Musing – Why were Jesus’s Apostles such Good Disciples?

Hebraic Musing – Why were Jesus’s Apostles such Good Disciples?

Or, how did they go from disciples to the role of apostles, “sent ones”?  If Jesus’s disciples were called “uneducated” then they weren’t taking notes when Rabbi Jesus was teaching them; so how and why did they remember Jesus’s teachings?  And how were they able to document them in Gospels later in life?   Brant Pitre* described how their oral traditions, memories, and discipleship became reliable Gospels.

Stage 1. The Life and Teaching of Jesus – As a Jewish “rabbi” Jesus “taught” his “students” in the traditional rabbi-student relationship. His students lived with him and learned from him for three years.  During this time, Jesus expected them to “remember” what he said and instructed them to begin “teaching” others while he was still alive.  In Mark 6:6-13 for example –  “Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.  These were his instructions: …”  In v.12 “They went out and preached that people should repent.” And in verse 30 “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.”  NIV  Do we ask our disciples to report back?

Stage 2. The Preaching of Jesus’s Students – After Jesus’s death, the students of Jesus “remembered” what he had said and done, so they simply “taught” others what they had seen and heard.  Their preaching was based on their skilled memories as trained students and the rehearsed memories of disciples who repeatedly preached about what Jesus said and did.  Classic examples:

·      John 15:20  “Remember the words I spoke to you:…” and then in John 16:4  “I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you.”

·      John 2:22  “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.”

·      Acts 4:13  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”   

Stage 3. The Writing of the Gospels – Later in life they “wrote” what they themselves “witnessed” or what was “handed on” to them by “eyewitnesses” who were present with Jesus “from the beginning”   Examples:

·      Luke 1:1-2 “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,  just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.”

·      John 21:24  “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” NIV

The Disciples were students, but being a student then was radically different from what it is like today when you may or may not listen to a lecture three times a week.  Jesus’s students followed him everywhere, listening and observing Him all the time, for three years.  The Gospels alone repeat the word “remember” 16 times!

The four Gospels are what they claim to be, authoritative accounts of the life of Jesus based on the testimony of his students.   And God so controlled the process of communication to and through His servants such that God Himself is the ultimate source and speaker.

Points to ponder

How well do we listen?  Really listen?

Why do the gospels say “I told you…” six times in red letters?

How can we be disciplers by  “living with” our disciplees?

Will they believe your testimony when you say “I know Jesus”?

"This is what I told you while I was still with you:…”  Luke 24:44

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          January 8, 2019  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

* Excerpted and quoted from Brant Pitre’s  The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ

Musing – Do We Know Who Has Our Back?

La Shanah Tovah (Happy New Year)     Hebraic Musing – Do We Know Who Has Our Back?  

Former mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, recounted the many reasons that Israel is a thriving nation and he talked about how safe it is there.*  He pointed to the way media coverage leaves the impression that people in the Middle-East live in constant danger with terrorists and radicals running rampant; but he pointed out the truth – Israel is much safer than every major US city.  The reason for the low murder rate is because Israelis are trained to run towards the threat, not away from it.  (Do Christians run to or away from problems?)

Mayor Barkat said it this way:  “When it comes to terrorism we have a philosophy of engagement; the opposite of what I often hear is the approach in Europe.  We believe that by engaging (even if you are putting yourself at risk) you are helping to save lives.  On average it takes about 60 seconds to neutralize a terror attack in Jerusalem, and the death and injury caused by attacks are, on average, lower in Jerusalem than anywhere else in the world.”      And the Mayor should know.  Here’s the rest of the story:  “In 2015, as a former IDF paratrooper who holds the rank of major, he tackled a terrorist after he had just stabbed a religious man in Jerusalem. The man was wildly swinging a knife when Mayor Barkat left his security detail and pursued the would-be killer. When one of the bodyguards pulled out a gun, the attacker dropped his knife and the mayor dropped him.   AND…Moments later, after the Palestinian knifeman was subdued, Mayor Barkat was seen comforting the man who had been lightly stabbed in his abdomen.”

In some shooting incidents in the U.S. someone makes headline news because of a uniquely heroic effort to run at the shooter, thus saving countless lives.   But Mayor Barkat contends that this is second nature for Israelis.  In other countries, civilians are told to run from terrorists and wait for the police.  But in Israel, where most of our citizens have been through the army, we are taught to stop the terrorist as soon as possible at all costs.  This concept has saved countless lives over the years.  Yes, in some cases, the Israeli protector is wounded or killed, but in an overwhelming majority of cases, it is the terrorist who is quickly neutralized.

Another example:  In 2008, Captain David Shapira was bathing his children when he heard gunshots. He didn’t think twice before grabbing his pistol and heading for the Yeshiva (Religious school) where the shots were coming from.  He had graduated from that Yeshiva, so he knew the layout.  When he arrived, police officers tried to keep him from entering because they did not know from where the terrorist was firing.  Shapira entered anyway; quickly identified the source of the shooting and opened fire, killing the terrorist and saving lives. 

And another example in the same year:  An East Jerusalem Arab construction worker turned his bulldozer into a weapon of terror.  He went on a rampage, turning over a bus and ramming several cars.  He was shouting “Allah hu Akbar” – God is Great – as he wreaked havoc in Jerusalem.  When the bulldozer stopped for the first time, three Israelis jumped on board.  One was an armed civilian and began to struggle with the attacker, trying to get his foot off of the accelerator.  He shouted to one of the others, a 20 year-old new IDF recruit, to shoot the terrorist.  He grabbed the recruit’s gun and neutralized the terrorist, saving God knows how many lives. The entire episode lasted just a few minutes, but without the Israeli civilian effort, it could have gone on much longer and many more could have died. 

These are just three examples of Israeli mentality when it comes to stopping terrorists.  It goes against human nature and every instinct to survive; but it is drilled into the Israeli psyche.  For many, it is second nature.  

Do we love our neighbor enough to put our life at risk, for the sake of others?  And is our life really at risk?  Or just our time and a few resources?

Points to ponder

Do we Christians run to or away from problems?

Who came to our rescue and was willing to die for our sake?

Do we have confidence among our “Church friends” to support each other in time of need?

How much do we love our neighbor?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                               January 1, 2019  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Inspired by & excerpted from “Israelis Run Towards, not away, from Danger” Ron Cantor; Nov. 7, 2018
      Ron Cantor’s final comment “I love living in a country where I know my fellow Israeli has my back.” 

Musing – What Can We Do About the Inevitable Persecution?

Hebraic Musing – What Can We Do About the Inevitable Persecution?

I would rather expect and be ready for hardships and persecution than to be caught by surprise.  Jesus warned us that persecution is inevitable.  If you’re not being persecuted, maybe your Christian faith is not showing! 

Joel Richardson’s “The Islamic Anti-Christ”* provides enlightening descriptions of the Islamic religion that us non-Muslims might not be aware of.  Study to understand the impending challenge; Jesus warned us “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”  Mark 13:33 

Here is a quick sampling of perspectives relevant to the Islam religion which will likely become a key role in the “End Times.”  Later we will look at some critical “Action Steps.” 

·      We are not fully aware of the degree to which the future of the Christian church, indeed, the future of the entire world and the future of Islam are divinely and directly interconnected?

·      The 2009 book was written nine years ago, and in it he claimed that Islam will bypass Christianity and become the world’ s largest religion in less than 20 years.  Their higher birth rate is a big reason.

·      Muslims wrestle with the question of why Allah has allowed Islam to remain an inferior presence on the earth compared with Christianity.  Will the day come when Christians too will have to wrestle with the question as to why our God allowed Islam to bypass Christianity in terms of both growth and influence?

·      End Times eschatology played a prominent role in the early church; today belief in the “last days” has become optional and/or ignored.  Not so with Muslims’ beliefs; they are counting on “last days” events.

·      Central to Islamic faith is the Mahdi who is a future Muslim world leader who will not only rule over the Islamic world, but the whole non-Muslim world as well.  And many of their teachings say that the Mahdi will reign for seven years. (Interesting number!?)

·      Here are some of the 21 characteristics of the Mahdi who 1.5 billion Muslims eagerly await: *(p.31-32)
1. He is Islam’s primary messianic figure.  2. He will be a descendent of Mohammed and bear Mohammed‘s name.  3. He will be a very devout Muslim.  4. He will be an unparalleled spiritual, political and military world leader.  5. He will emerge after a period of time to create turmoil and suffering upon the earth. …....
11. He will make a seven year peace treaty with a Jew of priestly lineage.  ......   15. He will cause Islam to be the only religion practiced here on earth.    …..21.  He will be loved by all people of the earth.

·      Beheading is the prescribed means of executing Christians, those who refuse to convert. (Read the news!)

·      There are many more parallels between the Bible and the Qur’an’s description of “End Time” events.

This description of the Islam religion is not exhaustive but provided so we recognize that a tipping point is approaching.  And the two religions, Christianity and Islam, cannot co-exist; thus persecution of Christians appears to be inevitable.  Our Bible and the words of Jesus have much to say about the persecution we should expect.  (Relevant references are provided after this musing.) 

So, how to be prepared?  What are our “Action Steps”?

1.      Some people get saved and recognize the need for Jesus from “Hell-fire” messages.

2.      WWJD – Like Jesus, let’s talk about and preach warnings about the expectation of “End-times.”

3.      God put eschatology throughout the Bible, and “Whatever Daddy says must be important.”

4.      The inevitability of “End Times” events is too important to ignore!

5.      We may well live to see these events.  Will “Pre-Trib” believers be able to handle the surprise?

6.      Gain understanding and prepare your hearts.  Draw near to Him and Pray for strength!  

7.      We are commanded to always be alert.  Too many references to list!

8.      Prepare yourself for a prophetic office in the Church; a ministry highly overlooked.

Points to ponder

What events are in the headlines of Mid-Eastern countries like Israel?

Are you ready to deal with the consequences of being outnumbered by Muslims?
The song ♫ Are you ready, are you ready… ♫  takes on fresh significance!

Let’s “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Rom. 12:14        

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 18, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Excerpts & quotes from “The Islamic Antichrist” 2009/2014 by Joel Richardson  (worthwhile insights into Islam)

Headlines in Israel News

CHRISTIANS FACE ‘IMMINENT EXTINCTION’ IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY WARNS: … followers of the faith were subject to the “daily threat of murder” and the situation was the worst “since the Mongol invasions of the 13th century”. Figures suggest that just one in 400 Syrian refugees given asylum in the UK last year was a Christian.

IRAN ARRESTS OVER 100 CHRISTIANS IN CRACKDOWN ON CONVERSIONS: Iranian authorities have over the past few days reportedly arrested more than 100 Christians, as the regime seeks to crack down on conversions and what it construes as preaching by evangelicals.

Source - Barry & Batya Segal <news@visionforisrael.com>

Relevant verses speaking of the persecution we should expect.  (all NIV)

Fear not for I am with you.  Revelation 2:10   “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  

Hebrews 10:32-34    “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.  Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.  You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”  

Romans 8:35-36   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 

Jesus warned us about seed in rocky places in His parable of the sower – Matthew 13:21 and in Mark 4:17-18  “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”  

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – Matt 5:11-12   "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  

When He warned us about the “End Times” He said -- "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.”  Luke 21:12

And perhaps the most relevant – John 15:20  “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

Hebraic Musing – What Does It Mean to Be “Fishers of Men”?

What might Jesus have been thinking when He told Peter, and us, to be “Fishers of Men” in Matt 4:19?  In red letters Jesus said "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Was Jesus referring to the variety of fish to pursue?  Different species – fast or slow swimmers?  Bottom or top feeders?  

Where should we find the catch of the day?  In lakes, rivers, streams, among reeds or in ponds?  I’ve even traveled to lakes in Canada and to Gulf of Florida to catch big ones!

Should we use a boat or cast from shore?  In my fishing days, while we were waiting to launch the boat we’d be casting from the shore or from the dock or fishing under the dock.  We tried everywhere.  We never knew where we might get lucky!

Did Jesus provide us fishermen with different baits and/or lures?  Some varieties of fish require specific baits?  Live bait, worms, smaller fish, etc.   Special baits are used for the cautious fish; you know, the ones who’ve been caught once and are now more wary.  A famous fisherman named Paul once said “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”  1 Cor. 9:22

Fishermen learn to be patient; not expecting instant results.  But a good fisherman will move on if he doesn’t get at least nibbles.  Nibbles are good; the fish are showing interest! 

Fishermen know that not all fish are catchable, but we keep trying patiently!

What techniques do we use?  Casting, net, trolling, bottom fishing…?  (Analogies have limits.  When evangelizing, remember that God loves even the “Bottom-feeders.”)

We “Fishers of Men” have a big advantage; we have the best fishing guide!  The Holy Spirit tells us how, what, where, when and why to fish!!!  And He constantly reminds me to “Be Alert.”

And after catching fish, the fisherman needs to clean them.  BTW – You can’t clean them before catching them!  And a friend recently reminded me that “sometimes it gets messy”.

Points to ponder

Do the above fishing techniques also apply to evangelism?

If we have to “Go into all of the world” to fish,
will we be looking for and finding fish
 with different characteristics, backgrounds, experiences, flavors? 

Have a good fishing trip.  Hope you fill up your ice chest.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December 11, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”