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The Parable of the Lost Sheep

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Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

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New Wine into New Wineskins

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Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

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When the Time had Fully Come

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What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

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Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

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They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

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He Saw Everything Clearly

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The sermon delivered by Pastor Walker Tzeng, was on Mark 8:22-26 entitled “He saw everything clearly”. The following is a summary of the sermon.

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. (Mark 8:22)

In Mark 8, we are introduced to a blind man who is brought before the Lord and healed. This miracle, recorded, serves not only as a testament to Jesus’ divine power but also as a symbolic representation of spiritual blindness. The recording in Mark was especially relevant as a message to powerful and capable societies like ancient Rome.

This message also resonates with all of us in modern America today. Self-assurance often masks a deep-seated spiritual blindness and it’s a condition that persists in our times. We are born into a world where our values and beliefs are shaped by a convoluted history, often leading us away from the truth. This passage challenges us to recognize our blindness – to the truths about ourselves, our world, and our need for a savior.

Just as the blind man in the Gospel was brought to Jesus by friends who recognized his need, we too must acknowledge our own spiritual blindness and turn to Christ for healing and salvation.

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” (Mark 8:23-24)

The process of healing for the blind man was unique since it occurred in stages. Initially, the man saw people as trees walking, a partial and unclear vision. This gradual healing mirrors two prevalent attitudes in Jesus’ time, as well as in our own.

First, there were the Pharisees and teachers of the law, burdened by the minutiae of over 600 laws, leading to a life of religious rigor but also spiritual suffocation. This is akin to seeing trees – an awareness of sin and righteousness but lacking clarity and freedom. On the other hand, the Greeks, known for their logic and philosophy, recognized a higher power but lacked a personal understanding of God. Both methods see something, but are ultimately a frustrating and partial.

These two perspectives – legalistic righteousness and logical reasoning about God – represent our own struggles to comprehend God and our place in His plan. Our efforts, whether through action or intellectual reasoning, often leave us feeling stifled, as if we’re seeing only part of the truth. This mirrors our own life experiences, where we sense a path forward but find ourselves impeded by our limitations and complexities.

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” (Mark 8:25-26)

The story culminates with Jesus fully restores the man’s sight. This two-stage healing is reflective of spiritual growth in faith. Initially, we might only grasp the basics – the ‘milk’ of faith, such as the straightforward commandments of the Law. But this is not the end goal. The ‘solid food’ of faith is understanding and embracing the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Just as Paul adapted his teachings to the Jews and Greeks, acknowledging their respective stages of understanding, we too must recognize that spiritual maturity is a journey. Some might start with a desire for clear, moral directives or intellectual answers about faith – the ‘milk’. But eventually, we must progress to the ‘solid food’ – the core message of Jesus Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection.

The Gospel is about transforming our lives through the love of Christ, moving from a vague understanding to a clear vision of God’s will. This passage invites us to go back to the Lord and experience a second miracle – being ‘born again’ in the love of the Lord.

Let us pray for the grace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, enabling us to live in the love of Christ, to see our world, our lives, and God’s kingdom with newfound clarity and purpose.

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Where Are the Other Nine?

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker explained that Jesus was going through a region usually avoided by Jews, due to their disdain for Samaritans. This sets the stage for a significant event that underscores themes of inclusivity, love, and redemption. In this passage, Jesus encounters ten lepers, who are not only suffering from a physical ailment but also represent the spiritual and societal isolation akin to sin. This interaction goes beyond mere physical healing; it symbolizes Jesus’ outreach to all humanity afflicted by the ‘leprosy’ of sin. The plight of the lepers reflects the isolation and separation from God caused by sin, akin to living in a global leper colony. This section of the passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own spiritual sickness to seek and receive healing from Jesus, resonating in a world where physical proximity often masks underlying emotional and spiritual isolation.

As the passage progresses, the lepers’ plea to Jesus for healing becomes emblematic of a broader human predicament. Their request represents the humility and acknowledgment necessary for seeking salvation. This moment signifies a deeper understanding of spiritual needs and acknowledges that true healing, both in physical and spiritual forms, comes through faith in Jesus. The isolated state of the lepers parallels the pervasive loneliness in modern society, suggesting that spiritual leprosy is comparable to the emotional and social isolation prevalent today. This part of the passage extends the metaphor to loneliness as an incurable disease, highlighting the profound human need for Jesus’s healing and grace.

The passage culminates with a powerful demonstration of gratitude’s transformative power. While all ten lepers are physically healed, only the Samaritan returns to express gratitude, indicating true spiritual healing and salvation. His act of thanksgiving, more than a mere polite gesture, is a transformative expression of deep appreciation for Jesus’s love and sacrifice. It illustrates that true healing encompasses not only the physical aspect but also a transformation of the heart, marked by genuine gratitude and a changed life. This gratitude is a vivid expression of faith and a testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ love and salvation.

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The Prayer of Elijah

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker explained that the great prophet Elijah stands as an example the effectiveness of powerful prayer, exemplifying a profound connection with God that we too can strive to emulate. His confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal is a pivotal moment, revealing the stark contrast between the worship of false idols and the true God. As Elijah challenges the people to choose between the allure of temporal satisfaction and the eternal God, the story speaks to contemporary times where similar distractions persist. The fire from heaven that consumed Elijah’s sacrifice is more than a miraculous display; it symbolizes the purifying truth of God’s word, which has the power to burn away the idols of our time, be it greed, lust, or materialism. This narrative calls for introspection and a decision: to continue wavering or to commit to the path of righteousness, where the Lord’s truth reigns supreme.

Elijah’s faith was not merely reflective but actionable. He senses the impending end of the drought and prepares for the rain he believes God will provide. His prayer posture, earnest and humble, is one of complete submission to God’s will. This account illustrates that a person of faith possesses a spiritual sensitivity, an awareness of God’s workings that transcends the physical and the immediate. Just as Elijah did, believers are called to prepare for the blessings God will bestow, a task that often requires persistence and a heart attuned to the divine. In a world that seeks tangible proof for every claim, the story of Elijah beckons us to a higher standard, where faith is the evidence of things not seen, and prayer is the means through which divine plans are realized.

Elijah’s persistent prayer for rain, sending his servant seven times to look for a cloud, underscores the virtue of perseverance in faith. This persistence is reflective of a heart that truly seeks God, understanding that His timing and methods are beyond human comprehension. The eventual downpour from a small cloud is a testament to the potential of faith that perseveres. This passage invites believers to maintain hope and optimism, even when the beginnings are as small as a mustard seed. It’s a call to believe in a God who sees the potential for great storms in the smallest of clouds, a God who envisions a grand future for even the humblest of His followers.

Elijah’s prayer was effective and righteous, and through his example, we are encouraged to lean into the Holy Spirit, allowing it to intercede in our weaknesses, to transform our small beginnings into abundant blessings.

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The Prayer of Jabez

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker dove into the obscure genealogy within 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, where we discover the remarkable Prayer of Jabez. This is a lesson found in one of the least-read books of the Bible, yet it’s a gem. We know little about Jabez himself, but what’s remarkable is that he is known more for what he prayed than what he did. The key to his honorable standing among his brothers and sons of Judah was faith – looking up to God, believing in His existence, and earnestly seeking His rewards. It’s time to rely on God, pray in faith, and embrace the special nature of the Prayer of Jabez.

The Prayer of Jabez opens our understanding to a life of honorable prayer and righteous faith. It’s about looking up to the great God of love, seeking His blessings, and trusting Him with our needs, desires, and struggles. We must recognize that true spiritual righteousness is in being weak and relying entirely on God. Jabez’s name signified a destiny of pain and suffering, but his faith found a way to overcome it. Luke 11:5-10 teaches us the secret and power of prayer in serving others with love and pain, getting ourselves out of our selfishness, and embracing the love that sets our hearts honorably before God. Praying with deep love and pain allows God’s unlimited blessings to flow into our lives.

In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we are reminded not to limit our prayers to our own boundaries but to trust in God’s desire to expand our territories for His glory. Jabez’s prayer wasn’t selfish; it was about the heart and God’s Kingdom. We must transcend our limits and ask God to make a great impact for His Will. Jabez also prayed for God’s hand to be with him and to keep him away from harm. We must recognize our weaknesses and humbly ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection from evil.

Especially for students who are embarking on a new school year, may the Prayer of Jabez inspire us to embed its words into our hearts, to pray earnestly for God to expand our boundaries, and to open ourselves to the abundant blessings that God, the Creator of this whole universe, wishes for us.

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Surely the Lord was Fighting for Israel

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke Joshua and the Israelites, under the threat of a combined force of five Amorite kings. News of their victories in Jericho and Ai, and the subsequent peace treaty with the Gibeonites, had spurred these kings into action against Israel. Yet, in the face of what seemed like insurmountable odds, Joshua remained unshaken. Why? His name, meaning “God is salvation,” echoed the core of his faith and the source of his strength. His conviction was rooted in God’s assurance that the victory was already theirs. Akin to us in our moments of trial, when spiritual, emotional, and financial battles seem to attack from all fronts, Joshua faced his opponents head-on. He marched his army all night, surprising the enemy forces, and stood firm in his belief that God’s promise of victory was immutable, unshakeable.

In the midst of this fierce battle, as daylight waned and the enemies began to regroup, Joshua boldly called upon the Lord for the unthinkable – to make the sun stand still in the sky. His faith was not confined to his understanding or the physical limitations of the world; it was centered on God, the transcendent One, capable of the extraordinary. When we, like Joshua, face challenges that seem to defy resolution, how often do we look within our sphere, trying to solve problems with our limited human capacities? Joshua teaches us to look beyond ourselves, to God – the source of all solutions. Miraculously, the sun did stop, giving the Israelites the time they needed to secure complete victory over their enemies.

Yet, the true miracle of this narrative lies not in the physical suspension of the sun, but in the underlying message of God’s transcendence and fidelity. It’s a lesson in faith – faith that goes beyond our abilities and perceived realities. The journey of Joshua teaches us that, regardless of the battles we face – the incessant whispers of doubt, the persistent trials, the sin that seems to resurface – victory is assured if we, like Joshua, place our faith in God. Just as the sun stopped for Joshua, God will provide us with the time, strength, and wisdom we need to overcome our trials.

As we confront the battles in our lives, may we, like Joshua, remember to look beyond ourselves and our limitations, to God, the One who truly fights for us and brings us victory.

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Joshua 7-8:Achan’s Sin

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about Achan’s sin, as narrated in the book of Joshua, and serves as a stark reminder of how our personal actions, however minor they may seem, can have far-reaching effects on our community, particularly the Church. Achan’s transgression was in the wake of the Israelites’ victory at Jericho. It’s important for us to reflect on our actions and their potential influence on the wider body of believers. We must also remember to surrender our missteps to God, opening ourselves up to the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ.

Achan’s sin was committed amidst the euphoria of victory, a moment when the Israelites had just experienced a significant triumph at Jericho. Achan, swayed by temptation, went against God’s command not to take spoils from Jericho, hiding some for himself. This seemingly minor disobedience resulted in a surprising defeat at Ai, the next battleground, shaking the Israelites’ confidence. God’s revelation to Joshua about Achan’s sin and the resulting consequences for the entire community highlights the significant impact of individual transgressions. Even when we bask in the glow of blessings and victory, we remain susceptible to pride, greed, and sin, which can cause harm beyond our immediate understanding. The tale of Achan urges us to maintain a constant, sincere alignment with God, particularly during good times.

The confession of Achan illuminates how a minor personal sin can drastically affect an entire community. Despite the relative insignificance of what Achan stole from Jericho, his actions led to the devastating defeat at Ai. His story serves as a sobering reminder that no sin is inconsequential in God’s eyes, and our actions can deeply affect those around us. This lesson is reiterated in the New Testament story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) whose deception led to their immediate death. These narratives call us to a life of transparency, obedience, and generosity, continually self-evaluating and seeking God’s grace. As we move forward, let us remember that we are not isolated believers, but part of a larger body – God’s family. Our actions and behaviors can have significant implications for this community.

Let’s strive to live transparently, always seeking forgiveness when we falter, and endeavoring to move forward in God’s grace.

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