(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better…and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see how)
Focus Question:
Who bears the greatest blame for Israel's mess?
Intro:
NOTE: Today is a day I totally went off-script. Not that this is a script. But if you read this as a blog post and don’t listen to the podcast, you’re missing out. Or maybe not. And a warning…today gets you a big ol’ belly laugh in the middle.
Hey, it’s been awhile since I’ve shared a bit about the philosophy of ministry here, but today’s a good day to point out one problem with typical Bible reading plans — they focus on chapters rather than duration. As it turns out, today’s one chapter in Matthew is longer than the three chapters in Hosea we’ll read. So, just in case you’re newer among us (welcome!), and know that here we shoot for 22-23 minutes a day.
As for each day’s focus question, that’s a newer feature that simply gives you something to keep an ear out for. I’d love your feedback…like it? Too much? Not enough? Hello@forthehope.com. And today’s focus question we’ll get to during our OT segment today.
With chapter 13 we reach the midpoint of Matthew’s narrative and a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. The polarization of response to Jesus made it necessary for Him to concentrate on those who remained open to His message. In His third major discourse, He taught by means of parables.(1)
New Testament segment:
Passage: Matthew 13
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 58
Words: ~1226
Let me highlight one thing here, because it directly relates to today’s focus question: Who bears the greatest blame for Israel’s mess?
51 “Have you understood all these things?” They answered him, “Yes.” 52 “Therefore,” he said to them, “every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom treasures new and old.” (Mt 13:51–52, CSB)
So you can probably guess the answer to the question…leaders are held to a higher account. But as you hear God’s charge against them, listen for exactly what they failed to do.
Old Testament segment:
Passage: Hosea 4-6
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 45
Words: ~1134
There is no truth, no faithful love, and no knowledge of God in the land! Ho 4:1, CSB
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as my priest. Ho 4:6, CSB
People without discernment are doomed. Ho 4:14, CSB
For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Ho 6:6, CSB
Wisdom segment:
Passage: Proverbs 12:12-14
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 3
Words: ~48
The bottom line:
Remember one important thing: For us as NT Christians, the point of the Law isn’t that we “keep all the rules,” per se. It’s that we grow in our knowledge of God, being transformed in the process. It’s easy to think we’re supposed to be like Jesus, but Jesus himself affirmed the authority of the Bible. Teaching a Jesus that isn’t consistent with the whole Bible is a failure of leadership in sharing not just how to behave, but what to believe.
Christian leaders are especially to be warned, for they know they are accountable to God (Heb 13:17). God will condemn those ministers who fail to preach the whole counsel of God, who instead tell people whatever they want to hear (2 Tim 4:3). Christian leadership is a sacred trust that requires total fidelity to the Lord and the Word of God (cf. Acts 20:26; 1 Cor 4:2).(2)
Love you!
Roger
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
Sources and resources:
(1) David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 551.
(2) Richard D. Patterson and Andrew E. Hill, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 10: Minor Prophets, Hosea–Malachi (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008), 31.