Matthew 11:20-24 "Warning: Remain Unstoppable"

Read Matthew 11:20-24.

"But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." NIV

This is a little discussed passage that I believe has an important message for us today. Jesus is actually cursing these towns for their unbelief. Why them?

Bethsaida, Korzin and Capernaum make up the "orthodox triangle," a concentrated area of devout Jews. It was in this region that Jesus spent a great deal of time during His ministry and performed many miracles.

Korazin housed a Jewish temple and a piece called "Moses' seat." Jesus refers to this in Matthew 23:1-3 when He is condemning the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Near Korazin is where it's believed that Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount.

Bethsaida was the seat of the monarchy and had a cult temple to Julia. Miracles in and near Bethsaida were the feeding of the 5000 and the healing of a blind man.

Capernaum was Jesus' hometown during his ministry years. It was also the home of several of the disciples, including Peter's large home where scholars believe the miracle of the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof occurred. Jesus also healed the demoniac, the centurion's servant, and gave the sermon on the bread of life in the synagogue.

Although Jesus did travel outside of this region, these three cities form the heart of his ministry. And yet they are the ones that He rebukes as unbelieving.

I can't help but make comparisons between these three cities and the United States. We are a powerful nation (Bethsaida) and although we consider ourselves a Christian nation (Capernaum), hypocrisy reigns in many forms and religions. (Korazin) We have been blessed for over 200 years with a freedom, unlike many other nations, to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. His values have dominated our government and society as a whole. But I fear this era is coming to a close. The window is narrowing year by year as we entertain other ideologies and practices. We can no longer rest in the comfort of a Christian belief system, but must fight for our religious rights. Political correctness and tolerance are afforded everyone but the Christians. Will we go down as a nation to the depths (vs 23)? Jesus has just commanded his twelve disciples to go out with courage knowing they will face opposition (Ch. 10). We as believers in the USA in the 21st century must continue to display that same courage. We must be cloaked in the armor of the Lord and fight with courage and resolve. Our numbers are few and we have lost several battles, but the war is not over yet. And we have Christ as our supreme commander -- we know the outcome. But getting through the opposition, pressing forward against compromise, tenaciously resisting the temptation of defeat, we move on.

Our nation as a whole is in trouble, but we mighty few can make a difference for some. We can begin with our own families, then to our neighbors, our city, .... The Great Commission is not squelched because of the depravity of the whole. The holiness and courage of the few will march on in the power of Jesus Christ.

Further Thoughts:

1. There are multiple times that God's people have been outnumbered but prevailed. Read about Moses and the Hebrew children against the Egyptians, Joshua and the battle of Jericho, Gideon and his army of 300. Never underestimate a Mighty God empowering a devout few -- they are unstoppable.
2. Do further research about these 3 cities. Do you see the same comparisons to the USA that I see?
3. We see miracles happening around us all the time, but we simply do not take note. Keep a journal of the miracles you experience in your life and the lives of those around you. When feeling overwhelmed or in doubt, these accounts are what you come back to for strength from God's faithfulness. He has not stopped working in and through our lives. Don't stop being faithful to Him.

Ephesians 6:18b "Eyes Up"

"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." NIV

I was ready to move on to verses 19-20 when I was stopped short by the words "be alert" in verse 18. They grabbed me and wouldn't let me go like a fly caught in a web. Evidently, I need to learn something from these two little words that I am just not getting. We use these words so often, or at least we use their modern cousins, "watch out." Kids are crossing the street, "Watch out for traffic." Carrying a hot pan of grease to the sink in a crowded kitchen, "Watch out, coming through." In the business world we "watch out" for the competitor and their latest gadget. In politics, they "watch out" for a turn in the polls. But am I living my life truly on alert? And what am I watching out for? Paul is meaning an alertness for something much more important than my physical well-being, protection, or the ability to make another buck. He is calling us to a spiritual alertness for the enemy's attacks.

When I read the verse today, I immediately thought of Gideon. He had all those soldiers and God told him to pare them down by having them drink water from the river. The ones who lapped like a dog he was to send home, and the ones who scooped up the water with their hand, he was to keep. Why? Because the ones using their hands could keep their heads and eyes up to see who was around them. They were on alert.

How often am I living my days with my head down lapping away at the water? I'm so focused on my own satisfaction that I'm not watching what's going on around me. I may be missing out on some really good things -- like rejoicing with someone who has had something really good happen to them. Or I might miss an opportunity to help someone in need. However, here, I believe Paul is speaking more to the attacks of the enemy -- having a spiritual alertness to his working against me and the body of believers.

A soldier must remain alert to the enemy's attacks. We can't just keep busy with tending to our tents, cleaning our armor, or sharpening our tools. We have to be ready. I know we must give our attention to daily life -- we have to do our jobs to have money to eat and live. We need to keep ourselves healthy with clean homes and clothes, and good food. Those are necessities of humanity. But am I so focused on the mundane that I'm becoming sluggish and complacent? Are my robotic activities lulling me into a drowsiness that allows the enemy a breach in our ranks?

I must lift up my head and be alert. I truly believe we can do this. I can live my life in a state of readiness for anything if I only keep communicating with my Father. I have to stop more often throughout my day and listen. I must purposefully point my thoughts and focus to the spiritual realm even while trudging through the tasks of living. We are called to a higher purpose than being pulled down into the routine of emptiness that society can sometimes build for us. I will not be mastered by the temporary when I have the eternal to live for. I will not be blindsided by the enemy because I am chained to the to do list of life. Therefore, I will remain alert to the enemy's attacks by keeping my eyes focused on the Father.

Holy Spirit, help me to keep my head up and remain on alert. Make me aware of the attacks coming my way and lead me to safety. I want my life to be pleasing to You. Guide me in my choices and focus me on Your will and plan for my day, every day. I want to hear Your voice over the din. I want to see Your face through the chaos. I want Your plan to be my agenda. I know if I keep my focus on You, I will know instantly when the enemy is attacking. Lord, Your soldier is ready to serve.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read through the story of Gideon. He was a man listening for God's direction every step of the way. Judges 6:1 - 7:25.
2. Look up the Greek for the word "alert." Are you living your life that focused on God and that alert to the enemy? If not, why? What habits, activities, attitudes, or commitments in your life need to change to become alert?
3. How are prayer and "being alert" related?

Ephesians 6:18 "The Commander's Voice"

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." NIV

Paul wraps up this passage on putting on the Armor of God with "And pray." It's not a "possibly pray" or "maybe pray." He says, "And pray." Donning all that protection, no matter how powerful it is, will be ineffective if we do not keep the communication lines open between us and the Master. The supreme commander of the army needs to speak to His troops and His troops must communicate with Him -- at all times in many different ways. I would love to sit down with Paul and hear about his "all kinds of prayers." I don't see him discussing in his other books about different kinds of prayers. But in any case, prayer is less a method and more an attitude.

If I come before my God dressed in the armor and power He has made available to me as His child and soldier of the gospel, ready to face the fiery darts of the enemy, armed with the power of His Word, I'd better come in humility. As I walk through my day, I'm facing an enemy and his temptations that I have no power to face on my own. I face dangers that could take my life. (Well, have you been on a California highway lately?) I must make regular decisions that could change the direction of my life. I cannot imagine going through each day without my Lord's guidance. Do I listen perfectly? Sadly, no. My ears often become clouded with the clamor, chaos, distractions, fear and selfishness of my human nature. But in my continual efforts to please my Lord, to put off the old self and wear the new, to live a life pleasing to the Master, I strive to listen closer for His voice. And the more time I spend with Him, in prayer and meditation on His Word, the clearer the resonance of His voice becomes.

When our oldest daughter, Lauren, was born, practically the entire family was at the hospital. They were all outside the nursery window as she was screaming through her first bath. Even drying her off and bundling her up didn't calm her down. But so the family could take better pictures, the nurse kindly opened the door and held our screaming baby up for all to see. Of course, I wasn't there, but my husband was videotaping the whole event. On the tape you can hear all the family talking to Lauren, welcoming her to the world, and she is loudly voicing her complaints. Then, her daddy speaks. "Lauren, it's your daddy." She instantly quiets. In the midst of the dozen voices coming at her, as well as her own screams in her ears, she recognizes her daddy's voice.

Oh, how I want to be able, in every situation, to tune out the chaos and clamor and hear my Daddy's voice. When I'm working under a ridiculous deadline; when I'm in the middle of swearing, angry parents at my daughter's softball game; when I'm racing through the crowded mall; when I'm sitting on an airplane; when I'm facing criticism; when I'm disciplining my child; when I'm tired and alone or when I'm ecstatically happy. "On all occasions," I want to hear what my Father is saying to me. I can't do any of this alone - armored or not. I desperately need His voice.

Lord, open my ears to Your voice and Yours alone. I cannot do any of this without You. Whatever Your will, I am listening.

Further Thoughts:

1. If you don't know how to pray, beginning with how Jesus taught the disciples to pray. Read Matthew 6:9-13.
2. Outline Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6. What are the basic points He covers in His prayer?
3. Read through some of Jesus' prayers. (i.e. Luke 22:39-44, John 17:1-26)
4. How are prayer and humility connected? (Read 2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 6:5-8. Find other examples in Scripture.)
5. Set your phone or calendar to remind you to pray. (At the link, see Further Thoughts, #4)
6. For parents, take time each morning to pantomime with your children putting on their armor. Here's how we did it when the kids were little, "The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, our feet ready to spread the gospel and peace, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit." Then the kids said, "Are we dressed yet?" and we all said, "Yes." Then they said, "What are we going to do for God today?" And we all listed what we were doing that day -- school, work, playing with friends.... And we had prayer. It's a good way to start your day, too.
7. Pray

Ephesians 6:17b "Sword Fight!"

"...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." NIV

Now here is where my armor goes on the offense. In fact, this is the only non-defensive piece that He gives us -- His Word. We have a force so powerful right in our hands, and it's a book. It makes me smile. How many people hate to read. Instead they'd rather be working out, playing video games, watching movies, partying, playing sports, building their career. If they'd only read and listen, they'd have the greatest weapon available.

The Word of God can bring down men or build them up. It can defeat nations and heal diseases. The Word of God brought the world into being and will bring it to an end. The enemy cannot stand in it's way; it plows right through him. Nothing can defeat me when I am using the sword of the Spirit. My sword (my tongue) can destroy me, but the sword of the Spirit will give me victory over anything the enemy throws my way. He is a defeated foe.

The Word has already been spoken and the outcome of the war determined. Now I just need to take up my sword to fight the little battles until my Lord comes again. That's why I study His Word and listen for how the Spirit clarifies it to me. That's why I hide His words in my heart -- to be ready for the daily battles. And they will come. The end of the book has been written, but I'm in the middle of the pages fighting away. I don't want to be left weaponless.

Thank You, Lord, for Your sword that fights the battles for me. Your Word is my strength. I cannot stand with anything less.

Further Thoughts:

1. How did Jesus use the Word of God to defeat Satan? Read Matthew 4:1-11.
2. In Scripture, what comparisons are made between the tongue and a sword? (See Psalm 64:2-4 and Proverbs 12:18)
3. Compare and contrast the Greek "word" in this passage with "Word" in John 1:1. Why must we meditate on God's Word to effectively use the sword of the Spirit? (HINT: personal revelation vs universal command)
4. Read Hebrews 4:12 then take up the Sword of the Spirit and go.

Ephesians 6:17a "Truly Living in Hope"

"Take the helmet of salvation...." NIV

I can't read this verse without thinking about a really bad hair day. But that's irrelevant.;-)

This one is hard to write about. Everything I would put makes me want to say, "Duh!" It just all seems so obvious to guard our minds, the center of our will, our thoughts and the very essence of who we are with our salvation. His grace and mercy, the cleansing of my sins, the hope of eternity with Him is what will protect me. I need to be sure it's securely in place as the enemy will try to attack those areas of my life -- probably mostly with doubt. It's when doubt creeps into our thinking that our shield of faith begins to waver, the belt of truth becomes subjective, and peace is replaced by confusion.

But when I have the protection of salvation surrounding my every thought, desire, development of who I am, then my thinking and will line up with my Father's plan. I see with His eyes; I hear with His ears. His desires are my desires. And my hope of coming out of all of this in victory with Him is sure.

Father, thank you for the protection of my salvation. Help me to keep my thoughts and will in line with Yours. I want the very heart of who I am to consistently be in tune to You.

Further Thoughts:

1. How am I guarding my mind from the enemy's attacks? Am I careful about what I see and hear? Am I keeping the hope of my salvation always before me as the most important part of my life? Answer, then read 1 Peter 1:13-16.
2. What do I need to change in my lifestyle to stay away from the dangers that will attack my mind? (What needs to be taken away; what needs to be added?)
3. Do I live as a true believer in the hope of my salvation? In other words, do I live my life as a soldier who has the Almighty as the commanding officer? Am I walking boldly and sure? If not, why? What lie is the enemy feeding me that I'm believing?
4. Read Matthew 21:18-22 and James 1:6. Why is doubting counterproductive to the Christian life?

Ephesians 6:16 "By Faith"

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." NIV

Imagine the Roman shields of this time. They were about 4 feet tall and a couple feet wide so they basically covered all the vital parts of a soldier. They were metal, and I understand they were sometimes covered in animal skin and then soaked in water or rubbed with alum. Why? To extinguish the fiery arrows! Isn't that a cool image?

Our faith is a complete surrender and trust in the Almighty God. We believe by faith that Jesus is the Son of God. We believe by faith that we have been cleansed of our sin and have the hope of eternal life with Christ. We believe by faith that the Holy Spirit lives in us giving counsel to walk through each day pleasing to Him. And if we stand behind that faith, we are protected from the enemy's attacks. We become impenetrable.

Notice, we can't stop the attacks from happening. The enemy is not giving up. But we can forge through them. Our faith is our protection. That's why we must continue to stand strong and sure in His armor. And even if our arm is tired, we keep that shield of faith firmly anchored in front of our body.

Knowing that just makes my life so much easier. The enemy can't touch me. Do I still face troubles? Absolutely - they come with the territory. But, the key is that those trials never defeat me. I may get wounded temporarily, but I will still stand for my Lord and Master. I serve a purpose that is higher than illness, disappointment, or broken down cars. My calling is above lost jobs, wars, frustrations, and financial failures. It's even higher than rising gas prices. I serve a greater purpose than these earthly obstacles can stop. My vision is wide and high because it is set on the Almighty, and I will hold my shield of faith firmly in front of me at all cost.

Further Thoughts:

1. Want to know you are not the only one? Read Hebrews 11. Men and women of faith have come before us with troubles much greater than ours. And they were able to stand.
2. Using a concordance, take some time looking through verses with "faith," "faithful," faithfulness," faithfully." There are hundreds. What ones give you strength and encouragement? Write them down and memorize them.
3. Has your faith been wavering lately? Why? Where is the enemy attacking? Reaffirm what you believe. Say it out loud. Then stand firmly behind the shield of protection God has given you.

Ephesians 6:15 "Peace Shoes"

"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." NIV

As I read through commentaries and study notes on this verse, there are so many analogies to pull from it. First is the fact that we are putting something on our feet. The Roman soldier's feet were often covered in brass to avoid galltraps (three pronged metal pieces) and sharp sticks placed in their path. Likewise, the enemy is going to place obstacles in our way. He will try to trip us up at every angle that he can. But if we have our feet firmly covered, we can avoid being put out of commission by the enemy's wiles. A soldier cannot march if his feet are injured and that is one less fighter in the battle.

So what do we cover our feet with? Readiness that can only come from the gospel of peace. Our readiness is strong and impenetrable. It is because of our salvation and the peace that comes from it that we can be made ready to face anything the enemy throws at us. We can march on to do that which we were called to do -- to share the gospel of peace that is our protection. Not only are we guarded by it, but we are made ready to share it with others in need. It is our foundation -- what we stand on -- that will keep us ready. Get your brass shoes on. We've got several obstacles to face today.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where else is sharing the gospel of peace associated with shoes/feet?
2. How does the gospel bring peace? Support with Scripture.
3. Are you at peace with God right now? If not, what stands in the way?
4. What "galltraps" has the enemy placed in your path lately? Did you handle them with peace?
5. List different ways you can prepare yourself to spread the gospel and peace.
   

Ephesians 6:14b "Guard Your Heart"

"...with the breastplate of righteousness in place...." NIV

After the belt of truth comes the breastplate of righteousness. The Greek word for righteousness is dikaiosune. It means the "state of him who is as he ought to be, ...the condition acceptable to God." So this is why righteousness is in our breastplate -- to cover our heart. It's the center of our desires and our values. It governs where we place our trust and loyalties. And we want to guard our heart to remain in a state that is pleasing to God. Interestingly, it's the state where we began - before the fall. A righteous person is living as God designed us to be. When He cleansed me from my sin at conversion, He made me again the person He planned for me to be. And if I will put on my armor, the breastplate will protect that purified condition. Again, however, I must choose daily to put on that breastplate. I must choose to stay away from the old self and protect the new.

Lord, thank You that you not only cleanse my heart from my sin and separation from You, but You provide the protection to guard my heart. I choose, today, to put on my breastplate and live in righteousness.

Further Thoughts:

1. God called Noah a righteous man. Reread his story and be reminded of what God can do with a person fully devoted to Him. Genesis 6:5-9:17.
2. Look at what Jesus had to say about righteousness in Matthew.
3. Are we a slave to sin or to righteousness? Read Romans 6, then Romans 8
4. Have you let the breastplate slip and tainted the righteousness that is yours through salvation? If so, confess it, stop doing it, and choose to guard your heart for God.

Ephesians 6:14a "To Tell the Truth"

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...." NIV

Truth has become such a relative term today. It seems that society has suddenly given me the power to make truth anything I want it to be. And what you want it to be. And what my neighbor wants it to be. There doesn't seem to be an absolute truth anymore. And if I there is no absolute truth for our beliefs, then why do I need to live a truthful life if lies serve me better? And the rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper.

But there is an absolute truth. Jesus Christ is still truth even if nobody else believes in Him. Belief doesn't change the truth, only celebrates and affirms it in my life. And I will stand on that truth and living truthfully for as long as I can stand.

Okay, so I sound pretty passionate today, huh? My children know how I feel about truth-telling. They know it's much better to tell me the truth and suffer the consequences than to lie. If I found out they lied, the punishment will be oh so much worse. Our word is our integrity. If people can't trust what we say, how can they ever trust us. Why should they?

The belt being the symbol of truth is significant in a couple of ways. First, the belt is near the loins suggesting intimacy and importance in our lives. Our integrity is who we are. Secondly, for a soldier the belt was used to hold in the robes so they were ready for battle. If we are living a true life, we are ready to face the obstacles thrown at us.

So I choose truth with a "T" and a "t," and I will keep them very close to me. I will daily wrap it around me to hold in all that I am. It will bind my body with His truth to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where are we first told not to lie?
2. Where does Jesus say that He is the Truth?
3. How are truth-telling and integrity tied together? Support with Scripture.
4. Do we ask others to lie for us? What is that telling them about us?

Ephesians 6:10-13 "Semper Fidelis"

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." NIV

There is something about reading this passage that gets my blood pumping. Maybe I'm a closet soldier ready to don a gun and race to the battlefield. Maybe it's the words like "devil's schemes" and "spiritual forces" that remind me I'm part of something so much bigger than me that lies outside of the visual world. Whatever it is, I love this passage. When I am feeling attacked or just facing a daunting situation, I read this to remind me I am a soldier of Jesus Christ. Not only am I empowered by a mighty God, but I am part of an army of believers. I do not stand alone. And when I feel opposed, it's not man that is my enemy, but the evil powers at work in the world. I serve One who is more powerful. (I read the end of the book.;-) And nothing that I face today can do me in. I am a child of the Almighty and a proud member of the Lord's Army. Hooya!

Further Thoughts:

1. Using a concordance, look up the word "power." Read the passages listed and reflect on God's power. Thank Him that this same power you are reading about resides in you and battles on your behalf.
2. Walk tall today; you have an army on your side.