Apostles wanted to find someone to blame for the man's blindness.

Jesus' point was not that handicaps never occur because of sin. We know some issues are caused by mothers abusing their bodies during pregnancy. Others are caused by lifestyle choices. Jesus point is that trying to find someone or something to blame for a person's handicap detracts from God's purpose—setting all things right. A Chosen Person should seek ways God can set the situation right, not find out who is to blame for its existence.

The man was wiser than the Pharisees.

As I mentioned yesterday, the Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus using technicalities. The man Jesus healed received the same treatment. They questioned him, doubted his infirmity, and bullied him to get their way. The man held firm—Jesus, the one who healed him, was a Prophet. All the evidence he needed was found in his eyes. It is here that Jesus' statement about the blind receiving sight and the arrogant "see-ers" being blinded comes into focus. Those who see God's Work believe faster than those who want to control God's Work. The man believed because of what Jesus did. The Pharisees insulted and threw out a person healed by God because they could not control Jesus.

Jesus' Sheep would be in one flock.

This is one of the earliest inklings that enrollment in God's Chosen People would become open for the world. Jesus wanted to bring all of His Sheep into one flock, where He would lead and die for them. Jesus' death would allow the entire world to enter His Flock.

Jesus laid down His Life so we could gain ours.

Jesus became the Good Shepherd because He was willing to sacrifice Himself to prevent His Flock from suffering. If we want to be like Jesus, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves to prevent others from suffering.

Are you part of Jesus' Flock?

October 23 - John 7-8: Jesus Passes Light to the World, Except Those who Reject Him

Today’s Reading: John 7-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Pharisees try to find every little thing they can to discredit Jesus.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus showed the world their evil hearts. They wanted Him dead.
The Jews were impressed by Jesus' Wisdom. Jesus told them, "Anyone can understand what I teach except those who refuse to set things right." Many people believed.
On the last day of the feast, Jesus openly called for followers. The police refused to arrest Him. Nicodemus stood up for Him.
An adulteress was brought to Jesus but let go for lack of an executioner with perfect morals.
The Pharisees failed to see Jesus as the Light because they missed God. This prevented them from understanding Jesus' Ways and Teachings.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The world wants to destroy Jesus because He sheds light on their evil hearts.

Jesus tells us, in exact terms, why the world wanted to destroy Him: He was a threat to keeping their evil intentions hidden. He had to be destroyed.

The Jews and Pharisees wanted to discredit Jesus on technicalities.

One of the parts of Jesus' Ministry I love is His dedication to the larger picture without losing the details, and vice-versa. Jesus understood the Real Story of life but made sure all of the prophecies were completed. Because the Jews and Pharisees could not defeat Him by finding fault in His teachings, they resorted to picking at Him—His hometown, His healing on the Sabbath, a lack of corroborating witnesses, His Father's identity, His identity, and their freedom and lineage. They wanted to discredit Jesus so much they were willing to do any and everything to get rid of Him.

The "religious scholars" rejected Jesus. The "religiously ignorant" accepted Him.

Before we discuss education and training for God's Chosen People, we must first remember that Jesus was not rejected by people who knew the Law. He was rejected by those who had studied the Law since birth. People ignorant of the Bible may be the ones who accept Jesus easiest.
It is this reason that I find the fact that Americans are growing less and less knowledgeable about the Bible to be a two-sided coin. On the one hand, they will not know what Jesus did because He is unknown to them. On the other hand, Jesus' teachings can be taught fresh because they do not have the baggage which prevents many from accepting them.

Nicodemus defended Jesus.

Jesus had friends in high places.

Jesus realized the adulteress was brought to Him to test Him, not because the crowd wanted justice done.

We do not know if this story is really in the Bible or not. Either way, what is important to see is that the Pharisees and Jews did not want Jesus to bring justice upon this woman. They wanted to put Him in a lose-lose situation. When he not only refused to execute her but also condemned them, they had no recourse but to walk away. Beware moral traps meant to snare a quick win and not a substantial dialogue on how to set things right.

Anyone who sins is a slave to sin.

It is a difficult statement which is essential for us to understand. Stay away from sin! It will make you a slave!

Jesus provides plenty of Light to free the world from its slavery.

We are to be lighthouses for the nations. We do this not by originating light but by reflecting the Light that comes from God through Jesus. Jesus' Light frees the nations from their bondage in sin because His Way is the Truth, meaning His Way is the right way to live.

Do you live in the Light or are a slave to sin?

October 19 - Matthew 15; Mark 7: Pharisees' Traditions vs. the Law - Unclean is in the Heart

Today’s Reading: Matthew 15; Mark 7

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

"Religious purity" no longer depends on food or drinks. It depends on the heart.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Pharisees complained that Jesus' Apostles did not strictly follow the Law and traditions. Jesus countered, "Why do you ignore the Law and allow 'religious' acts to trump God's Requirements? Only things that mess up relationships are unclean." This made all foods clean. He continued, "They are blind guides for the blind."
A Gentile wanted Jesus to excise her daughter's demon. Jesus refused, stating He came only for Israel. She only asked for a scrap of His time. Jesus granted her request.
Jesus continued healing. Many people praised God. Feeling compassion, Jesus fed them with a few loaves and fish.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Pharisees did not understand the role of religious acts.

The Pharisees wanted to outdo everyone else in obeying the Law. If God placed a barrier to prevent people from going off a cliff, they would have put two or three barriers inside God's just to make sure no one got close to the edge. Earlier, Jesus had complained that they read the Bible but missed its Message. They considered religious acts more important than people. This philosophy anchored their tradition of giving to God what should have gone to parents and caused them to miss God's Purpose for His Chosen People. Instead, they fell into Isaiah's description, "They just use me as a cover / for teaching whatever suits their fancy" (Matthew 15:9, The Message). Those who stress law to the omission of heart are in danger of missing God.

"Religious impurities" were no longer physical impurities.

This point stood out much more then than today. To them, religious impurities were based on food, what you touched, and your genetics. God wanted to make His Chosen People stand out from the wicked people who lived in Canaan. Israel, in turn, used these distinctions to think they were better than everyone else even though they practiced the same wicked acts. Jesus took away the physical impurities and simplified them to spiritual impurities only. God only considers heart-pollutants as impurities.
We may not have dietary impurities today, but we do have religious quibbling. We argue over worship styles, obscure and unimportant theology, and which interpretation of events should be taught in school/seminary/church. I believe Jesus would have a similar statement for us today, "It doesn't matter what enters your head. What matters is what enters your heart and comes out in your actions that pollute a person."

The story of the Canaanite woman in Tyre shows both Jesus' Purpose and a non-Chosen Person's faith.

Jesus did not come to be a miracle-worker. He came to set things right for God—first with the Israelites and then with the world. Jesus did not come to fix the world's problems personally. He came to fix Israel's problems so they could go and fix the world's problems. The Canaanite woman begged Jesus to reconsider not because she was worthy (she never questioned His "dog" comment) but because she loved her daughter. Her humility to accept the second-class citizen status in God's Kingdom meant she was actually a first-class citizen in God's Kingdom—someone willing to obey God. This is why her daughter was healed. When we ask God for what we need, remember we are only worthy of the scraps left behind. The bountiful blessings God bestows shows His greatness!

Are you using God as a cover to teach whatever you fancy?

October 13 - Matthew 12:22-50: Of Signs, Demons, and Family

Today’s Reading: Matthew 12:22-50

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Unless we fill ourselves with God's Spirit, we will become worse than we were before.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Pharisees accused Jesus of working with Satan to excise demons. Jesus responded, "If Satan banished Satan, he would be destroyed. If you reject the Holy Spirit, you are condemning yourself."
The Pharisees questioned Jesus' Credentials. Jesus responded, "You aren't looking for proof. Even so, here is My Credential: Like Jonah, I will be in a grave three days and nights. You squabble over 'evidence' in front of the Son of God. Be careful, evil spirits love empty minds."
Jesus' immediate family came to visit. Jesus told everyone, "Obedience is thicker than blood. Those who obey Me are My Family."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

There are only two sides: those who set things right and those who hinder setting things right.

This is a tough saying. At first we recoil from the thought that Jesus says either you are for Him or against Him. If we realize that Jesus does not say you either God's Chosen People or Satan's pawns this saying doesn't sound as radical. Jesus will later have a different saying in a similar situation, and realizing what He is saying here will help put the two together. People who may not recognize Jesus as their Savior often agree with His Teachings and thus set things right in their relationships. I don't believe this is what Jesus is getting at here. The Pharisees did not want to set things right because they wanted to make sure the Law was followed to the letter. They were against Jesus because they preferred to hold to their dogma instead of set things right.

Words can either be your salvation or your damnation.

The Pharisees openly doubted Jesus' Authority. Jesus wanted them to realize what you say will eventually get you into or out of trouble. Words are like people—they either help set things right or hinder it.

The Pharisees did not want proof.

Jonah did not get a great display of God's Power. He missed Elijah's view of God. He did not see a burning bush. Jonah was swallowed by a large fish and lived there for three days in order to see God's Power. The Pharisees wanted Elijah's and Moses' miraculous signs. Jesus knew their hearts and that they did not want to see to believe but find the limits of Jesus' Abilities to discredit Him. Therefore they would receive a similar sign as Jonah—nothing for three days. Beware those who seek great signs in order to believe. They may be stalling to figure out a way to get out of belief.

Demons love a vacuum.

John's message was received by many who later were not ready for Jesus' Message. They were tired of their old religion but were not ready to set things right. This is why Jesus tells them the parable of a man cleaning his home then having more devils take up residency. Bad ways of thinking and acting must be replaced with right ways of thinking and acting or the bad thoughts and acts will return and become more difficult to stop.
One thing I am concerned about when discussing people who do not like the church but love Jesus is that the removal of "religious" acts may never be replaced with relationship-building practices. Instead, they become cynical about anything related to a community of people setting things right and later become stuck in a new cycle of not setting things right without anyone to help. When discussing the problems within your church and what you do replace dead, traditional acts with new, lively ones. Stopping them all together may lead to a worse relationship with God.

Will your words save you or damn you?

October 8 - John 5: The Pharisees Read the Bible but Miss Jesus

Today’s Reading: John 5

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Pharisees read the Bible thinking they could game the system.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus healed a man by telling him to get up and carry his bedroll. Jews accused the man of working during the Sabbath. Later, Jesus suggested he put it down to maintain peace. The Pharisees confronted Jesus.
He answered, "The Father works on the Sabbath, and so does the Son. Dishonoring Me is the same as dishonoring the Father. I am not out for My Interests. My Works prove My Authority. By missing Me you miss the Father.
"You think that reading the Scriptures will set things right but they point to Me! If you believe Moses, believe Me."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Pharisees did not understand the purpose of the Sabbath.

All of the Gospels will have something to say about the Sabbath. Today is John's day. All of them say similar things about the Pharisees, too. They are zealous for the Law. They want to obey God, but they are more interested in rules than finding God. God said not to work, so they were determined not to work. They dissected every action to see if was work or not. But in doing so they missed the purpose of the Sabbath—growing closer to God through rest. If we spend our time dissecting the Law, we may miss its purpose—setting our relationships right.

Jesus told the man to stop sinning to keep peace with the Pharisees.

Jesus' suggestion to the man is strange. We have no clue what sins the man has committed in the past and Jesus asked him to carry his bedroll. Why would Jesus, then, tell the man to stop sinning so nothing worse would happen to him? What was his sin? I believe the suggestion was Jesus not wanting to give the Pharisees fodder for their complaints against Him. It's possible (to me, at least) that when Jesus says "sin no more" He doesn't mean a "sin" like we think—going against God's Way. I believe He means "offend", as in the man was offending the Pharisees by carrying his bedroll in front of them. Jesus is protecting the man from the wrath of the Pharisees.
For today, I believe it may be better from time-to-time to conform to the less-free people in a congregation just to keep the peace. We know what they want is not important in the long-term, but in the short-term peace is better than fighting. Sometimes, the better choice is peace over freedom. Sometimes, not always.

Jesus and God were One because They were of the same Mind.

Jesus was God. Jesus became flesh so we might see the Light. He did only what God did because they wanted the same thing—to set things right. Jesus did nothing to make His name greater than God. This is why dishonor of Jesus is the same as dishonor of God. They do the same thing.

Those who set things right will live forever. Those who do not will be punished forever.

God's Judgment through Jesus has often become the only thing Christians want to talk about. We wonder if every action will help us gain Eternal Life or if it will cause Eternal Punishment. Although that level of interest is not good, we cannot go to the other end of the spectrum and state that God's Judgment is no big thing. It becomes the day when everyone will either be punished or rewarded for their role in setting things right. We should want to set things right not only because God's Way is superior, but because we want everyone to have Eternal Life.

Reading the Scripture does not give Eternal Life.

I cannot comment on this verse without the sense of irony that for over nine months I have been reading through the Bible for several hours a day. With that said (or written), this verse led me to do this project. I felt with all of my years of study, all of the lectures and sermons I had heard, and the years of class I attended I had one, important deficiency—I struggled to see Jesus in the Scriptures. I did what Jesus complained the Pharisees did—I "miss[ed] the forest for the trees" (v. 39, The Message). So much of theology today falls into that category. We debate the authenticity of Moses writing the Pentateuch, Isaiah's authorship of the book bearing his name, and how much written in the Gospels actually happened. We argue over church theology, personal theology, and whether we should fight liberalism or conservatism. We read to see how much we can get away with before we land on the hot seat or how rigid our lives must be to be acceptable. In the end, I think Jesus would say the same to us,

You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want. (vv. 39-40)

Reading the Scriptures alone seeing how little you must do to gain eternal life will not set things right. We must see God in them to understand the Scriptures.

Do you read the Bible thinking it will give you Eternal Life?

October 7 - Mark 2: Religious Acts were Made for People, not People for Religious Acts

Today’s Reading: Mark 2

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading recounts some of the stories told a few days ago. I will not comment on those stories but one the last—the only one not mentioned previously.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus has authority over everything, including religious observances.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

In Capernaum, men wanting Jesus to heal their friend lowered him into the room from the roof. Jesus forgave his sins, startling the Pharisees. To prove His Authority, Jesus healed the man.
Levi, a tax collector, followed Jesus.
Answering the Pharisees who questioned his company, Jesus informed them He came to invite the sin-sick.
Jesus' followers did not fast because He was with them.
One Sabbath, the Pharisees accused Jesus' followers of working while eating from heads of grain. Jesus answered, "The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. I am master over the Sabbath."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Religious acts were made to help people set things right. They were never meant to be "essentials".

The story of Jesus defending His disciples on the Sabbath is one I read for years without realizing what Jesus really meant. Once I realized His point, it transformed how I obeyed God. We tend to think there are two views of religious acts (circumcision, the Sabbath, Passover, etc.): "essential", meaning a person must do this under any circumstance or God would not accept them, or "non-essential", meaning it doesn't matter if a person does these things or not. Jesus, as He does to our viewpoints, tells us both of them are wrong. The "non-essential" side missed the importance of the acts—and God's repeated punishment of people who did not do them. The "essential" side also missed the importance of the acts by taking away the reason people observe the religious acts—love. God wanted Israel to observe the Sabbath because He loves them and wanted them to set everything right. As I wrote earlier, God wanted Israel to observe the Sabbath with their hearts not their heads. Observing the Sabbath did not guarantee God's approval; however, God's Chosen People would observe the Sabbath because they were obedient to God's Way. Exceptions were acceptable, not because God was not a man of His Word but because the Sabbath was meant to help His Chosen People obey Him. David ate bread from the Altar because he and his men were hungry not because it was there. God wants His Chosen People to do religious acts because they love and trust His Way, not because they are unbreakable rules.
What does this mean for us today? Any religious act we do must serve us. We should not allow our religious acts to rule us. What does this look like? Take something like Sunday worship. Do we worship every Sunday because it helps us connect with God and His Chosen People or because God required us to worship on the first day of the week? If your reason is the first, it probably means Sundays serve you. If your reason is the second, is may mean you serve Sundays (if a church served sundaes, that would be essential). Does this mean attendance is optional? Not necessarily. If a person misses because they have the opportunity to set something right, they are not skipping. If the person has a tanning salon appointment, they're probably skipping. Here's the point: observances of religious acts are symptoms of our spiritual health, not the problem or the solution. Any religious act we force on another person does not help them. Should we worship on Sundays? Absolutely. But only if it serves our spiritual health.

Does the Sabbath serve you or do you serve the Sabbath?