Acts 10:34-38
Growing up did you ever feel that some of the adults in your life had favorites, and perhaps you were not in that select group? Maybe you felt that the teacher had some students he or she favored, the “teacher’s pet”. Perhaps you came from a family with several siblings, and you felt that your parents favored one over the others, the one with better looks, skills, or grades. When the neighborhood children would gather in the park and pick teams for a game, it would always be painful for the child who was picked last. Favoritism doesn’t end when one becomes an adult, as we can see it in the office place, as well. How about God? Do you ever feel as if God has favorites? Let’s take a look at what Scripture says. Our passage today contains a message from St. Peter in the Book of Acts which should give us an answer to that question.
Just prior to when our passage opens God had directed Peter to go to the house of a gentleman, Cornelius, who was a Gentile, a non-Jewish person. Gentiles were one group who, at that time, could feel as if God had favorites, and they sure weren’t it. The Jewish believers had, for several years after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, been reluctant to share the Gospel message of salvation with any Gentiles, as Jesus had instructed them to. Now God had instructed Peter to go to Cornelius’ home and present them with the Gospel. Peter’s eyes and heart were opened up, and he realized that God’s message is for everyone.
What about today? That was the past, back in the days of the early church. Is it the same today? Does God welcome anyone into His Church? If some one of us were to go into a church service that we don’t typically attend some Sunday morning in our community, or some church in the next village or the next state, or even in some other country, would we feel welcomed? When Jesus was talking to His disciples He told them quite clearly that He had one flock (John 10:16). He didn’t say He had several flocks, one for Jews, one for Gentiles, one for whites, one for blacks, one for Asians. He didn’t say rich sheep over here, poor sheep over there, good looking up front. Jesus said that He had one flock and one Shepherd. Over the years, though, we seem to have forgotten that. Religious division is not His idea. The only requirement to be a part of Jesus’ flock is accepting Him as Savior. It is not what race or nationality we belong to. It is not whether we are rich or poor, or have multiple university degrees. Unfortunately many people today like to think that God’s flock would exclude this or that church denomination. There are no separate areas in heaven, Anglicans over here, Lutherans over there, Roman Catholics to the right, Baptists to the left, etc. As long as any person holds to Biblical truths, God shows no partiality.
Those who really, genuinely seek God will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). However, it is not enough to just seek God. We must find Him. Believers must be ready to tell those who seek God all about Him (Romans 10:14-15; I Peter 3:15). Are we willing to tell those who are seeking the Good News about Jesus? Do we let prejudicial barriers stand in the way? How can someone find God if we aren’t pointing the way?
The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone! We should not allow any barriers - language, cultural differences, geography, economic or educational level keep us from telling others about Jesus.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Monday, January 13, 2020
Promises
Psalm 89
“She promised me she would do this!” “He gave me his word that he would do that!” How often do we hear promises from others that they would do this or that, only to see that never happen? A boss promises an employee something, a parent promises a child something, a friend, a spouse, so many people make promises, yet they are quickly broken or forgotten. A man or woman of their word, of integrity, is sometimes not too easy to find. It is easy to become cynical. We can take comfort, though, that when God makes a promise, He will keep it. In our psalm for this week, Psalm 89, we read of one particular promise that He made, that of the Messiah through the family line of King David.
God had promised King David that his descendants would reign on the throne forever (vs. 3-4, 19-29, 33-37). However, King Rehoboam, his grandson through King Solomon, lost half of the kingdom. Then within a few hundred years, Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the people taken into captivity by Babylon, and the Davidic dynasty came to a disgraceful end. They were punished because of their continual disobedience, but God never broke faith with them. Despite their rampant idolatry and evil, the nation divided and later being exiled, there was always a faithful, godly remnant. God can always be trusted to keep His Word.
As most of us have found out at one time or another, people will fail us. We soon find out that everyone, at one time or another, will let us down and that they are not always reliable. The people of Israel could have looked at what had happened to their kings, and believed that the promises of God were no better than those of anyone else. God, however, is reliable and dependable. He will never let us down. It may have looked like, from a human standpoint, that this promise went by the wayside. Sometimes it looks like His promises to us have gone that way, as well. However, the eternal throne and kingdom God was talking about here was not an earthly throne with an earthly king. It was a heavenly throne with a heavenly king, the Messiah, the Son of God. God fulfilled His promise to David through Jesus Christ (vs. 35-36). Jesus fulfilled over 300 Biblical prophecies.
Sometimes the Lord needs to discipline us, just as He did Israel (vs. 30-33). At those times it may seem as if God is hiding Himself. It sure did to the people of Israel then (vs. 46). The throne was gone, the capital was gone, and the promise seemed to be, as well. However, God will never reject His Blood-bought children. His mercy is everlasting (Hebrews 12:5-11). God did keep His promise through His Son, Jesus, born through the family line of David.
Just like David was chosen by God from among the common folk to become king, (vs. 19), Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth and became a man, like us. He has become a brother to believers. We now have a brother in heaven! We may be poor, but He is rich! He is King! Jesus is a brother born for adversity. He knows our wants and needs, and sympathizes with us.
God is always faithful and reliable, and will always keep His promises. That is consistent with His very nature (vs. 5). Righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness are part of God’s character and of His rule over creation (vs. 14-15). As His children and believers, our actions should show that, as well. The Source of our security has not changed since this Psalm was written. God kept His Word and promises back then, and He keeps them today. He is still the only certainty in this life. We can count on the One who is faithful, just, and loving.
“She promised me she would do this!” “He gave me his word that he would do that!” How often do we hear promises from others that they would do this or that, only to see that never happen? A boss promises an employee something, a parent promises a child something, a friend, a spouse, so many people make promises, yet they are quickly broken or forgotten. A man or woman of their word, of integrity, is sometimes not too easy to find. It is easy to become cynical. We can take comfort, though, that when God makes a promise, He will keep it. In our psalm for this week, Psalm 89, we read of one particular promise that He made, that of the Messiah through the family line of King David.
God had promised King David that his descendants would reign on the throne forever (vs. 3-4, 19-29, 33-37). However, King Rehoboam, his grandson through King Solomon, lost half of the kingdom. Then within a few hundred years, Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the people taken into captivity by Babylon, and the Davidic dynasty came to a disgraceful end. They were punished because of their continual disobedience, but God never broke faith with them. Despite their rampant idolatry and evil, the nation divided and later being exiled, there was always a faithful, godly remnant. God can always be trusted to keep His Word.
As most of us have found out at one time or another, people will fail us. We soon find out that everyone, at one time or another, will let us down and that they are not always reliable. The people of Israel could have looked at what had happened to their kings, and believed that the promises of God were no better than those of anyone else. God, however, is reliable and dependable. He will never let us down. It may have looked like, from a human standpoint, that this promise went by the wayside. Sometimes it looks like His promises to us have gone that way, as well. However, the eternal throne and kingdom God was talking about here was not an earthly throne with an earthly king. It was a heavenly throne with a heavenly king, the Messiah, the Son of God. God fulfilled His promise to David through Jesus Christ (vs. 35-36). Jesus fulfilled over 300 Biblical prophecies.
Sometimes the Lord needs to discipline us, just as He did Israel (vs. 30-33). At those times it may seem as if God is hiding Himself. It sure did to the people of Israel then (vs. 46). The throne was gone, the capital was gone, and the promise seemed to be, as well. However, God will never reject His Blood-bought children. His mercy is everlasting (Hebrews 12:5-11). God did keep His promise through His Son, Jesus, born through the family line of David.
Just like David was chosen by God from among the common folk to become king, (vs. 19), Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth and became a man, like us. He has become a brother to believers. We now have a brother in heaven! We may be poor, but He is rich! He is King! Jesus is a brother born for adversity. He knows our wants and needs, and sympathizes with us.
God is always faithful and reliable, and will always keep His promises. That is consistent with His very nature (vs. 5). Righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness are part of God’s character and of His rule over creation (vs. 14-15). As His children and believers, our actions should show that, as well. The Source of our security has not changed since this Psalm was written. God kept His Word and promises back then, and He keeps them today. He is still the only certainty in this life. We can count on the One who is faithful, just, and loving.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Hope For The Discouraged
Isaiah 42:1-9
So many people, including believers, feel broken and bruised in life. Life has been hard and harsh for them. They have been rejected by so many people, sometimes unfortunately, even by those in the Church. The world just loves to crush those who are already down, and it is so easy to just give up all hope, feeling that even God has abandoned us. All those who feel like this should take heart, though, as our passage today from Isaiah tells us.
As our passage opens, Isaiah introduces us to God’s Servant (vs. 1). This servant of the Lord is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God’s Chosen One, in whom He delights. Jesus had God’s Spirit upon Him all throughout His ministry. Isaiah proceeds to describe the character of this Servant. When Jesus first came to earth 2,000 years ago He had a quiet and submissive demeanor (vs. 2). All throughout His ministry, Jesus was humble, and did not seek a “super-star” role. He obeyed the Father in all things.
Jesus also brought comfort and encouragement to the weak and oppressed (vs. 3). God lifts up those who are broken in spirit. He treats the broken with tenderness. There are multitudes of people who feel like this. They are broken, weak, and oppressed with nowhere to turn. Jesus calls them to Himself. “Come unto Me”, He says to us when we are weary and tired of the world kicking us down (Matthew 11:28-30). God does not crush those who turn their hearts to Him. When we feel broken, bruised, and burned out, God won’t toss us out as useless. Many have felt used, abused, and tossed to the curb by others throughout their life. However, God will never treat people that way. Jesus is gentle and encouraging. He is just and truthful.
Jesus fulfilled verses 1a and 2-3 at His first coming. He will fulfill verses 1b and 4 at His second coming. At that time Jesus will rule the earth with perfect justice. In Jesus’ coming millennial kingdom all the nations of the world will experience the righteousness and justice of the Messiah. As verse 6 says, Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant than the one that came through Moses (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6). Jesus came to be a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). For countless centuries they had been in spiritual darkness. Jesus offers salvation to everyone, Jewish, Gentile, male, female, with no discrimination (Galatians 3:28).
Jesus frequently brought physical healing to the blind. However, what is more important is that He brought spiritual sight to the spiritually blind (vs. 7). All religions that who do not hold to the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, only bring spiritual blindness. Yahweh does not, and will not, share worship with the beliefs of any false religion (vs. 8). When we turn to Jesus, and only Jesus, for salvation, the Light of His Truth will come shining through into our souls, and we receive sight.
Jesus set those who were spiritually captive free. Sometimes we need to be set free from things that hold us captive, such as addictions, bad relationships, debt, etc. We often cannot do it in our own power. Jesus has come to set the captive free. If we know someone who is in some type of bondage, as believers, we need to pray fervently for them. Prison bars cannot withstand the power of God. He can break the strongest of chains. We must claim Jesus’ victory in our life and walk in His light. He has set us free!
So many people, including believers, feel broken and bruised in life. Life has been hard and harsh for them. They have been rejected by so many people, sometimes unfortunately, even by those in the Church. The world just loves to crush those who are already down, and it is so easy to just give up all hope, feeling that even God has abandoned us. All those who feel like this should take heart, though, as our passage today from Isaiah tells us.
As our passage opens, Isaiah introduces us to God’s Servant (vs. 1). This servant of the Lord is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God’s Chosen One, in whom He delights. Jesus had God’s Spirit upon Him all throughout His ministry. Isaiah proceeds to describe the character of this Servant. When Jesus first came to earth 2,000 years ago He had a quiet and submissive demeanor (vs. 2). All throughout His ministry, Jesus was humble, and did not seek a “super-star” role. He obeyed the Father in all things.
Jesus also brought comfort and encouragement to the weak and oppressed (vs. 3). God lifts up those who are broken in spirit. He treats the broken with tenderness. There are multitudes of people who feel like this. They are broken, weak, and oppressed with nowhere to turn. Jesus calls them to Himself. “Come unto Me”, He says to us when we are weary and tired of the world kicking us down (Matthew 11:28-30). God does not crush those who turn their hearts to Him. When we feel broken, bruised, and burned out, God won’t toss us out as useless. Many have felt used, abused, and tossed to the curb by others throughout their life. However, God will never treat people that way. Jesus is gentle and encouraging. He is just and truthful.
Jesus fulfilled verses 1a and 2-3 at His first coming. He will fulfill verses 1b and 4 at His second coming. At that time Jesus will rule the earth with perfect justice. In Jesus’ coming millennial kingdom all the nations of the world will experience the righteousness and justice of the Messiah. As verse 6 says, Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant than the one that came through Moses (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6). Jesus came to be a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). For countless centuries they had been in spiritual darkness. Jesus offers salvation to everyone, Jewish, Gentile, male, female, with no discrimination (Galatians 3:28).
Jesus frequently brought physical healing to the blind. However, what is more important is that He brought spiritual sight to the spiritually blind (vs. 7). All religions that who do not hold to the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, only bring spiritual blindness. Yahweh does not, and will not, share worship with the beliefs of any false religion (vs. 8). When we turn to Jesus, and only Jesus, for salvation, the Light of His Truth will come shining through into our souls, and we receive sight.
Jesus set those who were spiritually captive free. Sometimes we need to be set free from things that hold us captive, such as addictions, bad relationships, debt, etc. We often cannot do it in our own power. Jesus has come to set the captive free. If we know someone who is in some type of bondage, as believers, we need to pray fervently for them. Prison bars cannot withstand the power of God. He can break the strongest of chains. We must claim Jesus’ victory in our life and walk in His light. He has set us free!
Friday, January 10, 2020
The Boy Jesus In The Temple
Luke 2:41-52
Our passage from the Gospel of Luke today is the only mention of Jesus’ life from between his birth and His baptism and start of His ministry. The Scriptures have remained silent about any events and happenings during Jesus’ childhood, youth, and young adulthood, with the exception of this one event. There have been some, generally fanciful, extra-biblical legends about some events in Jesus’ childhood, which no reliable Christian denomination holds as true and authoritative. Let’s take a look at this single account from the childhood of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
Our passage begins with Jesus and His family traveling from their home in Nazareth south to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (vs. 41-42). Devout Jews would try, if possible, to go to Jerusalem for the religious festivals, particularly the Passover. They would travel in large caravans with friends, relatives, and neighbors for protection and safety. The distance between Nazareth and Jerusalem is approximately 65 miles. This trip was made on foot, and would take several days, especially since devout Jews would take a longer route than the 65 mile direct route in order to avoid going through areas where the Samaritans lived. While the caravans would travel going and returning the women and children would tend to be together, and the men with each other.
On this one occasion during the family’s trip to Jerusalem for Passover when Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph packed up and left with the group, inadvertently leaving without Jesus being with them (vs. 43-44). His parents must have thought that Jesus was with the other one, since at age twelve He could conceivably been in either group, walking with a friend of His and their family. Jesus’ lingering was neither mischievous nor disobedient, but simply a mistaken presumption on the part of His parents.
Imagine the worry and fear that was going through both Mary and Joseph. Where could He be? They searched up and down every street and alley, in every possible shop that He might be interested in. Finally, they go to the Temple where they find Jesus talking with the teachers, scribes and elders. This is the first place they should have looked for Him! Jesus was not hiding nor being defiant. He did precisely what any child should do who had been left behind - go to a safe, public place, in the company of trusted adults, where His parents could find Him. Jesus was not being insolent, either. He was genuinely surprised that they didn’t know where to look for Him (vs. 48-49). At age twelve, Jesus had a clear consciousness of His identity and mission. Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was God’s Son, but at this time they could not possibly have known what His mission would involve. They had to raise Him as a normal child. They knew He was unique, but they did not know what was going on in His mind.
Here Jesus was, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Triune God, talking with the Temple teachers and elders, asking and answering questions. Jesus is God, but He was respectful, taking the role of a student (vs. 46). Even at His young age, Jesus’ questions showed wisdom that put the teachers to shame. God’s wisdom is astounding. The teachers of the Old Testament Law and Temple scholars were amazed at Jesus’ insights (vs. 47). The Lord’s knowledge and understanding are available to all Christians who believe with faith (Proverbs 9:10). If we need God’s wisdom for a situation, then we need to trust and obey Him, and He will reveal Himself to us if we seek Him.
Jesus was the Son of God, but while living on earth as a child, He placed Himself under the care and authority of His earthly mother and stepfather, Mary and Joseph (vs. 51). Jesus submitted to them, not as an inferior, but as an example of obedience to us. Jesus was both fully divine and fully human (vs. 52). He had a normal childhood and adolescence. Jesus went through the same progressions we all do. As our passage concludes, Luke gave us just a small peek into the “hidden years” of Jesus, the time between His birth in Bethlehem to the start of His ministry, some 30+ years later. We are shown a young man who was obedient to His parents, and also had God’s wisdom and understanding.
Our passage from the Gospel of Luke today is the only mention of Jesus’ life from between his birth and His baptism and start of His ministry. The Scriptures have remained silent about any events and happenings during Jesus’ childhood, youth, and young adulthood, with the exception of this one event. There have been some, generally fanciful, extra-biblical legends about some events in Jesus’ childhood, which no reliable Christian denomination holds as true and authoritative. Let’s take a look at this single account from the childhood of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
Our passage begins with Jesus and His family traveling from their home in Nazareth south to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (vs. 41-42). Devout Jews would try, if possible, to go to Jerusalem for the religious festivals, particularly the Passover. They would travel in large caravans with friends, relatives, and neighbors for protection and safety. The distance between Nazareth and Jerusalem is approximately 65 miles. This trip was made on foot, and would take several days, especially since devout Jews would take a longer route than the 65 mile direct route in order to avoid going through areas where the Samaritans lived. While the caravans would travel going and returning the women and children would tend to be together, and the men with each other.
On this one occasion during the family’s trip to Jerusalem for Passover when Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph packed up and left with the group, inadvertently leaving without Jesus being with them (vs. 43-44). His parents must have thought that Jesus was with the other one, since at age twelve He could conceivably been in either group, walking with a friend of His and their family. Jesus’ lingering was neither mischievous nor disobedient, but simply a mistaken presumption on the part of His parents.
Imagine the worry and fear that was going through both Mary and Joseph. Where could He be? They searched up and down every street and alley, in every possible shop that He might be interested in. Finally, they go to the Temple where they find Jesus talking with the teachers, scribes and elders. This is the first place they should have looked for Him! Jesus was not hiding nor being defiant. He did precisely what any child should do who had been left behind - go to a safe, public place, in the company of trusted adults, where His parents could find Him. Jesus was not being insolent, either. He was genuinely surprised that they didn’t know where to look for Him (vs. 48-49). At age twelve, Jesus had a clear consciousness of His identity and mission. Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was God’s Son, but at this time they could not possibly have known what His mission would involve. They had to raise Him as a normal child. They knew He was unique, but they did not know what was going on in His mind.
Here Jesus was, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Triune God, talking with the Temple teachers and elders, asking and answering questions. Jesus is God, but He was respectful, taking the role of a student (vs. 46). Even at His young age, Jesus’ questions showed wisdom that put the teachers to shame. God’s wisdom is astounding. The teachers of the Old Testament Law and Temple scholars were amazed at Jesus’ insights (vs. 47). The Lord’s knowledge and understanding are available to all Christians who believe with faith (Proverbs 9:10). If we need God’s wisdom for a situation, then we need to trust and obey Him, and He will reveal Himself to us if we seek Him.
Jesus was the Son of God, but while living on earth as a child, He placed Himself under the care and authority of His earthly mother and stepfather, Mary and Joseph (vs. 51). Jesus submitted to them, not as an inferior, but as an example of obedience to us. Jesus was both fully divine and fully human (vs. 52). He had a normal childhood and adolescence. Jesus went through the same progressions we all do. As our passage concludes, Luke gave us just a small peek into the “hidden years” of Jesus, the time between His birth in Bethlehem to the start of His ministry, some 30+ years later. We are shown a young man who was obedient to His parents, and also had God’s wisdom and understanding.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
What Christ Has Given Us
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-20
Imagine your boss at work has just given you an assignment to fulfill, or you are taking an art class and have been given a project to do. How can I do this work if I don’t have the equipment needed? I don’t have the right tools or all the information I need. I want to go on a camping trip, but I don’t have the right equipment. What can I do? Then the boss or the art teacher tells me that I do have the material, it’s right there in a box by the work table, or in folders on my desk, or the camping equipment already packed in my car. It has already been given to me. What about living my Christian life? After becoming a Christian, how am I able to follow that path, and live a victorious Christian life? How can I accomplish that? In our passage today from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, we can see what God has given us in order to live a victorious life.
After we become a Christian, it sometimes might seem like a daunting task to follow the Lord, obey His Word, and live for Him. How can I do it? How do I love as I should, forgive others, and live with the fruits of the Spirit active in my life? We do have all that we need to live victoriously, though. Jesus has already secured for us every spiritual blessing that God has available for believers (vs. 3). Here are some of the blessings we have through Christ: We have the privilege of knowing God intimately. We were chosen for salvation, and have been adopted into God’s family as His children. God has granted us forgiveness of sins, given us spiritual insights into His Scriptures, and all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have the power to do God’s will, and the hope of living forever with Jesus (vs. 4-6).
These are blessings we can enjoy now. They come from God in heaven, not from any earthly source. No one can steal them from us, or hold them back. We need to stop living like spiritual paupers, as if we have nothing. If we wish to enjoy all that has been given to us, we must delight ourselves in the Lord our Savior. God’s abundant blessings belong only to believers who are His children by faith in Christ. What He has is also ours.
We are not saved because we deserve it. God graciously and freely gives salvation to all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Unrighteous people are declared righteous, unworthy sinners are declared worthy through the imputed righteousness of Jesus, granted us in salvation. We cannot take credit or pride in our salvation. God chose us before creation (vs. 4). The mystery of salvation originated in the timeless mind of God long before we existed. We were marked out beforehand, chosen, and adopted into God’s family (vs. 5). God graciously accepts us, even though we don’t deserve it, now that we belong to His Son.
There is a big difference between having the blessings of God and actually enjoying them. We need to learn what blessings God has provided for us, and then laying hold of them by faith (vs. 18). The more that we know of Jesus, the more we will be like Him. The hope we have through Jesus is a complete assurance of certain victory through God, not merely wishful thinking.
Paul prayed that we will know the power of God, and know Him (vs. 19-20). This is the power that defeated death, raised Jesus to life, and can now work in the lives of believers. We can know the power of God in our lives today, and we can trust that He can and will help us with all that concerns us. God’s incomparable power, that same power that raised Jesus from death, is available to help us in any need. Nothing is too difficult for Him. If death was not too difficult for Him, then certainly nothing we face today is either.
God has abundantly blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Jesus offers us abundant life now (John 10:10). We need to be living like it, live like we have His abundant life. We can tap into the endless supply of God’s grace. Eternity begins the moment we are saved. We don’t need to wait until heaven to enjoy God’s blessings. These blessings are ours. We use other tools to help us in our life. We need to take hold upon all that God has given us in order to live the life God wishes us to.
Imagine your boss at work has just given you an assignment to fulfill, or you are taking an art class and have been given a project to do. How can I do this work if I don’t have the equipment needed? I don’t have the right tools or all the information I need. I want to go on a camping trip, but I don’t have the right equipment. What can I do? Then the boss or the art teacher tells me that I do have the material, it’s right there in a box by the work table, or in folders on my desk, or the camping equipment already packed in my car. It has already been given to me. What about living my Christian life? After becoming a Christian, how am I able to follow that path, and live a victorious Christian life? How can I accomplish that? In our passage today from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, we can see what God has given us in order to live a victorious life.
After we become a Christian, it sometimes might seem like a daunting task to follow the Lord, obey His Word, and live for Him. How can I do it? How do I love as I should, forgive others, and live with the fruits of the Spirit active in my life? We do have all that we need to live victoriously, though. Jesus has already secured for us every spiritual blessing that God has available for believers (vs. 3). Here are some of the blessings we have through Christ: We have the privilege of knowing God intimately. We were chosen for salvation, and have been adopted into God’s family as His children. God has granted us forgiveness of sins, given us spiritual insights into His Scriptures, and all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have the power to do God’s will, and the hope of living forever with Jesus (vs. 4-6).
These are blessings we can enjoy now. They come from God in heaven, not from any earthly source. No one can steal them from us, or hold them back. We need to stop living like spiritual paupers, as if we have nothing. If we wish to enjoy all that has been given to us, we must delight ourselves in the Lord our Savior. God’s abundant blessings belong only to believers who are His children by faith in Christ. What He has is also ours.
We are not saved because we deserve it. God graciously and freely gives salvation to all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Unrighteous people are declared righteous, unworthy sinners are declared worthy through the imputed righteousness of Jesus, granted us in salvation. We cannot take credit or pride in our salvation. God chose us before creation (vs. 4). The mystery of salvation originated in the timeless mind of God long before we existed. We were marked out beforehand, chosen, and adopted into God’s family (vs. 5). God graciously accepts us, even though we don’t deserve it, now that we belong to His Son.
There is a big difference between having the blessings of God and actually enjoying them. We need to learn what blessings God has provided for us, and then laying hold of them by faith (vs. 18). The more that we know of Jesus, the more we will be like Him. The hope we have through Jesus is a complete assurance of certain victory through God, not merely wishful thinking.
Paul prayed that we will know the power of God, and know Him (vs. 19-20). This is the power that defeated death, raised Jesus to life, and can now work in the lives of believers. We can know the power of God in our lives today, and we can trust that He can and will help us with all that concerns us. God’s incomparable power, that same power that raised Jesus from death, is available to help us in any need. Nothing is too difficult for Him. If death was not too difficult for Him, then certainly nothing we face today is either.
God has abundantly blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Jesus offers us abundant life now (John 10:10). We need to be living like it, live like we have His abundant life. We can tap into the endless supply of God’s grace. Eternity begins the moment we are saved. We don’t need to wait until heaven to enjoy God’s blessings. These blessings are ours. We use other tools to help us in our life. We need to take hold upon all that God has given us in order to live the life God wishes us to.
Monday, January 6, 2020
A Refuge In Times Of Trouble
Psalm 91
This world in which we live in can often feel like a scary place, where troubles of all sorts abound. Turn the evening news on TV, or go to any news website and what do we hear? The threat of war, or actual conflicts between nations or groups of people. Wildfires, flooding, various types of dangerous storms all across the globe. Shootings and killings in the streets of big cities. Terrorist attacks. All of these, plus our own worries that we carry with financial and various health issues we deal with. Sometimes we may wish that we could run to a safe place where the problems and fears cannot reach us. The author of our psalm today had similar fears that he faced, just like we do - war, enemies, illness. He wanted to run, too. Where did he run to? Let’s take a look at our psalm and see.
When we are outside walking, and a heavy thunderstorm comes, we will try to find a place of shelter to get in from the pouring rain. How about when the storms of life happen? We need to take shelter then, too, but where? What can protect us then? Many of the things people try, such as drugs, alcohol, illicit relationships, all prove to be worthless, and only bring more trouble. Our psalmist sought shelter and refuge in the Lord God (vs. 1-2). To him, Yahweh was a refuge, a place he could run to when any of life’s storms started to rage. He also called God his fortress. In times past, when cities had walls around them, they would have a fortress, where the townsfolk could run to when an enemy attacked the city. The walls were thick, and they could be safe from attack. Yahweh is our fortress. With Him as our Savior, we are safe from the attack of any enemy, especially the enemy of our souls, Satan.
Our psalmist sought a “secret place” with God (vs. 1). That is a place of close, intimate communion and fellowship with Him. The way we dwell in the secret place is through continuous thanksgiving, praise, and worship. This will lead us into constant communion with Him. When we are in the presence of the Lord, we have nothing to fear. The power of the Presence of God will take away all despair and doubt as we fellowship with Him.
As our Scripture passage continues, we read of some of the things that the psalmist was afraid of. He feared being trapped by his enemies, just like a bird is trapped (vs. 3). He feared being hit by an arrow or enemy weapons (vs. 5), and also deadly diseases (vs. 6). These are fears that we have today, as well. Enemies of ours can plot against us, laying a trap or snare to catch us. Today the worry would be more one of bullets that fly (vs. 5), rather than arrows. Whether it is in a time of war, or from criminals or street gangs, that is a fear many have. Deadly diseases strike today, just as swiftly as they did centuries ago (vs. 6). These problems and attacks come at all times of the day and night (vs. 5-6).
What did our psalmist do with these fears? Did he let them drive him into a frenzy of panic? No! Instead, he took refuge in Yahweh. He imagined himself seeking refuge in God like a chick seeking shelter under the mother bird’s wings. God is like a shield around us, protecting us from attacks (vs. 4). His protection is round-the-clock, day or night makes no difference to Him.
As we read this psalm, we see the promise of God’s protection from harm, danger, and pestilence. Yet we see believers who fall ill from deadly diseases, we hear of believers who die in accidents, who get murdered. What happened? Why weren’t they protected? For the believer, nothing can happen without God’s direction. Nothing can harm a child of God unless the Lord permits it. We might not understand now why something unfortunate happens to some people, but we can rest assured that He works all things for good in the life of His children (Romans 8:28).
When we are in trouble, God is ready and waiting to help us (vs. 15). We don’t have to try and convince Him to come to our aid. He is a Father who loves His children. When we are anxious and worried, remember in Whom we dwell - the Lord God Almighty. His Word is true and sure. We can find refuge and comfort under His wings. Let’s trade in our fears, no matter how intense they may be, for faith in God.
This world in which we live in can often feel like a scary place, where troubles of all sorts abound. Turn the evening news on TV, or go to any news website and what do we hear? The threat of war, or actual conflicts between nations or groups of people. Wildfires, flooding, various types of dangerous storms all across the globe. Shootings and killings in the streets of big cities. Terrorist attacks. All of these, plus our own worries that we carry with financial and various health issues we deal with. Sometimes we may wish that we could run to a safe place where the problems and fears cannot reach us. The author of our psalm today had similar fears that he faced, just like we do - war, enemies, illness. He wanted to run, too. Where did he run to? Let’s take a look at our psalm and see.
When we are outside walking, and a heavy thunderstorm comes, we will try to find a place of shelter to get in from the pouring rain. How about when the storms of life happen? We need to take shelter then, too, but where? What can protect us then? Many of the things people try, such as drugs, alcohol, illicit relationships, all prove to be worthless, and only bring more trouble. Our psalmist sought shelter and refuge in the Lord God (vs. 1-2). To him, Yahweh was a refuge, a place he could run to when any of life’s storms started to rage. He also called God his fortress. In times past, when cities had walls around them, they would have a fortress, where the townsfolk could run to when an enemy attacked the city. The walls were thick, and they could be safe from attack. Yahweh is our fortress. With Him as our Savior, we are safe from the attack of any enemy, especially the enemy of our souls, Satan.
Our psalmist sought a “secret place” with God (vs. 1). That is a place of close, intimate communion and fellowship with Him. The way we dwell in the secret place is through continuous thanksgiving, praise, and worship. This will lead us into constant communion with Him. When we are in the presence of the Lord, we have nothing to fear. The power of the Presence of God will take away all despair and doubt as we fellowship with Him.
As our Scripture passage continues, we read of some of the things that the psalmist was afraid of. He feared being trapped by his enemies, just like a bird is trapped (vs. 3). He feared being hit by an arrow or enemy weapons (vs. 5), and also deadly diseases (vs. 6). These are fears that we have today, as well. Enemies of ours can plot against us, laying a trap or snare to catch us. Today the worry would be more one of bullets that fly (vs. 5), rather than arrows. Whether it is in a time of war, or from criminals or street gangs, that is a fear many have. Deadly diseases strike today, just as swiftly as they did centuries ago (vs. 6). These problems and attacks come at all times of the day and night (vs. 5-6).
What did our psalmist do with these fears? Did he let them drive him into a frenzy of panic? No! Instead, he took refuge in Yahweh. He imagined himself seeking refuge in God like a chick seeking shelter under the mother bird’s wings. God is like a shield around us, protecting us from attacks (vs. 4). His protection is round-the-clock, day or night makes no difference to Him.
As we read this psalm, we see the promise of God’s protection from harm, danger, and pestilence. Yet we see believers who fall ill from deadly diseases, we hear of believers who die in accidents, who get murdered. What happened? Why weren’t they protected? For the believer, nothing can happen without God’s direction. Nothing can harm a child of God unless the Lord permits it. We might not understand now why something unfortunate happens to some people, but we can rest assured that He works all things for good in the life of His children (Romans 8:28).
When we are in trouble, God is ready and waiting to help us (vs. 15). We don’t have to try and convince Him to come to our aid. He is a Father who loves His children. When we are anxious and worried, remember in Whom we dwell - the Lord God Almighty. His Word is true and sure. We can find refuge and comfort under His wings. Let’s trade in our fears, no matter how intense they may be, for faith in God.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Send The Light!
Isaiah 60:1-6, 9
For those who follow the Liturgical calendar, tomorrow marks the Feast of Epiphany. This Christian holy day not only celebrates when the magi came to worship the Christ Child, but also, and very importantly, the physical manifestation of Jesus the Messiah to the Gentiles. In the Old Testament times, Yahweh had specifically revealed Himself to the Jewish people. They were to be His lights and messengers to the rest of the world. Now, through Jesus, the door has been thrown wide open for the Gentiles. Now, both Jew and Gentile can come directly to the Father, through Jesus, His Son. The magi who came to worship the infant Jesus were the first Gentiles to see His Light.
In our passage today from the Prophet Isaiah, we read that the people of the world are in a deep and great darkness. However, a light arises from the Lord. He brings a light to those who dwell in darkness. At the time of Isaiah, several centuries before the birth of Jesus, the world was in darkness. They were in moral darkness and spiritual darkness. The Gentile world had no spiritual light, worshipping all sorts of idols. The Jewish people had the Word of God, but only a remnant chose to follow it. So many of them were in just as much spiritual and moral darkness as their Gentile neighbors. The coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought light, both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.
With the exception of when one wants to sleep, or when looking at stars at night through a telescope, most people do not like to be in the dark. Few mentally healthy people would choose to sit in the dark for hours at a time. Instead, we turn on a light. If one gets lost out in a rural area at night, we’re told to look for a light in the distance, and then go towards it. Frequently in Scriptures darkness and night are synonymous with sin and evil. To be living in darkness is to be living with sin in one’s life, to be apart from God and His truth and righteousness.
Just as in the physical world we do not need to sit in darkness, and can turn on a light to bring brightness to a room, we do not need to remain in spiritual and moral darkness either. God sent a light into the world in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Reading His Words in the Gospels, and by accepting and following the message He brought, we can have light to cast out the darkness in our souls.
There is just as much darkness in the world today as there was in Isaiah’s day. 2700 years later, things have not changed that much. My family and I frequently watch the evening news, and we see that darkness still covers the land. Sin and evil are still rampant. God has given us the Light, in and through His Son, Jesus. Why do people prefer to remain in the dark? We have to choose to come to the Light.
This is where us believers have to step in. We have the Light. We need to share it throughout the world. In the verses from the passage in Isaiah, some strange sounding places were named, places like Midian, Ephah, Tarshish. Those were far-off foreign countries in Isaiah’s day. Tarshish was present day Spain and the Straits of Gibraltar. That was the fringes of the known world at that time, about as far away as one could go. Yet Isaiah said that the Light God was giving would stretch to all of these places. God wanted His message, His Light, to go forth everywhere. That has not changed today.
When people step out of the darkness of sin, and into the Light of Jesus, they will, as Isaiah says, become radiant, and their hearts swell with joy (vs. 5). They shall proclaim the praises of the Lord (vs. 6). We have a responsibility to spread the good news of Jesus to the far fringes of the world, to “bring sons from afar” (vs. 9), as Isaiah said. Too many people are living in darkness. We see it with every news story we hear. As the old Gospel hymn says, we need to “Send the Light!”
For those who follow the Liturgical calendar, tomorrow marks the Feast of Epiphany. This Christian holy day not only celebrates when the magi came to worship the Christ Child, but also, and very importantly, the physical manifestation of Jesus the Messiah to the Gentiles. In the Old Testament times, Yahweh had specifically revealed Himself to the Jewish people. They were to be His lights and messengers to the rest of the world. Now, through Jesus, the door has been thrown wide open for the Gentiles. Now, both Jew and Gentile can come directly to the Father, through Jesus, His Son. The magi who came to worship the infant Jesus were the first Gentiles to see His Light.
In our passage today from the Prophet Isaiah, we read that the people of the world are in a deep and great darkness. However, a light arises from the Lord. He brings a light to those who dwell in darkness. At the time of Isaiah, several centuries before the birth of Jesus, the world was in darkness. They were in moral darkness and spiritual darkness. The Gentile world had no spiritual light, worshipping all sorts of idols. The Jewish people had the Word of God, but only a remnant chose to follow it. So many of them were in just as much spiritual and moral darkness as their Gentile neighbors. The coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought light, both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.
With the exception of when one wants to sleep, or when looking at stars at night through a telescope, most people do not like to be in the dark. Few mentally healthy people would choose to sit in the dark for hours at a time. Instead, we turn on a light. If one gets lost out in a rural area at night, we’re told to look for a light in the distance, and then go towards it. Frequently in Scriptures darkness and night are synonymous with sin and evil. To be living in darkness is to be living with sin in one’s life, to be apart from God and His truth and righteousness.
Just as in the physical world we do not need to sit in darkness, and can turn on a light to bring brightness to a room, we do not need to remain in spiritual and moral darkness either. God sent a light into the world in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Reading His Words in the Gospels, and by accepting and following the message He brought, we can have light to cast out the darkness in our souls.
There is just as much darkness in the world today as there was in Isaiah’s day. 2700 years later, things have not changed that much. My family and I frequently watch the evening news, and we see that darkness still covers the land. Sin and evil are still rampant. God has given us the Light, in and through His Son, Jesus. Why do people prefer to remain in the dark? We have to choose to come to the Light.
This is where us believers have to step in. We have the Light. We need to share it throughout the world. In the verses from the passage in Isaiah, some strange sounding places were named, places like Midian, Ephah, Tarshish. Those were far-off foreign countries in Isaiah’s day. Tarshish was present day Spain and the Straits of Gibraltar. That was the fringes of the known world at that time, about as far away as one could go. Yet Isaiah said that the Light God was giving would stretch to all of these places. God wanted His message, His Light, to go forth everywhere. That has not changed today.
When people step out of the darkness of sin, and into the Light of Jesus, they will, as Isaiah says, become radiant, and their hearts swell with joy (vs. 5). They shall proclaim the praises of the Lord (vs. 6). We have a responsibility to spread the good news of Jesus to the far fringes of the world, to “bring sons from afar” (vs. 9), as Isaiah said. Too many people are living in darkness. We see it with every news story we hear. As the old Gospel hymn says, we need to “Send the Light!”
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