“His Abide”
Reading Reflecting Responding
To God’s Word
Writing it All Down
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Summary Reflection Prayer
Context: Matthew 26
Focus: Matthew 26: 57-61
“But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally two men came forward who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.” Matthew 26:60-61
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple,
and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19
Note: I discovered when I summarize the text in my own words neither adding or subtracting from the original content, it is then I receive the revelation of it and it becomes Rhema in my heart. (See “His Abide”)
Summary: When Jesus was arrested and brought to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, there were teachers of the law and elders gathered there. Witnesses were presented who agreed to lie so they could find reason to put Jesus to death. They tried to accuse Jesus of something He did, but they were false witnesses and their testimony could not be used because they did not agree. But then two men agreed and said,
“This man said, I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days”.
Reflection: I noticed how the ones who were giving false testimony against Jesus misquoted what He said about His Body and the Temple of God. Either they were not listening, had second hand knowledge or deliberately lied.
How often do we misquote God’s Word because we do not listen, accurately, or listen to someone else who misquotes, and miss His Voice. The Serpent and Eve misquoted God about what to eat and not to eat in the Garden of Eden. Satan posed the false quote of God saying Adam and Eve “could not eat of any of the trees” which caused Eve to doubt. Then Eve inserted “touch” in what God said not to do with the fruit.
But God never said she would die if she touched it but if she ate it.
(Genesis 2: 15-17, Genesis 3: 1-7 ). Perhaps, since she touched it and did not die, she was tempted further to eat of it. Surely, her desire for the fruit was the first step towards sinning, then touching, but it wasn’t until she actually ate it did she give birth to sin.
We know Jesus was tempted about many things, but He did not give into those temptations, always knowing what “God has said”.
(James 1: 13-18, Genesis 4: 6-7, Matthew 4:4).
A Thought: How important is it to know what God really says in His Word? I would say, it means the difference between life and death. So why do we consult others concerning God’s Word and His Truth when we can consult the Lord, Himself. He has made His Word abundant, and clear, so that even a child can understand it, therefore, there is no excuse for not going to the Right Source.
(Mark 10:14, Matthew 11: 25, 1 John 2:27, Romans 1:20, Luke 24:32)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
My Prayer: Lord, your Word is Truth. Let me never be satisfied to rely on what others say about you, but be diligent and passionate to know your Word so I can know You.
(Matthew 7:21-23)
Another good word Mary! We need to hear from You about what is true and what is false. Only YOU can reveal the truth to us!