Psalm 19
Our Scripture passage for today is a psalm of King David, and is a familiar one for many. God has given mankind two types of witness that speak to us of His glory, majesty, and power - His Word and creation. David speaks of both of these in this psalm of praise.
In the first half of our psalm, verses 1-6, we read how God reveals Himself through nature. David specifically mentions the heavens, such as outer space and the universe. I live in a heavily lit, large, metropolitan area, and the night sky of stars can’t really be seen well. When I have a chance, though, and am out in the rural countryside, I try to get out and see the stars and planets in the sky. Photos from space show us spectacular close-ups of the planets, stars, and other galaxies across the universe. All of this speaks of God’s glory, and His mighty creative hand (vs. 1). They give evidence of His existence, His power, love and care. The universe’s design and orderliness totally point to an involved, personal Creator. Nothing in the universe happened by chance.
King David also points out that the universe is visible for all to see (vs. 2-4). It is not hidden, and neither is anything else in creation. They don’t have a verbal voice, but they speak of the Creator-God just as clearly as if they did. David uses a little poetic license and describes the sun like a young man running a race, following a path across the sky, from the east to the west. It does not change or alter its course, and all can see it. Mankind is without any excuse, as all of nature points to God (Romans 1:19-20).
Next King David shifts gears and now focuses on the witness of the Word of God (vs. 7-11). Through Scripture we learn about God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Nature shows God’s existence, and His Word shows us His salvation. God’s Word helps us avoid sin and have fellowship with Him. David gives testimony and witness of what a treasure the Scriptures are. The Bible is perfect and will turn us back to God. It is sure, steadfast and trustworthy, and by studying it we can gain wisdom (vs. 7). He goes on to say that the Bible is right, it is correct and it will rejoice and gladden our lives. His Words are pure, without any taint, and give us enlightenment (vs. 8). Studying God’s Word will lead us to a proper reverence and respect of Him, and His Word is truth and is just (vs. 9).
If asked which is more valuable, a stack of pure gold or the Bible, which would you choose? Many would choose the gold, but that would be the wrong choice, as David points out. He had both, and knew firsthand how much more important the Bible was (vs. 10). He also compares God’s Word with honey. Honey is one of the most naturally sweet foods. It is sweeter than sugar, and has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so it’s healthier than sugar. It is also sometimes an ingredient in skin and beauty products. Honey is also often used in treating colds and sore throats. God’s Word is also healing, spiritually nutritious, sweet, and when applied to our life can make us beautiful.
In the final segment of this psalm David speaks about God’s forgiveness and our salvation (vs. 12-13). Even after we’ve given our lives to the Savior, there are still times we fall into sin, both unintentional sins, and the deliberate and presumptuous ones. David deals with his sins, and doesn’t deny them, and to remain in a good, clear relationship with God, we need to, as well. As verse 13 warns, we need to keep back from sin. Parents often warn their little children to keep back from something dangerous, like the edge of a platform or hole. David warns the same - don’t get too close to the edge. How many have thought that it was okay to get right up to the edge of something sinful, and then slipped in? It is always best to keep back.
King David ends this psalm with a prayer (vs. 14). This is a prayer that we be more and more pleasing to God. The words and thoughts that we say and think should always be pleasing to God.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Saturday, March 3, 2018
The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
Today’s Old Testament Scripture reading takes us to passage where Moses is given the Ten Commandments. There are people today who believe that the Ten Commandments are old and obsolete, and really have little relevance in today’s modern world. Even some professing Christians think that many of the commandments are just being legalistic, exclusive, and judgmental of others. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that they are God’s laws. Let’s see how they can fit into our lives today.
The First Commandment - You shall have no other gods before Me (vs. 3). Yahweh is the only God we are to worship. He is to be the only one, not Jesus and Buddha, or Jesus and a Hindu deity, or any other type of false god. Besides false gods, what other things do we put in God’s place? There can be money, family, friends, our appearance, various entertainment, belongs. What or who is receiving the glory in our life today? What is most important? Who do we seek to please? We need to be committed to Jesus. He is our priority.
The Second Commandment - You shall not make for yourself a carved image (vs. 4-6). Having carved idols of other false gods of wood or stone in one’s home is a violation of this commandment of God, even if they are just decoration. For most of us that isn’t a temptation. How else can this commandment relate today? Anything, including things that may be good, if it comes before God, is an idol. Having something in a physical form to bow down to diminishes faith.
The Third Commandment - You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain (vs. 7). This commandment is not just about profanity, which is wrong. Do we treat His Name honorably? Do we give it glory and praise, or treat it lightly? We should not use God’s Name flippently or irreverently. We shouldn’t attach His Name to our own ideas, just to make them seem right. That is misusing His Name.
The Fourth Commandment - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (vs. 8-11). By the time of Jesus’ day, this command had become just a set of man-made regulations, a list of do’s and don’ts. The Sabbath was to meet the needs of the people, not the people meeting the requirements of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). Today we’ve gone to the opposite extreme. We need to make time to rest, slow down, and listen to God. We need to spend a day reading His Word and praying. Let God refresh us.
The Fifth Commandment - Honor your father and mother (vs. 12). Honor means to regard someone with great respect. We should love our family the way God loves us. This honor should be an overflow of our love for Jesus. For those whose parents who truly don’t deserve honor because of abuse, we should forgive and pray for them, desiring them to know Jesus.
The Sixth Commandment - You shall not murder (vs. 13). Most of us have never murdered anyone. Jesus, though, took this a step further, having to do with our attitudes towards others (Matthew 5:21-22). Life is sacred to God. We should not destroy anyone with words, treatment, even thoughts. Do our words and treatment of others bring life, uplift and bring joy, or death, tearing down and destroying their spirit?
The Seventh Commandment - You shall not commit adultery (vs. 14). This is another commandment Jesus took a step further (Matthew 5:27-28). God looks into our heart. Those married may not have actually committed the act, but lustful thoughts and looks are the same in His eyes. God wants us to keep our thoughts pure (Philippians 4:8).
The Eighth Commandment - You shall not steal (vs. 15). Do we twist dishonesty and theft to justify getting what we want? Do we help ourselves to small items at work because “the boss owes me for the extra hours I put in”? Or if a boss, do we withhold the pay for the extra hours or withhold earned time off or vacations? Do we keep the extra change the checkout woman gave us? Or borrow an item from a neighbor with no effort to return it? All of these are types of stealing, and wrong in God’s eyes.
The Ninth Commandment - You shall not bear false witness (vs. 16). We have so many words that we use instead of “lie” to try and make it seem not so harsh - fib, tall tale, half-truth, white lie. A lie is a lie. God does not like dishonesty (Proverbs 12:22). God is truth, and there is no untruth in Him (John 14:6). We need to always set a guard over our mouth (Psalm 141:3).
The Tenth Commandment - You shall not covet (vs. 17). This is wanting something that doesn’t belong to us. When someone gets something that we didn’t get, but that we wanted, do we rejoice or grumble bitterly? Are we so desiring of possessions, wanting more and more, filled with desire? Instead, we should be wanting more of God.
As we can see, the Ten Commandments are still quite relevant for us today, and as Christians, should still be guideposts for our Christian walk. As an archer strives to hit the bullseye with each arrow, may we strive to do our best to follow the Lord each day.
Today’s Old Testament Scripture reading takes us to passage where Moses is given the Ten Commandments. There are people today who believe that the Ten Commandments are old and obsolete, and really have little relevance in today’s modern world. Even some professing Christians think that many of the commandments are just being legalistic, exclusive, and judgmental of others. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that they are God’s laws. Let’s see how they can fit into our lives today.
The First Commandment - You shall have no other gods before Me (vs. 3). Yahweh is the only God we are to worship. He is to be the only one, not Jesus and Buddha, or Jesus and a Hindu deity, or any other type of false god. Besides false gods, what other things do we put in God’s place? There can be money, family, friends, our appearance, various entertainment, belongs. What or who is receiving the glory in our life today? What is most important? Who do we seek to please? We need to be committed to Jesus. He is our priority.
The Second Commandment - You shall not make for yourself a carved image (vs. 4-6). Having carved idols of other false gods of wood or stone in one’s home is a violation of this commandment of God, even if they are just decoration. For most of us that isn’t a temptation. How else can this commandment relate today? Anything, including things that may be good, if it comes before God, is an idol. Having something in a physical form to bow down to diminishes faith.
The Third Commandment - You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain (vs. 7). This commandment is not just about profanity, which is wrong. Do we treat His Name honorably? Do we give it glory and praise, or treat it lightly? We should not use God’s Name flippently or irreverently. We shouldn’t attach His Name to our own ideas, just to make them seem right. That is misusing His Name.
The Fourth Commandment - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (vs. 8-11). By the time of Jesus’ day, this command had become just a set of man-made regulations, a list of do’s and don’ts. The Sabbath was to meet the needs of the people, not the people meeting the requirements of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). Today we’ve gone to the opposite extreme. We need to make time to rest, slow down, and listen to God. We need to spend a day reading His Word and praying. Let God refresh us.
The Fifth Commandment - Honor your father and mother (vs. 12). Honor means to regard someone with great respect. We should love our family the way God loves us. This honor should be an overflow of our love for Jesus. For those whose parents who truly don’t deserve honor because of abuse, we should forgive and pray for them, desiring them to know Jesus.
The Sixth Commandment - You shall not murder (vs. 13). Most of us have never murdered anyone. Jesus, though, took this a step further, having to do with our attitudes towards others (Matthew 5:21-22). Life is sacred to God. We should not destroy anyone with words, treatment, even thoughts. Do our words and treatment of others bring life, uplift and bring joy, or death, tearing down and destroying their spirit?
The Seventh Commandment - You shall not commit adultery (vs. 14). This is another commandment Jesus took a step further (Matthew 5:27-28). God looks into our heart. Those married may not have actually committed the act, but lustful thoughts and looks are the same in His eyes. God wants us to keep our thoughts pure (Philippians 4:8).
The Eighth Commandment - You shall not steal (vs. 15). Do we twist dishonesty and theft to justify getting what we want? Do we help ourselves to small items at work because “the boss owes me for the extra hours I put in”? Or if a boss, do we withhold the pay for the extra hours or withhold earned time off or vacations? Do we keep the extra change the checkout woman gave us? Or borrow an item from a neighbor with no effort to return it? All of these are types of stealing, and wrong in God’s eyes.
The Ninth Commandment - You shall not bear false witness (vs. 16). We have so many words that we use instead of “lie” to try and make it seem not so harsh - fib, tall tale, half-truth, white lie. A lie is a lie. God does not like dishonesty (Proverbs 12:22). God is truth, and there is no untruth in Him (John 14:6). We need to always set a guard over our mouth (Psalm 141:3).
The Tenth Commandment - You shall not covet (vs. 17). This is wanting something that doesn’t belong to us. When someone gets something that we didn’t get, but that we wanted, do we rejoice or grumble bitterly? Are we so desiring of possessions, wanting more and more, filled with desire? Instead, we should be wanting more of God.
As we can see, the Ten Commandments are still quite relevant for us today, and as Christians, should still be guideposts for our Christian walk. As an archer strives to hit the bullseye with each arrow, may we strive to do our best to follow the Lord each day.
Friday, March 2, 2018
Take Up Our Cross For The Lord
Mark 8:31-38
Peter’s day had started out rather good. He, the other disciples, and Jesus were out together, and Jesus asked them all who people thought He was, and also who they thought He was. Several of the disciples said that He was this or that prophet, but it was Peter who had spoken up and said that he believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 8:27-29; Matthew 16:13-16). Jesus commended Peter, saying the Father had revealed this (Matthew 16:17). That day had started out good, but now Jesus was talking about dying, and when Peter spoke up against this supposed negative thinking and talking, his day took a sudden, unpleasant turn. Let’s look at this passage from Mark’s Gospel together.
Jesus is with His 12 apostles, and tells them, as He does several times throughout His ministry, that He will be taken by the religious leaders, killed, and then rise again the third day (vs. 31). Jesus always mentioned the resurrection when He spoke of His death. It’s a wonder, then, why the disciples were so slow to understand, but they were. They could not comprehend a dying Messiah. Peter spoke up and said what they all were thinking. He told Jesus that this just wasn’t right. He can’t die, they won’t let this happen to Him.
Jesus’s sacrificial death was a part of God’s eternal plan. Whoever opposed it was unknowingly promoting Satan’s work (vs. 33). Peter was not considering God’s purposes, only his own desires and feelings. He only wanted the glory for Jesus, and by extension himself and the other apostles. He did not want Jesus to be the suffering servant, or persecution for the group. Without understanding, they were trying to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. Satan had also tried to prevent Him from going to the cross and securing our salvation. The disciples wanted to protect Jesus, but instead they should have been following Him.
After this rebuke, Jesus talks to the apostles and gives them a hard lesson and challenge, which is also for us, today. Condemned criminals carried their crosses to execution. Jesus used that image to show the ultimate submission required of His followers (vs. 34). It takes steadfast and committed effort to follow Jesus every moment, doing His will, even when difficult and the world pulls us or mocks us. No one who is unwilling to deny themself can claim to be a disciple of Jesus. Bearing our cross is giving willing submission and voluntary servanthood to Jesus, our Savior.
We should be willing to lose our life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ (vs 35). Nothing can compare with what we gain in Jesus. Pursuing a life of ease, comfort, and acceptance by the world will not find us eternal life. Those who give up their lives for Jesus and the Gospel, whether literally or by sacrificing their own personal desires, will find eternal life. Choose to follow Jesus rather than sin and pleasure. Christians need to let Jesus direct their lives rather than controlling it themselves. We need to submit to Jesus rather than always trying to be in charge.
Many people spend their whole life seeking pleasure, position, and power. These are only temporary, and in the end, once they have died, they have lost their soul (vs. 36-37) . It is then too late, and all that they “gained” in this world cannot buy a place in heaven. The pursuit of God is so much more important than the pursuit of the world. Nothing can make up for the loss of one’s soul. Even if we could gain “the whole world”, that would not compensate for losing one’s soul. How many exchange their eternal soul for much less than “the whole world”?
Jesus finished His talk with powerful words for us to take heed and remember (vs. 38). We can reject Jesus now, and after our death He will reject us when He comes again. Or, we can accept Him now, and He will accept us then. After we die, and when He returns, it will be too late to make that decision. The decision is ours today. What do you choose?
Peter’s day had started out rather good. He, the other disciples, and Jesus were out together, and Jesus asked them all who people thought He was, and also who they thought He was. Several of the disciples said that He was this or that prophet, but it was Peter who had spoken up and said that he believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 8:27-29; Matthew 16:13-16). Jesus commended Peter, saying the Father had revealed this (Matthew 16:17). That day had started out good, but now Jesus was talking about dying, and when Peter spoke up against this supposed negative thinking and talking, his day took a sudden, unpleasant turn. Let’s look at this passage from Mark’s Gospel together.
Jesus is with His 12 apostles, and tells them, as He does several times throughout His ministry, that He will be taken by the religious leaders, killed, and then rise again the third day (vs. 31). Jesus always mentioned the resurrection when He spoke of His death. It’s a wonder, then, why the disciples were so slow to understand, but they were. They could not comprehend a dying Messiah. Peter spoke up and said what they all were thinking. He told Jesus that this just wasn’t right. He can’t die, they won’t let this happen to Him.
Jesus’s sacrificial death was a part of God’s eternal plan. Whoever opposed it was unknowingly promoting Satan’s work (vs. 33). Peter was not considering God’s purposes, only his own desires and feelings. He only wanted the glory for Jesus, and by extension himself and the other apostles. He did not want Jesus to be the suffering servant, or persecution for the group. Without understanding, they were trying to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. Satan had also tried to prevent Him from going to the cross and securing our salvation. The disciples wanted to protect Jesus, but instead they should have been following Him.
After this rebuke, Jesus talks to the apostles and gives them a hard lesson and challenge, which is also for us, today. Condemned criminals carried their crosses to execution. Jesus used that image to show the ultimate submission required of His followers (vs. 34). It takes steadfast and committed effort to follow Jesus every moment, doing His will, even when difficult and the world pulls us or mocks us. No one who is unwilling to deny themself can claim to be a disciple of Jesus. Bearing our cross is giving willing submission and voluntary servanthood to Jesus, our Savior.
We should be willing to lose our life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ (vs 35). Nothing can compare with what we gain in Jesus. Pursuing a life of ease, comfort, and acceptance by the world will not find us eternal life. Those who give up their lives for Jesus and the Gospel, whether literally or by sacrificing their own personal desires, will find eternal life. Choose to follow Jesus rather than sin and pleasure. Christians need to let Jesus direct their lives rather than controlling it themselves. We need to submit to Jesus rather than always trying to be in charge.
Many people spend their whole life seeking pleasure, position, and power. These are only temporary, and in the end, once they have died, they have lost their soul (vs. 36-37) . It is then too late, and all that they “gained” in this world cannot buy a place in heaven. The pursuit of God is so much more important than the pursuit of the world. Nothing can make up for the loss of one’s soul. Even if we could gain “the whole world”, that would not compensate for losing one’s soul. How many exchange their eternal soul for much less than “the whole world”?
Jesus finished His talk with powerful words for us to take heed and remember (vs. 38). We can reject Jesus now, and after our death He will reject us when He comes again. Or, we can accept Him now, and He will accept us then. After we die, and when He returns, it will be too late to make that decision. The decision is ours today. What do you choose?
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Nothing Can Separate Us From God
Romans 8:31-39
Most of us have experienced times when problems are mounting faster than you can handle them. Everywhere you turn people wish you harm and there are only enemies. Friends can’t be found anywhere. Your life seems to be going downhill faster than an Olympic bobsled run. In times like this you feel so alone with nowhere to turn. Even family may be against us, compounding the loneliness. For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, though, we can take heart. There is no pit so deep, no problem so difficult, no hours so lonely, but that we have Someone there with us to lift us up.
The Apostle Paul was quite familiar with problems. He had plenty of enemies, both in the government and religious authorities. Many times those he thought were friends turned against him. He frequently traveled and experienced problems there, as well. Life was not easy for Paul, but he knew that the Lord Jesus was with him, and no one could take Him away. Let’s look at some of the truths God taught Paul throughout the trials of his life.
We may have enemies and people who wish us harm. There may be people who cause us trouble, sometimes big trouble, and even pain, but nothing can ultimately triumph over us when we are believers in Christ (vs. 31).
Someone may feel that they are just not good enough to be accepted by God. If God was willing to give His Son to die for us, He would never hold back His gift of salvation for you (vs. 32). No one is “too bad” to be saved. Since Jesus gave His life for you, He won’t turn around and condemn those who call upon Him for salvation. Nor will He withhold what we need to live for Him. God has judged those who have accepted His Son as “not guilty”. We are acquitted. Satan is the one who accuses us. Jesus is our advocate, and He stands at God’s right hand defending us (vs. 33-34). When we pray we are never praying alone, as Jesus is praying for us. We don’t have to be eloquent. Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf.
No matter what may ever happen to us God will always love us. When going through desperate trials don’t turn away from God, instead turn toward His love. In the midst of our trials we may feel like we’ve been abandoned by God. That is impossible, as nothing can separate us from Him (vs. 35-39). His presence is always with us.
Paul went through all of the various trials he listed in this passage, so he knew first hand that God will be with us and carry us through them. None of these will separate us from Him. All of the trials in life couldn’t take Jesus from him. His enemies would try to kill him, and eventually they did. Even death couldn’t take Jesus away. All the demons in hell (the principalities and powers in vs. 38) would never ultimately win. The same goes for us if we have Jesus as our Savior. With Jesus on our side we are more than a conqueror (vs. 37). We have eternal victory.
Human love can, and often does, fail. It is fickle and changeable. How many people heard vows on their wedding day, only to be betrayed and forsaken a while later? God’s love is unchanging and unconditional. Once we are saved nothing can break our bond to him (John 10:29). Nothing can separate born-again believers from God’s love (vs. 39). He won’t love us any less if we sin. God doesn’t like that sin, and we need to confess, repent, and forsake it, but He still loves us. Nothing in life’s path, from beginning to end, can separate us from Christ’s love.
Throughout all of our troubles, remember God will always meet our needs. He is always with us, and will never leave (Hebrews 13:5). Trials often make us feel like we’re all alone, but God’s love is forever, and we are never truly alone. Like a parent taking a child across a busy street, He has a firm grip on our hand. It’s not the child’s grip on the parent’s hand that counts, it’s the parents. God’s grip on us is secure, and He will see us safely into His presence.
Most of us have experienced times when problems are mounting faster than you can handle them. Everywhere you turn people wish you harm and there are only enemies. Friends can’t be found anywhere. Your life seems to be going downhill faster than an Olympic bobsled run. In times like this you feel so alone with nowhere to turn. Even family may be against us, compounding the loneliness. For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, though, we can take heart. There is no pit so deep, no problem so difficult, no hours so lonely, but that we have Someone there with us to lift us up.
The Apostle Paul was quite familiar with problems. He had plenty of enemies, both in the government and religious authorities. Many times those he thought were friends turned against him. He frequently traveled and experienced problems there, as well. Life was not easy for Paul, but he knew that the Lord Jesus was with him, and no one could take Him away. Let’s look at some of the truths God taught Paul throughout the trials of his life.
We may have enemies and people who wish us harm. There may be people who cause us trouble, sometimes big trouble, and even pain, but nothing can ultimately triumph over us when we are believers in Christ (vs. 31).
Someone may feel that they are just not good enough to be accepted by God. If God was willing to give His Son to die for us, He would never hold back His gift of salvation for you (vs. 32). No one is “too bad” to be saved. Since Jesus gave His life for you, He won’t turn around and condemn those who call upon Him for salvation. Nor will He withhold what we need to live for Him. God has judged those who have accepted His Son as “not guilty”. We are acquitted. Satan is the one who accuses us. Jesus is our advocate, and He stands at God’s right hand defending us (vs. 33-34). When we pray we are never praying alone, as Jesus is praying for us. We don’t have to be eloquent. Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf.
No matter what may ever happen to us God will always love us. When going through desperate trials don’t turn away from God, instead turn toward His love. In the midst of our trials we may feel like we’ve been abandoned by God. That is impossible, as nothing can separate us from Him (vs. 35-39). His presence is always with us.
Paul went through all of the various trials he listed in this passage, so he knew first hand that God will be with us and carry us through them. None of these will separate us from Him. All of the trials in life couldn’t take Jesus from him. His enemies would try to kill him, and eventually they did. Even death couldn’t take Jesus away. All the demons in hell (the principalities and powers in vs. 38) would never ultimately win. The same goes for us if we have Jesus as our Savior. With Jesus on our side we are more than a conqueror (vs. 37). We have eternal victory.
Human love can, and often does, fail. It is fickle and changeable. How many people heard vows on their wedding day, only to be betrayed and forsaken a while later? God’s love is unchanging and unconditional. Once we are saved nothing can break our bond to him (John 10:29). Nothing can separate born-again believers from God’s love (vs. 39). He won’t love us any less if we sin. God doesn’t like that sin, and we need to confess, repent, and forsake it, but He still loves us. Nothing in life’s path, from beginning to end, can separate us from Christ’s love.
Throughout all of our troubles, remember God will always meet our needs. He is always with us, and will never leave (Hebrews 13:5). Trials often make us feel like we’re all alone, but God’s love is forever, and we are never truly alone. Like a parent taking a child across a busy street, He has a firm grip on our hand. It’s not the child’s grip on the parent’s hand that counts, it’s the parents. God’s grip on us is secure, and He will see us safely into His presence.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Joy And Security
Psalm 16
Our psalm this week is one that King David wrote. In it he expresses believers view and outlook of trust and faith in God, both in life (vs. 1-8) and in death (vs. 9-11). Despite everything that David went through during his life - the wars he fought in, death threats from enemies, betrayals from both friends and family, and the general stresses of his position - he trusted in God. He knew that his well-being was entirely dependent upon God (vs. 2).
Do you look forward to receiving an inheritance? Some people may receive money or property when an elderly relative dies, while others may receive no inheritance from anyone. Scripture doesn’t say much about David’s parents or family, or how financially secure they were, but we know he had several older brothers who would likely be more in line to receive any inheritance. We also know that his father, Jesse, didn’t take David much into account, failing to even include him when Samuel asked for all of the sons (I Samuel 16:5, 11). David didn’t worry about whether or not he would get an earthly inheritance. He knew that God was his inheritance (vs.5-6) . He would provide David with everything he needed here on earth, and so much more in heaven. An earthly inheritance may be a big disappointment, and can cause rifts in families, even destroying relationships. God’s inheritance, for those who trust in Him, is always a good one.
In spite of how busy and active his life was, David spent time pondering and thinking about God and His Word (vs. 7). He found that one of the best times to think of God and His faithfulness was when going to sleep. When it’s quiet, such as bedtime, it is easier to focus on God and to hear Him. If we are going to walk with the Lord, we must also be listening to Him. Do we have some decisions to make? Some people tend to make their own plans, and then ask God to bless them. Rather, we should seek God first, for His will. Pray and meditate on God and His ways. He will help us make those right decisions.
No matter what David faced, he felt secure in the Lord (vs. 8). Believers in the Lord Jesus can have that same sense of security. We are not spared from the regular day-to-day circumstances that everyone faces. Neither was David. Unbelievers, when faced with trials and problems, often have a sense of hopelessness about life. Believers can have confidence that God is guiding and leading them with His hand. The way we view circumstances that we go through is more important than the circumstances themselves (Philippians 4:11). God can give us contentment in all circumstances.
David had found the secret to joy (vs. 9). True joy is deeper than happiness. We can have joy in spite of deep troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances. Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence with us. God’s daily presence will give us contentment. We have joy because of the future He has for us. Our life should be based on God, not on whatever we are going through. David realized this, and could sing God’s praises everyday, in spite of war, threats, and betrayal.
Verse 10 of our psalm is a prophetic one, one that prophesied the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This verse was quoted by the Apostle Peter in his first great sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-36). David had died, and his body was buried, where it eventually decayed. That happens to everyone. Jesus, though, did not see corruption, as He was raised from the dead on the third day. That was a key point in Peter’s first sermon, which saw three thousand people accept Jesus as their Savior that day.
Do we want to be full of joy? (vs. 11). Pour out all of “self” from our lives, so that we are an empty vessel for God to pour His anointing into us. No matter what we are going through, know that God is with us.
Our psalm this week is one that King David wrote. In it he expresses believers view and outlook of trust and faith in God, both in life (vs. 1-8) and in death (vs. 9-11). Despite everything that David went through during his life - the wars he fought in, death threats from enemies, betrayals from both friends and family, and the general stresses of his position - he trusted in God. He knew that his well-being was entirely dependent upon God (vs. 2).
Do you look forward to receiving an inheritance? Some people may receive money or property when an elderly relative dies, while others may receive no inheritance from anyone. Scripture doesn’t say much about David’s parents or family, or how financially secure they were, but we know he had several older brothers who would likely be more in line to receive any inheritance. We also know that his father, Jesse, didn’t take David much into account, failing to even include him when Samuel asked for all of the sons (I Samuel 16:5, 11). David didn’t worry about whether or not he would get an earthly inheritance. He knew that God was his inheritance (vs.5-6) . He would provide David with everything he needed here on earth, and so much more in heaven. An earthly inheritance may be a big disappointment, and can cause rifts in families, even destroying relationships. God’s inheritance, for those who trust in Him, is always a good one.
In spite of how busy and active his life was, David spent time pondering and thinking about God and His Word (vs. 7). He found that one of the best times to think of God and His faithfulness was when going to sleep. When it’s quiet, such as bedtime, it is easier to focus on God and to hear Him. If we are going to walk with the Lord, we must also be listening to Him. Do we have some decisions to make? Some people tend to make their own plans, and then ask God to bless them. Rather, we should seek God first, for His will. Pray and meditate on God and His ways. He will help us make those right decisions.
No matter what David faced, he felt secure in the Lord (vs. 8). Believers in the Lord Jesus can have that same sense of security. We are not spared from the regular day-to-day circumstances that everyone faces. Neither was David. Unbelievers, when faced with trials and problems, often have a sense of hopelessness about life. Believers can have confidence that God is guiding and leading them with His hand. The way we view circumstances that we go through is more important than the circumstances themselves (Philippians 4:11). God can give us contentment in all circumstances.
David had found the secret to joy (vs. 9). True joy is deeper than happiness. We can have joy in spite of deep troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances. Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence with us. God’s daily presence will give us contentment. We have joy because of the future He has for us. Our life should be based on God, not on whatever we are going through. David realized this, and could sing God’s praises everyday, in spite of war, threats, and betrayal.
Verse 10 of our psalm is a prophetic one, one that prophesied the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This verse was quoted by the Apostle Peter in his first great sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-36). David had died, and his body was buried, where it eventually decayed. That happens to everyone. Jesus, though, did not see corruption, as He was raised from the dead on the third day. That was a key point in Peter’s first sermon, which saw three thousand people accept Jesus as their Savior that day.
Do we want to be full of joy? (vs. 11). Pour out all of “self” from our lives, so that we are an empty vessel for God to pour His anointing into us. No matter what we are going through, know that God is with us.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
The Testing of Abraham
Genesis 22:1-14
Being asked to give up something you love dearly can be very difficult. Perhaps it is the house you have lived in for many years, with many happy memories. Maybe it’s a job you’ve really enjoyed, or a loved belonging you own. But what if God were to ask you to willingly give up your most beloved and only child? I have two children, and I can honestly say I don’t think I could. In today’s Lectionary reading from the Old Testament, Abraham was given such a test. Let’s look at how he handled it.
As our passage begins we read in verses 1 -2 that God tested Abraham. This was no ordinary test. He was to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, to God. God was examining Abraham’s heart - was it true, steadfast, and trusting in Him? He tested Abraham to deepen his capacity to obey Him, and develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to extract the precious metals, so God refines us through difficult circumstances. This test wasn’t to show God something. He is omniscient, and knew Abraham and his faith better than Abraham even did. It was to show Abraham, his family (especially Isaac), and all of us who read this, the level of his faith.
Abraham’s obedience was immediate, complete, and unquestioning. He didn’t argue with God, or try to barter with Him. It is approximately 50 miles from Beersheba, where Abraham was currently residing, to Mt. Moriah, which was near where the future city of Jerusalem would be. When they arrived at the mountain that the Lord had told him of, Abraham told his servants to wait at the base, while he and Isaac would go up the mountain, and then they both would return (vs. 5). Abraham was confident and could assure his servants of their both returning. He had such trust in the permanence of God’s promises (Hebrews 11:17-19). He believed that if Isaace were to be sacrificed, somehow God would raise him from the dead again, or He would provide a substitute sacrifice.
Why would God ask this of Abraham, especially since He vehemently condemned the pagan practice of human sacrifice (Leviticus 20:1-5)? God did not want Isaac to die, but for Abraham to sacrifice him in his heart. Did Abraham love the gift of God, or God Himself? God wanted Abraham to love Him more than he loved Isaac, or the promise of the long-awaited son. Abraham knew three facts. One was that Isaac was the vehicle of God’s promise to him, so Isaac must continue to live. Secondly was that God always keeps His promises. And lastly, in light of both of the previous facts, God’s power is absolute, even over death.
Verse 8 is the pivotal verse in this passage. Abraham trusted God, and told Isaac that God would provide. Little did he know how prophetic his words would be! God would, indeed, provide a lamb for the sacrifice. Not only did He provide one for a substitute for Isaac, but years later He provided a Lamb, the Lamb of God, His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for all of mankind’s sins.
Abraham, still not seeing, in light of this current command of God, how He would fulfill His promise to him, proceeds to build a rough altar, and tie up Isaac. What must have been going through his mind right then? Was there a battle raging between faith and fear? There would have been for me! Thankfully in Abraham’s case, faith won out, for at the last moment God stopped the hand of Abraham from killing his son (vs. 11-12). When we give to God what He asks, He returns far more than we could dream.
In verse 13 we see that God provided a ram to be the sacrifice. This ram was a substitute for Isaac. Jesus was offered on the cross as a substitute sacrifice for us. God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, but He did not spare His Son, Jesus, from dying for us! God will always provide! We may not always understand how. He may make us wait, but He will always provide exactly what we need when we need it (vs. 14).
Being asked to give up something you love dearly can be very difficult. Perhaps it is the house you have lived in for many years, with many happy memories. Maybe it’s a job you’ve really enjoyed, or a loved belonging you own. But what if God were to ask you to willingly give up your most beloved and only child? I have two children, and I can honestly say I don’t think I could. In today’s Lectionary reading from the Old Testament, Abraham was given such a test. Let’s look at how he handled it.
As our passage begins we read in verses 1 -2 that God tested Abraham. This was no ordinary test. He was to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, to God. God was examining Abraham’s heart - was it true, steadfast, and trusting in Him? He tested Abraham to deepen his capacity to obey Him, and develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to extract the precious metals, so God refines us through difficult circumstances. This test wasn’t to show God something. He is omniscient, and knew Abraham and his faith better than Abraham even did. It was to show Abraham, his family (especially Isaac), and all of us who read this, the level of his faith.
Abraham’s obedience was immediate, complete, and unquestioning. He didn’t argue with God, or try to barter with Him. It is approximately 50 miles from Beersheba, where Abraham was currently residing, to Mt. Moriah, which was near where the future city of Jerusalem would be. When they arrived at the mountain that the Lord had told him of, Abraham told his servants to wait at the base, while he and Isaac would go up the mountain, and then they both would return (vs. 5). Abraham was confident and could assure his servants of their both returning. He had such trust in the permanence of God’s promises (Hebrews 11:17-19). He believed that if Isaace were to be sacrificed, somehow God would raise him from the dead again, or He would provide a substitute sacrifice.
Why would God ask this of Abraham, especially since He vehemently condemned the pagan practice of human sacrifice (Leviticus 20:1-5)? God did not want Isaac to die, but for Abraham to sacrifice him in his heart. Did Abraham love the gift of God, or God Himself? God wanted Abraham to love Him more than he loved Isaac, or the promise of the long-awaited son. Abraham knew three facts. One was that Isaac was the vehicle of God’s promise to him, so Isaac must continue to live. Secondly was that God always keeps His promises. And lastly, in light of both of the previous facts, God’s power is absolute, even over death.
Verse 8 is the pivotal verse in this passage. Abraham trusted God, and told Isaac that God would provide. Little did he know how prophetic his words would be! God would, indeed, provide a lamb for the sacrifice. Not only did He provide one for a substitute for Isaac, but years later He provided a Lamb, the Lamb of God, His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for all of mankind’s sins.
Abraham, still not seeing, in light of this current command of God, how He would fulfill His promise to him, proceeds to build a rough altar, and tie up Isaac. What must have been going through his mind right then? Was there a battle raging between faith and fear? There would have been for me! Thankfully in Abraham’s case, faith won out, for at the last moment God stopped the hand of Abraham from killing his son (vs. 11-12). When we give to God what He asks, He returns far more than we could dream.
In verse 13 we see that God provided a ram to be the sacrifice. This ram was a substitute for Isaac. Jesus was offered on the cross as a substitute sacrifice for us. God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, but He did not spare His Son, Jesus, from dying for us! God will always provide! We may not always understand how. He may make us wait, but He will always provide exactly what we need when we need it (vs. 14).
Friday, February 23, 2018
Facing Temptations
Mark 1:9-13
Temptations come at us every day. Whether it is to lie, break a traffic regulation, or even something more serious like dealing drugs or killing someone, everyone deals with temptations. As our reading from the Gospel of Mark today shows, even Jesus dealt with temptations. As we study this we can get some inspiration as to how to handle them in our own life.
Our passage begins with Jesus leaving Nazareth, the village He grew up in, and heading southeast to the river Jordan where John the Baptist is baptizing. Jesus requests to be baptized by John. He would seem like any of the other dozens of people getting baptized by John that day until He comes up out of the water. It was then that the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Also at that moment a Voice from heaven spoke out, and said to Jesus “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (vs. 9-11). The Father proclaimed His approval of Jesus, the Son, and He sent the Holy Spirit in a figure as a dove. All three members of the Trinity are represented here.
Immediately Jesus is lead by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He remains for 40 days in prayer and fasting, preparing for His imminent ministry. It is here that Satan gives an all-out assault with temptation, as well (vs. 12-13). Mark’s account of the temptation is brief, with few details. We can also read of Jesus’s temptation in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-12, which give more details. Let’s look at these temptations and see if we can learn anything we can apply to our own lives.
The first assault of temptation that Satan gives Jesus is for Him to turn some of the large rocks around Him into bread, as He is hungry from long fasting (Matt. 4:2-4). Because Jesus was hungry, he saw an opportunity where he could try to get Jesus to use His powers to satisfy and gratify a need. In our life Satan can get us to doubt whether God will provide our needs. Jesus responded to this with God’s Word. He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. God’s Word is even more important than food. It benefits us for eternity. We should never satisfy a normal desire in the wrong way.
The second temptation that Satan launched against Jesus was to take Him to the pinnacle of the Temple, and dare Him to jump off (Matt. 4:5-7). Then Satan quotes a Bible verse back at Him, (Psalm 91:11-12), saying in essence that God’s angels will protect Him, daring God to rescue Him. Satan twisted the Scriptures to suit his purposes. The intention of Psalm 91 is to show God’s protection of His people, not to incite them to use God’s power for sensational displays. This temptation was for security, casting doubt as to whether God would protect. Satan does the same to us today. Jesus responded that one is never to test God. Again, He used Scripture - Deuteronomy 6:16. Don’t manipulate God by asking for signs.
The third temptation Satan used against Jesus was to promise Him all of the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him (Matt. 4:8-10). It was a temptation of power, authority and significance, casting doubt in the mind as to whether God really does rule. Satan exploits our human desire for quick per, easy solutions, and a human desire to be equal with God. Jesus’s response was one of no compromising with evil, and again He used Scripture against Satan - Deuteronomy 6:13. We read several times in the Gospel of John that Satan is called the “ruler of this world”, and thus has power in the world - John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11. Paul also calls him the “god of this age” - II Corinthians 4:4.
Jesus didn’t spend time arguing and debating with Satan. He gave firm and authoritative responses, and always used Scripture to back Him up. Temptation is only a sin if we give in to it. It is through inner testing that God strengthens our character, and valuable lessons are learned. When Satan comes against us with temptation, remember how Jesus responded. He used God’s Word, the Bible, against him and was victorious.
Temptations come at us every day. Whether it is to lie, break a traffic regulation, or even something more serious like dealing drugs or killing someone, everyone deals with temptations. As our reading from the Gospel of Mark today shows, even Jesus dealt with temptations. As we study this we can get some inspiration as to how to handle them in our own life.
Our passage begins with Jesus leaving Nazareth, the village He grew up in, and heading southeast to the river Jordan where John the Baptist is baptizing. Jesus requests to be baptized by John. He would seem like any of the other dozens of people getting baptized by John that day until He comes up out of the water. It was then that the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Also at that moment a Voice from heaven spoke out, and said to Jesus “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (vs. 9-11). The Father proclaimed His approval of Jesus, the Son, and He sent the Holy Spirit in a figure as a dove. All three members of the Trinity are represented here.
Immediately Jesus is lead by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He remains for 40 days in prayer and fasting, preparing for His imminent ministry. It is here that Satan gives an all-out assault with temptation, as well (vs. 12-13). Mark’s account of the temptation is brief, with few details. We can also read of Jesus’s temptation in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-12, which give more details. Let’s look at these temptations and see if we can learn anything we can apply to our own lives.
The first assault of temptation that Satan gives Jesus is for Him to turn some of the large rocks around Him into bread, as He is hungry from long fasting (Matt. 4:2-4). Because Jesus was hungry, he saw an opportunity where he could try to get Jesus to use His powers to satisfy and gratify a need. In our life Satan can get us to doubt whether God will provide our needs. Jesus responded to this with God’s Word. He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. God’s Word is even more important than food. It benefits us for eternity. We should never satisfy a normal desire in the wrong way.
The second temptation that Satan launched against Jesus was to take Him to the pinnacle of the Temple, and dare Him to jump off (Matt. 4:5-7). Then Satan quotes a Bible verse back at Him, (Psalm 91:11-12), saying in essence that God’s angels will protect Him, daring God to rescue Him. Satan twisted the Scriptures to suit his purposes. The intention of Psalm 91 is to show God’s protection of His people, not to incite them to use God’s power for sensational displays. This temptation was for security, casting doubt as to whether God would protect. Satan does the same to us today. Jesus responded that one is never to test God. Again, He used Scripture - Deuteronomy 6:16. Don’t manipulate God by asking for signs.
The third temptation Satan used against Jesus was to promise Him all of the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him (Matt. 4:8-10). It was a temptation of power, authority and significance, casting doubt in the mind as to whether God really does rule. Satan exploits our human desire for quick per, easy solutions, and a human desire to be equal with God. Jesus’s response was one of no compromising with evil, and again He used Scripture against Satan - Deuteronomy 6:13. We read several times in the Gospel of John that Satan is called the “ruler of this world”, and thus has power in the world - John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11. Paul also calls him the “god of this age” - II Corinthians 4:4.
Jesus didn’t spend time arguing and debating with Satan. He gave firm and authoritative responses, and always used Scripture to back Him up. Temptation is only a sin if we give in to it. It is through inner testing that God strengthens our character, and valuable lessons are learned. When Satan comes against us with temptation, remember how Jesus responded. He used God’s Word, the Bible, against him and was victorious.
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