Exodus 3:1-15
When we look for a new job, one of the things that we check while reading the job descriptions is the qualifications that the employer is looking for. There is nothing to be gained in applying for a job if we don’t have any of the qualifications. However, if the employer says he will train and help us each step of the way, then that’s different. That would be a job we should apply for. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Exodus, God had a job He wished Moses to do, yet Moses did not feel he could handle it, and wanted to pass on the opportunity.
Most of us know the story and background of Moses. The descendents of Jacob, who had come into Egypt, were now slaves. Pharaoh had given an order for all male children to be killed at birth. However, Moses’ mother saved her baby son by making a watertight basket and putting him in the Nile. There he was found by the daughter of Pharaoh and brought up as her son in the royal courts of Egypt. Later Moses kills an Egyptian guard who was beating a Hebrew slave and flees the country, where he spends the next 40 years as a shepherd. It is here in the land of Midian, while watching sheep, that God appears in the burning bush to Moses.
When Moses saw the burning bush that was not consumed by the flames he turned aside to see it (vs. 2-3). He wasn’t too busy to bother, nor did he just shrug and keep on going. God was able to get his attention. We should never be too busy or apathetic to hear when God speaks to us. When Moses came closer to check this out, God spoke to him, and the first thing He said was for Moses to remove his sandals (vs. 5). Taking one’s shoes off was a sign of reverence, showing one’s unworthiness before God. God is a holy God. To approach frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. He is a holy God. It is true that if we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, He is our Friend, but He is also our Sovereign Lord. We need to rediscover having a holy awe, respect, and reverence for Him.
God then proceeds to tell Moses what He would have him do, which is to go back to Egypt, to the courts of Pharaoh, and bring the people of Israel out (vs. 10). When God called him, Moses didn’t think he was up to the job. Though he had been raised in the royal courts, and lived there until about age 40, it had been at least another 40 years since he had been there. The Pharaoh was currently the most powerful man on earth, and Moses wasn’t pleased with the idea of going in and telling Pharaoh that he was going to free all of the slaves! In addition, Moses wasn’t much of a public speaker, possibly having a problem with stuttering (Exodus 4:10). He felt that he was not qualified and was the wrong man for the job, telling God so (vs. 11).
What was God’s response? He told Moses that He would be with him every step of the way (vs. 12). Moses didn’t need to be filled with fear over this. It didn’t matter who Moses was, what mattered was who God is. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. We are qualified, not because of our talents or vast education, but because God calls us and is with us. It didn’t matter who Moses was, nor what he felt he could or couldn’t do. It only matters who God is. Today we may feel unqualified for some task that God has called us to do. If we believe God, and move forward in obedience, He will show us what He wants us to do, and energize us to get it done. We never have to take on His work in our own strength. God will never ask us to do anything that He will not enable us to carry out.
When Moses asked God what His proper name was (as all the false gods have names), God told him “I AM” (vs. 14). I AM is a name describing God’s eternal power and unchangeable character. God will always be who He has always been. God never changes (Hebrews 13:8). In the world, values, morals, and laws constantly change. The God who appeared to Moses about 3,500 years ago is the very same God today. He will help us with the same wisdom, love, and power as He has helped all those before us. God is whether anything else remains or not.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Friday, March 22, 2019
What Road Are You On?
Luke 13:22-35
I live not too far from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S. Hundreds of planes are taking off and landing there each day, along with thousands of people coming and going. Traffic is very hectic around that busy airport. One needs to be a very confident driver, and know ahead of time exactly where one is going, and what lane to be in when driving there. There are basically four roads that border that airport: Mannheim Rd. to the east, Irving Park Rd. to the south, York Rd. to the west, and Touhy Ave. to the north. Yet none of these roads will get you access into the airport. The only entrance is on Interstate 190, a short, slightly over 3 mile leg of Interstate 90. If one wants to get into the airport to park and take a plane anywhere, or to pick up or drop someone off, you have to go on that short highway. You can drive around on the other four roads, see all the planes arriving and taking off, often right over your head, see them loading the baggage, but you have no access. If someone tried to climb over the fence, they would be promptly arrested. One has to enter through the one and only approved entrance.
In today’s Scripture passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks of the narrow gate which one must enter to gain entrance into heaven (vs. 24). Earlier in His ministry, Jesus had spoken of this narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), and reminds His listeners again today. This was not a popular statement then, and is even less popular today. Many like to believe that there are many roads, many paths, one can take to get access into heaven. However, Jesus’ words are quite clear - there is only one, narrow road.
One wrong road that many travel on, thinking they will get to heaven, is the road of good works. However that is a wrong road, as we cannot save ourselves. There is no way we can work ourselves into God’s favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). Other wrong roads are those of following different false gods, religions, or philosophies. Jesus said that He is the door, the pathway to God (John 10:9). He also clearly said that He alone is the only way to God (John 14:6). Later, the Apostle Peter, in a message he preached, stated quite emphatically that there is no salvation except through the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12).
Jesus continued on in His talk to the people by saying that many people will be outside heaven, calling out to God, wondering why they are on the outside (vs. 25-27). They thought that just because they tossed about the Name of Jesus in their speech that this constituted a relationship with Him. However that is not the case. Some people, including religious leaders, that we expect to be in heaven will not be. Many people know something about God. Only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted His forgiveness. Just admiring Jesus and His Words is not enough. We must turn from our sins and trust in God to save us.
Jesus was right outside the capital city of Jerusalem when He spoke these words. It broke Jesus’ heart as He beheld the groups of people, knowing that so many would not turn to Him for salvation (vs. 34). God has sent His prophets and preachers to the world, both in the past and certainly today, to tell His message of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and most often they are not accepted. Sometimes they are killed, and very often they are mocked and ridiculed.
Just as there is only the one road to get on in which to get into O’Hare Airport to get on a plane or pick up an arriving passenger, there is only one road, one gate, that will lead us to heaven. Not all roads lead to God and heaven. God offers salvation to everyone, but it is only through His Son, Jesus Christ that we have that salvation. If we come to God through Jesus, He will never turn us away. Jesus is the only door to heaven, and the only way for us to know the Father. Do not put off making the decision to get on this road because one day it will be too late for you.
I live not too far from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S. Hundreds of planes are taking off and landing there each day, along with thousands of people coming and going. Traffic is very hectic around that busy airport. One needs to be a very confident driver, and know ahead of time exactly where one is going, and what lane to be in when driving there. There are basically four roads that border that airport: Mannheim Rd. to the east, Irving Park Rd. to the south, York Rd. to the west, and Touhy Ave. to the north. Yet none of these roads will get you access into the airport. The only entrance is on Interstate 190, a short, slightly over 3 mile leg of Interstate 90. If one wants to get into the airport to park and take a plane anywhere, or to pick up or drop someone off, you have to go on that short highway. You can drive around on the other four roads, see all the planes arriving and taking off, often right over your head, see them loading the baggage, but you have no access. If someone tried to climb over the fence, they would be promptly arrested. One has to enter through the one and only approved entrance.
In today’s Scripture passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks of the narrow gate which one must enter to gain entrance into heaven (vs. 24). Earlier in His ministry, Jesus had spoken of this narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), and reminds His listeners again today. This was not a popular statement then, and is even less popular today. Many like to believe that there are many roads, many paths, one can take to get access into heaven. However, Jesus’ words are quite clear - there is only one, narrow road.
One wrong road that many travel on, thinking they will get to heaven, is the road of good works. However that is a wrong road, as we cannot save ourselves. There is no way we can work ourselves into God’s favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). Other wrong roads are those of following different false gods, religions, or philosophies. Jesus said that He is the door, the pathway to God (John 10:9). He also clearly said that He alone is the only way to God (John 14:6). Later, the Apostle Peter, in a message he preached, stated quite emphatically that there is no salvation except through the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12).
Jesus continued on in His talk to the people by saying that many people will be outside heaven, calling out to God, wondering why they are on the outside (vs. 25-27). They thought that just because they tossed about the Name of Jesus in their speech that this constituted a relationship with Him. However that is not the case. Some people, including religious leaders, that we expect to be in heaven will not be. Many people know something about God. Only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted His forgiveness. Just admiring Jesus and His Words is not enough. We must turn from our sins and trust in God to save us.
Jesus was right outside the capital city of Jerusalem when He spoke these words. It broke Jesus’ heart as He beheld the groups of people, knowing that so many would not turn to Him for salvation (vs. 34). God has sent His prophets and preachers to the world, both in the past and certainly today, to tell His message of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and most often they are not accepted. Sometimes they are killed, and very often they are mocked and ridiculed.
Just as there is only the one road to get on in which to get into O’Hare Airport to get on a plane or pick up an arriving passenger, there is only one road, one gate, that will lead us to heaven. Not all roads lead to God and heaven. God offers salvation to everyone, but it is only through His Son, Jesus Christ that we have that salvation. If we come to God through Jesus, He will never turn us away. Jesus is the only door to heaven, and the only way for us to know the Father. Do not put off making the decision to get on this road because one day it will be too late for you.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Role Models
Philippians 3:17-4:1
As a boy picks up his baseball bat and practices hitting the ball, he tells his friends he is going to be just like his favorite baseball player. The little girl might dress up in her mother’s clothes, trying to be like her. Maybe she comes home from school and pretends to be like her teacher to her dolls. Many of us have, either consciously or subconsciously, followed role models. Our teachers encouraged us to be like the best student in class. Our parents told us to be like such and such a person. Even as adults we might try to act like someone we admire. In our Scripture today the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippian believers, encouraging them to follow godly examples in their Christian walk. Let’s look at this portion of the Book of Philippians and see what we can learn.
After we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, there should be a notable change in our behavior and conduct. We have become a new person, and both our outward and inward actions should reflect this. Writing to the Philippians, Paul urged these “baby Christians” to follow godly examples (vs. 17). When I was a young Christian there were a couple of older, very godly people whose Christ-like walk I wanted to follow. Paul encouraged believers to follow his example. Not that he believed himself to be perfect, but he knew the focus of his life, his striving, was to be like Jesus. Could we ask people the same thing - to follow our example to be more like Christ? New Christians should look for other godly believers whose conduct is worthy of following, and older Christians should strive to be that example.
Paul warns that not everyone who carries the name “Christian” is worthy of following the example of (vs. 18-19). Many do not live up to Jesus’ model. They want to satisfy their own desires, and don’t even think of the needs of others. There is a danger of false teachers that we need to beware of. They pose as true followers of Christ, but really they aren’t. Paul speaks quite plainly, and doesn’t mince words. He calls these people “enemies of the cross”. Jesus’ cross exposes us for who we really are - hopeless, helpless sinners who need a Savior. On that cross Jesus paid the price for our sins. Don’t be an enemy of the cross.
Paul writes on in his letter to the Philippian church, reminding them that heaven is a believer’s true home, not this earth (vs. 20). Our names are registered there (Luke 10:20). Our inheritance awaits us there (I Peter 1:4). This world has so fallen into sin. People may persecute us for our belief in Jesus, and for our stand for what is right. We should not get discouraged as we are not home yet. Do not be so tied to this world that we really don’t look forward to Jesus’ return, thinking that it would “interrupt” our worldly life.
Paul continues by telling of the new bodies that we will receive in heaven (vs. 21). When we believers die, we are immediately in the presence of God, and we are given a brand new body. There will be no sickness, no deformity, no failings. Our minds and bodies will be completely purified in God’s presence. The bodies we receive when we are raised from the dead will be glorious, like Jesus’ resurrected body.
Paul closes this passage by urging us to “stand fast” in the Lord (vs. 1). We shouldn’t let the unbelievers and “enemies of the cross” knock us over with their ungodly actions and examples. I think of American football players who try to stay standing and seek to get to their goal, while the opposing team keeps trying to knock them down and stop them. We need to stand firm like them. To stand firm we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Remember that this world is not our home!
As a boy picks up his baseball bat and practices hitting the ball, he tells his friends he is going to be just like his favorite baseball player. The little girl might dress up in her mother’s clothes, trying to be like her. Maybe she comes home from school and pretends to be like her teacher to her dolls. Many of us have, either consciously or subconsciously, followed role models. Our teachers encouraged us to be like the best student in class. Our parents told us to be like such and such a person. Even as adults we might try to act like someone we admire. In our Scripture today the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippian believers, encouraging them to follow godly examples in their Christian walk. Let’s look at this portion of the Book of Philippians and see what we can learn.
After we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, there should be a notable change in our behavior and conduct. We have become a new person, and both our outward and inward actions should reflect this. Writing to the Philippians, Paul urged these “baby Christians” to follow godly examples (vs. 17). When I was a young Christian there were a couple of older, very godly people whose Christ-like walk I wanted to follow. Paul encouraged believers to follow his example. Not that he believed himself to be perfect, but he knew the focus of his life, his striving, was to be like Jesus. Could we ask people the same thing - to follow our example to be more like Christ? New Christians should look for other godly believers whose conduct is worthy of following, and older Christians should strive to be that example.
Paul warns that not everyone who carries the name “Christian” is worthy of following the example of (vs. 18-19). Many do not live up to Jesus’ model. They want to satisfy their own desires, and don’t even think of the needs of others. There is a danger of false teachers that we need to beware of. They pose as true followers of Christ, but really they aren’t. Paul speaks quite plainly, and doesn’t mince words. He calls these people “enemies of the cross”. Jesus’ cross exposes us for who we really are - hopeless, helpless sinners who need a Savior. On that cross Jesus paid the price for our sins. Don’t be an enemy of the cross.
Paul writes on in his letter to the Philippian church, reminding them that heaven is a believer’s true home, not this earth (vs. 20). Our names are registered there (Luke 10:20). Our inheritance awaits us there (I Peter 1:4). This world has so fallen into sin. People may persecute us for our belief in Jesus, and for our stand for what is right. We should not get discouraged as we are not home yet. Do not be so tied to this world that we really don’t look forward to Jesus’ return, thinking that it would “interrupt” our worldly life.
Paul continues by telling of the new bodies that we will receive in heaven (vs. 21). When we believers die, we are immediately in the presence of God, and we are given a brand new body. There will be no sickness, no deformity, no failings. Our minds and bodies will be completely purified in God’s presence. The bodies we receive when we are raised from the dead will be glorious, like Jesus’ resurrected body.
Paul closes this passage by urging us to “stand fast” in the Lord (vs. 1). We shouldn’t let the unbelievers and “enemies of the cross” knock us over with their ungodly actions and examples. I think of American football players who try to stay standing and seek to get to their goal, while the opposing team keeps trying to knock them down and stop them. We need to stand firm like them. To stand firm we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Remember that this world is not our home!
Monday, March 18, 2019
Does God Hear Me?
Psalm 28
“You’re not listening to me! You’re not hearing a word I say!” How many people say this to their spouse, or parents say these words to their children each day? This can be very annoying. It can also make us think that the other person doesn’t care, or perhaps doesn’t love us anymore. How discouraging it is to feel that God doesn’t hear or listen to us! Most Christians at one time or another have felt this way, including King David from the Old Testament. Today’s Scripture passage from the Book of Psalms relates a time in David’s life when he felt that God just wasn’t paying any attention to him. Let’s take a look at this psalm and how David responded, and see what help we can get for those times when we, too, feel this way.
There are times for many Christians when God seems very distant. Some people have called this a “desert” time. You want to be close to God, but you feel like He is not there for you. It feels like you are in a desert, with no refreshment or relief. Your prayers seem to just bounce off of the ceiling. Though we don’t know the exact circumstances behind this psalm, this is how David was feeling.
Despair is a natural feeling in response to the silence of God. David wondered where God was while His enemies cause suffering, exploit the poor, and the godless rule over believers (vs. 1-5). He cries for God to stop being silent. If God continues to be silent, David feels that he might as well be dead (vs. 1). He wants God to show mercy and rescue His people, the believers, and to repay His enemies.
At this time in David’s life there were some who pretended friendship with him, but were really only seeking to further their own goals (vs. 3). Many of us have had this type of experience, having people who pretend to be our friend to our face, but then turn around and secretly stab us in the back. David had plenty of people in his life like this, especially being king. With God seemingly being silent, this was particularly distressing. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, though, David continued to pray and leave these false and wicked people in God’s hands. As king, he could have had these people destroyed, but instead he waited for God’s judgement, which he earnestly prayed for (vs. 3-4). Just like David did, when we have been attacked by others, whether physically, verbally, or in any other way, we should leave their fate in the hands of God.
Beginning in verse 6, and through the remainder of this psalm, David acknowledges that God was there, listening to his prayers and cries, all along. David knew, and we can as well, that God is our strength, and that He will be a shield for us from all attacks of the enemy (vs. 7). When we trust in God, relying on His strength and not our own, our heart will rejoice. Our faith is strengthened because God is still there, loving His children. He has always been there. God always hears the prayers of His Blood-bought children, and will answer them in their distress. Just like a little child gets scooped up by a loving parent, out of some predicament that they find themselves trapped in, so the Lord comes to our rescue when we call out to Him.
David ends this psalm with a prayer that the Lord God be a Shepherd to His people, and that He will bear them up in His strong and protective arms (vs. 9). David had spent his youth watching over his father’s flocks of sheep. He knew first-hand the loving care and protection that a good shepherd will give the sheep under his care. He knew, as well, that there are times that a shepherd will lift up and carry a lamb when needed. David saw that God gives this type of care to His people, and he prays that He will continue to do so. God blesses us with His presence every moment, not just in eternity. He will lead us and sustain us every day on earth.
“You’re not listening to me! You’re not hearing a word I say!” How many people say this to their spouse, or parents say these words to their children each day? This can be very annoying. It can also make us think that the other person doesn’t care, or perhaps doesn’t love us anymore. How discouraging it is to feel that God doesn’t hear or listen to us! Most Christians at one time or another have felt this way, including King David from the Old Testament. Today’s Scripture passage from the Book of Psalms relates a time in David’s life when he felt that God just wasn’t paying any attention to him. Let’s take a look at this psalm and how David responded, and see what help we can get for those times when we, too, feel this way.
There are times for many Christians when God seems very distant. Some people have called this a “desert” time. You want to be close to God, but you feel like He is not there for you. It feels like you are in a desert, with no refreshment or relief. Your prayers seem to just bounce off of the ceiling. Though we don’t know the exact circumstances behind this psalm, this is how David was feeling.
Despair is a natural feeling in response to the silence of God. David wondered where God was while His enemies cause suffering, exploit the poor, and the godless rule over believers (vs. 1-5). He cries for God to stop being silent. If God continues to be silent, David feels that he might as well be dead (vs. 1). He wants God to show mercy and rescue His people, the believers, and to repay His enemies.
At this time in David’s life there were some who pretended friendship with him, but were really only seeking to further their own goals (vs. 3). Many of us have had this type of experience, having people who pretend to be our friend to our face, but then turn around and secretly stab us in the back. David had plenty of people in his life like this, especially being king. With God seemingly being silent, this was particularly distressing. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, though, David continued to pray and leave these false and wicked people in God’s hands. As king, he could have had these people destroyed, but instead he waited for God’s judgement, which he earnestly prayed for (vs. 3-4). Just like David did, when we have been attacked by others, whether physically, verbally, or in any other way, we should leave their fate in the hands of God.
Beginning in verse 6, and through the remainder of this psalm, David acknowledges that God was there, listening to his prayers and cries, all along. David knew, and we can as well, that God is our strength, and that He will be a shield for us from all attacks of the enemy (vs. 7). When we trust in God, relying on His strength and not our own, our heart will rejoice. Our faith is strengthened because God is still there, loving His children. He has always been there. God always hears the prayers of His Blood-bought children, and will answer them in their distress. Just like a little child gets scooped up by a loving parent, out of some predicament that they find themselves trapped in, so the Lord comes to our rescue when we call out to Him.
David ends this psalm with a prayer that the Lord God be a Shepherd to His people, and that He will bear them up in His strong and protective arms (vs. 9). David had spent his youth watching over his father’s flocks of sheep. He knew first-hand the loving care and protection that a good shepherd will give the sheep under his care. He knew, as well, that there are times that a shepherd will lift up and carry a lamb when needed. David saw that God gives this type of care to His people, and he prays that He will continue to do so. God blesses us with His presence every moment, not just in eternity. He will lead us and sustain us every day on earth.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Waiting For The Promise
Genesis 15:1-18
How many of you ever had a promise made to you, perhaps by a parent, a spouse, or a good friend, yet you didn’t see that promise being kept? Your faith or trust in that person might diminish after that. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Genesis, we read about Abram (whose name was later changed to Abraham) and the promise that God made to him. Though it took many years before he saw that promise come to pass, Abram never slacked in his faith in God.
Abram and his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) were an elderly couple who never had any children. A couple of chapters prior to our passage for today, God had promised Abram that he would have a child, and that he would be the father of a nation (Genesis 12:2-3). Abram was 75 and his wife 65 at that time. Now he was well into his 80’s, and still no child. After rescuing his wayward nephew Lot, who was held hostage in the middle of a battle between several kings, the Lord appeared to Abram in a vision, promising that He would always be his shield and reward (vs. 1). God would always protect him and bless him. Abram thought on this, and though the Lord had abundantly blessed him financially, as he was an extremely wealthy man, he was still childless. Abram knew that God had promised him descendents, but that was about ten years ago, and at this time his heir was his chief steward, Eliezer, a servant. Abram loved God, and had a strong enough relationship with Him that he felt free to remind God of this fact (vs. 2-3).
God did not get angry at Abram for bringing up the fact that after many years, the promise He made to him is still unfulfilled. God takes Abram outside and shows him the myriad of stars in the night sky, and promises that his descendants will be as many as all the stars in the sky (vs. 4-5). Here is Abram, now in his mid-eighties, and his wife, Sarai, is in her mid-seventies, both well beyond any natural expectation of having any children. Yet God is renewing His promise of children to this elderly couple. This is seemingly beyond credibility, yet what does Abram do? In verse 6 we read that Abram believed the Lord. He had faith. He took God at His word, even though he and his wife were well past child-bearing age.
Verse 6 continues, saying that because Abram believed Him, God counted it to him for righteousness. It was Abram’s belief in, trust in, and faith in God that made him right with Him. It wasn’t any actions or works that did this. Abram didn’t need to give any huge offering or go on any pilgrimage. He didn’t need to start a homeless shelter or any other good work. Abram’s right relationship with God is based on faith - believing that God is who He says He is, and does what He says He will do. Even when Abram did not see how God would fulfill His promise for an heir, he trusted the Lord anyway.
This is the same way that we get saved. It is not any good works that we do that makes us righteous in God’s eyes. It is through belief and faith in God (Titus 3:5; Romans 4:6). When we have faith, like Abram did, God saves us and we are brought in to His family.
To show that He was assuring this promise to Abram, God made a suzerain covenant, which is a treaty between two unequal parties, one party being a superior (such as a king or lord), to the other party (such as a subject) (vs. 9-17). In ancient Biblical times with this type of covenant the animals would be brought for a sacrifice, and they would be cut in half and placed in two rows. The superior would walk between the sacrifice, publicly declaring he would keep the covenant. If he failed to, he would become like the slain animals. God performed this to guarantee His promises to Abram. Centuries later, God made a covenant with mankind when His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, became the sacrifice for us when He shed His Blood and gave His life on the cross of Calvary.
God’s timetable and ours are often different. We want things right away. We do not like to wait. God does not share our urgency for having something immediately. He often makes us wait for answers to our prayers. Like Abram, we need to practice faith and trust. He had waited about ten years already, and it would be another fifteen before the promised son, Isaac would be born. Like faithful, trusting Abram, let’s trust and believe.
How many of you ever had a promise made to you, perhaps by a parent, a spouse, or a good friend, yet you didn’t see that promise being kept? Your faith or trust in that person might diminish after that. In our Scripture passage today from the Book of Genesis, we read about Abram (whose name was later changed to Abraham) and the promise that God made to him. Though it took many years before he saw that promise come to pass, Abram never slacked in his faith in God.
Abram and his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) were an elderly couple who never had any children. A couple of chapters prior to our passage for today, God had promised Abram that he would have a child, and that he would be the father of a nation (Genesis 12:2-3). Abram was 75 and his wife 65 at that time. Now he was well into his 80’s, and still no child. After rescuing his wayward nephew Lot, who was held hostage in the middle of a battle between several kings, the Lord appeared to Abram in a vision, promising that He would always be his shield and reward (vs. 1). God would always protect him and bless him. Abram thought on this, and though the Lord had abundantly blessed him financially, as he was an extremely wealthy man, he was still childless. Abram knew that God had promised him descendents, but that was about ten years ago, and at this time his heir was his chief steward, Eliezer, a servant. Abram loved God, and had a strong enough relationship with Him that he felt free to remind God of this fact (vs. 2-3).
God did not get angry at Abram for bringing up the fact that after many years, the promise He made to him is still unfulfilled. God takes Abram outside and shows him the myriad of stars in the night sky, and promises that his descendants will be as many as all the stars in the sky (vs. 4-5). Here is Abram, now in his mid-eighties, and his wife, Sarai, is in her mid-seventies, both well beyond any natural expectation of having any children. Yet God is renewing His promise of children to this elderly couple. This is seemingly beyond credibility, yet what does Abram do? In verse 6 we read that Abram believed the Lord. He had faith. He took God at His word, even though he and his wife were well past child-bearing age.
Verse 6 continues, saying that because Abram believed Him, God counted it to him for righteousness. It was Abram’s belief in, trust in, and faith in God that made him right with Him. It wasn’t any actions or works that did this. Abram didn’t need to give any huge offering or go on any pilgrimage. He didn’t need to start a homeless shelter or any other good work. Abram’s right relationship with God is based on faith - believing that God is who He says He is, and does what He says He will do. Even when Abram did not see how God would fulfill His promise for an heir, he trusted the Lord anyway.
This is the same way that we get saved. It is not any good works that we do that makes us righteous in God’s eyes. It is through belief and faith in God (Titus 3:5; Romans 4:6). When we have faith, like Abram did, God saves us and we are brought in to His family.
To show that He was assuring this promise to Abram, God made a suzerain covenant, which is a treaty between two unequal parties, one party being a superior (such as a king or lord), to the other party (such as a subject) (vs. 9-17). In ancient Biblical times with this type of covenant the animals would be brought for a sacrifice, and they would be cut in half and placed in two rows. The superior would walk between the sacrifice, publicly declaring he would keep the covenant. If he failed to, he would become like the slain animals. God performed this to guarantee His promises to Abram. Centuries later, God made a covenant with mankind when His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, became the sacrifice for us when He shed His Blood and gave His life on the cross of Calvary.
God’s timetable and ours are often different. We want things right away. We do not like to wait. God does not share our urgency for having something immediately. He often makes us wait for answers to our prayers. Like Abram, we need to practice faith and trust. He had waited about ten years already, and it would be another fifteen before the promised son, Isaac would be born. Like faithful, trusting Abram, let’s trust and believe.
Friday, March 15, 2019
The Temptation of Jesus
Luke 4:1-13
Everyone feels temptations at various times. It is a human condition. We read in I John 2:16 that temptations come from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Temptation itself is not a sin. It is only a sin to give in to that temptation, something we’ve all done too many times. There is someone who was tempted, but who never gave in to sin, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15). Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke tells of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Let’s see what we can learn from this account.
Shortly after His baptism, Jesus was lead by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He was seriously tempted by Satan (vs. 1-2). For Jesus to be truly human, He had to face temptations. Jesus also had to be tempted in order to undo Adam’s fall. Adam gave in to temptation in the Garden of Eden and passed sin on to the whole human race. Jesus resisted temptation and Satan in the wilderness, and His victory brought salvation. Sometimes God leads us into the wilderness or into situations that are difficult. If we trust and obey Him, as Jesus did, asking Him to strengthen us for the testing, we will see victory.
Jesus had been fasting for forty days, and naturally was hungry. That was the first temptation that Satan used against Him (vs. 2-3). When Satan said “if you are the Son of God”, he knew that Jesus was God’s Son. He wanted to get Jesus to go against God’s plan, and to use His divine power to satisfy His own fleshly needs and desires. Satan was trying to get Jesus to immediately solve discomfort at the expense of God’s long range goals, and comfort at the sacrifice of discipline.
Satan tried to lure Jesus with the promise of giving Him all the kingdoms of the earth if He would bow down to him (vs. 5-7). Satan is the ruler of this world right now (John 12:31), and the god of this age (II Corinthians 4:4). Right now the world is in his power (I John 5:19). Jesus did not give in. He knew that if He waited, all this would be His anyway. We next read that Satan tried to get Jesus to use His divine power by jumping off the pinnacle of the Temple (vs. 9-11).
Jesus responded to each of Satan’s temptations with Scripture, in each of these cases with quotes from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:13-14; and 6:16). We should never use our own strength to battle Satan. Instead, use God’s Word. God’s Word, the Bible, is the only offensive weapon in the Christian’s armor (Ephesians 6:17) . To use this sword, the Word of God, we must first know it. Then we have to have faith in the Scriptures, and must also obey it. Christians need to read the Bible daily and apply it to our lives to have victory over Satan’s temptations.
Sometimes we find that people will use the Bible for their own crooked purposes. Satan did this in his temptations against Jesus (vs. 10-11). He totally twisted the meaning of these verses from Psalm 91:11-12, which he used to counter Jesus’ replies to temptation. We are to trust God, not test Him. By careful study and application of the Bible we can recognize when people are misapplying Scriptures, and avoid that mistake ourselves. Satan will twist Scripture, so learn God’s Word well.
Satan looks for opportune times to tempt us (vs. 13), often when we feel weakest or most discouraged. He will tempt us when we are vulnerable, hungry, sick or tired. Satan tells us God can’t be trusted, or to do things our own way. These were the types of temptations he threw towards Jesus. To fend off Satan’s attacks we need to walk daily with God, pray, study the Bible, and stay strong in the faith.
Satan does not tempt us with his many lures because he loves us and wants us to have a better life. He does this because he hates us, and wants to trap and control us. He strikes at our weakest moments, so we need to always be on our guard against his attacks by using God’s Word.
Everyone feels temptations at various times. It is a human condition. We read in I John 2:16 that temptations come from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Temptation itself is not a sin. It is only a sin to give in to that temptation, something we’ve all done too many times. There is someone who was tempted, but who never gave in to sin, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15). Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke tells of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Let’s see what we can learn from this account.
Shortly after His baptism, Jesus was lead by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where He was seriously tempted by Satan (vs. 1-2). For Jesus to be truly human, He had to face temptations. Jesus also had to be tempted in order to undo Adam’s fall. Adam gave in to temptation in the Garden of Eden and passed sin on to the whole human race. Jesus resisted temptation and Satan in the wilderness, and His victory brought salvation. Sometimes God leads us into the wilderness or into situations that are difficult. If we trust and obey Him, as Jesus did, asking Him to strengthen us for the testing, we will see victory.
Jesus had been fasting for forty days, and naturally was hungry. That was the first temptation that Satan used against Him (vs. 2-3). When Satan said “if you are the Son of God”, he knew that Jesus was God’s Son. He wanted to get Jesus to go against God’s plan, and to use His divine power to satisfy His own fleshly needs and desires. Satan was trying to get Jesus to immediately solve discomfort at the expense of God’s long range goals, and comfort at the sacrifice of discipline.
Satan tried to lure Jesus with the promise of giving Him all the kingdoms of the earth if He would bow down to him (vs. 5-7). Satan is the ruler of this world right now (John 12:31), and the god of this age (II Corinthians 4:4). Right now the world is in his power (I John 5:19). Jesus did not give in. He knew that if He waited, all this would be His anyway. We next read that Satan tried to get Jesus to use His divine power by jumping off the pinnacle of the Temple (vs. 9-11).
Jesus responded to each of Satan’s temptations with Scripture, in each of these cases with quotes from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:13-14; and 6:16). We should never use our own strength to battle Satan. Instead, use God’s Word. God’s Word, the Bible, is the only offensive weapon in the Christian’s armor (Ephesians 6:17) . To use this sword, the Word of God, we must first know it. Then we have to have faith in the Scriptures, and must also obey it. Christians need to read the Bible daily and apply it to our lives to have victory over Satan’s temptations.
Sometimes we find that people will use the Bible for their own crooked purposes. Satan did this in his temptations against Jesus (vs. 10-11). He totally twisted the meaning of these verses from Psalm 91:11-12, which he used to counter Jesus’ replies to temptation. We are to trust God, not test Him. By careful study and application of the Bible we can recognize when people are misapplying Scriptures, and avoid that mistake ourselves. Satan will twist Scripture, so learn God’s Word well.
Satan looks for opportune times to tempt us (vs. 13), often when we feel weakest or most discouraged. He will tempt us when we are vulnerable, hungry, sick or tired. Satan tells us God can’t be trusted, or to do things our own way. These were the types of temptations he threw towards Jesus. To fend off Satan’s attacks we need to walk daily with God, pray, study the Bible, and stay strong in the faith.
Satan does not tempt us with his many lures because he loves us and wants us to have a better life. He does this because he hates us, and wants to trap and control us. He strikes at our weakest moments, so we need to always be on our guard against his attacks by using God’s Word.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Confessing The Lord Jesus As Savior
Romans 10:8-13
As we read through Scriptures, we see that one needs to be saved in order to enter heaven when one dies. Many people have mistakenly thought that one gets to heaven by living a “good” life and performing “good” deeds, but the Bible is clear that it is not good works that ensures heaven. It is salvation through God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. How does one get saved? Paul, in our passage here from the Book of Romans, gives us a clear answer. Let’s take a close look, and my prayer is, if someone reading this has not taken this step, that they will do that today.
In verse 8, the “it” that Paul refers to is the Word of God, the Bible, and he quotes from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy 30:14. God has clearly revealed the way of salvation through His Word, Bible. God’s way of salvation is right in front of us. It is not something hidden from knowledge. We need to respond to it, and accept His gift of salvation to us. And for those of us who are already saved, we need to be preaching the Word of God in our churches today. The lost do not need “feel good” messages, but old fashioned salvation through the Blood of Jesus.
Verse 9 tells us very clearly that salvation can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. No amount of good works can ever be sufficient to earn God’s approval, nor following any other religion. Confessing the Lord Jesus is not simply acknowledging that Jesus is God. Even the demons acknowledge this (James 2:19). It is having a deep, personal conviction, without any reservations, that Jesus is one’s own personal Savior. It includes repentance from sin, trusting Jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord.
Paul also states in verse 9 that one must believe in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. Belief in the resurrection is necessary for salvation. The resurrection proved that Jesus was who He said He was. It also showed that God the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice in place of the sinners. Without the resurrection, there is no salvation.
The “confession” in verse 10 means to be in agreement with someone. If we confess Jesus is Lord, we are in agreement with God the Father. This is a promise of God to us, but one that is a conditional promise. We have to do our part, which is to confess and believe. Then God will do His part, which is to save us, and take us to heaven when we die. We can trust that God will keep His side of the agreement (vs. 11). If we call upon Him for salvation, He will save us. He will never fail to provide forgiveness and salvation to all who ask.
Verse 11 gives us a reference from Isaiah 49:23. Salvation by grace through faith alone has always been God’s plan. No one, including Gentiles, was ever to be excluded (vs. 12). The word “whoever” includes everyone. There is no distinction made by God to whoever comes to Him for salvation. All are welcomed and accepted, whether Jew, Gentile, male, female, any race, any nationality.
Paul concludes this passage in verse 13 with a quote from the prophet Joel 2:32. Salvation is available for everyone of all nations and races. To call on the Name of the Lord is calling to the one, true God as He has revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation is as close as our own mouth and heart. It is not a complicated process. If we believe, not just head knowledge, but with our heart, that Jesus is God’s Son and Savior, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. Come to the Savior today! He has shown you the way.
As we read through Scriptures, we see that one needs to be saved in order to enter heaven when one dies. Many people have mistakenly thought that one gets to heaven by living a “good” life and performing “good” deeds, but the Bible is clear that it is not good works that ensures heaven. It is salvation through God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. How does one get saved? Paul, in our passage here from the Book of Romans, gives us a clear answer. Let’s take a close look, and my prayer is, if someone reading this has not taken this step, that they will do that today.
In verse 8, the “it” that Paul refers to is the Word of God, the Bible, and he quotes from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy 30:14. God has clearly revealed the way of salvation through His Word, Bible. God’s way of salvation is right in front of us. It is not something hidden from knowledge. We need to respond to it, and accept His gift of salvation to us. And for those of us who are already saved, we need to be preaching the Word of God in our churches today. The lost do not need “feel good” messages, but old fashioned salvation through the Blood of Jesus.
Verse 9 tells us very clearly that salvation can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. No amount of good works can ever be sufficient to earn God’s approval, nor following any other religion. Confessing the Lord Jesus is not simply acknowledging that Jesus is God. Even the demons acknowledge this (James 2:19). It is having a deep, personal conviction, without any reservations, that Jesus is one’s own personal Savior. It includes repentance from sin, trusting Jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord.
Paul also states in verse 9 that one must believe in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. Belief in the resurrection is necessary for salvation. The resurrection proved that Jesus was who He said He was. It also showed that God the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice in place of the sinners. Without the resurrection, there is no salvation.
The “confession” in verse 10 means to be in agreement with someone. If we confess Jesus is Lord, we are in agreement with God the Father. This is a promise of God to us, but one that is a conditional promise. We have to do our part, which is to confess and believe. Then God will do His part, which is to save us, and take us to heaven when we die. We can trust that God will keep His side of the agreement (vs. 11). If we call upon Him for salvation, He will save us. He will never fail to provide forgiveness and salvation to all who ask.
Verse 11 gives us a reference from Isaiah 49:23. Salvation by grace through faith alone has always been God’s plan. No one, including Gentiles, was ever to be excluded (vs. 12). The word “whoever” includes everyone. There is no distinction made by God to whoever comes to Him for salvation. All are welcomed and accepted, whether Jew, Gentile, male, female, any race, any nationality.
Paul concludes this passage in verse 13 with a quote from the prophet Joel 2:32. Salvation is available for everyone of all nations and races. To call on the Name of the Lord is calling to the one, true God as He has revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation is as close as our own mouth and heart. It is not a complicated process. If we believe, not just head knowledge, but with our heart, that Jesus is God’s Son and Savior, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. Come to the Savior today! He has shown you the way.
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