Peter, who disowned the Lord Jesus

Matthew 26:57-75
March 26th 2023, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

As we look ahead to Easter, let us learn from the events that took place before the crucifixion.

The first is to beware of the sin which tries to exclude the Lord. The religious leaders of the Jewish people plotted to kill Jesus. They arrested him and held a trial in the middle of the night. There they had a heart that did not fear God and wanted to eliminate Him. Although we are Christians, we should recognize that we also have that kind of sin in us and be cautious about it.

The second is to listen carefully to the Word of the Lord, believing that He is talking to each of us directly. Although Peter heard that he would disown the Lord three times before the rooster crows twice, he thought he would not do such a thing. But when he was questioned by the women if he was the fellow man, he disowned the Lord three times. If we listen to the Word of God as if it were someone else's business, we will also fail. It is important to listen to the Word of God and believe that it is spoken to us individually.

The third is that the Lord has mercy on us who are imperfect and gives us a chance to start over. The Lord looked at Peter who had denied him. It was not with the eyes of judgment but with the eyes of compassion, and the Lord gave him a mission when he has turned again. The Lord looks at us in the same way as well, and gives us a mission.

Let us trust in the Lord, who is full of mercy and grace, and let Him use us for His glory!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26:74-75 (NIV)

To be moved by the Word of the LORD

Ezra 1:1-5
March 19th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn about the guidance of the Lord through the book of Ezra.

Firstly, the Lord works in us to will and guides us. The Lord moved the heart of King Cyrus to make proclamation, so that the people of Israel would go up to Jerusalem and rebuild a temple. The Lord moves the hearts of us even now and guides us with His Word.

Secondly, Satan hinders us when we try to follow the Lord. The people of Israel returned and began the rebuilding work, but the work was halted due to the obstruction by the enemies. In the same way, when we try to follow the Lord and move forward, Satan surely comes to hinder us, even now.

Thirdly, when we are moved by the Word of the Lord, we can win a victory and accomplish our tasks. If we only look at the situation, we become afraid and want to run away, but if we are given the Word of the Lord and moved by it, then we are given the power of the Lord and wisdom, and we will be able to accomplish our tasks.

The same is true for constructing a church building. Let us look at the Word of God, believe in it, and let our hearts be moved by the Lord to accomplish it!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites — everyone whose heart God had moved — prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

Ezra 1:5 (NIV)

As servants of God

1 Peter 2:13-17
March 12th 2023, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Today's passage again tells us about how Christians should walk.

The first is to submit ourselves to every human authority. We are foreigners and exiles in this world, but still, we need to walk our lives with testimonies, by taking responsibility in this world, and by obeying authority instituted among men.

The second is to walk as servants of God. We are subject to the authority of this world, but at the same time, we are regarded as God's servants and also free. We can become free only by obeying the Word of the Lord.

The third is to walk in the fear of God. When we walk in the fear of God, we respect all men and kings, and we can love our brethren. It is very important to fear God.

This world tells us of false freedoms. However, there is no freedom there, but bondage. Therefore, let us fear God, walk as His servants, and enjoy true freedom as we walk our lives!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves.

1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

As foreigners and exiles

1 Peter 2:11-12
March 5th 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

What Christians should be aware of and should do are described here.

First, one of the things we should be aware of as the people of God is that we are loved by God and made to love others. Love comes from God. We are loved by Him, we love our brothers and sisters, and we are also made to love the unsaved. Another is that we are foreigners and exiles in this world. If we do not remember this, we will walk like those who do not believe in God.

Second, one of the things we are urged to do is to abstain from sinful desires. They wage war against our souls. If we are not prepared, we will be attacked and walk corruptly away from God. Another is to live such good lives among unbelievers. This does not mean to walk perfectly, but to walk faithfully as those who have been saved, testifying about the Lord. The Lord uses our walks in this way.

Let us firmly realize that we are foreigners and exiles. Then, we will know our priorities and what we should do. The Lord uses us as His witnesses!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

1 Peter 2:11 (NIV)