JULY 2021 BLOG - EXPLORING THE PARABLES OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
Mon peuple, this is the second time I am writing this Blog. I previously began my Blog in Canada. I also did some work when I came into Jamaica. I would have finished except for the problems I have been having in Jamaica. Seems the crooks are trying to cover up their criminality as usual and have gotten someone to go into my computer and delete my information. Google seems to be a part of the operation. I am now on gmail account number five. Account number Five was locked but before I opened account six I wrote a Face Book post so account five was reopened. Just goes to show that I am up against the giants themselves. Good, I need to shave them down. I will show them how easily money takes wings.
I had written that I wanted to share with you two LGBQT stories I had written immediately because they were fresh. Let me give you the one I remember now. In Canada the criminals follow me everywhere I go. The criminals use the abundance of idle people in the different ethnic groups to their advantage. When they have changed the composition of the different groups someone will wear the New Balance logo. Yes people, it is all about brand names since I introduced the Nike brand in my Blog. I just ignore all of them because I have no intention of advertising people’s brands. Since they follow me they set up all types of scenarios on the trains. I keep telling you Christians if the devil used to be in heaven and one of his attributes is attention to details. What about the God whom he served? The random, haphazard Kingdom life cannot continue. God knows and understands! Of course He does, you need to stop being lazy and start doing your homework. These people line me up on the platform so that they know the exact coach I will be boarding on the train. In this instance when I entered the train the coach was full so since they knew where I would be entering there was a young man there to offer me a seat. When I sat and surveyed my surroundings, there was an Ethiopian sitting in front of me of course her hair was white. She had her knapsack beside her. Then I saw a Chinese woman with her midriff exposed busily pursuing whatever was on her telephone. Then directly beside me was the young man who gave me the seat and a Black girl in a Security Guard uniform under the usual number of coats one has to wear in Canada at that time of year. The Spring this year was very cold. She also had white braids in the front of her hair. I threw away my winter coat at Norman Manley International Airport when I arrived in June. I just had the unction to start singing softly in a sweet dulcet tone. It was a Spiritual song, never sung those words impromptu before. I just started singing that the love of Jesus was unconditional, there was no place so dark that it couldn't reach you. The fact that Jesus condemns no one. He rejects no one! Well while I was singing I do not know when the young man beside me disappeared, then the Chinese disappeared. The Ethiopian could not keep still. She pulled up her clothes. Then the security Guard made her escape at Keele Station. She just stood there all the time looking at me. I looked her straight in the eyes as if to say girl you are missing it you haven't lived until you have found Jesus. The Ethiopian who could not keep still got up and fixed up her clothes and eventually made her escape at Jane Station. I did not miss a beat, I just kept on singing the whole time. The train was not so crowded now the other people could see me. They looked at me. I looked at them and kept on singing. They are bread for us! I didn't even remember that I had tracts.
The next story I seem to remember is one coming out of Ottawa. I don't know what I have done to the LGBQT community but they seem to be after me. Everywhere I go they literally follow me. Ever since I released my tract on the world wide web (www) they seem to have taken an interest in me. Anyway, I was on a train in Ottawa going from Blair Station to Tunney’s Pasture Station. It was really from the terminal station in the east to the terminal station in the west. I was just resting my legs. I seem to have nodded off to sleep. When I woke up sitting in front of me and to the right was a little blonde young lady with her face full of makeup like the Joker or a clown. I keep wondering why these people have to wear so much makeup. What do they have to hide? Anyway I went right back to sleep. I was tired because Ottawa is not like Toronto, Metrolinx has not reached them so they are very rustic with no bus terminal to sit and relax and rest your legs. The only one is the Via Station and when I go there even when I am in the washroom using my computer they are digging me out. By the time we reached Tunney’s Pastures as the train stopped the young lady dashed out and up the stairs. I just took my time and went up the stairs to the other drama. One other white lady and one gentleman were sitting there with her explaining one bag of white people problems. I said that to say people we black people have no time for those intricate problems. Our challenges are different. The gentleman eventually left and I started praying. Of course she was told to lie on the ground. I ignored her and continued praying until around 4:00 a.m. I tell you everywhere I go old Lesbians, young lesbians, old homosexuals and young homosexuals. I just look them in the eye and say dare mi! They all just take one look and say we have been misinformed about this one let us move along. I had to be using the Wi-Fi at the Loblaws Store at Carlton and Church Streets. This is more or less the Homosexual area in Toronto. I have more or less evangelised most of the area. I had a small section to complete. One of my pastimes is to sit in the store and look at all of them when they come into the store, the fashion, the tattoos, piercings and hairstyles. Most people just come to know who dares to defy the uncircumcised Philistines. They have some old people doing a lot of foolishness. Most times I just say at your age you should be at home with your grandchildren. I was reminded of a testimony that Pastor Adeboye gave. It was about a man who ran and walked from somewhere in Lagos to the camp ground. He had started out early and by the time he reached the camp ground he was in real distress. They had to throw water on him etc. When they enquired he was not working and had no money for transportation that is why he had to walk to the camp ground. The conclusion to the matter was that when Pastor Adeboye told his story at the Holy Ghost Service he received around four job offers. The prayer point was advertise me Lord, advertise me. I am being advertised in ways I do not want to be advertised. With God you do not need business cards.
I am really glad to be home. You can actually feel the shift in the atmosphere. You not only feel the change of heart of the people you experience it. On Sunday I was in Portmore and the JUTC Bus Driver decided he was not going to change my money, the bus tried to leave me stranded in Portmore. I had a One Thousand Dollar bill and he said he did not take that bill. The Driver said I had to get off and get the change even though he had more than adequate change. I told him I was not getting off. I found seventy dollars in change in my purse and asked in the bus for an additional Thirty Dollars. One fellow with the funny scrape head hairstyle provided the amount. I thanked him. All I said to the Driver is that I am tired of telling people that I am home and this is not Canada. The reason the JUTC workers are up in arms. I see them turning up all over the place because I wrote a Tweet about the JUTC based on the 2021 Economic Survey Report. The lethargy in the company is unbelievable. The next thing is that I had to cut off my relatives because of the ungodly manipulations by the Politicians and their agents. Where there is strife and quarrel there is every evil work. They are telling me that Everette does not know I am here when Everette and I spoke. We were to meet the first Saturday since I have been here and they decided to start manipulating the situation. Then I realise the reason they are trying to destroy my little cousins is to put their hands on the little piece of ‘ded lef’ land bequeathed to them by their parents. It is now prime real estate bordered by three major roads. These people have a destructive spirit that follows them. Even when they have blessed you it carries sorrows with it. Everybody who has taken money from their principals are paying a hefty price for the mistake. The devil is still asking the same three questions: Do you want the kingdoms of the world? Then just bow your knees. Jesus is Lord, we will wait until our change comes around again. S
REFLECTIONS
Wow these parables are truly hot. My only regret is that I have not done them before now.
CRITICAL DEFINITIONS
We will be extending our Critical Definitions to look at some other words that are closely related to Parables. The other words are Allegory, Analogy and Aphorism. This week we add the definitions for Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven.
Exploring – We have looked at this word on previous occasions. To travel in or through (unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarise oneself with it.
Parable – A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
Allegory – A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. It tends to be longer than a parable.
Analogy – A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. There can be a correspondence or partial similarity or a thing which is comparable to something else in significant respects.
Aphorism – A pithy (concise and forceful) observation that contains a general truth, such as “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
So you have the allegory which is longer and the shorter statement called aphorism. The Parable seems to be in the middle there along with analogy.
Kingdom of Heaven - the realm where God dwells. Inhabited by Spiritual beings. You can listen to What's the Kingdom of Heaven by Dr. Myles Munroe
Kingdom of God - Anywhere the influence of God has been extended such as Earth. Inhabited by man and spiritual beings.
PARABLES OF JESUS 21 – 30
I am looking at a teaching which gives forty six Parables. One of the recommendations of most authors is that one does not over analyse the Parables stick to the main theme. The Parables are to be found in the three Synoptic Gospels. However, there are a growing number of people who have found Parables in the Gospel of John, such as the little stories of the Good Shepherd St. John 10 verses 1 – 5 or the childbearing woman St. John 16 verse 21. Otherwise John includes allegories but no parables. The Gospel of Luke contains both the largest total number of parables twenty four, and eighteen unique parables; the Gospel of Matthew contains twenty three parables of which eleven are unique. The Gospel of Mark contains eight parables of which two are unique.
The ten parables we will be looking at for this lesson are as follows:
Parable 21 – The Sheep, Gate and Shepherd
Parable 22 – Master and his Servant
Parable 23 – Unmerciful Servant (Kingdom of Heaven)
Parable 24 – Good Samaritan
Parable 25 – Friend in need
Parable 26 – Lowest Seat at the Feast
Parable 27 – Invitation to a Great Banquet
Parable 28 – Cost of Discipleship
Parable 29 – Lost Sheep (Sheep as Sinners see also #20)
Parable 30 – Lost Coin
ANALYSIS OF PARABLES
Parable 21 – The Sheep, Gate and Shepherd
John 10:1-5
King James Version
10 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
John 10:7-18
King James Version
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
I tell you this parable is loaded. The context here is that Jesus had healed a man blind from birth. There was a big fuss about the miracle conclusion being the Pharisees were questioning His legitimacy. I tell you these brethren do not learn. The Jews are still stiff necked! As Jesus went along He gave the parable in verses 1 - 5. Now let us look at the interpretation.
Everyone should know by now that a Sheep listens only to the voice of the Shepherd. Jesus is also the door or the gate. People, do not take this thing about the Sheep and the Shepherd lightly. These days I enter some atmosphere and I cannot sit easily like the Ethiopian I mentioned in my introduction. I know they are not for me. I guard my Spirit and all the other gates carefully i.e. ears, eyes, nose and mouth. If you see me not listening to you, you are not my Shepherd.
Based on the disparaging comments of the Pharisees Jesus advised I am the door if you come in the correct way you shall be saved. That is the A-B-C Principle of Dr Mensa Otabil Accept, Believe and Confess. Accept that you need a Saviour, Believe that Jesus Christ is that Saviour and Confess your belief Romans 10 verses 9 - 10.
Jesus said, there was some counterfeit before me but I am the real thing. The major one Satan the thief only wants to kill you, steal everything you have and ensure that you are destroyed. Put plainly he just wants to annihilate you St John 10 verse 10. En contraire, I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.
Jesus is also The Good Shepherd. This is a sermon in and of itself. Psalm 23 Sheep are dumb creatures, they need constant attention. They are at peril of drowning, dying by suffocation and of course the constant threat from wolves and bears. The enemy of our souls. The Shepherd has to be on constant watch from the predators and for the sheep themselves. They can only drink from still water. If they fall in the water they will drown from all the wet wool. They will eat one place until they kill the grass in the pasture and starve to death. They will walk off a cliff. If they fall on their back they have to be rolled over. At nights the Shepherd has to literally sleep at the door to protect the sheepfold from predators. And David said, when the lion and the bear came he killed them and took the lamb from their mouths I Samuel 17 verses 34 - 37. Jesus is saying an hireling is not going to risk his life for you. The Shepherd knows the voice of his sheep and likewise the Sheep he will not answer to another Shepherd St. John 10 verses 13 - 14. God does not want us to be this dumb naturally He is just showing how much he cares for us.
My constant prayer is that I will never have another hireling in my life as a Pastor. A good Shepherd is a treasure!
Verse 15 is instructive: Jesus not only has width and depth He also has height. He is showing his connection or lineage. He also mentions the fact that Satan will not take His life. It is He who lays down His life. He continues in verses 16 - 18 to mention us, meaning us Gentiles who were not a part of the sheepfold as yet. The laying down of His life is to give access to everyone. Remember what He said to the SyroPhoenician lady ‘Woman cannot give the children's meat to the dogs’. The Jews called the Gentiles dogs. St. Mark 7 verses 24 - 30. The laying down and taking up of His life is just to say even though He is going to die voluntarily He will come back to life-resurrection.
This parable could only be by the Disciple John you realise it is speaking to the very nature and character of God with quite a number of basic and fundamental doctrinal issues.
Parable 22 – Master and his Servant
Luke 17:7-10
King James Version
7 But which of you, having a servant ploughing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Jesus ministered this parable after He spoke about the consequences of offences especially between brethren. It speaks to the relation between a master and his servant and the fact that you cannot expect commendations for what you are being paid to do or for doing what is expected of you.
Parable 23 – Unmerciful Servant (Kingdom of Heaven)
Matthew 18:23-34
King James Version
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
This parable was initiated by a question from the Disciple Peter about degrees of forgiveness. Peter had it down to a mathematical precision seven times seven. Jesus said no, seventy times seven and you should not be counting.Then Jesus shared the parable. I have some people in my life who are like the unforgiving servant only more subtle. They are always talking about forgiveness. I do not know them. I have never done anything to them. However, they keep following me all over the world trying to murder me and stealing everything I have and doing the most dastardly thing to me. Then they get some foolish Pastors whom they have bought to fill my heart with condemnation because they do not want to reveal their true motive. The fact that they had decided to destroy me because I exposed corruption in one Jamaican government Agency. That plan did not work even though they had me going to Canada. The forces of darkness could not prevail. Not even the GO Bus could kill me. They have now decided they want to contain me. Unfortunately, my name is Raphleta Taylor and I am not used to being bossed around by anybody. Hence, the criminals continue to follow me with their criminality trying to get my attention.
In the earlier days I had apologised to a Pastor and some other people because I did not know what was happening and in obedience to God. Now these people do the most wicked things to me like try to rotten off my feet and then tell me I am to come and apologise to them. I really did not know that so-called educated people could be so blind. I keep wondering what is the significance of trying to shut me down? As the parable has illustrated some people just have a very unforgiving and unyielding heart the kinder you are the weaker they see you. Only God Himself can deal with them like He did with the unmerciful servant.
Parable 24 – Good Samaritan
Luke 10:30-37
King James Version
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Let us establish the contextual reference here. St. Luke 10 is a loaded chapter. A Lawyer wanted to tempt Him and asked him a question. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? You know Jesus always answers a question with a question St. Luke 10 verses 25-29. The Lawyer’s final question was who is my neighbour? The Lawyer’s are still up to their tricks. Jesus then told him the parable of the Good Samaritan and then asked him who was the neighbour to the man who fell among thieves? When he answered Jesus said go do likewise. In my own life I have to be glad for some Samaritans, people who do not know me but just wanted to help me. These are not people in the Church. I told you how I asked a Pastor for some assistance in Toronto. I left with my head hanging wanting to spank myself. Then in order to get my Passport I had to get some references. I went back to another Church. Another phenomenal error! It was the most unlikely people. I did get assistance from a young lady at one Church. I suppose she had insisted that if I did ask she would not refuse. The criminals had deceived them so much. They had drawn a line. For that I am grateful. After that I just started looking for the people who I had known and were not going to any Church I know of. Don’t worry when those who you think are your neighbours have overlooked you. You will notice all the people who passed by the injured man, a priest and a Levite are persons who should rush to his assistance. God has a most unlikely person just coming down the road to assist. Do not worry you will not die but live.
I feel the urge to share this here. The reason we are deceived in the Church is because we do not follow the scriptural principles laid down by the Bible. If people come to you and in every instance you take persons before their accusers. All this backbiting will dry up in the Church and you the Pastor will run the church based on Spiritual discernment not gossip. That is Sermon on the Mount. I still feel refreshed having experienced this principle with one Chritian lady.
Parable 25 – Friend in Need
Luke 11:5-8
King James Version
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
Jesus’ disciples saw Him praying and when Jesus ceased praying one asked Him to teach them to pray. Jesus started to teach them and used this parable to illustrate God’s faithfulness. If a friend would assist in time of need how much more God. He is a faithful God! You can trust Him.
Parable 26 – Lowest Seat at the Feast
Luke 14:7-14
King James Version
7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them.
8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Jesus was invited to dinner by one of the Chief Pharisees on the Sabbath. He dealt with the case of the man who was present with the Dropsy quite decisively. Now He is dealing with the hearts of men, by observation Jesus notices how everybody ‘waan quabs up’ (wants to mix and mingle with the important folks). That is everyone wants to sit in the most important spaces without invitation. Jesus told them they can be embarrassed if someone of more importance comes and they are asked to vacate their position for a lower one. He said it was better to be bid to come higher than to sit lower. The lesson being if you exalt yourself you shall be abased and if you abase yourself you shall be exalted.
Then He had words for the host, you do not invite people who can repay you. It is better to invite those who cannot repay you. That way your reward comes from God. That is how Kingdom Citizens do things.
Parable 27 – Invitation to a Great Banquet (Kingdom of God)
Luke 14:16-24
King James Version
16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18 And they all with one consent began to make excuses. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yokes of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Jesus is still at the dinner and one gentleman said based on Jesus’ previous parable is St. Luke 14 verse 15 great will be those who eat at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. This parable is really about the kingdom of God. There are people who are going to hear the word of God and not be interested. As it was in the days of Noah and the parable about the different types of soil. It shows that anyone can enter the Kingdom. These days we are not begging people to come, we are compelling them. The parable implies a sense of urgency.
Parable 28 – Cost of Discipleship
Luke 14:26-33
King James Version
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Jesus has left the banquet and the multitudes are following him. Jesus, like myself who is not impressed with the whole ‘heap a people’ turned to them and gave them a lesson in what it truly means to follow him. Live and direct:
Verse 26: Loyalty Test - If there is a loyalty contest between your unsaved blood relatives and myself. I have to win! It simply means that your relationship as Kingdom Citizens supersedes that of your natural relations because you are all a part of a new covenant. It is also a blood covenant. I will not say anything here about my experiences in the Church.
Verse 27: Fortitude Test - You have to be willing to endure hardship that is what bearing the cross means. It was the time of the Roman Empire people who were being crucified had to carry their own cross. You cannot buckle under pressure!
Verses 28 - 30 Money and Time Tests - Before you decide to follow me you need to take an inventory of what the true cost will be. Reminds me of when I was adding on to my house in Sydenham. I had the plan and material but I had not done a proper costing. I was stranded midway. The National Housing Trust money was finished and the addition was not. I should go over Sydenham to see how my house which was sold by the tun (turn) back Socialists looks. Evil people, then tell me that I owe One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) Damn crooks! Jesus is saying before you do anything you have to count the cost. Kingdom Citizens these are principles we need to learn so we can stop being careless with the things of God. This cuts across all areas of Ministry in the Church planning, attention to details. How much resources do I need and how much time do I have to invest in this area. Proper planning also makes praying easy. You can go to God with specific information. This is a sermon in and of itself.
Verses 31 - 32: Ability to make Correct Decisions Test - Jesus is emphasising the importance of planning again this time using the tactics of going to war. If you need to surrender because of the overwhelming force of the enemy then so be it. You cannot be careless with the lives of human beings.
Verse 33: Focus Test - You cannot be double minded when you are following Jesus. He is either Lord of all or Lord not at all!
Parable 29 – Lost Sheep (Sheep as sinners see also #20)
Luke 15:3-7
King James Version
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
The crowd Jesus was drawing was getting bigger. The Publicans and more sinners had turned up. The snooty nose Pharisees said he was a sinner because he ate with sinners and welcomed them. The parable is self explanatory and speaks to the fact that we should not shun sinners. He is not talking about presumptuous people who try to justify their sins. The truly repentant sinner who recognizes his or her need for Jesus. Heaven shuts down when one sinner repents. We repeat our song from last month. Reckless Love of God - Cory Asbury
Parable 30 – Lost Coin
Luke 15:8-10
King James Version
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
This parable speaks to how God sees a sinner as a precious life to be treasured. Just to advise that it is not about PowerPoint presentations, it is about the souls. Too many Churches are helpless when they do not have the gadgets. We need to build with the technology but also be mindful of the fact that it can fail and how we operate when such a scenario happens. I do not know how you can have a fantastic service and not have an altar call. Yet when I go on Face Book or YouTube the call to action is more important than the presentation itself.
CONCLUSION
Well people what can I say people living my most challenging life now. I have survived a third rewrite. I am in Jamaica now, you think I am in my own country it would be easier that would be wishful thinking. This is where the criminality began. God, I notice, does not like loose ends. He is the Author and Finisher. His words cannot lie. I have to complete matters in Jamaica since here is the genesis of the criminality. It took Abraham twenty five years, David thirteen and Joseph thirteen. I am going on fourteen. God will complete the matters. The problem with Jamaica is that a lot has been going on under the radar. It is going to take time for Him to reveal the magnitude of the criminality which has been foisted off on the people and the squandering of resources. The Commonwealth Secretary General race is a case in point. If the whole of Jamaica backed the candidate there was no way she could lose. We would all have been going to God as a nation. Jamaica is the pearl of the Caribbean.
We will continue to work with God’s plan and purposes. Let God be true and every man a liar! By the way people, I started blogging in April 2016 in my little room in Brampton, Ontario. This is my first blog post being posted from Jamaica. Do you see how the demons in Jamaica have fought it? Locked up my account twice.
Evil cannot triumph over good!
This is Raphleta, Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from the country where God lives, Kingston, Jamaica. He is gone to The Bahamas for a vacation. The crime and violence is too much!!
À bientôt
REFERENCES
A Complete List of Jesus’ Parables in the New Testament
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