Job 36:24-26 (ESV Strong's)
24 “Remember to extol his work,
of which men have sung.
25 All mankind has looked on it;
man beholds it from afar.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
the number of his years is unsearchable.
God is Great
We get moving so fast in life and have so many aspirations, dreams and disappointments to those dreams, that sometimes we forget that God is Great. We sing about His works but we don’t always stop to contemplate them and take them all in. The work that God has done in our midst and around us and in our hears is to be praised above all works. We stand in awe of what man has made and, in many cases, it is truly remarkable. But, when we simply gaze a small cloud we are truest blown away by the majesty of God. When we look at a little hand and watch the coordination grow and take hold of life, we should stand in amazement of God’s great work. He is truly Great!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
What God Creates Within Us is Steadfast! - Psalms 51-53
Psalms 51:10 (ESV Strong's)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
What God Creates Within Us is Steadfast!
Psalms 51 is one of the familiar and famous pieces of pottery in the entire book of Psalms, and perhaps the Bible. It is the prayer of King David after he committed his sin with Bathsheba and arranged the circumstances that would guarantee her husband, Uriah’s, death. David is in a very bad spot when he prayed this song and composed this poem. This would be the very lowest part of his life. He begins by asking for mercy - he ends by promising service and sacrifice. In the middle something had to happen. It did not happen by the act of David. It happened by God doing something in David’s heart. In the above passage we read about David asking for a “clean heart.” Only God can clean the heart. That is what He does in salvation via justification and sanctification. God cleans the heart by creating a new one. But, He does more. God not only creates a new heart in us, God also renews us with a “right spirit.” The word “right” in this text is better translated “steadfast.” The word means to be “fixed, or established,”. God not only gives us mercy to forgive us of are terrible sins, but God also lifts us up and creates in us a new heart that He fortitudes with a steadfastness that will not quit. Not how the writer of Hebrews stated it in the end of that great book on the preeminence of Christ in our lives:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God equips us to do His will by giving us a steadfastness.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
What God Creates Within Us is Steadfast!
Psalms 51 is one of the familiar and famous pieces of pottery in the entire book of Psalms, and perhaps the Bible. It is the prayer of King David after he committed his sin with Bathsheba and arranged the circumstances that would guarantee her husband, Uriah’s, death. David is in a very bad spot when he prayed this song and composed this poem. This would be the very lowest part of his life. He begins by asking for mercy - he ends by promising service and sacrifice. In the middle something had to happen. It did not happen by the act of David. It happened by God doing something in David’s heart. In the above passage we read about David asking for a “clean heart.” Only God can clean the heart. That is what He does in salvation via justification and sanctification. God cleans the heart by creating a new one. But, He does more. God not only creates a new heart in us, God also renews us with a “right spirit.” The word “right” in this text is better translated “steadfast.” The word means to be “fixed, or established,”. God not only gives us mercy to forgive us of are terrible sins, but God also lifts us up and creates in us a new heart that He fortitudes with a steadfastness that will not quit. Not how the writer of Hebrews stated it in the end of that great book on the preeminence of Christ in our lives:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God equips us to do His will by giving us a steadfastness.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
God Brings About Greatness - 2 Samuel 5-9
2 Samuel 7:20-22 (ESV Strong's)
20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 22 Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
God Brings About Greatness
David wanted to build a temple for God. God said no ... David would not be allowed to build the temple. God would, however, allow one of David’s sons to build it and promised David that he would ALWAYS have someone from his family on the throne to reign. God did this through Christ. In the above passage we see the results of God saying no to one thing, but opening the door up to another thing. God told David no to the thing he wanted in his heart, only to open up the door to something greater than David could imagine. This is what God does in our lives. We see one thing and God sees another. David breaks fourth in praise as God opens up a door after the one that was in his heart was closed. For there is NONE LIKE YOU David states. That is the God we serve. When we see closed doors, God sees open opportunity to rest in His great plans.
20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 22 Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
God Brings About Greatness
David wanted to build a temple for God. God said no ... David would not be allowed to build the temple. God would, however, allow one of David’s sons to build it and promised David that he would ALWAYS have someone from his family on the throne to reign. God did this through Christ. In the above passage we see the results of God saying no to one thing, but opening the door up to another thing. God told David no to the thing he wanted in his heart, only to open up the door to something greater than David could imagine. This is what God does in our lives. We see one thing and God sees another. David breaks fourth in praise as God opens up a door after the one that was in his heart was closed. For there is NONE LIKE YOU David states. That is the God we serve. When we see closed doors, God sees open opportunity to rest in His great plans.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Justice - Exodus 17-21
Exodus 21:23-25 (ESV Strong's)
23 But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Justice
God is a just God. He is a God of love. He gives love unconditionally, but He is also a God of justice. The above text shows us how He wanted His justice worked out in the lives of the nation of Israel. God, in His giving of commands to the nation of Israel, makes sure that they are a duplicate of His character in the way they treat each other. In fact, if you simply boiled all THE LAW down to a basic thought it would be that it is all designed to reflect the character and purposes of God. Man’s innate sense of justice is a reminder that we were created in the image of God. When we see things and have a sense of “unfairness” about them, we see a reflection of God’s character in our own lives. The concept of the “rule of law,” is a good image of mankind being created to mirror God. Today when we go about our business we should note the times we sense and unjust act and try to correct it. The reason we even sense that it is unjust is God’s image stamped upon us. The sense that we want to correct it and make it right is the character of God within us. That is what it means to be a believer in Christ.
23 But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Justice
God is a just God. He is a God of love. He gives love unconditionally, but He is also a God of justice. The above text shows us how He wanted His justice worked out in the lives of the nation of Israel. God, in His giving of commands to the nation of Israel, makes sure that they are a duplicate of His character in the way they treat each other. In fact, if you simply boiled all THE LAW down to a basic thought it would be that it is all designed to reflect the character and purposes of God. Man’s innate sense of justice is a reminder that we were created in the image of God. When we see things and have a sense of “unfairness” about them, we see a reflection of God’s character in our own lives. The concept of the “rule of law,” is a good image of mankind being created to mirror God. Today when we go about our business we should note the times we sense and unjust act and try to correct it. The reason we even sense that it is unjust is God’s image stamped upon us. The sense that we want to correct it and make it right is the character of God within us. That is what it means to be a believer in Christ.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Body, HEAL Thyself!!! 2 Corinthians 1-3
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (ESV Strong's)
5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
Body, HEAL Thyself!
To understand the context of the above passage we have to have the benefit of reading and knowing the event that Paul is referring to. In the fist letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he confronted a young man who was openly living in sin and NO ONE was objecting:
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
No only was the man living in the sin, like the rest of the world around him, but the church was not mournful of the sin. Paul, in that first letter, sent them instructions on how to deal with the sin. That discipline was to not have company with the person, until they were repentive. The church did just that. As a result of their obedience the young man repented. That not only brought about a change in him, it did in them. They were mournful of the sin. He was mournful of the sin. That is what ushers in Paul’s above writing in the second letter to the church. Paul is telling the body of Christ to heal itself. What is the medicine for this healing? Mournfulness over sin and love for the repentive heart. The Body of Christ can be healed of sin in its midst with those two pills. Being mournful about sin in our midst necessitates action. Being loving over a repentative soul calls for action. The Body of Christ is not healed by platitudes. The Body of Christ is healed by the holiness of Christ and the love of Christ, in action. If not, Satan takes a foothold. How many churches fail this test when they lack these to healing balms? They fail to be holy and mourn over sin in their midst, or they fail to forgive and practice Christ like love. The Body of Christ can be healed by the medicine Paul outlines above.
5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
Body, HEAL Thyself!
To understand the context of the above passage we have to have the benefit of reading and knowing the event that Paul is referring to. In the fist letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he confronted a young man who was openly living in sin and NO ONE was objecting:
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
No only was the man living in the sin, like the rest of the world around him, but the church was not mournful of the sin. Paul, in that first letter, sent them instructions on how to deal with the sin. That discipline was to not have company with the person, until they were repentive. The church did just that. As a result of their obedience the young man repented. That not only brought about a change in him, it did in them. They were mournful of the sin. He was mournful of the sin. That is what ushers in Paul’s above writing in the second letter to the church. Paul is telling the body of Christ to heal itself. What is the medicine for this healing? Mournfulness over sin and love for the repentive heart. The Body of Christ can be healed of sin in its midst with those two pills. Being mournful about sin in our midst necessitates action. Being loving over a repentative soul calls for action. The Body of Christ is not healed by platitudes. The Body of Christ is healed by the holiness of Christ and the love of Christ, in action. If not, Satan takes a foothold. How many churches fail this test when they lack these to healing balms? They fail to be holy and mourn over sin in their midst, or they fail to forgive and practice Christ like love. The Body of Christ can be healed by the medicine Paul outlines above.
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Awake - Mark 13-14
Mark 13:32-37 (ESV Strong's)
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Awake!!
In this chapter the disciplines have asked Jesus about the signs and timing of the end times. After going through several thoughts, truths and instructions, Jesus ends with the above thought. The main point of the entire passage is that:
1. God has declared an “end” of something.
2. God has declared He is going to do something at the end.
3. There are many, many different types of signs that tell us that we are getting close to the end.
4. There are many, many different prophets that would and will claim they are Christ.
5. We are to watch for Christ’s return.
6. We are not going to know when, but we do know for certain it is going to happen and we are to be AWAKE and waiting in for Him.
This last point is the exact point of the above text. We have to be ready for His coming and we do not know, for sure, when that time will be. From the entire chapter this is the point. We don’t know the time, no one does. We only know the fact and we are to be ready, by faith.
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Awake!!
In this chapter the disciplines have asked Jesus about the signs and timing of the end times. After going through several thoughts, truths and instructions, Jesus ends with the above thought. The main point of the entire passage is that:
1. God has declared an “end” of something.
2. God has declared He is going to do something at the end.
3. There are many, many different types of signs that tell us that we are getting close to the end.
4. There are many, many different prophets that would and will claim they are Christ.
5. We are to watch for Christ’s return.
6. We are not going to know when, but we do know for certain it is going to happen and we are to be AWAKE and waiting in for Him.
This last point is the exact point of the above text. We have to be ready for His coming and we do not know, for sure, when that time will be. From the entire chapter this is the point. We don’t know the time, no one does. We only know the fact and we are to be ready, by faith.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Do What You Will With Me - Jeremiah 22-26
Jeremiah 26:12-15 (ESV Strong's)
12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”
Do What You Will With Me
Jeremiah is a prophet sent by God to deliver a very harsh message. His message for the nation of Israel in the past would not be any more well received in today’s present. He was sent to the nation of Israel to give in to their discipline from God by going into captivity, WILLFULLY!!! This was not an easy message to hear and certainly not to deliver. In the above passage we see what is happening 23 years into Jeremiah’s ministry. Jeremiah is being rejected. His message is being rejected, but they are also rejecting him. We often hear about not taking things personal, but Jeremiah had no choice. They were making it personal. Since he is working for God, what is his response? “But as for me, behold I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.” This is the spirit of a minister of God. We have no ability to NOT take things personal. That is almost an impossible task. That is not the solution. The solution is to frame the attackers under the character and might of God. When we are doing God’s Work, God takes it personal when we are attacked. He it the one who is to defend us. We do not have to defend ourselves. God can defend Himself and we are simply His representatives.
12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”
Do What You Will With Me
Jeremiah is a prophet sent by God to deliver a very harsh message. His message for the nation of Israel in the past would not be any more well received in today’s present. He was sent to the nation of Israel to give in to their discipline from God by going into captivity, WILLFULLY!!! This was not an easy message to hear and certainly not to deliver. In the above passage we see what is happening 23 years into Jeremiah’s ministry. Jeremiah is being rejected. His message is being rejected, but they are also rejecting him. We often hear about not taking things personal, but Jeremiah had no choice. They were making it personal. Since he is working for God, what is his response? “But as for me, behold I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.” This is the spirit of a minister of God. We have no ability to NOT take things personal. That is almost an impossible task. That is not the solution. The solution is to frame the attackers under the character and might of God. When we are doing God’s Work, God takes it personal when we are attacked. He it the one who is to defend us. We do not have to defend ourselves. God can defend Himself and we are simply His representatives.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Counselors Should Not Be Heavy Handed - Job 32-34
Job 33:7 (ESV Strong's)
7 Behold, no fear of me need terrify you;
my pressure will not be heavy upon you.
Counselors Should Not Be Heavy Handed
In the above passage, Elihu, the youngest of Job’s counselors, is speaking to Job. Job is in crisis. He is dealing with multiple tragedies, on multiple levels, in multiple arenas. Job’s other three friends have condemned him, numerous times. Elihu comes on the scene and begins to speak to Job. But, before he does, Elihu tells Job that “my pressure will not be heavy upon you.” When you do multiple coaching and disciplining session a year, you find a way to make sure you are not “heavy” upon those you coach. This is what Elihu wants Job to know before he begins to speak. Too many people are too heavy upon those they speak to. We can add so much weight to our words. We can make others, very easily, feel burdened down by our “advice.” We have to be careful that the weight of the truth that we speak is not an anchor to their soul. Typically when we help others who are hurting we tend to forget their hurt. We can add to their hurt when we use tone, words, or arguments that are too weighty and/or to harsh. This is how Job’s other friends came across. They were focused on pointing out Job’s errors and faults. Elihu announces he will be gentle and he, in turn, speaks in the chapters about the power of God. Elihu glorifies God and frames these events in Job’s life in the context of the power of God, which gives Job hope. Job’s friends, instead, point to Job’s faults and give him no hope. Elihu should be my example in the work that I do.
7 Behold, no fear of me need terrify you;
my pressure will not be heavy upon you.
Counselors Should Not Be Heavy Handed
In the above passage, Elihu, the youngest of Job’s counselors, is speaking to Job. Job is in crisis. He is dealing with multiple tragedies, on multiple levels, in multiple arenas. Job’s other three friends have condemned him, numerous times. Elihu comes on the scene and begins to speak to Job. But, before he does, Elihu tells Job that “my pressure will not be heavy upon you.” When you do multiple coaching and disciplining session a year, you find a way to make sure you are not “heavy” upon those you coach. This is what Elihu wants Job to know before he begins to speak. Too many people are too heavy upon those they speak to. We can add so much weight to our words. We can make others, very easily, feel burdened down by our “advice.” We have to be careful that the weight of the truth that we speak is not an anchor to their soul. Typically when we help others who are hurting we tend to forget their hurt. We can add to their hurt when we use tone, words, or arguments that are too weighty and/or to harsh. This is how Job’s other friends came across. They were focused on pointing out Job’s errors and faults. Elihu announces he will be gentle and he, in turn, speaks in the chapters about the power of God. Elihu glorifies God and frames these events in Job’s life in the context of the power of God, which gives Job hope. Job’s friends, instead, point to Job’s faults and give him no hope. Elihu should be my example in the work that I do.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Those Who Reject God Will Be Rejected - Psalms 48-50
Psalms 49:10-15 (ESV Strong's)
10 For he sees that even the wise die;
the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their graves are their homes forever,
their dwelling places to all generations,
though they called lands by their own names.
12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
death shall be their shepherd,
and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me. Selah
Those Who Reject God Will Be Rejected
There is a mindset in our country that people can completely ignore God, live as though God does not exists, and even completely reject Gods and still hold God accountable for His perfect and amazing grace and love. Think about that. Think about a marriage where one spouse completely rejects, ignores, or lives without any conscious effort in the relationship and then wants unconditional love in return. Yet, that is what mankind does with God. The above passage explains that this way of thinking IS NOT so. We can’t reject God and fully take advantage of His unconditional love, as well. That is what the above text teaches us. The wealthy will not have anything to redeem them from their sins. Those who have lands or generational legacy will not be redeemed by those things. Those who boasts will, in the end, have nothing to boast about. Only God Will ransom us. The Sons of Korah wrote this Psalm. They were part of the Levitical tribe. They were men of faith. They believed in the redemption of God by the Christ as they looked forward to the Messiah. So, too, we look back on that redemption and have Christ as are redeemer. When we are in a faith relationships with God we are confident of our redemption. We can say with the Sons of Korah;
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah
10 For he sees that even the wise die;
the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their graves are their homes forever,
their dwelling places to all generations,
though they called lands by their own names.
12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
death shall be their shepherd,
and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me. Selah
Those Who Reject God Will Be Rejected
There is a mindset in our country that people can completely ignore God, live as though God does not exists, and even completely reject Gods and still hold God accountable for His perfect and amazing grace and love. Think about that. Think about a marriage where one spouse completely rejects, ignores, or lives without any conscious effort in the relationship and then wants unconditional love in return. Yet, that is what mankind does with God. The above passage explains that this way of thinking IS NOT so. We can’t reject God and fully take advantage of His unconditional love, as well. That is what the above text teaches us. The wealthy will not have anything to redeem them from their sins. Those who have lands or generational legacy will not be redeemed by those things. Those who boasts will, in the end, have nothing to boast about. Only God Will ransom us. The Sons of Korah wrote this Psalm. They were part of the Levitical tribe. They were men of faith. They believed in the redemption of God by the Christ as they looked forward to the Messiah. So, too, we look back on that redemption and have Christ as are redeemer. When we are in a faith relationships with God we are confident of our redemption. We can say with the Sons of Korah;
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
When the Mighty Fall the Wicked Rejoice - 2 Samuel 1-4
2 Samuel 1:19-20 (ESV Strong's)
19 “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
When the Mighty Fall the Wicked Rejoice.
The above passage is the begging of King David’s lament after he heard about King Saul and Jonathan’s death. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” is a powerful phrase. Saul was not a good king. But, David recognized, on a repeated basis, that God had anointed him and he was God’s representative. This is why, on multiple occasion, David did not take Saul’s life, even through his men wanted him to and urged him to. David knew that Saul was God’s choice to lead the people. So, when he fell in battle, David honors him with this lament. We see in this the power of God representative nature in leadership. God puts someone in leadership to show others who God is and how God acts. Saul failed at this and died as a result. Never-the-less, he was still that representative. David begins his lament, not actually singing the praise of Saul, but, rather, in anguish over what the wicked will say about God’s representative falling. David knows the wicked rejoice when the godly man falls. Unlike the wicked, the Godly are not to rejoice when others fall:
Proverbs 24:16-18 (ESV Strong's)
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
We do not do well, in the Christian church, when others fall. We tend to kill our own wounded. We need, instead, to lament that the wicked see it, but that we can still honor God through it. We have to make sure what when the “mighty fall,” we are there to pick them up. The righteous, according to Proverbs, will fall. They will fall many times. But, through the power of the Spirit and the humility of the soul, they will rise again. We need to realize that the wicked rejoice in these times. The believers should solider up during this times and help the mighty return to battle.
19 “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
When the Mighty Fall the Wicked Rejoice.
The above passage is the begging of King David’s lament after he heard about King Saul and Jonathan’s death. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” is a powerful phrase. Saul was not a good king. But, David recognized, on a repeated basis, that God had anointed him and he was God’s representative. This is why, on multiple occasion, David did not take Saul’s life, even through his men wanted him to and urged him to. David knew that Saul was God’s choice to lead the people. So, when he fell in battle, David honors him with this lament. We see in this the power of God representative nature in leadership. God puts someone in leadership to show others who God is and how God acts. Saul failed at this and died as a result. Never-the-less, he was still that representative. David begins his lament, not actually singing the praise of Saul, but, rather, in anguish over what the wicked will say about God’s representative falling. David knows the wicked rejoice when the godly man falls. Unlike the wicked, the Godly are not to rejoice when others fall:
Proverbs 24:16-18 (ESV Strong's)
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
We do not do well, in the Christian church, when others fall. We tend to kill our own wounded. We need, instead, to lament that the wicked see it, but that we can still honor God through it. We have to make sure what when the “mighty fall,” we are there to pick them up. The righteous, according to Proverbs, will fall. They will fall many times. But, through the power of the Spirit and the humility of the soul, they will rise again. We need to realize that the wicked rejoice in these times. The believers should solider up during this times and help the mighty return to battle.
Monday, April 20, 2020
God Provides Practical Tools for Our Lives - Exodus 13-16
Exodus 13:21-22 (ESV Strong's)
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
God Provides Practical Tools for Our Lives
The above text is taken from the passage that outlines the exodus from Egypt by Israel. God is moving them into the promises land. This must have been quite a project. There were, according to Exodus, 600,000 males. Assuming most of them were married and many of them had children, the total would have been the movement of over a million souls. This all happened in one night. They didn’t know where they were going and did not have much provisions. We do know that the Egyptians sent them out with food, clothing, and riches. So, the scene would be a million people walking into the darkness with whatever they could carry. Not to mention whatever live stock they had. This was a huge undertaking. Remember, Moses had no sound system, or any infrastructure. This was all new territory. This is what makes the above passage so meaningful. God provides a practical tool to the nation that was unlike anything before or since. God has provided them a compass and defensive tool, all in one. God provides for us, where He guides us. Note:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God equips us for the work He would have has do. He uses unusual tools to help us accomplish those tasks.
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
God Provides Practical Tools for Our Lives
The above text is taken from the passage that outlines the exodus from Egypt by Israel. God is moving them into the promises land. This must have been quite a project. There were, according to Exodus, 600,000 males. Assuming most of them were married and many of them had children, the total would have been the movement of over a million souls. This all happened in one night. They didn’t know where they were going and did not have much provisions. We do know that the Egyptians sent them out with food, clothing, and riches. So, the scene would be a million people walking into the darkness with whatever they could carry. Not to mention whatever live stock they had. This was a huge undertaking. Remember, Moses had no sound system, or any infrastructure. This was all new territory. This is what makes the above passage so meaningful. God provides a practical tool to the nation that was unlike anything before or since. God has provided them a compass and defensive tool, all in one. God provides for us, where He guides us. Note:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God equips us for the work He would have has do. He uses unusual tools to help us accomplish those tasks.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
The Resurrection Changes our Being - 1 Corinthians 15-16
1 Corinthians 15:42-49 (ESV Strong's)
42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
The Resurrection Changes Our Being
So many people think of eternal life in the context of this world. However, the above passage speaks to a different look for the heavenly realm for believers. Paul uses the contrast between the “seed” and what the seed “produces” when speaking of the resurrection. Just as a seed goes into the ground and looks like one thing, the fruit coming out of the ground looks different. When Christ comes again and raises the dead, who are in Christ, believers in Him, they will be resurrected to a new form of body. We ought not to think of “this body” but of a different body. We do know, after Christ’s resurrection, that His disciples did recognize Him. So, His resurrected body did have some form or likeness to the body that was buried in the tomb. But, according to Paul, the resurrection will make some change from what is buried in the ground. The point of what Paul is making is to show us that the power of the resurrection changes the sinful body of mankind. We are all full of sin. Because we are justified we have our sins forgiven. But, our bodies are still racked with sin. What Paul is telling us about the resurrection is that the power of the resurrection will be the final destruction of sin. We will be raised to new life and not be impacted, harmed, or hampered by sin. That is the glory of the resurrection. Just as we were born in the image of the first Adam (with sin), we will be raised in the image of the new Adam (Jesus), with no sin!!! Rejoice in the resurrection!!
42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
The Resurrection Changes Our Being
So many people think of eternal life in the context of this world. However, the above passage speaks to a different look for the heavenly realm for believers. Paul uses the contrast between the “seed” and what the seed “produces” when speaking of the resurrection. Just as a seed goes into the ground and looks like one thing, the fruit coming out of the ground looks different. When Christ comes again and raises the dead, who are in Christ, believers in Him, they will be resurrected to a new form of body. We ought not to think of “this body” but of a different body. We do know, after Christ’s resurrection, that His disciples did recognize Him. So, His resurrected body did have some form or likeness to the body that was buried in the tomb. But, according to Paul, the resurrection will make some change from what is buried in the ground. The point of what Paul is making is to show us that the power of the resurrection changes the sinful body of mankind. We are all full of sin. Because we are justified we have our sins forgiven. But, our bodies are still racked with sin. What Paul is telling us about the resurrection is that the power of the resurrection will be the final destruction of sin. We will be raised to new life and not be impacted, harmed, or hampered by sin. That is the glory of the resurrection. Just as we were born in the image of the first Adam (with sin), we will be raised in the image of the new Adam (Jesus), with no sin!!! Rejoice in the resurrection!!
Saturday, April 18, 2020
It Takes Little to Cause Envy, But Envy Destroys - Mark 11-12
Mark 11:18-19 (ESV Strong's)
18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
It Takes Little to Cause Envy
The real reason Jesus was crucified? It was because He was intended, by God’s plan, to be the redemption of the world. The earthly “catalyst” God used? He used the envy of the religious leaders of the day to stir their pride, which brought about the evil motives in their heart to destroy Jesus. Jesus will give a parable about this very fact a few verse later in this section. Jesus talks about, in the beginning of chapter 12, a rich man who puts in the infrastructure and design for a wine vineyard. After some time the rich man would like to enjoy some of the fruit of those vines and sends a worker to retrieve what was his. Those in charge, however, (who represent the above religious leaders) didn’t want to share this wine. So, they killed the worker (who represents the prophets before Jesus). The rich man (a picture of God in this story), sends wore workers (prophets) and they are equally killed. Findlay the rich man sends his son (picture of Jesus). But, because they wanted the wine (picture of power and control) they kill the son also. This is what is happening in the above passage. The religious leaders were envious of Christ’s power, that was increasing with the people. This was the catalyst God used to bring about the crucifixion. We must always realize that it takes very little for envy to swell into our hearts. It is a sin that Satan uses for certain destruction of the human spirit. We want something we are not supposed to have and we fight and devour to get it;
James 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Warning Against Worldliness
1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
It Takes Little to Cause Envy
The real reason Jesus was crucified? It was because He was intended, by God’s plan, to be the redemption of the world. The earthly “catalyst” God used? He used the envy of the religious leaders of the day to stir their pride, which brought about the evil motives in their heart to destroy Jesus. Jesus will give a parable about this very fact a few verse later in this section. Jesus talks about, in the beginning of chapter 12, a rich man who puts in the infrastructure and design for a wine vineyard. After some time the rich man would like to enjoy some of the fruit of those vines and sends a worker to retrieve what was his. Those in charge, however, (who represent the above religious leaders) didn’t want to share this wine. So, they killed the worker (who represents the prophets before Jesus). The rich man (a picture of God in this story), sends wore workers (prophets) and they are equally killed. Findlay the rich man sends his son (picture of Jesus). But, because they wanted the wine (picture of power and control) they kill the son also. This is what is happening in the above passage. The religious leaders were envious of Christ’s power, that was increasing with the people. This was the catalyst God used to bring about the crucifixion. We must always realize that it takes very little for envy to swell into our hearts. It is a sin that Satan uses for certain destruction of the human spirit. We want something we are not supposed to have and we fight and devour to get it;
James 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
Warning Against Worldliness
1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Even Prophets Experience Depression - Jeremiah 17-21
Jeremiah 20:14-18 (ESV Strong's)
14 Cursed be the day
on which I was born!
The day when my mother bore me,
let it not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father,
“A son is born to you,”
making him very glad.
16 Let that man be like the cities
that the LORD overthrew without pity;
let him hear a cry in the morning
and an alarm at noon,
17 because he did not kill me in the womb;
so my mother would have been my grave,
and her womb forever great.
18 Why did I come out from the womb
to see toil and sorrow,
and spend my days in shame?
Even Prophets Experience Depression
The book of Jeremiah is written of a long time span. It is about a 50 year ministry for the man Jeremiah. Jeremiah has many struggles in his ministry. Jeremiah 11:18–12:6; 15:10–21; 17:9–10, 14–18; 18:18–23; 20:7–12; and, the above passage, 20:14–18, all demonstrate Jeremiah’s struggle with his work, his faith and his mental tensions. Believers like to all this a “crisis of faith.” The world simply calls it “mental illness.” In the above passage we see the depth of Jeremiah’s pain. Rather than face the burden’s of his ministry with God, he states it would have better for him to not even been born ... rather aborted at birth. He even wishes that the man who announced his birth in the community would be cursed. That is deep depression. The irony of these thoughts are that Jeremiah stated right at the beginning of the book that he was called by God for this very purpose:
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV Strong's)
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Being a believer and called by God does not exempt our bodies and minds from experiencing the same pain and suffering the world experiences. We can believe we are called by God and still have mental challenges. Jeremiah will complete his ministry. God will continue to fortify and surround him with protection. But, the experience of mental illness was very much part of his life, as it was for Elijah, David, and many others. Believers are not exempt from the mental attacks by Satan, the mental failures of the sin that reigns in our bodies, or the mental fatigue the caused by the stress and attacks of this world. Our faith looks through this mental strain to the glory of the Savior we will, someday, experience.
14 Cursed be the day
on which I was born!
The day when my mother bore me,
let it not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father,
“A son is born to you,”
making him very glad.
16 Let that man be like the cities
that the LORD overthrew without pity;
let him hear a cry in the morning
and an alarm at noon,
17 because he did not kill me in the womb;
so my mother would have been my grave,
and her womb forever great.
18 Why did I come out from the womb
to see toil and sorrow,
and spend my days in shame?
Even Prophets Experience Depression
The book of Jeremiah is written of a long time span. It is about a 50 year ministry for the man Jeremiah. Jeremiah has many struggles in his ministry. Jeremiah 11:18–12:6; 15:10–21; 17:9–10, 14–18; 18:18–23; 20:7–12; and, the above passage, 20:14–18, all demonstrate Jeremiah’s struggle with his work, his faith and his mental tensions. Believers like to all this a “crisis of faith.” The world simply calls it “mental illness.” In the above passage we see the depth of Jeremiah’s pain. Rather than face the burden’s of his ministry with God, he states it would have better for him to not even been born ... rather aborted at birth. He even wishes that the man who announced his birth in the community would be cursed. That is deep depression. The irony of these thoughts are that Jeremiah stated right at the beginning of the book that he was called by God for this very purpose:
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV Strong's)
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Being a believer and called by God does not exempt our bodies and minds from experiencing the same pain and suffering the world experiences. We can believe we are called by God and still have mental challenges. Jeremiah will complete his ministry. God will continue to fortify and surround him with protection. But, the experience of mental illness was very much part of his life, as it was for Elijah, David, and many others. Believers are not exempt from the mental attacks by Satan, the mental failures of the sin that reigns in our bodies, or the mental fatigue the caused by the stress and attacks of this world. Our faith looks through this mental strain to the glory of the Savior we will, someday, experience.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
IF - Job 31
Job 31:38-40 (ESV Strong's)
38 “If my land has cried out against me
and its furrows have wept together,
39 if I have eaten its yield without payment
and made its owners breathe their last,
40 let thorns grow instead of wheat,
and foul weeds instead of barley.”
The words of Job are ended.
“IF”
Throughout the final statements of Job, we find numerous “if” statements. This is Job pleading his innocence. He creates, as though he is coming to court, a series of arguments to indicate he knows what justice looks like. In essence he states, over and over, that “if” he has “done this _______,” then he knows he should be judged and suffer. But, the underlying aspect of Job’s argument is that these hypotheticals HAVE NOT been committed. In the last of these argument Job states that “IF” he has done something harmful to those who work his land, he is willing to bare the punishment. However, in Job’s argument, he does not believe he has done that. Over and over he makes this argument. There is a sense in which Job’s understanding of “justice” is important. It does show that Job is a just man. He fully admits that injustice should be meet with justice (implying that the justice would cause someone to suffer). He simply doesn’t believe he has done any of these things. When coaching, counseling, discipling, or coming along side someone this is an important distinction. There is a difference between those who know right and wrong and simply maintain they did not do THE wrong and someone who doesn’t agree that something IS wrong. Job’s character comes through in his argument. He will, shortly be rebuked by God for simply not recognizing God can do whatever He wants. But, in the above words he ends his argument demonstrating his understanding of a just world ... one created by God. God is just. Before we can plead with God we have to agree on His just decrees. He never does anything that is unjust.
38 “If my land has cried out against me
and its furrows have wept together,
39 if I have eaten its yield without payment
and made its owners breathe their last,
40 let thorns grow instead of wheat,
and foul weeds instead of barley.”
The words of Job are ended.
“IF”
Throughout the final statements of Job, we find numerous “if” statements. This is Job pleading his innocence. He creates, as though he is coming to court, a series of arguments to indicate he knows what justice looks like. In essence he states, over and over, that “if” he has “done this _______,” then he knows he should be judged and suffer. But, the underlying aspect of Job’s argument is that these hypotheticals HAVE NOT been committed. In the last of these argument Job states that “IF” he has done something harmful to those who work his land, he is willing to bare the punishment. However, in Job’s argument, he does not believe he has done that. Over and over he makes this argument. There is a sense in which Job’s understanding of “justice” is important. It does show that Job is a just man. He fully admits that injustice should be meet with justice (implying that the justice would cause someone to suffer). He simply doesn’t believe he has done any of these things. When coaching, counseling, discipling, or coming along side someone this is an important distinction. There is a difference between those who know right and wrong and simply maintain they did not do THE wrong and someone who doesn’t agree that something IS wrong. Job’s character comes through in his argument. He will, shortly be rebuked by God for simply not recognizing God can do whatever He wants. But, in the above words he ends his argument demonstrating his understanding of a just world ... one created by God. God is just. Before we can plead with God we have to agree on His just decrees. He never does anything that is unjust.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
God is Always in Control - Psalms 45-47
Psalms 46:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
God is Always in Control
When bad things happen to the world around us, the nations “rage.” The kingdoms of this world are set on the top of a pin and “totter” back and forth. Every wind of change, every slight imbalance in life, every tragic event can make the strongest kingdom tip so far one way it feels like certain destruction. If God were to even “utter” His voice in the wrong way the worlds would “melt.” We cannot really embrace the consequences of a crisis if we are not in tune with the God of the universe and his sovereign ability to sustain His creation. The writer of this song sums it up by saying that the Lord of Hosts is with us! He says the God of Jacob is “our fortress.” That is the refreshing aspect of this song. When, by faith, we see that God is in control. The power of knowing that God is in control, as the earth tips on a pin, is the most amazing aspect of faith with God. God is in Control!!! Always!!!
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
God is Always in Control
When bad things happen to the world around us, the nations “rage.” The kingdoms of this world are set on the top of a pin and “totter” back and forth. Every wind of change, every slight imbalance in life, every tragic event can make the strongest kingdom tip so far one way it feels like certain destruction. If God were to even “utter” His voice in the wrong way the worlds would “melt.” We cannot really embrace the consequences of a crisis if we are not in tune with the God of the universe and his sovereign ability to sustain His creation. The writer of this song sums it up by saying that the Lord of Hosts is with us! He says the God of Jacob is “our fortress.” That is the refreshing aspect of this song. When, by faith, we see that God is in control. The power of knowing that God is in control, as the earth tips on a pin, is the most amazing aspect of faith with God. God is in Control!!! Always!!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Truth Hurts - 1 Samuel 26-31
1 Samuel 28:16-20 (ESV Strong's)
16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me, for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”
20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
Truth Hurts
In the above passage Saul has asked a medium to connect him with the dead man Samuel. God allows this to deliver one final message to Saul, via the voice of Samuel. The message: God is going to take the kingship of Israel away from Saul and give it to David. This is the same message Saul was given by Samuel before his death. There are three truths we can find in this passage:
1. When we seek God, He will come to us and find us and speak to us. This might be the key thought of:
Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
God speaks to mankind ... especially when man inquires.
2. God will speak truth to mankind ... whether he likes it or not. Remember, Jesus said he was truth. We ought to remember that when God speaks truth we are hearing the very words and character of Christ. Saul wanted the truth. God spoke that truth.
3. The truth, from God, can be painful and upsetting for man. So many people want to ignore the truth of God and pretend His hard truth is not real. They begin their sentences with, “I just don’t feel like God would do ________!” It matters not what we “feel” about God’s character. God speaks truth whether we want to accept it and believe it or not.
Saul heard truth and it impacted him, painfully. Sometimes God’s truth hurts.
16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me, for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The LORD will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.”
20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
Truth Hurts
In the above passage Saul has asked a medium to connect him with the dead man Samuel. God allows this to deliver one final message to Saul, via the voice of Samuel. The message: God is going to take the kingship of Israel away from Saul and give it to David. This is the same message Saul was given by Samuel before his death. There are three truths we can find in this passage:
1. When we seek God, He will come to us and find us and speak to us. This might be the key thought of:
Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
God speaks to mankind ... especially when man inquires.
2. God will speak truth to mankind ... whether he likes it or not. Remember, Jesus said he was truth. We ought to remember that when God speaks truth we are hearing the very words and character of Christ. Saul wanted the truth. God spoke that truth.
3. The truth, from God, can be painful and upsetting for man. So many people want to ignore the truth of God and pretend His hard truth is not real. They begin their sentences with, “I just don’t feel like God would do ________!” It matters not what we “feel” about God’s character. God speaks truth whether we want to accept it and believe it or not.
Saul heard truth and it impacted him, painfully. Sometimes God’s truth hurts.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Why the Plague - Genesis 12-14
Genesis 12:17-20 (ESV Strong's)
17 But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 18 So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go.” 20 And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.
Why the Plaque
This journal entry was written while the world is quarantined to their homes because of the COVID 19 virus. This “plaque” is impacting almost every country, nation and peoples of the earth. Perhaps, not since the flood has there been a world wide impact. In the above passage we see a local, or regional impact, COVID 19 incident. It was put on the Egyptians, by God. Why? Because of the possible way the Pharaoh of Egypt might have interacting with Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Now, part of this was Abraham’s fault. Why? Because instead of acting in faith toward God, Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife. Pharaoh saw the beauty of Sarah and coveted her in his heart. For that alone, God sent a plague on his nation. The plaque was started by God. He used a plague to correct the behavior of an unbeliever; a behavior that was enabled by the faithless man of God, Abraham. We have no way of knowing why the COVID 19 plaque began, or how it will finish. We don’t know the “why.” We don’t know if God sent it to correct unbelievers and believer (as above). Or, perhaps God simply allowed it as he allowed Satan to buffet Job with plagues. We have no idea. What we do know is that God does use these type of events in the lives of man to bring him around to God’s plan and God’s ways. We may not know the “why” from a “cause” point-of-view. But we do know the “why” from our response point-of-view. God using this event, like in Abraham’s day, focus believers in on their faith and non-believers in one God’s protection of believers and God’s plan for the world. We can rejoice in those truths, even when we don’t know the causation why!
17 But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 18 So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go.” 20 And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.
Why the Plaque
This journal entry was written while the world is quarantined to their homes because of the COVID 19 virus. This “plaque” is impacting almost every country, nation and peoples of the earth. Perhaps, not since the flood has there been a world wide impact. In the above passage we see a local, or regional impact, COVID 19 incident. It was put on the Egyptians, by God. Why? Because of the possible way the Pharaoh of Egypt might have interacting with Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Now, part of this was Abraham’s fault. Why? Because instead of acting in faith toward God, Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife. Pharaoh saw the beauty of Sarah and coveted her in his heart. For that alone, God sent a plague on his nation. The plaque was started by God. He used a plague to correct the behavior of an unbeliever; a behavior that was enabled by the faithless man of God, Abraham. We have no way of knowing why the COVID 19 plaque began, or how it will finish. We don’t know the “why.” We don’t know if God sent it to correct unbelievers and believer (as above). Or, perhaps God simply allowed it as he allowed Satan to buffet Job with plagues. We have no idea. What we do know is that God does use these type of events in the lives of man to bring him around to God’s plan and God’s ways. We may not know the “why” from a “cause” point-of-view. But we do know the “why” from our response point-of-view. God using this event, like in Abraham’s day, focus believers in on their faith and non-believers in one God’s protection of believers and God’s plan for the world. We can rejoice in those truths, even when we don’t know the causation why!
Sunday, April 12, 2020
God Arranges the Body - 1 Corinthians 12-14
1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV Strong's)
18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
God Arranges the Body
The word picture of the “Body of Christ” is an amazing word picture. When believers come to Christ, we are “placed” into the greater Church. The greater Church, Paul states, above, that Christ puts the believers in the body they way He deems best. Not all of believer play the same role. It is easy for believers to desire certain roles, gifts and positions in the church. The above passage is to let us know that God is the one who put us in the body the way He desires. We need to accept our roles in the Body.
18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
God Arranges the Body
The word picture of the “Body of Christ” is an amazing word picture. When believers come to Christ, we are “placed” into the greater Church. The greater Church, Paul states, above, that Christ puts the believers in the body they way He deems best. Not all of believer play the same role. It is easy for believers to desire certain roles, gifts and positions in the church. The above passage is to let us know that God is the one who put us in the body the way He desires. We need to accept our roles in the Body.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Christ Confronts in Love - Mark 9-10
Mark 10:21 (ESV Strong's)
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Christ Confronts in Love
The above verse is taken from the story of the rich, young ruler who came to Christ asking how he could “inherit” entrant life. He was told by Christ to keep the commandments and then, Jesus lists several of them for him to keep:
Mark 10:18-20 (ESV Strong's)
18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
To which the young man responds:
20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
This is where our above verse comes into the story-line. Jesus is gong to tell him that he should go and sell all that he has and give it to the poor. Jesus is NOT telling him that as a “works” based justification. He will not inherit eternal life because he sells all that he has. Jesus is confronting him about his greed. He will end up leaving Jesus, sad, because he owned much possession. The key part to look at in regard to the verse for this devotional, is that Jesus looked on him in “love.” This is one of the few times we have an expression of Jesus’ love directed, specifically, at one person. Jesus is about to rock this guys life with truth, but first looks on him with so much love, the author, Mark, notes it for us. Delivering truth, with love, was Jesus’ nature. This is how we ought to deliver truth to others when we disciple them or encourage them or confront them. Note what Paul stated when talking to the elders in Ephesus about how to deal with false teachers:
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV Strong's)
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
We are to speak truth, in love. It is the nature of Christ.
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Christ Confronts in Love
The above verse is taken from the story of the rich, young ruler who came to Christ asking how he could “inherit” entrant life. He was told by Christ to keep the commandments and then, Jesus lists several of them for him to keep:
Mark 10:18-20 (ESV Strong's)
18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
To which the young man responds:
20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
This is where our above verse comes into the story-line. Jesus is gong to tell him that he should go and sell all that he has and give it to the poor. Jesus is NOT telling him that as a “works” based justification. He will not inherit eternal life because he sells all that he has. Jesus is confronting him about his greed. He will end up leaving Jesus, sad, because he owned much possession. The key part to look at in regard to the verse for this devotional, is that Jesus looked on him in “love.” This is one of the few times we have an expression of Jesus’ love directed, specifically, at one person. Jesus is about to rock this guys life with truth, but first looks on him with so much love, the author, Mark, notes it for us. Delivering truth, with love, was Jesus’ nature. This is how we ought to deliver truth to others when we disciple them or encourage them or confront them. Note what Paul stated when talking to the elders in Ephesus about how to deal with false teachers:
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV Strong's)
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
We are to speak truth, in love. It is the nature of Christ.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Pray Always ... Stop Praying - Jeremiah 12-16
Jeremiah 14:7-11 (ESV Strong's)
7 “Though our iniquities testify against us,
act, O LORD, for your name's sake;
for our backslidings are many;
we have sinned against you.
8 O you hope of Israel,
its savior in time of trouble,
why should you be like a stranger in the land,
like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?
9 Why should you be like a man confused,
like a mighty warrior who cannot save?
Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us,
and we are called by your name;
do not leave us.”
10 Thus says the LORD concerning this people:
“They have loved to wander thus;
they have not restrained their feet;
therefore the LORD does not accept them;
now he will remember their iniquity
and punish their sins.”
11 The LORD said to me: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people.
A Time To Pray ... A Time Not To Pray
Before we look at the above verses from Jeremiah’s conversation with God, let’s remember Paul’s words to the Church:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV Strong's)
... pray without ceasing,
Paul tells the church that they should not to cease praying. Notice, also, the words of Samuel about King Saul and Israel:
1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV Strong's)
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
In both these passages we seem to have a different message than what God said to Jeremiah in the above passage. Jeremiah is speaking to God and telling them that the people have come to a point that they recognize their sin and are pleading with God to forgive them. But, God states that Jeremiah should no longer plead on Israel’s behalf. Notice what God will say later to Jeremiah about this same thought:
Jeremiah 15:1 (ESV Strong's)
Then the LORD said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go!
He, also, later says:
Jeremiah 16:5 (ESV Strong's)
“For thus says the LORD: Do not enter the house of mourning, or go to lament or grieve for them, for I have taken away my peace from this people, my steadfast love and mercy, declares the LORD.
God is telling Jeremiah, because of Israel’s great sin of chasing after idols, to stop praying, stop interceding and stop morning for the nation. God is perfect in love and perfect in justice and perfect in wrath. He is never out of balance. We, unlike Jeremiah, are not told to stop praying for people. But we, like Jeremiah, have to come to the knowledge of the truth that God’s mercy and grace are measured out. God can, by His own decree, withdraw His grace in a life anytime He chooses. We know God will save a remaining of Israel and build the nation back. He will, through that remnant, bring the Messiah, to save them from their sins. But, whereas we are to pray continually, there was a time, for Jeremiah, where he was told to stop.
7 “Though our iniquities testify against us,
act, O LORD, for your name's sake;
for our backslidings are many;
we have sinned against you.
8 O you hope of Israel,
its savior in time of trouble,
why should you be like a stranger in the land,
like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?
9 Why should you be like a man confused,
like a mighty warrior who cannot save?
Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us,
and we are called by your name;
do not leave us.”
10 Thus says the LORD concerning this people:
“They have loved to wander thus;
they have not restrained their feet;
therefore the LORD does not accept them;
now he will remember their iniquity
and punish their sins.”
11 The LORD said to me: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people.
A Time To Pray ... A Time Not To Pray
Before we look at the above verses from Jeremiah’s conversation with God, let’s remember Paul’s words to the Church:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV Strong's)
... pray without ceasing,
Paul tells the church that they should not to cease praying. Notice, also, the words of Samuel about King Saul and Israel:
1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV Strong's)
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
In both these passages we seem to have a different message than what God said to Jeremiah in the above passage. Jeremiah is speaking to God and telling them that the people have come to a point that they recognize their sin and are pleading with God to forgive them. But, God states that Jeremiah should no longer plead on Israel’s behalf. Notice what God will say later to Jeremiah about this same thought:
Jeremiah 15:1 (ESV Strong's)
Then the LORD said to me, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go!
He, also, later says:
Jeremiah 16:5 (ESV Strong's)
“For thus says the LORD: Do not enter the house of mourning, or go to lament or grieve for them, for I have taken away my peace from this people, my steadfast love and mercy, declares the LORD.
God is telling Jeremiah, because of Israel’s great sin of chasing after idols, to stop praying, stop interceding and stop morning for the nation. God is perfect in love and perfect in justice and perfect in wrath. He is never out of balance. We, unlike Jeremiah, are not told to stop praying for people. But we, like Jeremiah, have to come to the knowledge of the truth that God’s mercy and grace are measured out. God can, by His own decree, withdraw His grace in a life anytime He chooses. We know God will save a remaining of Israel and build the nation back. He will, through that remnant, bring the Messiah, to save them from their sins. But, whereas we are to pray continually, there was a time, for Jeremiah, where he was told to stop.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Fruitful Lives - Job 29-30
Job 29:11-17 (ESV Strong's)
11 When the ear heard, it called me blessed,
and when the eye saw, it approved,
12 because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to help him.
13 The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
my justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
16 I was a father to the needy,
and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous
and made him drop his prey from his teeth.
Fruitful Lives
In the beginning of the book of Job, when God was talking to Satan, God asks the following about Job:
Job 1:8 (ESV Strong's)
8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
If we want to know “why” God said that and challenged Satan to a duel over Job, read again the above passages. This is Job telling his friends what his life was like before the pain God allowed Satan to inflict upon him. Job was a righteous man. If we want to know that righteous living looks like, we should read these acts of mercy, kindness and justice over and over. This is what God expects from those who walk in faith with him and have the Spirit of God empowering him. You could overlay the fruit of the Spirit on this autobiography of Job’s life. The Sprit of God produced in him the fruit of righteousness. When we walk with Christ and in the Spirit that is what happens:
Philippians 1:11 (ESV Strong's)
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
11 When the ear heard, it called me blessed,
and when the eye saw, it approved,
12 because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to help him.
13 The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
my justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
16 I was a father to the needy,
and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous
and made him drop his prey from his teeth.
Fruitful Lives
In the beginning of the book of Job, when God was talking to Satan, God asks the following about Job:
Job 1:8 (ESV Strong's)
8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
If we want to know “why” God said that and challenged Satan to a duel over Job, read again the above passages. This is Job telling his friends what his life was like before the pain God allowed Satan to inflict upon him. Job was a righteous man. If we want to know that righteous living looks like, we should read these acts of mercy, kindness and justice over and over. This is what God expects from those who walk in faith with him and have the Spirit of God empowering him. You could overlay the fruit of the Spirit on this autobiography of Job’s life. The Sprit of God produced in him the fruit of righteousness. When we walk with Christ and in the Spirit that is what happens:
Philippians 1:11 (ESV Strong's)
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Repentance in Humility Leads to Restoration - Psalms 42-44
Psalms 44:23-26 (ESV Strong's)
23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
our belly clings to the ground.
26 Rise up; come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
Repentance in Humility Leads to Restoration
Psalm 44 is all about how the souls and spirit of the nation of Israel is low and cast down. They are discouraged. They have been disciplined by the hand of God. God has sold them into slavery. The writer of this Psalm is pleading with God to change their course. He is morning over the right things in life. Jesus said this about mourning:
Matthew 5:4 (ESV Strong's)
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
We are comforted when we mourn - when we mourn for the right reasons. God has promised us comfort if we mourn over our sin. In the above portion of Psalms 44 we see that the writer is bowed down to the dust. He states that they belly is clinging to the ground. Then and only then can he ask for forgiveness and God’s mercy and grace. But, note, that the reason for this hope is not his/her repentance. The reason for this is because of God’s steadfast love. The writer knows that forgiveness is not BECAUSE he is humble, but the humility allows God’s love to flow back into his life. Repentance through humility releases God’s love into our lives.
23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
our belly clings to the ground.
26 Rise up; come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
Repentance in Humility Leads to Restoration
Psalm 44 is all about how the souls and spirit of the nation of Israel is low and cast down. They are discouraged. They have been disciplined by the hand of God. God has sold them into slavery. The writer of this Psalm is pleading with God to change their course. He is morning over the right things in life. Jesus said this about mourning:
Matthew 5:4 (ESV Strong's)
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
We are comforted when we mourn - when we mourn for the right reasons. God has promised us comfort if we mourn over our sin. In the above portion of Psalms 44 we see that the writer is bowed down to the dust. He states that they belly is clinging to the ground. Then and only then can he ask for forgiveness and God’s mercy and grace. But, note, that the reason for this hope is not his/her repentance. The reason for this is because of God’s steadfast love. The writer knows that forgiveness is not BECAUSE he is humble, but the humility allows God’s love to flow back into his life. Repentance through humility releases God’s love into our lives.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Poor Leadership Attracts Worse Follower-ship - 1 Samuel 21-25
1 Samuel 22:6-9 (ESV Strong's)
6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” 9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, (added - who was the high priest at the time).
Poor Leadership Attracts Worse Follower-Ship
The story of Saul as a leader is a tale of failed leadership. The nation of Israel asked for a king and God gave them Saul ... be careful what you ask for! Saul was self-centered and very much the victim and insecure. Worse, he failed to obey God. In the above passage we see his self-centered-insecure-poor leadership on full display. Like most weak leaders he used a tit-for-tat method to win over followers. He offered the “promise” of riches, privilege and power to anyone who would follow. He dangled in front of his followers what he “could” do if they would follow him. Notice the response. Poor and weak followers will respond to a tit-for-tat ploy. Doeg, the Edomite, was willing to sell his soul and the life of the priest and his family. Doeg would know that by giving Saul this information he would sign Ahimelech’s death notice. That is exactly what happened. Saul received what he wanted: A sign of loyalty for him and a victim to kill who he painted as against him. This would feed Saul’s ego. Poor leaders will use their power to entice loyalty and follower-ship. They will often, as a result, surround themselves with weak followers who are titillated by enticements ... even the promise of enticements. True leaders lead by principle and character. The rest of the book shows a stark contrast between Saul and David. David lead by character, Saul lead by coercion. Weak followers can be coerced. They are attracted to weak leaders.
6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” 9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, (added - who was the high priest at the time).
Poor Leadership Attracts Worse Follower-Ship
The story of Saul as a leader is a tale of failed leadership. The nation of Israel asked for a king and God gave them Saul ... be careful what you ask for! Saul was self-centered and very much the victim and insecure. Worse, he failed to obey God. In the above passage we see his self-centered-insecure-poor leadership on full display. Like most weak leaders he used a tit-for-tat method to win over followers. He offered the “promise” of riches, privilege and power to anyone who would follow. He dangled in front of his followers what he “could” do if they would follow him. Notice the response. Poor and weak followers will respond to a tit-for-tat ploy. Doeg, the Edomite, was willing to sell his soul and the life of the priest and his family. Doeg would know that by giving Saul this information he would sign Ahimelech’s death notice. That is exactly what happened. Saul received what he wanted: A sign of loyalty for him and a victim to kill who he painted as against him. This would feed Saul’s ego. Poor leaders will use their power to entice loyalty and follower-ship. They will often, as a result, surround themselves with weak followers who are titillated by enticements ... even the promise of enticements. True leaders lead by principle and character. The rest of the book shows a stark contrast between Saul and David. David lead by character, Saul lead by coercion. Weak followers can be coerced. They are attracted to weak leaders.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Nonbelievers Produce Miracles - Exodus 5-8
Exodus 8:5-7 (ESV Strong's)
5 And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt!’” 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
Unbelievers Produce Miracles
We live in a world where the extraordinary gets our full attention. In today’s society it is typically conveyed as a video that captures an extraordinary moment or event. We count the number “clicks” the thing gets and that makes it even more extraordinary. Imagine the “clicks” Moses and Aaron would have received back in the day when they were bringing miracle after miracle over the land of Egypt. Miracles are special. Those who see them are giving an amazing look at the power of God. In the above passage, Moses and Aaron are given the power to produce frogs all over the land. That is truly an act of the power of God. Yet, notice, also, that the false magicians, employees by Pharaoh, could also produce frogs. The miracle of the frogs was the 2nd plague God brought upon the Egyptians. The 1st was turning water into blood. The false magicians were able to do that miracle, as well. They could NOT, however, reproduced the third plague; bring gnats all over the land. The fact that they could not produce more gnats was probably not a disappointment to Pharaoh. It is doubtful that the WANTED to produce more and more blood and frogs, either. The real miracle would have been as Moses created these plagues, but the power of God, the magicians stopped them, by the power of their sorcery. The lesson to learn her is that God does allow nonbelievers to do miracles ... but for God’s plan. Remember what Paul told us about the power of Satan:
2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (ESV Strong's)
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
False prophets make a living at mimicking God’s power. Because we are so captivated by the extraordinary, it is easy for society to follow anyone who can do something out of the ordinary. In the last days we are going to see a lot of false prophets do a lot of extraordinary things and will take captive many foolish people.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV Strong's)
Godlessness in the Last Days
1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
The miracle is not what should grab our attention. It is the purpose of the plan behind the miracle. God is working miracles every day for us to see His love and grace and mercy. Those are the miracles that should get the clicks. Click on anything that glorifies God.
5 And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt!’” 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 But the magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
Unbelievers Produce Miracles
We live in a world where the extraordinary gets our full attention. In today’s society it is typically conveyed as a video that captures an extraordinary moment or event. We count the number “clicks” the thing gets and that makes it even more extraordinary. Imagine the “clicks” Moses and Aaron would have received back in the day when they were bringing miracle after miracle over the land of Egypt. Miracles are special. Those who see them are giving an amazing look at the power of God. In the above passage, Moses and Aaron are given the power to produce frogs all over the land. That is truly an act of the power of God. Yet, notice, also, that the false magicians, employees by Pharaoh, could also produce frogs. The miracle of the frogs was the 2nd plague God brought upon the Egyptians. The 1st was turning water into blood. The false magicians were able to do that miracle, as well. They could NOT, however, reproduced the third plague; bring gnats all over the land. The fact that they could not produce more gnats was probably not a disappointment to Pharaoh. It is doubtful that the WANTED to produce more and more blood and frogs, either. The real miracle would have been as Moses created these plagues, but the power of God, the magicians stopped them, by the power of their sorcery. The lesson to learn her is that God does allow nonbelievers to do miracles ... but for God’s plan. Remember what Paul told us about the power of Satan:
2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (ESV Strong's)
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
False prophets make a living at mimicking God’s power. Because we are so captivated by the extraordinary, it is easy for society to follow anyone who can do something out of the ordinary. In the last days we are going to see a lot of false prophets do a lot of extraordinary things and will take captive many foolish people.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV Strong's)
Godlessness in the Last Days
1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
The miracle is not what should grab our attention. It is the purpose of the plan behind the miracle. God is working miracles every day for us to see His love and grace and mercy. Those are the miracles that should get the clicks. Click on anything that glorifies God.
Sunday, April 5, 2020
To Cover or Not To Cover - 1 Corinthians 11
1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (ESV Strong's)
Head Coverings
2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
To Cover or Not To Cover
This passage is a contentious passage for the church and, mostly, ignored on Sunday mornings. For a very good article on the passage please see Dan Wallace’s article at www.bible.org.
http://bible.org/article/what-head-covering-1-cor-112-16-and-does-it-apply-us-today
He summarizes the topic in regard to "head cover" in the church this way:
There are several views in vogue on the text, but within evangelicalism three or four come readily to mind:
(1) This text has no applicability to us today. Paul is speaking about a ‘tradition’ that he has handed on. Hence, since this is not the tradition of the modern church, we hardly need to consider this text.
(2) The head covering is the hair. Hence, the applicability today is that women should wear (relatively) long hair.
(3) The head covering is a real head covering and the text is applicable today, in the same way as it was in Paul’s day. (NOTE ... Me ... this argument is based upon a theological discussion not on a social discussion.) Within this view are two basic sub-views:
a. The head covering is to be worn by all women in the church service.
b. The head covering is to be worn by women in the church service only when praying or prophesying publicly.
(4) The head covering is a meaningful symbol in the ancient world that needs some sort of corresponding symbol today, but not necessarily a head covering. This also involves the same two sub-views as #3 above.
I personally would agree with #3 or #4. #3 fits the text the easiest. However, since we don't like it practically we dump it off to #4.
NOTE: Notice what Paul states about his own statements in this verse:
1 Corinthians 11:10
That is why a wife ought to have a "symbol" of authority on her head, because of the angels. (Paul is saying in this verse that the hat or covering IS a symbol of something more meaningful ... authority, respect and priority.)
Some truths in the passage that can't be ignored, no matter the interpretation:
KEY: Paul just finished a section on "freedom" in the Christian walk being governed by love and not "rights." We can't understand chapter 11 if we don't accept and believe in the theme and truth of chapter 10
1. Paul is telling us that, during praying or prophesying, there needs to be a respect for the gender differences. They are not the same and should not look the same. The people of Corinth seem to have taken Jesus’ teaching on the marriage-less (and perhaps by implication, sex- or genderless) future of the saints as the basis for erasing the present-day distinctions between men and women—specifically in terms of their apparel during the worship service.
2. Since Paul goes back to the order of Creation for one of his arguments, this is not simply a cultural issue and any interpretation must reflect this argument.
3. Paul seems to be concerned about authority as much as look. Since one of his arguments includes the authority topic the answer to the interpretation must include that aspect.
4. Since in the last verse on the subject (1 Corinthians 11:16) Paul states that if you disagree and want to be contentious there is no other answer he can give, Paul must believe that some 1) Won't agree with him 2) His teaching is what the rest of the churches are doing 3) their disagreement, if it would exists, is characterized as being contentious.
5. Paul seems to assume the "authority" of Christ over man and man over woman, but he is not here arguing that. IF we read this in the eyes of "respect" for the created order and respect for each other's God given roles (verses 5 and 7) we might see this differently.
6. Notice in 1 Corinthians 11:13 Paul states, "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?" Isn't Paul saying to the church, "you decide for yourself?" But, he is making the argument that they should observe the spirit of his argument.
Head Coverings
2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
To Cover or Not To Cover
This passage is a contentious passage for the church and, mostly, ignored on Sunday mornings. For a very good article on the passage please see Dan Wallace’s article at www.bible.org.
http://bible.org/article/what-head-covering-1-cor-112-16-and-does-it-apply-us-today
He summarizes the topic in regard to "head cover" in the church this way:
There are several views in vogue on the text, but within evangelicalism three or four come readily to mind:
(1) This text has no applicability to us today. Paul is speaking about a ‘tradition’ that he has handed on. Hence, since this is not the tradition of the modern church, we hardly need to consider this text.
(2) The head covering is the hair. Hence, the applicability today is that women should wear (relatively) long hair.
(3) The head covering is a real head covering and the text is applicable today, in the same way as it was in Paul’s day. (NOTE ... Me ... this argument is based upon a theological discussion not on a social discussion.) Within this view are two basic sub-views:
a. The head covering is to be worn by all women in the church service.
b. The head covering is to be worn by women in the church service only when praying or prophesying publicly.
(4) The head covering is a meaningful symbol in the ancient world that needs some sort of corresponding symbol today, but not necessarily a head covering. This also involves the same two sub-views as #3 above.
I personally would agree with #3 or #4. #3 fits the text the easiest. However, since we don't like it practically we dump it off to #4.
NOTE: Notice what Paul states about his own statements in this verse:
1 Corinthians 11:10
That is why a wife ought to have a "symbol" of authority on her head, because of the angels. (Paul is saying in this verse that the hat or covering IS a symbol of something more meaningful ... authority, respect and priority.)
Some truths in the passage that can't be ignored, no matter the interpretation:
KEY: Paul just finished a section on "freedom" in the Christian walk being governed by love and not "rights." We can't understand chapter 11 if we don't accept and believe in the theme and truth of chapter 10
1. Paul is telling us that, during praying or prophesying, there needs to be a respect for the gender differences. They are not the same and should not look the same. The people of Corinth seem to have taken Jesus’ teaching on the marriage-less (and perhaps by implication, sex- or genderless) future of the saints as the basis for erasing the present-day distinctions between men and women—specifically in terms of their apparel during the worship service.
2. Since Paul goes back to the order of Creation for one of his arguments, this is not simply a cultural issue and any interpretation must reflect this argument.
3. Paul seems to be concerned about authority as much as look. Since one of his arguments includes the authority topic the answer to the interpretation must include that aspect.
4. Since in the last verse on the subject (1 Corinthians 11:16) Paul states that if you disagree and want to be contentious there is no other answer he can give, Paul must believe that some 1) Won't agree with him 2) His teaching is what the rest of the churches are doing 3) their disagreement, if it would exists, is characterized as being contentious.
5. Paul seems to assume the "authority" of Christ over man and man over woman, but he is not here arguing that. IF we read this in the eyes of "respect" for the created order and respect for each other's God given roles (verses 5 and 7) we might see this differently.
6. Notice in 1 Corinthians 11:13 Paul states, "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?" Isn't Paul saying to the church, "you decide for yourself?" But, he is making the argument that they should observe the spirit of his argument.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
What Causes Man’s Trouble - Mark 7-8
Mark 7:20-23 (ESV Strong's)
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
What Causes Man’s Trouble
The answer to modern psychology as to the cause of man’s ‘issues,” is probably found in the above passage by Jesus. The seventh chapter of Mark starts with the religious leaders of the day challenging Jesus about his disciples eating food without washing their hands. This seems so trivial to life. But, religious leadership (not faith based leadership) is often only concerned about outward appearance and outward behaviors. This is Jesus’ point. It is not eating with dirty hands that defile you (putting something into your stomach). It is the heart of man that produces these behaviors. Psychologist often want to find a way to cure the behavior, excuse the behavior or modify the behavior without addressing the real issue behind the behavior: Man has a sin nature. That is what Jesus came to correct. We have to have something to deal with our sin nature, not just our acts of sin. Psychology often wants to correct the acts without addressing the nature of man, that causes the acts. That is what the Gospel does. Jesus came and provided the cure for our sin nature: Redemption on the cross. That provides us with Justification ... God was satisfied by Jesus’ payment for our sins and we were declared “just” and “right” before God. We now have “peace” with God (Romans 5:1). That allows us to begin to heal from the inside out. Our entire being is changed with the Gospel. Yes, our sin acts are forgiven. But, more than that, our nature was changed:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV Strong's)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
What Causes Man’s Trouble
The answer to modern psychology as to the cause of man’s ‘issues,” is probably found in the above passage by Jesus. The seventh chapter of Mark starts with the religious leaders of the day challenging Jesus about his disciples eating food without washing their hands. This seems so trivial to life. But, religious leadership (not faith based leadership) is often only concerned about outward appearance and outward behaviors. This is Jesus’ point. It is not eating with dirty hands that defile you (putting something into your stomach). It is the heart of man that produces these behaviors. Psychologist often want to find a way to cure the behavior, excuse the behavior or modify the behavior without addressing the real issue behind the behavior: Man has a sin nature. That is what Jesus came to correct. We have to have something to deal with our sin nature, not just our acts of sin. Psychology often wants to correct the acts without addressing the nature of man, that causes the acts. That is what the Gospel does. Jesus came and provided the cure for our sin nature: Redemption on the cross. That provides us with Justification ... God was satisfied by Jesus’ payment for our sins and we were declared “just” and “right” before God. We now have “peace” with God (Romans 5:1). That allows us to begin to heal from the inside out. Our entire being is changed with the Gospel. Yes, our sin acts are forgiven. But, more than that, our nature was changed:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV Strong's)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Even the Animals Know and Obey God - Jeremiah 7-11
Jeremiah 8:4-7 (ESV Strong's)
4 “You shall say to them, Thus says the LORD:
When men fall, do they not rise again?
If one turns away, does he not return?
5 Why then has this people turned away
in perpetual backsliding?
They hold fast to deceit;
they refuse to return.
6 I have paid attention and listened,
but they have not spoken rightly;
no man relents of his evil,
saying, ‘What have I done?’
Everyone turns to his own course,
like a horse plunging headlong into battle.
7 Even the stork in the heavens
knows her times,
and the turtledove, swallow, and crane
keep the time of their coming,
but my people know not
the rules of the LORD.
Even the Animals Know and Obey God
Jeremiah was sent to the nation of Israel to remind them of how they have broken their covenant with God. In the above passage he uses the animal kingdom to make his point. The nation is foolishly running into sin like a horse that runs into battle. The horse only knows to run. They enjoy running. But they are “plunging headlong into battle.” The horse is obeying his instincts to run. He doesn’t consider the fact that spears, arrows and swords are ready to destroy him.
Jeremiah then changes the way he uses animals and explains to the nation that even the turtledove, the swallow and the crane (although we are not sure if this is the exact animal the Hebrew word describes), obey God’s planted instincts in them. The point he is making is that the nature of the horse is to run, but the horse is being controlled by a man who wants to use the horse for their own battle. The swallow, bird and crane have been programmed by God to do what they do.
Jeremiah wants the nation to know that God wants to change the hearts of the nation so that they don’t rush off headlong into sin, but will follow the course God set for them. When we allow the Spirit of God to direct us we will avoid the tragedy of the battle of sin and, instead, find safety as we migrate to where God wants us for the seasons of life He brings to us. We need to be Spirit driven and not flesh driven.
4 “You shall say to them, Thus says the LORD:
When men fall, do they not rise again?
If one turns away, does he not return?
5 Why then has this people turned away
in perpetual backsliding?
They hold fast to deceit;
they refuse to return.
6 I have paid attention and listened,
but they have not spoken rightly;
no man relents of his evil,
saying, ‘What have I done?’
Everyone turns to his own course,
like a horse plunging headlong into battle.
7 Even the stork in the heavens
knows her times,
and the turtledove, swallow, and crane
keep the time of their coming,
but my people know not
the rules of the LORD.
Even the Animals Know and Obey God
Jeremiah was sent to the nation of Israel to remind them of how they have broken their covenant with God. In the above passage he uses the animal kingdom to make his point. The nation is foolishly running into sin like a horse that runs into battle. The horse only knows to run. They enjoy running. But they are “plunging headlong into battle.” The horse is obeying his instincts to run. He doesn’t consider the fact that spears, arrows and swords are ready to destroy him.
Jeremiah then changes the way he uses animals and explains to the nation that even the turtledove, the swallow and the crane (although we are not sure if this is the exact animal the Hebrew word describes), obey God’s planted instincts in them. The point he is making is that the nature of the horse is to run, but the horse is being controlled by a man who wants to use the horse for their own battle. The swallow, bird and crane have been programmed by God to do what they do.
Jeremiah wants the nation to know that God wants to change the hearts of the nation so that they don’t rush off headlong into sin, but will follow the course God set for them. When we allow the Spirit of God to direct us we will avoid the tragedy of the battle of sin and, instead, find safety as we migrate to where God wants us for the seasons of life He brings to us. We need to be Spirit driven and not flesh driven.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
The Look of Wisdom - Job 27-28
Job 28:23-28 (ESV Strong's)
23 “God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he gave to the wind its weight
and apportioned the waters by measure,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
27 then he saw it and declared it;
he established it, and searched it out.
28 And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
The Look of Wisdom
In chapters 27 and 28 of Job, Job is continuing his discourse, in response to his three friends. The three of them have accused Job of being so full of sin he is suffering in this very cruel manner. Job cries, “Innocent!” As he unfold his argument in these chapters he is drawing a comparisons between man’s pursuit for wisdom and God’s real definition of wisdom. Basically his three friends are trying to prove their points, using man-made wisdom, while Job is trying to prove his point with God’s wisdom (or, so he thought). In the above passage we finally get to the central thesis of Job’s argument. He is maintaining that wisdom is a Divine gift from God and is not an intellectual pursuit. He states in the above passage that wisdom flows from God. He wants his friends to know that wisdom comes from a relationship with God as we stand in awe of who He is. God created wisdom. Wisdom is the essence of God’s work. When we see the impact of the wind, that is God’s wisdom that gave wind it’s weight (that is an amazing thought). When we see the shoreline of the lake we see God’s wisdom giving the water her boundaries. A good rain and lighting storm are the visible evidence of God’s wisdom. When we ask for God’s wisdom in our lives, this is the type of power, promise and insight we get from Him. Job is trying to make sure his friends know that although he has no idea why these sufferings have come upon him, he does know that they flow from the hand of God who also gives wisdom. He comes to the conclusion that the only way to access this wisdom is to live in the Fear of the Lord. When we see the depths of God’s awesome character, He gives us the riches of His amazing wisdom.
23 “God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he gave to the wind its weight
and apportioned the waters by measure,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
27 then he saw it and declared it;
he established it, and searched it out.
28 And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
The Look of Wisdom
In chapters 27 and 28 of Job, Job is continuing his discourse, in response to his three friends. The three of them have accused Job of being so full of sin he is suffering in this very cruel manner. Job cries, “Innocent!” As he unfold his argument in these chapters he is drawing a comparisons between man’s pursuit for wisdom and God’s real definition of wisdom. Basically his three friends are trying to prove their points, using man-made wisdom, while Job is trying to prove his point with God’s wisdom (or, so he thought). In the above passage we finally get to the central thesis of Job’s argument. He is maintaining that wisdom is a Divine gift from God and is not an intellectual pursuit. He states in the above passage that wisdom flows from God. He wants his friends to know that wisdom comes from a relationship with God as we stand in awe of who He is. God created wisdom. Wisdom is the essence of God’s work. When we see the impact of the wind, that is God’s wisdom that gave wind it’s weight (that is an amazing thought). When we see the shoreline of the lake we see God’s wisdom giving the water her boundaries. A good rain and lighting storm are the visible evidence of God’s wisdom. When we ask for God’s wisdom in our lives, this is the type of power, promise and insight we get from Him. Job is trying to make sure his friends know that although he has no idea why these sufferings have come upon him, he does know that they flow from the hand of God who also gives wisdom. He comes to the conclusion that the only way to access this wisdom is to live in the Fear of the Lord. When we see the depths of God’s awesome character, He gives us the riches of His amazing wisdom.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
What Do We Hope For? Psalms 39-41
Psalms 39:7 (ESV Strong's)
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
What Do We Hope For?
What we hope for in our lives reveals what we hold dear and precious in our hearts. The objects of our hope say much about the desires of our heart. Our heart tells us what we value more. In the above passage, David confesses that he has nothing he hopes for more that the Lord, Himself. When God rejected Saul as King of Israel, He said He wanted someone who had God at the center of his heart:
1 Samuel 13:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
Who did God find? David! That is what makes the above passage so powerful. God said He would appoint someone who was a “man after His own heart,”. He finds David. David then begins to express back to God that God is his only hope. Of course, we know what happened to David. He allowed something he desired to replace God in his heart. The object was Bathsheba. We do this often in our walk with God. We “say” we want Him as our only hope and then what we “do” does not align with those words. David would repent of that sin and would find forgiveness with God. God would go on and bless David above all other kings of Israel. David would return to have God at the center of his hope. That is what God wants from us. He wants to be the center of our hope.
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
What Do We Hope For?
What we hope for in our lives reveals what we hold dear and precious in our hearts. The objects of our hope say much about the desires of our heart. Our heart tells us what we value more. In the above passage, David confesses that he has nothing he hopes for more that the Lord, Himself. When God rejected Saul as King of Israel, He said He wanted someone who had God at the center of his heart:
1 Samuel 13:13-14 (ESV Strong's)
13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
Who did God find? David! That is what makes the above passage so powerful. God said He would appoint someone who was a “man after His own heart,”. He finds David. David then begins to express back to God that God is his only hope. Of course, we know what happened to David. He allowed something he desired to replace God in his heart. The object was Bathsheba. We do this often in our walk with God. We “say” we want Him as our only hope and then what we “do” does not align with those words. David would repent of that sin and would find forgiveness with God. God would go on and bless David above all other kings of Israel. David would return to have God at the center of his hope. That is what God wants from us. He wants to be the center of our hope.
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