The Joyful Follower

Joyfully Dwelling In The Safety Of God In Christ: Psalm 27:1-5

2012-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Our Hammer Verses for the week read as follows: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,  my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,  to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;  he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”

Psalm 27 is one of the Old Testament passages that followers of God in our own day and time must exercise great care in as they seek to understand it and apply it. First, we must understand it in its original Old Testament setting. Then and only then can we apply it to our setting today.

The original Old Testament setting involves King David’s praise of God for his protection of David when the king goes out to battle. Since God was dealing with the nation of Israel as his people and a light to the rest of the nations, he had promised to them to give them victory over their enemies so they could have peace in the land and the ability to worship him as God desired of them (Deuteronomy 12:10-14; 28:1, 7). As a result, during the years Israel had human kings, whoever the leader was would be representative of how God dealt with his people. The king, therefore, was to be faithful to God so that the LORD could bless the nation and give victory. As the most faithful and blessed of all the kings of Israel, David had the assurance of God’s blessing, which meant that blessing, victory, and protection would be on the people as well (Psalms 20-21).

It is with this background that David was assured he need not fear and could have complete confidence that when enemies came against him, they would be the ones to suffer and lose, not him or the nation he led (verses 1-3). David knew the security he and Israel had was rooted and grounded in the presence of the true God with them, namely that he would blessed them based upon his promises to be with them, to give them victory—and all this was continually applied to them through God’s grace as revealed in the tabernacle (later the temple) and the right worship through sacrifice God made possible there (verses 4-5). This is why David longed so much to be in the house of the LORD, to gaze upon his beauty, to worship him, and to seek his help there. He knew God would be faithful!

How, then, do we apply this psalm? First, since David was a type of Christ, we see that as Christ the King goes, so goes his people. As a result, when our enemies come against us (Satan and his demons, Ephesians 6:10-11), we know God will be faithful to us and enable us to stand against them in Christ. Second, our assurance is deepened when we grasp the Church is the temple of God, he dwells among us and continually applies his forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We know that God will always be present with us. Third, because we are united to Jesus Christ, we are hidden with Christ in God and therefore protected (Col. 3:3). Finally, since we have all these promises and resources in Christ and since we have continual access to God, we should delight (as David did) in continually being in God’s presence and gazing upon the beauty of God. To know God, to grow in our knowledge of him, and to grow in our delight for him is at the essence of our salvation. Such ongoing joyous worship of God should also mark all we are and do.

Prayer And Practice Make Us Proficient In Proclamation: Colossians 4:6

2012-01-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

This week’s Hammer Verse reads: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” To grasp this verse clearly, let’s put it into the thought-flow of Paul.

After giving instruction for how our sufficient Savior should transform every area of our lives in the first three chapters of his letter, Paul turned to a challenge for us to pray, which in context also arises from our new life in Christ (4:2-4). Paul makes these three points: (1) Continue in prayer in such a way that you don’t quit and you are watchful in it—suggesting that prayer is one of the chief means whereby, in life’s trials, we appropriate God’s grace and promises in faith (2). (2) As you pray, keep a thankful heart to God, which is a chief sign of true faith in and worship before him (2). (3) Paul exhorts the Colossians to pray for him in his evangelistic endeavors, which is a good reminder to us that we should bring before God both our evangelistic efforts, as well as those of others (3-4). These two verses are not only important because they show how much God’s mission ought to be at the heart of who we are and what we do, but also they remind us that God typically works in the lives of others as his Spirit changes them through his Word in response to prayer.

Of course, Paul not only thinks he should be involved in evangelism, but so also should the Colossians (and us), so he gives a challenge to live properly toward outsiders with the purpose of winning them to Christ (5-6). Here we find our verse for the week. So, part of living out our new life in Christ that involves reaching out prayerfully to others with the gospel is to pay very close attention to how we speak around others. Paul makes three simple points about our ongoing conversation.

First, our speech should always be characterized by grace. Similar to what Paul writes in Eph. 4:29, instead of speech that tears down or corrupts, what we say should impart God’s undeserved favor that saves and transforms. This means at least whatever we say should in no way lead people away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even more, it should lead them to it. As such, our speech should present a good witness to others about the reality of Christ in us and should often speak of what God has graciously done in us. Finally, it means we will look for opportunities to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to others (see v. 4), which is a large part of what it means to make the best use of the time (5).

Second, Paul calls us to work on our conversation skills when he writes: “seasoned with salt”. This clause could merely mean something similar to what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:13 when he spoke about us being the salt of the earth—namely that our speech is to preserve and produce good, it is to be godly. Most likely, though, it also is used in a similar fashion to how people in the Greco-Roman world spoke of speech seasoned with salt—it is to be a zesty and lively conversation. In other words, even if we are not naturally a good conversationalist, we should work at being able to talk in a way we make people thirsty for Christ.

Finally, if we work on the first two characteristics of conversation, Paul says that we will “know how…to answer each person”. As we get to know people, pray about evangelism (3), look for opportunities to share Christ so we can make the best use of the time (5) by bringing about gracious dialogue, then we will get better and better at responding to what people say, especially when they ask questions about why we have changed (John 9) and have hope (1 Peter 3:15), and when they bring up questions about how to find eternal life or a relationship with God (John 3:1-8). In other words, prayer and practice make us not perfect, but certainly proficient when it comes to proclaiming to other people the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul, as such, gives us a wonderful manual for how to engage in evangelism in Colossians 4:2-6 and makes it very clear that evangelism is the call of all of Christians, not just a select few.

“Stop The Pirates, Trust In Christ!” Colossians 3:1-3

2012-01-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Our Hammer Verses this week read: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Since these verses are often misunderstood and the only way they can be properly grasped is to see them in the thought flow of the book, we need briefly to set forth what Paul says in the first two chapters.

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colosse (1:1-2) in response to their sending Epaphras to him during Paul’s house arrest in Rome (1:6-8). As a result of that visit not only did Paul learn of the love the Colossians had for each other and him (8), but Epaphras also told Paul of false teaching among the church consisting of a promise that the Colossians could have special experiences and knowledge of God through living a lifestyle that includes special spiritual insights and also a strict denial of self (chapters 2-3).

Here is how Paul develops his response to this errant teaching. After his customary opening greeting and gratitude (1:1-8), he expresses to them both that he is praying for them and what he prays (9-14). He then focuses upon who Jesus Christ is and his greatness, since Christ was not seen by the Colossians as sufficient for their salvation and growth (1:15-23). After Paul describes how he goes about his ministry (1:24-29), he reiterates the love and affection he has for them and his desire for them to know the riches of the full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s gospel (2:1-5). So the apostle exhorts the Colossians to continue in the teachings of the gospel of Christ, as they have been taught by him (2:6-7). Another way to put this is, based upon the work Christ has done in his people, live out the truth. Don’t turn to another gospel or think you need something else!

Next, Paul gets to the heart of the warning he offers the Colossians in this letter when he tells them to “watch out” that no one shall be a person who takes them captive (a term often used of plundering a ship’s cargo). These false teachers in Colosse were nothing more than “pirates” who had come aboard the ship of the church in Colosse and sought to steal them and the gospel (2:8)! In no uncertain terms Paul warns the Colossians against straying away from the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ramifications of that gospel. How can the Colossians leave the false teachings and return to a belief in the sufficiency of Christ? There are resources in Christ for remaining faithful to him and rejecting false teachings (2:9-15). In Christ the fullness of deity dwells! What more is needed?

Given the reality of our standing and victory in Christ and his sufficient work, we should not allow anyone to disqualify us merely because we don’t follow the Old Testament Law, for its specifics were all intended to point to Christ (2:16-23). Once Christ has come that system of law is no longer needed. It has no power truly to change us. Yet, Christ does.

Now, finally, in 3:1-3 he tells the Colossians and us positively what we should do for salvation and growth to God’s glory: “Seek the things above”. In context this does not first and foremost mean we should be heavenly-minded. It means we are to focus our minds, our trust, upon Christ and his resources for us, how we are united with him and the reality his death and resurrection are continually applied to us by his ministry as our high priest before God the Father in heaven. This is not only our hope for change now, but our assurance of future glory (3:3-4). After all, because our old self died and we are made new in Christ, we are hidden or secure with Christ in God (3). This is a picture Paul borrows from the Old Testament (Ps. 27:5-6; Is. 49:2).

So, these three verses are calling us to look to Christ for salvation and growth and to realize everything we are and ever will be, everything we have and ever will have, everything we need or ever will need are because of and found in Christ. Grow in your knowledge of him and trust in him!

Hammer Verses Program: What Is It?

2012-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

The Bible memorization program at the Minden Evangelical Free Church is known as our Hammer Verse Program, so named because of Jeremiah 23:29, which describes God's Word as being like a hammer that shatters rock.

Each week I blog on the Hammer Verse passage for the week so that individuals or families can come to the blog and find a brief explanation of the passage. This helps them know why the passage is so important and why it should be memorized. It also can help parents explain the passage to their children, if they are memorizing the passage as a family.

Each week's blog can even form the basis of one family devotional time, if parents desire to use it in that way.

Please look below for this week's blog entry...

Whom Will You Worship? 2 Chroncles 19:9a

2012-01-08T17:38:00.001-08:00

In his book, Addictions: A Banquet In The Grave, biblical counselor and author, Ed Welch, affirms that a main question that emerges throughout the pages of the Bible is, “Whom will you worship?” This is the question that Judah’s king Asa faced. The nation of Israel split into two sub-kingdoms: the northern ten tribes, referred to as Israel, and the southern two tribes, referred to as Judah. Israel had come up against Judah in battle. Instead of turning to God, Judah’s king turned to the neighboring nation of Syria for help. After all, Asa thought, it seemed to make more sense to rely upon a good Syrian army and bow down at the altar of their king than to pray to the invisible God!

In response to Asa’s lack of faith in God, a prophet by the name of Hanani came to confront him at the urging of the LORD (see 2 Chronicles 16:1-8). Hanani not only reminded Asa that the LORD had already shown himself faithful, but also announced that he would pay a great price of continual warfare for his lack of trust (16:9b).

Another reason the prophet explained that Asa (or anyone) can trust in the true God is found in our Hammer Verse for the week, 2 Chronicles 16:9a: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” This is glorious good news for the person who has trusted Jesus Christ as savior! In Ephesians 1:4 we read that God “chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Because God saved us, we not only are forgiven and declared righteous (that is blameless) in Christ, but we also are transformed into those who can seek to live blamelessly before God. And, when we sin, we are still blameless because of Jesus Christ. The point is that by God’s grace we meet the condition of 2 Chronicles 16:9a.

What this means is that wherever we are and whatever we are facing, the God of this universe, the one who is present everywhere, all-powerful, and all-knowing is giving strong support to us! This should be motivation enough for us to trust in and worship him and not any other thing, person, or god. Let this focus your faith and let it spur you on to prayer, love, and gospel-produced good works for his glory!

Joyful Followers Can Be Courageous In God's Presence! Joshua 1:9

2012-01-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

There are several theological themes that can be traced from Genesis to Revelation, not the least of which is the importance of the presence of God with man. Prior to sin, God regularly talked with and made his nearness with Adam and Eve known (Gen. 2:15-23; 3:8). Yet, sin separated man from God’s Garden of Eden sanctuary (Gen. 3:24) and continued to result in distance between the divine and human (Gen. 4:16; Is. 59:2). Yet, in the unfolding of God’s History of Redemption, the divine grace-giving attendance with his people plays a vital role. He was with the patriarchs to bless, help, and deliver them at very important junctures (Gen. 21:22; 26:3; 28:15; 39:21, 23). He taught the Israelites he dwelt in their midst through the Christ-foreshadowing, sin-atoning sacrifices of the tabernacle (Ex. 25:8). The only way the Old Testament people of God made it through the wilderness and into the Promised Land was he went with them to bless, guide, deliver, and give victory (Ex. 13:17-14:31; 33:1-34:35 [here we see Moses restores God’s presence as a type of the ultimate intercessor, Christ!]). Israel’s continued prosperity was always and ever dependent upon God’s nearness to them to bless (Deut. 20:1; Jud. 6:12; 1 Ki. 8:57). And finally the very new covenant God promised he would cut with his people in the future involved the continual indwelling of his Spirit within all, from the least to the greatest, that he might change them from the inside out in a greater way—that they might follow him (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29).

In light of all this Old Testament background, we should not be startled to discover in John 1:14 that the Word, the second person of the Trinity, became flesh and “tabernacled” among us as Immanuel (“God with us,” Mt. 1:23). What is more he suffered once for sin, the righteous one in behalf of the unrighteous ones, that he might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18), which access brings to us all the blessings of the people of God (Eph. 2:18-22), renders us as the temple and priesthood of God so we have the joy of proclaiming his excellencies to the world (1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Peter 2:4-10), and gives us the assurance that some day we will see God and dwell in his blessed presence for ever (Mt. 5:8; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5). This is the opposite of the wicked, unbelieving who will be cast away from the blessed presence of the Lord only to experience his eternal wrathful, judging presence (1 Sam. 18:12; Mt. 25:46; 2 Thes. 1:9-10; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8).

As we can see, the presence of God is no small matter and no small theme in the Bible. This should make us sit up and take note when we read this week’s hammer verse, Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God spoke these words to Joshua, the successor to Moses, as he prepared to take Israel into the Promised Land to conquer their enemies in fulfillment of God’s commission and promises given to them. Facing insurmountable odds (humanly-speaking, see Nu. 13:25-33), Joshua was not only tasked with leading the people, but also with trusting God to give them victory (Joshua 1:3-8). Two pillars were to hold up the faith of the son of Nun. First, he must meditate day and night upon the Law of God, for following God’s Word would bring them prosperity and success (1:8). The twin pillar in this passage is found in verse nine: the promised presence of God!

Twice already in this passage God has commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous (verses 6, 7). Now he says it again, emphasizing its importance. Not only is the command repeated this third time, but just to make sure Joshua and all subsequent readers get it, he goes on to tell the leader not to be afraid or to be dismayed (literally, “don’t totter,” “don’t shake” or, we might say, “don't quake in your boots”). Why can he be strong and courageous? “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” It is in God’s presence that Joshua could be courageous, for it was God’s strength, God’s wisdom, God’s glory that would bring deliverance and victory.

This same promise holds for us today. After Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations, he promised: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:19-20). It is because we are united to Christ, we can consider ourselves “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11). And, it is because God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us that we can keep free from love of money and be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5).

The promise God gave to Joshua was true for him in his day and through Christ it is true for us in our day. We don’t need to fear and can have faith not because of our strength, our wisdom, our resources, or our creativity. It is because God is with us! So, in the continual blessed presence of God, be strong and courageous, don’t fear or be dismayed!

William And Joanna

2011-12-18T12:55:00.001-08:00

This week’s Hammer verse is 1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also suffering once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”

The message of this verse is simple. First, unlike the sacrifices which had to be offered multiple times in the Old Testament, i.e. over and over again for sin, Jesus Christ died only once to pay the penalty for the sins of sinners (see Hebrews 9:28-10:14). His was the perfect and complete work. Second, though he was perfectly righteous (having never sinned) and thus did not deserve to die for sin, he died in the place of sinners (the unrighteous) to pay the penalty for their sins. He accomplished complete satisfaction for sinners’ sin debt. Third, when the death of Christ is applied to sinners, one of its key purposes is fulfilled—namely, that he might bring us to God. This reminds us that God is the great ultimate gift we receive in the gospel. He is why the gospel is such glorious good news! Finally, Peter clarifies that it was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that satisfied man’s sin debt. He was put to death in his flesh (his body), yet, he was made alive by means of the Holy Spirit, thus showing he conquered sin and death and also secured our resurrection.

In my 2008 book, Atonement Matters (Evangelical Press), pages 129-131, I told the following story to help explain what is meant when we say Jesus Christ’s death was a satisfaction for our sin debt. Hopefully this provides an enjoyable way to bring even more clarity to the subject.

Sweat poured down the dry, once-soft skin of Joanna as she stacked the tobacco leaves in the curing barn. The Virginia sun was beating down upon her like sticks on a drum. She paused to look over at her husband, William, who was also working frantically to get the valuable cash crop put up before their master’s fury was unleashed upon them. The thought made the ex-citizen of Leicester, England cringe, but also think wistfully of the freedom that she and her husband would have at the end of the month. They would have their own plot of land to farm, their own home, and the opportunity of the new life of which they had dreamed for so long.

The dream began nine long years ago in their home town. They had been married for less than a year and work was scarce. A friend told them about the opportunity of going to the new world, America. All they would have to do is work off their passage once there, put in a little more time in addition, and a plot of land would be theirs. They could build a home, raise crops, start a family, and never again return to the hand-to-mouth existence they now had.

Seven long hard years had now passed since they first stepped off of the ship and on to the harsh Virginia soil. Five years was to be the amount they must work to pay for their passage and another four years to pay for their land. Nine years altogether would satisfy their master.
Four years into their indentured servitude they met up with two young teen brothers, Robert and John. The two orphans were indentured to the same master and also working that they might gain land, a home, and future. William and Joanna had quickly taken the boys under their care. Joanna wanted children more than anything in the world, but her lack of health had so far left her barren.

The boys soon learned to love the older couple as their parents and wanted so much to get Joanna out of the tobacco fields and on to her own land as soon as possible. They went to the master and told him that they would like to substitute their labor for two years of William and Joanna’s. This would mean that the married couple would be free two years earlier and the boys would work two years longer. But it didn’t matter to the young men. They were strong and they loved William and Joanna.

This is why Joanna was now daydreaming by the tobacco barn about their freedom in less than thirty days. Though their master had been harsh at times, he always kept his word when it came to indentures. When other plantations had unfairly kept servants longer, he had let his own go on the very day to which he had agreed.

One month later William and Joanna walked out of the master’s house with a piece of paper that not only served as their freedom, but also as a deed to land. Though they had not put in the full nine years themselves, the paper nevertheless read: “Satisfied,” because the nine year requirement had been met—all because love had prompted two young men to be their substitutes. The master knew the debt had been paid in full and it would not be right to have them pay again for what had already been satisfied!

This analogy helps us to grasp what Jesus Christ accomplished in His death upon the cross for sinners…. Jesus Christ took the place of sinners and paid the penalty for their sins, i.e. he became their satisfaction. What this means is that the debt owed was met and therefore nothing else needed to be paid. Those for whom Christ died will be free.

By His Wounds We Are Healed: 1 Peter 2:24

2011-12-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

This week’s hammer verse is one of those biblical texts that very clearly take us to the heart of the cross: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

Peter has explained that God has given to his Church the mission of proclaiming “the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” as his new people (2:9-10). This includes holiness and glorifying God before unbelievers (2:11-12), how we relate to governing authorities in submission (2:13-17), how we relate to employers and others in authority (2:18), and how we deal with suffering (2:19-20). It is this last point that introduces a discussion about how Jesus Christ has provided an example for us as one who suffered righteously, even though he was unjustly treated, the very reality that forms a model for us (2:21-23). In the midst of explaining that Jesus is our model for how to face affliction, Peter focuses upon the purpose behind his suffering by alluding to Isaiah 53:4-5 in 1 Peter 2:24.

There are several truths in this verse Peter communicates about the death of Jesus Christ. First, he died in the place of sinners, paying the penalty for their sins as their substitute. This is what is meant by “He…bore our sins”. Second, Peter emphasizes that it was Jesus himself, he alone, who paid the penalty for sins and it was in his body. The Son of God truly became fully man and as fully man he took the brunt of the wrath of God against sin in behalf of sinners. Third, the purpose of the death of Jesus, as stated in this verse, is by dying to the realm of sin those who are the object of his death and who trust in him can live unto the realm of righteousness. What this means is that when the death of Jesus Christ is applied to a person, that person becomes a new creation, the old person who did not love God and did not want to glorify him is gone and a new person now exists—one who wants to (and can) live in line with God’s righteousness. Finally, by the wounds Jesus Christ underwent on the cross as a substitute in behalf of sinners who pays the penalty for sin and reconciles them to God, he heals them in the ultimate sense. This last statement reveals to us that our ultimate problem is sin and being healed from it is our greatest need.

This verse is the heart of the gospel. Meditate upon these truths often, for they are the core of our faith!

"Must We Vent?"

2011-12-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

It has become common advice to say that if a person is angry, they should not hold it in, but must vent. The thought is that if we don’t, the pressure will build up and it will become too much for us. Yet, is this really true? There are two ways to answer this. First, ask yourself the question, “Of those people I know who tend to vent a lot, do we see them happier and angry less or do they typically keep getting angry?” The answer is obvious.

Second, think about what Scripture teaches. This week’s Hammer Verse is Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Here are some similar scriptural statements. “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated” (Prov. 14:17). “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Prov. 14:29). “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32). “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

So, what do you believe God’s response is to those who think we must vent our anger? Yes, again, the answer is obvious.

What is the real solution to our anger? Romans 13:14 gives us the answer. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” What is the outcome? Ephesians 4:29-32 answers: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

The Smashing Saga Of Stretched-out Stubbornness: Proverbs 29:1"

2011-11-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

The first short, pithy saying of Proverbs 29 comprises this week’s Hammer verse: “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Proverbs 28-29 appear to be comprised of wisdom nuggets focused primarily upon leaders. When we remember that chapter divisions were not originally part of the Hebrew Bible, we can see that there is a continual thread of thought from 28:28-29:2 that deals with whether or not the righteous or wicked are on the rise and in leadership. Right in the middle of this thread our verse is found. Most likely this suggests that the kind of person Proverbs 29:1 pictures is the one who is in leadership or vying for leadership, yet unwilling to receive advise or correction.

Literally, this verse speaks of “a man of reproofs who causes his neck to be stiff”. The plural of “reproof” suggests that he has received many such corrections or words of advice that are designed to bring God’s skill for godliness. Such reproof is seen as a way to have true, abundant life in Proverbs 6:23. As such, those who are unwilling to receive such correction and/or advice (what is meant by being stiff-necked) are those who do not truly trust in or follow God; they are the foolish (Prov. 1:25, 30; 5:12). The proverb, then, appears to address a person, especially someone with a place of responsibility, who believes him self to be self-sufficient and above the need for advice or correction from others.

What tends to happen to such a person? The verse literally says, “suddenly shall be destroyed and with no remedy.” It seems to be true that the longer a person, be they a leader or not, ignores the correction of man, God (Prov. 3:11), or both, the more likely it is they will wake up one day (all of a sudden) and realize they are destroyed beyond repair or help—simply because they have become so accustomed to being their own God and being self-sufficient, their hearts are hard (cf. Heb. 3:13; 2 Pt. 2:14) and they will listen to no one who is at odds with their current life philosophy. In such a situation, there is no help, no “healing” for their heart and situation since they will let no one else influence them. This is why many people as they age become less and less open to the gospel (cf. Eccles. 12:1-8).

Not only does this proverb warn us against having leaders like this, it also warns us against being this kind of person. After all, the wise person accepts correction both from God and others (Prov. 3:11; 11:14). Such is the mark of the person to whom God gives grace (1 Peter 5:5)!

The Heart Of Perseverence: Hebrews 13:5-6

2011-11-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

This week’s Hammer Verses read: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”

Though many suggestions have been made as to the identity of the author of this written sermon-in-a-letter (including Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Clement of Rome, Apollos, and Priscilla), it is best to conclude we just don’t know who wrote it. We do know that it was a man (11:32) who was a friend of Timothy (13:23), yet, who came to faith not through direct contact with Jesus, but through preaching of the apostles (2:3-4). Whoever the author was, he was writing to those who professed faith in Jesus Christ (e.g. 3:1), who were very familiar with the Old Testament, especially the details of the temple and sacrificial system (cf. chapters 8-10), they were fluent in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (e.g. 1:5-13), they heard the gospel through apostles and not Jesus (2:3-4), they faced previous (10:32-34) and current persecution (13:12-13), they were in danger of turning away from the faith because of false teaching (e.g. 2:1-18), and most likely they were Jewish Christians who had been dispersed out of Palestine and throughout the Roman empire—this particular group having ended up in Italy (13:24). Since there was previous and current persecution, and since there is evidence that the temple in Jerusalem was still standing (5:1; 7:28; 8:3, 4, 5, 13; 9:7), most date the book in the late 60’s, during the persecution of Nero and just prior to the temple’s demise (A.D. 70).

The book was written to counteract a false teaching leading to a movement back toward the Law Covenant among these Christians, as well as a preoccupation with angels. In other words, they were turning away from Christ to many other objects of trust as they faced difficulties: angels (chapter 1), Moses (chapters 3-4), the priesthood (chapters 4-7), the Law and the Old Testament (chapters 8-10). What the author does, therefore, is he demonstrates in the first ten chapters the superiority of Jesus Christ over all things and people and then calls them to perseverance in faith throughout chapters 11-13. Because this is the purpose, we learn a great deal in Hebrews about the person and work of Jesus Christ, as well as the nature of His saving work (especially how it relates to the Old Testament).

As is the case in so many New Testament letters, this one ends with specific moral instructions based upon the doctrinal realities set forth in the previous pages. All of these teachings give even more specific details for what it means to run the race with endurance, as well as to seek peace with others and holiness (see Hebrews 12:1, 14-15).

Here are some specific points of application we do not want to miss from the first part of Hebrews 13. (1) Love fellow Christians (1) and this includes meeting the needs of those believers whatever they are (verses 1-3). In those days this included giving lodging to traveling believers and ministering to those in prison or who are mistreated. (2) Continue to see marriage as something honorable and keep each marriage relationship (especially the sexual relationship) pure (verse 4). (3) Keep yourself free from money love and be content with God’s provision and presence (verses 5-6).

So, what we find in Hebrews 13:5-6 is that we are at the heart of how it is we persevere in our Christian faith. Based on God’s promised presence with and care for us, we need not fear man or difficult situations, which frees us up from money love and paralysis from the pressures of man and situations. As such, we can act courageously—meeting other’s needs and following the Lord in whatever call he places upon us.

Hammer Verses Program: What Is It?

2011-11-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Joyful Followers Run The Race: Hebrews 12:1

2011-11-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

This week’s hammer verse follows on the heels of the “hall of faith” chapter in Hebrews (chapter 11), a portrait of believers whom the author sets forth as examples of what it means to “live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38), that is, “those who [do not] shrink back,” but instead “have faith and preserve their souls” (Hebrews 10:39). The hammer verse reads: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

We discover here that one of the results of our having so many people through history changed by the grace of God, people whose true stories motivate us, those who testify to the greatness and faithfulness of God, is that we should be strengthened to follow in their path, which means following our Lord in faith. More specifically we are motivated to run the race before us in such a way we don’t quit. What is this race? It is none other than striving after holiness (that is, putting God on display) with white-hot passion and zeal (Hebrews 12:14).

Yet, we also find out that if we are to run that race without falling from exhaustion midway, we must lay aside everything that will weigh us down—namely sin which clings so closely. Literally, what is written is “sin which does such a good job of standing around us”. The sense is that it is hard to get rid of and it entangles and weighs down so as to keep from running.

In the following verse (Hebrews 12:2) we find out how this is done. We turn our attention away from trusting in self, other people, or other objects, and we look trustingly to Jesus as both our example and the one who empowers us to run the race.

Bottom-line, then, Hebrews 12:1 calls us to pursue passionately Jesus Christ in faith to the glory of God and to be strengthened for this task as we learn from those who have gone before us and as we lay aside sin that entangles us and keeps tripping us. If we ever doubt whether or not continuing in sin harms us, we should not after understanding this verse. It hinders greatly our ability to put God on display!

We also do well to remember what was written earlier in Hebrews about how we must help each other deal with this horrible hindrance of sin. Hebrews 3:12-14 reads: Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

Remember, this race is not merely an individual competition. Rather, it is a team “sport” wherein the Church helps each other run all the way through the tape!

A Snapshot Of Biblical Parenting: Deuteronomy 6:4-7

2011-11-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

This week’s hammer verse passage reads as follows: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

This is one of my favorite Bible passages because of the rich lessons we derive from it for life and for parenting. It is these rich lessons that also make it a very important Scripture text to memorize. Let me briefly outline them.

We Are Reminded That Our Relation With God Is One Of Grace
The clause, “And these words that I command you today,” help us see these four verses are part of a larger book (Deuteronomy) that is comprised of five messages Moses delivered to Israel as they were poised on the doorstep of the Promised Land after almost forty years in the wilderness. These five messages are not only meant to prepare Israel for their mission of going in and taking control of the land the LORD had given them, they also were fashioned in the same way as treaties out of that day that kings of strong nations would make with the peoples of lesser nations—usually when the former had taken the latter under his protection. These treaties, in essence, would remind the weaker nation that they had been saved by this benevolent king and in return for his grace, these citizens were to show him their allegiance and obedience. Such actions did not make them his people, but arose out of their already being his people. The content of Deuteronomy is designed to show that the LORD, a gracious king, had saved his people and, as a result, they were to love him and serve him. It is this good news of God’s grace, his gospel, that should undergird all we do, especially our parenting, a subject that makes up so much of this passage.

We are Reminded Of The Importance Of Worshiping The True God
In verses 4-5 God’s people are reminded not only that he is the only God, but he is to be worshiped alone. What is more, he is to be loved by his people with all they have! This shows the gracious relationship one has with God is to be based upon the truth of who he is really is. It truly does matter that someone knows who God is and that he knows him intimately, since this is the essence of eternal life (Jer. 9:23-24; John 17:3) and the essence of what true worship is (John 4:24).

We Must Internalize God’s Word
Any true believer, must not only have mere head knowledge about God, even if it is true. It must be emblazoned upon the heart, it must be precious to and owned by the person. This is what is meant in verse 6: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” It is especially noteworthy that before the text moves to a parent’s responsibility to teach their children, they must truly know the one and only true God and they must own his Word. This is what prepares them for both honoring God and for teaching their children. No parent can truly teach and pass on a faith they do not first own and practice.

We Must Teach God’s Word To Our Children
The fact that when Israel was on the doorstep of the Promised Land God took the time to emphasize in verse seven passing on their faith to the next generation shows just how important this is to him. Note that the teaching takes place incessantly—at all times of the day, in all circumstances. The sense is that God’s Word permeates the home, life, work, recreation, decisions, relationships, and most likely is done both formally and informally. I make this last point since the teaching takes place in all kinds of situations (informally, as questions and teaching opportunities arise), yet, there is an intentional, specific content (v. 6: “These words that I command you today’) which most likely means there would also have to be formal times of teaching for subjects that may not as readily arise throughout the course of the day.

Summary
So, the picture this text gives is of parents coming to know the true God, knowing, owning, and practicing his Word, and then teaching that Word to their children. In other words, parents are called to disciple their own children. Is this how you view parenting? If you have children, this is not only your most important responsibility; it is your greatest privilege!

God Keeps His Promises: Numbers 23:19

2011-10-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

In chapters 22-24 of the book of Numbers we find some messages by Balaam, a well-known Syrian prophet whom King Balak of Moab hired to pronounce a curse against Israel. Balak had heard what Israel had done to other area kings and peoples and he was afraid of what they’d do to him. He believed the only way to victory over this nation who had just moved into his area of the Middle East was to curse them. Ancient peoples believed that if a person speaking for a god pronounced a curse upon someone, it would come true. Throughout these chapters, however, we learn that Balaam, who was not a prophet of the true God, was not allowed by the LORD to speak anything against Israel other than words of blessing.

On three separate occasions King Barak took Balaam, the prophet, to three different special religious places where people worshipped their gods. Each time, the LORD led Balaam to pronounce blessing upon the Hebrews. This all happened after the LORD enabled Balaam’s donkey to speak to him and enabled him to see the angel of the LORD standing in front of him when he was still bent only on going and doing whatever would earn him the most money (ch. 22).

This week’s Hammer verse is found in the midst of Balaam’s second message of blessing. It reads: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” The essence of this message is to remind King Balak that God has determined to set his love upon Israel, he has made promises to them to be their God, for them to be his people, and to bless them. As such, God will not change his mind and now go back on his word. God does not lie and he keeps his promises.

These are two important realities a joyful follower of God should never tire of remembering! They are indispensable to grabbing onto God’s promises and remembering he will not cease doing good to his people today, the Church (Jeremiah 32:40; Eph. 2:7), he will never forsake us (Ps. 94:14; Heb. 13:5-6), and he always cares for us deeply (1 Peter 5:7).

Resist Our Adversay, The Devil: 1 Peter 5:9-10

2011-10-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

In 1 Peter 5:8, part of the passage we looked at last week, Peter told us to be attentive and not to let our guard down since the Devil is prowling around like a lion, seeking someone to devour. Certainly, the Devil often works through devious schemes and in subtle disguised ways. Yet, he also works by means of unleashing his hatred toward God and God’s people through persecution at the hands of wicked men. This latter way of working is the kind of terrible suffering the Devil is bringing upon the first readers of Peter’s letter. How do we deal with Satan as he does this? Peter tells us in these two verses: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Peter’s explanation of how to deal with the Devil is very simple: “Resist him”. Literally, by this, he means “stand against him.” This is the same verb James uses in James 4:7, as well as Paul in Eph. 4:13, to speak of how we deal with the Devil. All three New Testament writers are in agreement that the use of this word is appropriate to tell believers we are not to give into Satan’s subtle schemes or his more obvious harsh treatment. Instead, we are to stand against him as a soldier stands his ground against the enemy.

Yet, how do we do this? Peter tells us by his next words in verse 9, which literally read: “firm in the faith”. In other words, rather than being “wishy-washy,” we are to be unwavering in regard to the body of teaching God has revealed in His Word and in which we trust. Elsewhere Paul makes it clear that we can only be strong in our faith against the Devil by resting in Christ and the power that comes from him (Ephesians 6:10). In other words, we do not stand strong merely by our own efforts or strength. Yet, as Christ works in us to strengthen us for resistance, so Peter teaches here, there are specific parts of his body of Christian teaching that he often uses to strengthen us. Peter goes on to list some of those.

First, we must realize we are not alone in the ways that we face the onslaught of Satan. Peter says that our brotherhood throughout the world is experiencing the same kinds of sufferings. This should not surprise us, since Paul tells us that no trial or temptation comes our way that is not common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13) and John wrote in Revelation 12:5-13 about the world-wide wrath of Satan unleashed against the Church. Whatever Satan brings at us, whether it is being passed over at work, loss of job, physical debilitation, imprisonment, being made fun of, or simply being ignored by neighbors who think us strange, we stand in a strong bond with Christians throughout the world. What is more, God has shown himself faithful to countless other saints through history as they have faced difficulties. So, we know we can trust God to bring us through hard times.

Next, Peter tells us we can be firm in the faith since we know God is a God of all grace (v. 10). In other words, God has abundant, overflowing, more-than-sufficient-power to help us through difficult times. After all, this same God has already showered us with his grace by choosing before he even created the world to save us, by sending his Son to suffer and die in our place, and by showing us our need of that salvation. If he has done all that, surely he will continue to work in us and bring us through to our complete and eternal salvation. This is exactly what Peter says in verse 10 of God who has “called you to his eternal glory in Christ.” Peter says Christians will only suffer for “a little while”. O, at times, it may seem horrible and so long, but as Paul brings out in 2 Corinthians 4:16, in light of eternity our present sufferings are only momentary. We will not suffer at the hands of Satan or anyone else forever. Ultimately, God will reward us with eternal life. Yet, Peter makes it clear that the eternal life comes to us not because we earn it. It comes “in Christ,” as he writes in verse 10. In other words, we are saved and have eternal life because of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in our place!

Additionally, we must remember if God has called us to such future heavenly reward (or “glory” as Peter calls it here), that also means that God “will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (v. 10). In other words, whatever happens to us, God will bring us through and will save us. As such, as Jesus said, we do not have to fear those who can only kill the body, but cannot harm our souls (Matthew 10:28)!

How do Christians remember what God is going to do in us and and how he is going to take care of us and how can we stand firm in the faith when we face such difficult sufferings in life? We must remember what Peter said just a few verses previously: “casting all your anxieties upon [God] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) and also what Peter wrote earlier in the letter. We grow in our faith by the Word of God (1:23-2:3). These are two of the key ways Paul also explains we stand against the schemes of the Devil in Ephesians 6:18.

So, bottom-line, Christian, grow in your faith by reading God’s Word, feasting upon his promises and who he is, and then also living in constant reliance upon him through prayer. As you do this, see him grow your faith and, as such, you will be able to stand strong against the Devil. Most likely, one of the promises God will use to strengthen you is Romans 8:31-32: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Hammer Verse Program: What Is It?

2011-10-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Trust God Because He Cares For You: 1 Peter 5:6-8

2011-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

This week’s Hammer Verse passage is 1 Peter 5:6-8 and reads: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Here is a brief summary of what this passage teaches.

As Peter instructs suffering believers how to deal with their trials, he reminds them to place themselves willingly under their pastors (lit. “elders”) and also to be humble toward one another (1 Peter 5:5). A reason he gives is that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” In other words, one of the chief characteristics of one who has true saving faith and is a recipient of God’s gift of eternal life is that they are humble, which includes their understanding they are a sinful servant in need of God’s grace and so they should not act in an arrogant way toward others. Instead, they should willing seek to love others, meet their needs, consider others even above themselves, and to follow the leaders God has given them. It is another way of saying that love and submission are marks of one who truly believes (cf. Eph. 5:21; 1 John 4:8).

Since this is true, Peter writes in verse 6 a person should also have the right attitude of themselves in relation to God, meaning they should consider God’s will more important than their own and they should realize they cannot make it through life on their own and so should trust in God. When a person trusts in God in this manner, they are placing themselves underneath his great power, his “mighty hand”. When a person does this, it is a sign of true saving faith and so God someday will exalt them when he transforms their lowly bodies into the same kind of body Christ has (Phil. 3:20-21) and he will lift them up as his trophies, as demonstrations of his grace (Rom. 2:29) when they enter into their eternal reward, joy, and pleasure (Ps. 16:11; Mt. 6:19-21; 1 Thes. 1:10; 1 Peter 1:6-9). As with Christ, so with his followers, humility will lead to exaltation (Phil. 2:5-11).

The means by which we humble ourselves underneath the mighty hand of God is by casting all our anxieties upon him. This is an indication that the person who has truly received Jesus Christ as his Savior also continually rests upon God to take care of him, knowing God is able and faithful. The reason a person should trust in God in this fashion is because God cares for him. Since God has loved us and given his Son in behalf of us, we should know that God will do for us all he has promised to do and all we need—in fact, nothing or no one can separate us from this love God has for us in and through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:31-39). So, we should cast all cares upon him.

Of course, one of the great areas of life in which the believer should trust God has to do with Satan. Since Satan is like a roaring lion looking for prey, we must be watchful, on guard, and fully aware God will take care of us against him.

A Different View Of Suffering For Christ: 1 Peter 4:16

2011-10-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Few people naturally welcome pain, suffering, and rejection. This is why it is difficult for Christians to think about and face persecution for Christ. Yet, the Apostle Peter helps us gain a different perspective on suffering in his first letter, especially in 4:16. That verse reads: “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” In order to understand how Peter calls us to a different view of suffering for Christ, let’s see this verse within Peter’s flow of thought through the first four chapters.

We must first grasp that Peter wrote this letter to mostly Gentile Christians (cf. 1:18; 4:3) who were facing persecution (1:6, 7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:8, 9) with the purpose of encouraging them to entrust their souls to God while they continue to do good, even in the midst of their suffering (1 Peter 4:19). So, we should not be surprised that in chapter one Peter teaches us that Christians have as our foundation a glorious salvation in Jesus Christ that should give hope for the future and should convince us we have sufficient resources to live to God’s glory no matter what we face.

In chapter two he points to the reality that God has made the New Testament Church, the people, those who represent God and serve as billboards to the world for the greatness of his grace. As such, no matter how hard things are, we must remember how important it is we live out the results of our salvation by his grace to his glory.

At the end of chapter two, through chapter three, and then in the first part of four the apostle defines for us what it looks like to live out the results of our salvation. He challenges us to live righteously in the midst of our suffering so we are suffering for the right reasons, rather than suffering for doing that which is wrong. In this we should follow the example of Jesus Christ. As a result, we will show that Christ is set apart as Lord in all we do, and thus demonstrate we have certainty about the future in the midst of our suffering. This will be so different than others around us, they will want to know what is behind our hope and we can explain it is Christ. In other words, such different, God-honoring, Christ-exalting behavior in the midst of suffering will have an impact upon some others around us to make them want to know about this Jesus Christ they serve!

In 4:7-19 Peter calls us to sober-mindedness, self-control, prayer, love of one another, service of one another through our gifts to the glory of God, and not to be surprised at our suffering. Additionally, he calls us to have a very different view of suffering that comes our way because we are believers. We must remember that suffering for the name of Christ is an indication that God’s Spirit, the very one who is glorious and who changes us, rests upon us (14). We also must remember that the work of God’s afflicting hand that discerns between believers and unbelievers begins with the household of God, yet we will be saved out of such affliction (17-18). As such, if we suffer as a Christian we should not be ashamed, but instead, we should glorify God for the sake of Christ, i.e. we should praise God that we are able to suffer in a way that honors Christ (16). The way we can do this is to entrust ourselves to our faithful God and Creator, while we live out all the good to which he calls us—even in the midst of our suffering (19).

We should not be surprised these words come from the apostle who rejoiced he was counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41)! By the grace of Christ in us, may this also be our perspective!

God’s Word Is Firm: Isaiah 40:8

2011-10-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 40 opens up the second main section of the book (40:1-55:13) wherein the prophet is writing of (and addressing) the exiles from Judah to Babylon in 586 B.C. , even though the messages were originally given to Isaiah’s contemporaries in the late 700’s, B.C. Exile has just been prophesied in 39:5-7 and so Isaiah writes these words not only for future comfort of the exiles, but also to give hope to the current people of Judah. As we read these chapters we are enlightened regarding how the LORD is working among his people at that time and gain a backdrop for the coming of Jesus Christ and his saving work.

In 40:1-2 we read words of comfort written for the future exiles. Through what they will have experienced, God has exacted payment for their sins. There will come a time when the judgment is complete and so the LORD will restore them from their dessert-type isolation and will eventually display his glory such that they and all flesh will see it (40:3-5).

They can believe what the LORD has said about the display of his glory in the future and his ultimate salvation, for the Word of the LORD stands forever; it will never fail (40:6-8). Verse 8 reads: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Though what we see in creation does not last, and this is even true of man himself (Ps. 103:15-16), nevertheless, whatever God says in his Word will last, it will stand, meaning that if promises are made, they will also be kept. This flows not only from the fact that God watches over his Word to perform it (Jer. 1:12) and the fact that he can do all he desires (Is. 40:12-26; Mt. 19:26), it also stems from the reality that his steadfast love toward his people is everlasting (Ps. 103:17-18).

Now that God has disciplined his people, he comes to save them with great might and to tend his people with great comfort and affection as a shepherd cares for his sheep (40:9-11). How does Judah know that the LORD can carry out this future restoration, salvation, and comfort? Isaiah reminds them (and us) just how glorious and great the LORD is (40:12-26). Once they realize just how magnificent and powerful the LORD is, they should trust him to carry out his purposes and salvation, as well as to give strength to his people (40:27-31).

Bottom-line, we learn in Isaiah 40:8 that we can trust God’s Word because God is faithful, he keeps his promises, and his Word is firm!

Discerning The Way Of Wisdom

2011-09-18T15:27:00.001-07:00

The passage we are memorizing this week as part of our Hammer Verse memory program is 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”

As Paul discusses with the Corinthians how to relate to other Christians with whom you have a disagreement over an ethical issue not explicitly covered in Scripture, he quotes what was probably a popular slogan in Corinth: “All things are lawful.” In other words, Paul is saying, “Look, I know that in these matters many of you say, ‘All things are lawful, I can do whatever I want!’ Yet, I want you to know that there is more to consider than simply your freedom.”

Here that something else to consider is whether or not the action is helpful and whether or not the action builds up you and/or other people. Let’s give an example. Is it ethically acceptable in the eyes of God for us to watch television? There is nothing in the Bible that tells us, “You shall not watch television.” Certain types, such as sexually-immoral programming are clearly wrong in the eyes of God (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:15-17). Yet, there is nothing necessarily wrong in and of itself with watching television. Should we, then, conclude that we can watch as much as we want, anytime we want? This is where Paul’s statements help.

In fact, we can take his statements and put them in the form of questions that give us more specific guidance. Does unlimited television watching help us, our family, and/or our friends? The answer is, “No.” It has a tendency to take us away from other healthy activities such as spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading, spending time with our family, building relationships with friends, and also utilizing our gifts and resources to win others to Christ. The other question to ask is, “Does unlimited t.v. watching build us up?” Again, the answer is, “No.” It tends to discourage mental, spiritual, and social development.

Another way to form these questions (and even more directly in line with the context of 1 Corinthians 10) is this: “If you have a Christian over to your home that has a conviction that all t.v. watching is wrong, would it be right and loving for you to turn on the t.v. and place him in a situation where he as to watch it?” Again, the answer is, “Of course not.” This is why Paul connects seeking the good of others with making sure we do those things that are helpful to them and build them up.

So, a great question to ask yourself or anyone else if there is a struggle over whether or not something is pleasing to God when it is not explicitly covered in the Bible is this: Does it help and build up you and others?” This is, by the way, a question that flows out of the heart of the gospel. We who have freely received from Christ are freely and graciously to give to others that they might be build up in him (Mt. 10:8). This is how we are to go out into the world, reaching and loving others, as Jesus Christ came into the world to do (John 20:21).

In addition to these questions, here are three more that can help you wade through thorny ethical issues:
“Is the activity enslaving?” (1 Corinthians 6:12) It is not immoral to play appropriate video games, but maybe you have learned that you can’t just play one (or two or ten or twenty). If such an activity tends to grab you into its clutches and eat up your time, then the way of wisdom, that is, the skillful life from God’s perspective is one that says, “No thank you!” What we are now to be enslaved to in Christ is living our righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

“Does the activity glorify God?” (1 Corinthians 10:31) In other words, does it put on display the greatness of God and does it honor him in a way that shows his grace in your life? An example related to this question may be the choice between spending a significant amount of money to finance a lake house and to spend your summers there building those kinds of family memories (which is not wrong and certainly it can serve some godly family goals) or spending the same amount of money going on short-term mission trips with your family that encourage missionaries and missions you regularly support. Scripture does not give us black-and-white “thou shalts” in these matters, but such questions about how we use our finances and how we can live more for the fame of God’s name throughout the world are always healthy, wise, and pleasing to God.

“Does the activity have lasting value (eternal importance)?” (Luke 10:42) Again, a good example is watching television. In moderation or in settings in which you are watching and enjoying it as a family, there could be lasting value since you are furthering relationships and honoring God by enjoying his gifts together. However, again, to be so immersed in t.v. or video games or our computers that we neglect things that are of lasting value, such as spending time with our Lord and building relationships with others, then we are not on the wisest path.

As we can see from these examples, sometimes our ethical choices deal with things that are not as black and white as, “Should I bow down to that idol?” or “Should I lie to that person?” or “Should I take the life of that person without just cause?” or “Should I live with that woman before marriage?” The answers to these questions are clear from the Bible. When the answers are not as clear and we need to find the way of God’s wisdom, the above biblically-rooted, gospel-centered questions can be of great help!

“Your ‘Plate’ Will Never Be Too Full”: 1 Corinthians 10:13

2011-09-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

In chapters 8-10 of 1 Corinthians Paul deals with the matter of eating food which had been offered to idols (8:1). Some in Corinth believed you could eat it and some believed you should not. Paul makes it clear that these gods to whom the food is offered are not real (and thus this food is not necessarily wrong in and of itself), nevertheless, some Corinthian believers were hurting the conscience of their fellow believers by eating this food in front of them. Paul exhorts them to give up their freedom for the purpose of fellow believers (8:11-13). This provides a helpful model for how we should deal with ethical issues in which Christians differ on issues that are not explicitly addressed in Scripture and positions have to be formed based upon inferences from biblical teaching. One of the guiding principles needs to be love for and concern of fellow believers. Do not hurt their conscience or walk with Christ by what you do.

In chapter 9 Paul explains he has given up the right to be reimbursed as a minister of the gospel, has given up any idea of living only to himself, and has become a servant of all for the sake of the gospel (9:8-27). Paul wants to behave and relate with others in such a way that they can be won to Christ, even if it means he gives up certain freedoms. He wants the Corinthians to follow his example—especially those who believe they have the freedom to eat meat sacrificed to idols. Give up your rights and discipline yourself like an athlete who wants to win the prize, he is teaching, for the sake of the gospel in the lives of others. In the midst of this teaching, Paul writes, “I have become all kinds of things to all kinds of people, that by all kinds of means I might save some.” This does not mean that “the sky is the limit” for what Paul will do to reach people or for what methods he will use to reach people. The emphasis is that he is willing to give up personal rights to benefit people for the gospel.

In 10:1-13 Paul uses Old Testament Israel as an example to call the Corinthians not to put anything or anyone before God (idolatry)—including hurting the consciences of fellow believers by their eating of meat sacrificed to idols. In the process of doing this, he teaches that the things in the Old Testament were also written for the benefit of New Testament believers and that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we are able to bear, but instead will provide a way of escape for us. All of this is designed to motivate the Corinthians and us to take each other into consideration in matters where we differ.

Looking explicitly at 1 Corinthians 10:13, we read: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Addressing the thought-flow leading up to this verse results in an interesting discovery. This well-known promise, though it can be applied to any temptation or trial in life, is specifically addressing situations in which we may be tempted or tried when it comes to conflict and differences between believers. The net effect is that we can be assured that God will never allow a trial or a temptation to sin to come our way that we cannot handle with his grace. In context, this especially means any situation between us and another believer wherein we might be tempted to think reconciliation is not possible.

Christian, take great comfort from this amazing promise. However much your plate is full—even in a challenging relationship, God will help you carry it!

Taste And See The Bread Is Good: John 6:35

2011-09-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

In John 6 we find the fourth (feeding of 5,000) and fifth (walking on water) of seven signs or miracles performed by Jesus that John records in the first twelve chapters. We also come to the fourth of seven discourses (blocks of teaching material) within those same twelve chapters. Not only do the two signs demonstrate who Jesus is and his ability to provide abundantly, they also set the stage for the rest of the chapter which will, in one way or another, revolve around or flow out of discussion about food and bread.

After the two signs, crowds follow him and he directs them to seek spiritual, not just physical bread. In response they wondered whether or not he would give manna since Israelite tradition taught that manna would come again with Messiah. Yet, Jesus says that he is the manna, the true bread from heaven who has come down from heaven to do the will of the Father. He reveals the Father has given people to him and these ones will not be lost, but instead raised up on the last day. Jesus’ teaching here gives us a powerful picture of himself as Savior. He is our spiritual nourishment and sustenance. It should drive us not only to trust in him, but also to give thanks that he has saved us!

It is in the midst of this teaching by Jesus we read this key verse (6:35): “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” In the same way we turn to food and drink to give us strength and sustenance, so Jesus calls us to turn to him. This is none other than a call to trust in him, the one who is good, who strengthens, and who satisfies. It is an invitation we have seen before in the Bible: “Oh taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Ps. 34:8) Have you tasted? Are you tasting that he is good? Are you daily and moment-by-moment savoring Christ? If not, then today taste and see the bread is good!

He Will Not Abandon Us: Assurance From Psalm 94:14

2011-08-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

In this psalm the author calls upon God to deal with those who are opposing his people (1-2), evildoers who are crushing believers (5), killing the weak (6), and who think the LORD does not see (7). Yet, the psalmist knows the LORD does see and will discipline and rebuke those who are doing such things (8-11). God may discipline and correct those who trust in him, those who are his people (12), yet he will never forsake or abandon them (regardless of what it may feel like), for they are a treasure to him. God’s people are far more valuable to him than an important family heirloom handed down from generation to generation is to a man. In verse 14 we read: “For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage.” Psalm 94:14 reminds us of a recurring theme in Scripture, namely just how much God loves his people. They are his “treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5), “a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9), his “son” (Rev. 21:7), those he has “engraved…on the palms of [his] hands” (Is. 49:16), the “apple of his eye” (Zech. 2:8), his special people whom he gave to the Son in eternity past—none of whom will be lost (John 6:37-40).

This is why throughout the Bible God promises his people he will be with them and will never leave or forsake them (Ex. 25:8; Joshua 1:5, 9; Heb. 13:5; Rev. 21:3). That God is with his people to bless, help, protect, and bring great joy and pleasure (Ps. 16:11; Rev. 21:3-7) is the great and glorious present reality and the future delight and reward of all those who are in Christ.

Whatever darkness or hardship we are facing, if we are in Christ, God is with us and will not ever leave us and he will not ever forsake us. Hold on to this promise as the greatest gift we have through Jesus Christ and the greatest hope we have.

“Comfort In Chaotic Times From A Small Word”

2011-08-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Recently the Rotary district governor was a guest at our Minden Rotary Club. During his talk he admitted being tired of all the negative news that spews forth incessantly. Each of us immediately identifies. Daily our news diet consists of unemployment figures, weak U.S. economic growth numbers, the threat of terrorism, riots from Philadephia to London, missing college students, and children’s bodies recovered from secluded woods.

Life in a fallen world whose moral levies have broken and gushed forth with destructive floodwaters of sin can be down-right depressing! Where do we find hope?

The answer is in the most unlikely source—the small word “for” in Habakkuk 2:14. Writing at the end of the 7th century, during a time when Judah was coming apart at the ethical seams, facing the juggernaut from the north known as Babylon, with nothing on the horizon other than injustice, economic down-turn, evil, and tyranny, the prophet clarifies that none of these horrible things will last (Hab. 2:13).

How could a hearer of Habakkuk’s original message know that things would get better in the future? This is where the word “for” steps onto center stage.

In Habakkuk 2:14 the prophet unveils the reason we know that there is a better future coming. This is the connection the word “for” makes between the promise of the end of the chaos in verse 13 and the reason for our certainty in verse 14.

Scarcely did a conjunction carry such weight and introduce such good news. Habakkuk wrote, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” The prophet repeats the century-old prophecy of Isaiah (Is. 11:9).

If Habakkuk is referring to the same future complex of events Isaiah did, it seems to me that the focus is on the time of the first coming of Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 4:6) all the way to his Second Coming and the ushering in of the age-to-come. In other words, with the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the kingdom of God arrived. Because of Christ, someday that kingdom will fill the entire earth and the weight, majesty, greatness, holiness, love, mercy, grace, and justice of God will fill the entire earth no less than the waters cover the seas. In other words, the goal to which God is taking this earth is that not one square inch of this terrestrial ball will lack the full knowledge of God’s glory!

Why is there such comfort in this glorious goal? Because it means God will accomplish all he needs to that his entire Church will be present in that glory (Rom. 8:28)!

So, read the paper, listen to the news, but look beyond it all to a more certain future. How do we know? “FOR the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Praise God!

“Our Security Is In Christ Alone”

2011-08-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is our fifth and last week to focus upon Psalm 91, a glorious psalm that provides wonderful encouragement for the Christian that God will provide ultimate victory for him in the battle he fights daily with Satan and sin.

To understand accurately how this psalm applies to the believer today, there are three reminders we must keep before us. First, in its original context, this was written as a promise of God’s protection for his Old Testament saints when they went out to battle. The way it is applied today is in the battle we face against our spiritual enemy--Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18) and the enemy within—sin (Rom. 7:18-19). God often does deliver his saints from physical harm, but he does not promise always to do this. The psalm must not be read as a promise he does.

Second, the main promise given to us is that God will not allow anything to come upon us that is condemnation for sin, that will separate us from his love, or that will destroy our faith (see v. 8 especially).

The third reminder that we must heed is found in the last three verses, which record God’s words describing the one who is worthy of his protection. There we read: "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." The one God delivers, protects, answers, is present with in trouble, rescues, honors, satisfies, and the one to whom he shows his salvation is the one who holds fast to him in love and knows God’s name (note that knowing God’s name is parallel to loving him, a reality that teaches knowledge of God is not mere awareness of, but an intimate knowledge of God).

There is good news and bad news and good news again in this third reminder. The first good news is that God is a just God. We should be thankful that he cares how people live and he does not take sin and evil lightly. This is implied in his distinguishing between those who love him (14) and those who are wicked (see v. 8). The bad news, however, is that none of us measure up to God’s conditions for his protection, presence, and salvation perfectly. We all fall short (Psalm 14:1-3; Rom. 3:23). Therefore, left to ourselves, none of us will experience the blessing of the certainty of his protection! Ah, but then we come to the second good news. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has perfectly loved and known the Father (John 10:15: 14:31; 17:24-26). As such, he is the one who has the perfect protection of the Father, he is the one who has secured our victory over the enemy (Col. 2:13-15).

Read through the lens of the one to whom this psalm points, Jesus Christ, we find it to be an Old Testament forerunner of the glorious climactic words of Paul in Romans 8:35-39:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Praise be to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

“A Letter To A Son About Marriage”

2011-08-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

How should a Christian parent guide his son when it comes to marriage? Since many Christian parents feel ill-equipped to answer that question, here is a generic letter that provides guidance. It is my prayer that dads will find it useful in directing their sons. Likewise, I pray it will be helpful for single moms (or those in marriages where the dad is not taking the initiative to instruct).

Dear Son,

God has made you in such a way you have quite an interest in girls. This is a good thing. Though you think about and notice girls everywhere you go, you may not have marriage on your mind. Yet, it is something that is good to think about and prepare for ahead of time. Since I love you very much, here are some truths I would like to share with you that will help you apply to your choice of a spouse the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-7, which says:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. (New Living Translation)

To begin, I know that you are bombarded daily at school, on television, from billboards, and from all forms of technology with visions of what the ideal woman is like. Most of these focus only upon her appearance. As a result, it is easy for you to conclude that what is most important is physical attraction. Please let God’s Spirit shape your thinking on your image of the ideal future wife based upon biblical teaching. The godly woman, writes Paul, adorns herself “in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control…with good works” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Such a woman has a heart for others, loves her family, wants to serve God and others, and, as such, she will be a great blessing to you (Prov. 31:10-31; Titus 2:4). Of course you should expect to be attracted to your future wife physically. A quick reading of the Song of Solomon supports this! Yet, remember there should be more to your attraction and more to her than that.

Also, remember the Bible teaches us that marriage is designed to provide a picture of how Christ relates to the Church and the Church to Christ (Ephesians 5:32), as well as how the persons of the Trinity are equal, yet different in their roles (1 Corinthians 11:3). Additionally, it is to provide companionship (Gen. 2:18), as well as the atmosphere in which godly children are to be raised (Malachi 2:15). This divine multi-faceted design for marriage demands that both husband and wife be new people who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:1-16) and long to glorify God through their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3-6), their mutual pursuit of holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and the biblical training of their children (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).

We should not be surprised, then, the Bible instructs believers that we must not marry unbelievers (1 Corinthians 7:39). After all, marriage is the most intimate of relationships with the greatest and most eternal of purposes. How can a Christian partner with a non-Christian in such a close bond and expect to share the same passions for their life together (2 Corinthians 6:14)? How can they expect that an unbelieving spouse would want to train their children to know and serve Jesus Christ and to pray to those same ends? Without such commitment, training, and prayer, you most likely are setting your children up to stumble and to miss Christ (Matthew 18:5-6).

So, son, begin to pray now as to whether or not the Lord would have you marry. If he would, pray that you will find a wife who knows Jesus Christ as Savior, who loves God and others deeply (Matthew 22:37-40), who ultimately seeks her pleasure and treasure in Christ (Matthew 6:19-21; Philippians 1:21-23), who pursues holiness and purity (including sexual purity in relationships [1 Corinthians 7:1-2; Hebrews 13:4]), who seeks to honor her parents (Exodus 20:12), and who wants to serve Christ passionately with her husband (Prov. 31:10-31; Eph. 5:21-24; 1 Peter 3:7).

Of course, to find that kind of wife, you must be that kind of man. Such a woman will not want a half-hearted Christian. She will desire someone who will lead the family from a godly example, who will love her like Christ loves the Church, and will be at the forefront of discipling your children and helping her grow for God’s glory (Eph. 5:21-33; 6:4; Phil. 3:17). What this means is that the best preparation in which you can engage right now for marriage is for you to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Something else that is essential is for you to determine right now you will pursue purity in your relationships with women. Understand that the practice of Christ-accomplished, Spirit-empowered holiness in the present will make you that much stronger in pursuing such holiness as you seek to remain faithful later to your wife while facing off against the enemies of indwelling sin, Satan, and the world (Romans 7:15-25; Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 5:14). What is more, remember that any girl with whom you spend time or in whom you become interested may be someone’s future wife, she is a person made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-28), and if a Christian she is one who has been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28), so treat her with great respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7)!

Of course, your vision for what you believe God wants you to do (and where) must match her vision. If, for example, you believe God has called you and your future wife to serve Christ in urban compassion ministry or in overseas missions, yet, you meet someone who believes God wants her and her husband to live on a farm, this may be an indication God does not want you to marry—especially if you cannot bring your two visions together.

You might think to yourself that it is impossible to be such a young man or to find such a young woman out there to marry! On the one hand, I tend to agree with you, simply because young men and women do not naturally turn out with the characteristics I have described in this letter (Romans 3:10-12). Yet, on the other hand, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and so he is saving and molding young men and women into this kind of future husbands and wives every second of the day.

What should you do that you might find such a woman?
(1) Pray. Ask God to bring you to such a woman, if it is his pleasure for you to marry. Know that it is only by God’s grace through Christ you will have a godly marriage and family (Ps. 127:1; John 15:5).

(2) Act. As you pray, act out your convictions. Do not date any women whom you would not marry. Too many Christian men have thought to themselves, “It doesn’t matter, since we are not serious and are only dating. We are not getting married.” Yet, they find all too quickly they become attached and the next thing they know they are married to someone who does not share with them the same God-honoring, Christ-centered vision for life.

(3) Pursue. Pursue Jesus Christ ultimately (and not a wife), in holiness, purity, love, great passion, and without falling in love with the world (Philippians 3:1-11; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 John 2:15-17). If you trust in him, he will make your path straight to that right woman, if marriage is what he has for you (Proverbs 3:5-7). Keep in mind that this kind of young woman will be looking for a young man marked by godliness. She will not be won merely by your strength, your boldness, or your courage. She also will not be won by your ungodly sexual pursuit of her.

(4) Hold on. Hold on tightly to the word of life, for this is how you pursue Christ and honor God (Philippians 3:16). Drink deeply and often from it and God will guide you.

Please know that I am praying for you and for your future spouse. May God strengthen you according to his gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ and may you glorify him always (Romans 16:25-27), not the least of which in whom you will marry!

With much love,

Your Dad (or Mom)

“God’s Manifold Resources For Our Good”

2011-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Psalm 91 is a breath-taking litany of the manifold ways that God promises to bring victory and protection to his Old Testament saints in the battles to which he calls them. The concrete, this-worldly way that God worked among his Old Covenant people to teach and prefigure important truths of salvation has given way to the spiritual realities under the New Covenant such that now it is made clear that ultimately “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). So, the chief way we apply this psalm today is to see in it God’s promises to protect us through and give us victory in the battles we face against our chief enemies—Satan along with the realm of sin and death.

Verses 11-13 of this psalm remind us not only do we have the glorious Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) working in behalf of us—which is more than enough—we also have God’s angels. We read: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.”

There are several reminders we must give ourselves as we meditate upon this text. First, God does not have to use angels to take care of us. He can accomplish the same outcome directly without them. For example, he can use angels to free his people from a prison cell (e.g. Acts 12:6-19) or he can do it merely by himself (Acts 16:25-40). Yet, we see that he does utilize them in our behalf. Why? Psalm 91:11-13 hints at the answer. There seems to be something about the presence of these ministering spirits who are sent by him as a service to those who will certainly inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14) that increases faith and comfort. John Calvin, in his Institutes Of The Christian Religion (Book 1, ch. 14, sec. 11) puts it this way:
When he employs them it is as a help to our weakness, that nothing may be [lacking] to elevate our hopes or strengthen our confidence. It ought, indeed, to be sufficient for us that the Lord declares himself to be our protector. But when we see ourselves beset by so many perils, so many injuries, so many kinds of enemies, such is our frailty…that we might at times be filled with alarm, or driven to despair, did not the Lord proclaim his gracious presence by some means in accordance with our feeble capacities. For this reason, he not only promises to take care of us, but assures us that he has numberless attendants, to whom he has committed the charge of our safety,--that whatever dangers may impend, so long as we are encircled by their protection and guardianship, we are placed beyond all hazard of evil.

Next, take note that God commands his angels concerning his people, i.e. to keep or watch over them in all their ways. In other words, the decree that God gives to his angels is, “Take care of my people in every way they need, in every sense that accomplishes my glory and their good, as well as prevents their destruction.” What is glorious about this is that the elect angels (1Tim. 5:21) always do his will (Psalm 103:21). This means they always carry out that which is for the good of God’s people and which keeps them from being separated from God’s love (Romans 8:28-39). This is what is communicated in verses 12-13. God will do all that is needed to bring to completion the work he began in us (Phil. 1:6) and to give us victory over sin and Satan.

Christian, take joy and comfort in the manifold resources God gives us for our good, not the least of which is his angelic host that is there to serve us!

“Meditations On Finding Security In God,” cont’d.

2011-07-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Psalm 91:4-10 reads: “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—10no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”

These seven verses provide a moving and powerful picture of God’s care—taken from that of a mother bird protecting her young underneath her wings (4a). Yet, here it is the all-powerful, ever-present, all knowing God who shelters his people no matter where they are. What is more, our ultimate assurance he will take care of us is his faithfulness (4b). He will always do what he promises. He will take care of his own.

In verses 5-10 the psalmist writes that the LORD will protect any of his true people who go to battle from suffering the tragic end that comes upon the wicked (8). None of the judgments that are part of his condemnation will come upon his people, but instead he will care for them. He will not allow anything to come upon them that would undo them or cause them to miss their ultimate reward and joy in him (Ps. 16:11). Since the Old Testament dealt more with God’s material, concrete blessings to teach the reality of his reward and future eternal blessing (Heb. 11:14-16), this would mean he would keep soldiers from physical death as they went out in faith to fight the battles to which he called them.

How do we apply these promises today? We find a hint in Luke 21:18 where Jesus tells his disciples in a context of prophesying persecution that “not a hair of your head will perish.” Yet, in verse 16 he has just said, “some of you they will put to death.” So, how can some die, but of all of them it can be said, “Not a hair of your head will perish”? Because all of the promises for physical, this-world blessing and protection are ultimately foretastes of ultimate deliverance and protection. Many times God does deliver his saints from death and harm. However, often he does decree his saints to go through pain, suffering, and even death, yet he will deliver them in the ultimate sense so that from the eternal perspective we can say, “no harm done!” (Rev. 2:10)

“A Letter To A Daughter About Marriage”

2011-07-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

How should a Christian parent guide his daughter when it comes to the pursuit of marriage? Since many Christian parents feel ill-equipped to answer that question, here is a generic letter written to a daughter that provides guidance. It is my prayer that dads will find it useful in directing their daughters. Likewise, I pray it will be helpful for single moms (or those in marriages where the dad is not taking the initiative to instruct).

Dear Daughter,

I know that most girls dream of the day they will walk down the aisle in a breath-taking dress, flowers in hand, and the focus of their guests’ attention. I also know that this vision is shaped by a barrage of input from magazines, television, and the internet—all of which can determine the kind of man you pursue and the kind of marriage you want. Because I love you deeply and want God’s very best for you, I am sharing with you some very important reminders as you lean ever so hard toward that day.

To begin, it is important for you to fill your vision of the ideal husband, wedding, and marriage from what the Bible says and no where else. After all, God reveals his will to us for our good (Deuteronomy 10:13), that we might make our way prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8), that we might avoid paths that hurt us (Proverbs 1:8-10; 4:24-27), and as the only guide to equip us for the good works that should fill our future (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible teaches us that marriage is designed to provide a picture of how Christ relates to the Church and the Church to Christ (Ephesians 5:32), as well as how the persons of the Trinity are equal, yet different in their roles (1 Corinthians 11:3). Additionally, it is to provide companionship (Gen. 2:18), as well as the atmosphere in which godly children are to be raised (Malachi 2:15). This divine multi-faceted design for marriage demands that both husband and wife be new people who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:1-16) and long to glorify God through their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3-6), their mutual pursuit of holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and the biblical training of their children (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).

We should not be surprised, then, the Bible instructs believers that we must not marry unbelievers (1 Corinthians 7:39). After all, marriage is the most intimate of relationships with the greatest and most eternal of purposes. How can a Christian partner with a non-Christian in such a close bond and expect to share the same passions for their life together (2 Corinthians 6:14)? How can they expect that an unbelieving spouse would want to train their children to know and serve Jesus Christ and to pray to those same ends? Without such commitment, training, and prayer, you most likely are setting your children up to stumble and to miss Christ (Matthew 18:5-6).

So, daughter, begin to pray now as to whether or not the Lord would have you marry. If he would, pray that you can find a husband who knows Jesus Christ as Savior, who loves God and others deeply (Matthew 22:37-40), who ultimately seeks his pleasure and treasure in Christ (Matthew 6:19-21; Philippians 1:21-23), who pursues holiness and purity (including sexual purity in relationships [1 Corinthians 7:1-2; Hebrews 13:4]), and who respects and honors women as a coming attraction of the treatment he will give his wife (1 Peter 3:7).

Such a man will understand that whatever career he is in (be it janitorial work, brain surgery, farming, or pastoral ministry) it is a vocation, that is, a calling from God to serve God (Gen. 2:15; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) and so he will work hard at it as he trusts God to provide for him and his family (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 3:5-6, 9-10). He will also value making disciples through regular involvement in the Church (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 10:24-25).

Whether the parents of such a man are Christians or not, he will do his best to honor them (Exodus 20:12). He will also desire to honor his Lord by leading his future family in a Christ-like servant way, knowing that he will ultimately answer for their direction (Ephesians 5:21-33). This does not mean he will be controlling or demanding. It does mean he will be resolute to pray for his family, instruct them, and lead them toward godliness (Ephesians 6:4).

Of course, your vision for what you believe God wants you to do (and where) must match his. If, for example, you believe God has called you and your future husband to serve Christ in urban compassion ministry or in overseas missions, yet, you meet someone who believes God wants him and his wife to live on a farm, this may be an indication God does not want you to marry—especially if you cannot bring your two visions together.

You might think to yourself that it is impossible to find such a young man out there to marry! On the one hand, I tend to agree with you, simply because young men do not naturally turn out like this (Romans 3:10-12). Yet, on the other hand, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and so he is saving and molding young men and boys into this kind of future husband every second of the day.

What should you do that you might find such a man?
(1) Pray. Ask God to bring you to such a man, if it is his pleasure for you to marry.

(2) Act. As you pray, act out your convictions. Do not date any men whom you would not marry. Too many Christian women have thought to themselves, “It doesn’t matter, since we are not serious and are only dating. We are not getting married.” Yet, they find all too quickly they become attached and the next thing they know they are married to someone who does not share with them the same God-honoring, Christ-centered vision for life.

(3) Pursue. Pursue Jesus Christ ultimately (and not a husband), in holiness, modesty, love, great passion, and without falling in love with the world (Philippians 3:1-11; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 John 2:15-17). If you trust in him, he will make your path straight to that right man, if marriage is what he has for you (Proverbs 3:5-7). Keep in mind that this kind of young man will be looking for a young woman marked by godliness. He will not be won by the immodest display of yourself or your ungodly sexual pursuit of him. Instead, he will ultimately be repelled by such a God-dishonoring lifestyle.

(4) Hold on. Hold on tightly to the word of life, for this is how you pursue Christ and honor God (Philippians 3:16). Drink deeply and often from it and God will guide you.

Please know that I am praying for you and for your future spouse. May God strengthen you according to his gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ and may you glorify him always (Romans 16:25-27), not the least of which in whom you will marry!

With much love,

Your Dad (or Mom)

“Meditations On Finding Security In God"

2011-07-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

One of the characteristics that has always endeared the Psalms to me is that they are not “cleaned up” from the messes of life before we read them. Instead, they ask questions, praise God, cry out for help in the midst of the sweat, mud, blood, and tears all people face. Psalm 91 is certainly no different. Written for those who face the terror and danger of war (see verses 5-8), the writer meditates upon the reasons the battle-weary soldier can place his faith in the LORD. Even those of us who have never carried a weapon to the front lines are allowed to listen in since there is something for which we must trust God. The first three verses set the tone for the whole work.

As a starter, the man of faith can rest assured in the protection of God in light of God’s strength. Verse 1 reads: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” In the Psalms to “dwell” often denotes identifying with someone, taking upon yourself their outlook, trusting in them (e.g. Psalm 1:1; 26:4, 5), or being in the midst of one’s protection (Psalm 23:6). The one who dwells in the “secret place” of God is one who trusts in him because there is no one higher than he. This same person will also literally “spend the night” or “lodge” close enough to be in the protection of the one who is so mighty there are none mightier than he. Since the one in danger is in the shadow, this means that he is under God’s wing, much like a bird runs to his mother for security (Ps. 91:4). This is a great reminder that when we face danger or fearful situations, we can find great comfort and strength as we meditate upon the power of our great God—the very God who created and sustains all. The very God of whom Jesus would say, “but with God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26).

Next, the man of faith can rest assured in the protection of God because the LORD will be faithful to him since he has become his God and his protection. Verse 2 reads: “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” A man with whom God has made covenant to be his God, a man whom God has saved, can affirm that he is not just a God, but “my God” and not just able to protect, he is “My refuge and my fortress” and will protect me! To such people God becomes a fortress, a citadel to which they can run in times of trouble (Prov. 18:10).

Finally, the man of faith can rest assured in the protection of God since the LORD promised to take care of him, as verse 3 makes clear: “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.” The “fowler” is one who sets a trap. Pestilence is disease that is often a sign of God’s judgment or discipline (cf. Lev. 26:25). God will take care of the one who trusts in him and will not allow him to face any danger, disease, or death that will ultimately undue him, that will not serve his good or God’s glory. As Jesus affirmed in Luke 21:18 to his disciples, “not a hair of your head will perish,” even though some will die (Luke 21:16). God will bring his people into their ultimate reward, joy, and pleasure and, in this life will always work for them that which is to their benefit and for the fame of his name.

These three verses are important since they remind us that those whom God has saved he has promised to take care of, for he is faithful and almighty, he can and will carry out all he has pledged to us.

Joyful Finishers

2011-07-03T15:00:00.001-07:00

One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

God‟s grace is seen in Psalm 16 and the reality that he is the one in whom we take refuge, the one without whom we have no good; he is our chosen portion, our cup, our lot. He is the one who will not merely abandon his people who trust in him to the grave, but instead will give us fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore at his right hand!

The culmination of this psalm, verse 11, begins by telling us that God initiates his saving work in us by making known to us the very way of life that leads to eternal reward. Such a statement points us forward to Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life, the one through whom we come to the Father (John 14:6). Verse 11 goes on to describe the eternal reward that comes through Christ-wrought grace. There will be a joy, a pleasure that encompasses all our being and that is in no way lacking. It is a full and complete gladness that will permeate us completely. The reason is because in the very presence of the LORD for all eternity we will experience his pleasures.

Here is the lot of the one who knows God through Jesus Christ. It is the very lot that should encourage us in this life that death is gain (Phil. 1:21), that we can cheerfully give sacrificially (2 Cor. 9:8), that the present difficulties we face are well worth it since they are preparing us for experiencing and enjoying those pleasures (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:6-8)—at the heart of which is the reality we will be with our Savior and God (Mt. 5:8; John 14:3; Phil. 1:23; Rev. 21:3-7)—and that we can do all without grumbling and complaining (Phil. 2:14). This is the verse that reminds us all pleasures we experience and desire here point to and culminate in what we will experience for all eternity in the presence of God. Every sacrifice we make here, every hard thing we do, every bit of suffering for Christ is worth the great joy and pleasure we will have in God (Heb. 11:24-26). It is a pleasure that satisfies us here and which brings us intense gladness when we trust in and praise Christ who works in us at the very point of our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9).

What we discover, then, is that joyful followers of Jesus Christ are joyful finishers for all eternity and this reality motivates and empowers us to follow him in joy even more now! What great good news!

The Spirit-Empowered Joyful Follower, Galatians 5:22-27

2011-06-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

These verses are crucial for every Christian since they paint a picture of what it looks like when those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and, as a result, have the Spirit, live by means of the power of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Here is what Paul writes: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Take note of some important matters. First, in the same way that an apple tree produces the fruit known as apples, so the Spirit indwelt Christian produces the fruit known by the descriptions in verses 22-23. When a person is empowered by the Spirit, this is what they will be like. Second, just because the Spirit produces these does not mean there are not means the Spirit uses to enhance and encourage the outflow of this fruit, such as intake of the Bible (Colossians 3:16), involvement with other Christians within the church (Hebrews 10:24-25), prayer (Ephesians 6:18), and the active pursuit of faith in Christ (Eph. 6:10, 16; Phil. 2:12-13). Third, Paul says that since we have been given life by the Spirit, we should also operate by the power of the Spirit, so we should approach all that God calls us to do by actively and consciously depending upon the Spirit for help. Prayer is just one example (Romans 8:26-27; Eph. 6:18). Finally, when we are being led by the Spirit in us, we will not be conceited, we will not provoke one another, and we will not envy one another. So, if we are doing these things, we must repent and turn to God in prayer, asking him to give us the grace to live by the power and direction of his Spirit.

This is one more indication that the thoughts, behavior, and affections to which God calls us as we follow Christ are not carried out merely in our own power, but by means of the Spirit of God indwelling us. It is this reality that leads to the certain change which takes place in the life of a person when they trust Jesus Christ as Savior.

Crucified In Christ: The Creation Of Joyful Followers in Galatians 2:20

2011-06-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

The letter of Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul (1:1) to churches in southern Galatia (1:2), which would include Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (see Acts 13-14), most likely in A.D. 48. Paul wrote this letter to address problems in these churches which resulted from opponents to his ministry who attacked him (4:7) and sought to teach a different gospel
(1:6-10). For Paul to carry out his purpose he needed to defend his apostolic ministry (1:11-2:21), the gospel he preached (3:1-4:31), and gospel-derived morality (5:1-6:10).

Since Paul’s opponents had accused him before the Galatian church of being a very sinful person because he broke the Jewish Law by not always following its guidelines, at the end of chapter 2 Paul makes it clear that he (and other Christians) are no longer under the Law as Old Testament believers were (17). In verses 18-21 Paul argues: If he rebuilds what was torn down (living under the Law covenant), that is when he proves himself to be a sinner since the Law only taught Paul he was a sinner but did not save him; he found salvation, forgiveness, and true transformed life only in Christ; and if he could be justified through the Law, then Jesus Christ died for no purpose (18-21)!

In verse 20 Paul gets to the heart of the gospel, for here he makes it clear that when a person is united to Jesus Christ, this is when true salvation and change occur. He writes: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives inme. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Paul says of himself (as indicative of all true believers) when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross as a payment for sin’s penalty and in the place of sinners (Gal. 1:4), all true believers were united to him in that death. In other words, its payment was their payment, the death died was their death, and the benefits of it their benefits. Paul says that since this is the case and since Christ’s work has been applied to him, this means it is not merely him living on his own—with his sinful desires. Instead, Christ lives in him, which means that Paul has new desires and abilities, he is a new person. So, Christians live by placing faith in Jesus Christ to live through them and empower them. After all, since the Lord loved his people enough to give himself in their behalf, he will also change and empower them. His point, in context, is that this salvation in Jesus Christ has power to change, merely trying keep the Law covenant does not!

This verse speaks to our new identity in Jesus Christ. We are no longer merely sinners who are bound to dishonor God. Instead, we can now say, “Yes” to God, “No” to sin, and do the right things for the right purpose, to glorify God as those who joyfully follow and love Him!

For Your Good

2011-06-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 6:22-23 are a continuation of the call to pay careful, affectionate, and ongoing attention to the teachings of parents (6:20-21). They read: “When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. 23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.”

The simple point is that the biblical wisdom that comes from parents will give direction for the best way to make it well in life, it will give peace and protection during rest, and it will give counsel for the best decisions. All-in-all, parents’ wisdom will light our way when it is unclear what to do and will correct us when we stray from the path that leads to true God-given life. In these verses we not only learn the benefit of listening to parents (especially those who give godly counsel), but since the ideal is for parents to give biblical guidance, we also glean how beneficial it is to listen to God’s Word. This point is also made elsewhere in the Old Testament. Consider Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (emphasis added)

God’s will is revealed to us, then, not only for his glory, but also for our good. The boundaries he sets for us and the direction he gives are to be thought of like the loving prohibitions against running into the road given by a parent. They should not be thought of as the diabolical restrictions of a tyrannical dictator, which do nothing but steal away our life and freedom! So, learn to love God’s Word! (Psalm 119:97)

The Family: A Powerful Force

2011-05-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

In An Evangelical Catechism (see mindenefc.org/Resources/ Articles) question 64 asks, “What is required in the fifth commandment?” (The fifth commandment is, “Honor your father and your mother”) The answer given is this: “The fifth commandment requires us to preserve the honor and perform the duties belonging to everyone in their several places and relations as those who are in authority, those who are subordinate, or those who are peers.” Many of us will think to ourselves: “Since the fifth commandment deals with how children relate to parents, why does the catechism deal with other kinds of relationships?” The answer is that the original writers of the catechism understood that the teaching of the fifth commandment went beyond mere parent-child relations to form a type of how children were to relate to all people in different kinds of relations. For example, if they grow up to be in authority over others at work or as parents, they are to learn from their own parents how they should do this in a godly manner. Also, they are to learn as children what it means to submit to those over them in all kinds of relationships so they can submit properly to teachers, employers, government officials, and even God.

Where would the catechism authors get such an idea? One of the places is Proverbs 6:20-21, where we read: “My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. 21Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.” Let’s unpack these two short verses so we can see the wisdom because the catechism’s answer.

The teacher addresses the reader as, “My son”. This could cover either a father/son relationship or a discipler/disciple relationship. For the most part, throughout Proverbs it is the latter. What this more mature believer is teaching the less mature believer is to watch over the commands and teachings of his parents no less than a prison guard keeps watch over prisoners. In other words, don’t turn the other way, don’t forsake, don’t let even one of them get away without paying attention to it and doing it. Further, the son or daughter is not only to pay careful attention to parental teaching, they are to be affectionately committed to it long-term. This is what is meant by binding parents’ words on the heart continually and fastening them around the neck. These lessons are always to be with a person and held dear to them.

Why should a son or daughter give such careful, heart-felt attention and submission to parents’ instruction? This is answered in this context and elsewhere in the Proverbs. First, it will protect from the pain and destruction of evil (1:8-19; 6:22-24ff.; 7:1-27). Second, it will lead to God-honoring skill, life, vitality, blessing, peace, and security (2:1-5; 3:1-2, 21-24; 4:1-2; 5:1-2). Third, the commands of parents are the commands of God. We know this since the teachings of the discipler to the disciple have the same kind of effect as that of parents’ teaching (3:1-4), which suggests that whether the teaching is coming from the discipler or the parent, it is to be of the same kind. What is that teaching? It is wisdom from the mouth of God (2:1-6; 3:1-7). In other words, in ancient Israel both parents and teachers were to teach and train out of the wealth of the wisdom and word of the LORD! This was to guide, protect, and bless the young person. It suggests that children are given to parents, in part, to provide a pattern whereby sons and daughters learn to listen to and submit to those in authority over them and also learn God’s Word in very practical ways, both of which will serve them well throughout all their years (Proverbs 3:1-7).

Yet, this also demands something from parents. For this to work in its fullest, most God-honoring fashion, parents must teach and direct their children in accordance with Scripture. This demands parents first to internalize and obey the Word of God themselves (Dt. 6:4-6). Then they must teach it formally and informally to their children throughout the course of each day (Dt. 6:7-9). (For ideas on how to do this check out several articles under Discipleship and also Parenting at mindenefc.org/Resources/Articles).

God has given a glorious gift in the family. When godly parents lead and teach their children from Scripture and when children honor and obey their parents, this can be a powerful force for God’s glory and their benefit!

Joyful Sobriety: Proverbs 4:24-27

2011-05-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:24-27 reads: “Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. 25Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. 27Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

This passage deals with what I call “joyful sobriety.” I take that phrase from 1 Peter 5:8a, which reads: “Be sober-minded, be watchful”. Such God-honoring holy care in how we live (which arises from the work of grace in us) is what this passage in Proverbs addresses. Such a way of living also arises from and leads to greater joy. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and the man who fears the LORD is greatly blessed (Psalm 112:1). This means that those who reverence the LORD and thus pursue holiness (2 Cor. 7:1) find great blessing and joy (see also John 15:1-11). What do the specifics of this look like? Consider what the ESV Study Bible says about these verses in its notes:
"It is as Proverbs makes clear throughout, crooked speech points one in the path of the wicked. Crooked speech includes not only dishonest speech but also any good and honest communication (e.g., rebuke) without the proper content, context, or purpose. Guarding the heart in wisdom includes guarding against any speech that contains elements contrary to what the Lord loves (note the numerous references to the misuse of speech as detestable to the Lord in 6:12–19).
"Prov. 4:25 The idea that the eyes should look directly forward suggests resolution about remaining in the right way. Metaphorically, it suggests that when a person turns his eyes away from the path, he is apt to stumble.
"Prov. 4:26–27 Vital to keeping the heart formed in wisdom is the need to recognize and stay on the path that will shape it further in the way of righteousness. Do not swerve to the right or to the left (see Deut. 5:32; Josh. 1:7) refers to both attending to where the path of your feet (Prov. 4:26) is going and seeking to stay on the right path by turning your foot away from evil (v. 27; cf. 3:7; 16:6, 17)."

“The Manner And Motive Of Joyful Followers”

2011-05-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Bible teaches us that we are to follow our Lord, love Him, and others—all to the glory of God (John 15:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Philippians 1:21-23). Though this is not a complicated mission, it is by no means always easy. In fact, sometimes it is down right hard. So, how do we go about it and what is to motivate us to keep us going? We find answers to both parts of this question in Proverbs 4:20-23: “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. 22For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. 23Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

Notice first of all the manner in which we follow our Lord. That this is speaking of following God is clear in two ways. To begin, when the book of Proverbs speaks of “my son,” this is the equivalent of “my disciple” as we have learned from other Proverbs-like literature out of this time. The teacher/discipler is addressing the disciple and telling him to listen to what he teaches. Additionally, we know this is speaking of following God since the teacher in the Proverbs is in the place of communicating the Word of God, the wisdom of God, to His disciple. Proverbs 2:6 reads: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” And this wisdom in that context comes through the words of the teacher to the son (2:1). What we find in Proverbs 4:20-23 is none other than a follower of the true God showing the ropes to a younger follower.

There are two messages the teacher gives about the manner of following God. We must pay careful attention to God’s Word. Here is how he gets this across: “Be attentive to my words, incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight.” The main application for us would be to hear, read, study, meditate upon, and memorize Scripture. Treasure it in your heart. The second message the teacher gives is to watch your heart as closely as a prison guard watches the inmates, letting nothing in or out except what is good. That is the sense of “Keep your heart with all diligence.” So, the direction we are given is to shape the depth of our being by the wisdom of God’s Word, making decisions and growing our affections by Scripture. Yet, we are to reject thoughts and input which will lead us away from love for and obedience to God. The New Testament counterpart to this teaching is Romans 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Finally, we discover the motives for being joyful followers. It is because God’s Word is life and healing and when a heart is shaped by his Word, out of it flow springs of life. Apart from God’s truth by which we come to have true vitality and knowledge of God, we are spiritually dead. Yet, when God’s truth takes root, there is a constant flow of life-giving refreshing power and encouragement. We learn in the New Testament this spring comes when a person trusts Jesus Christ as Savior (John 4:10-14) and therefore the Holy Spirit indwells them (John 7:38-39).

So, simply-put, we should devour the wisdom of God in His Word because this can make one who feels lifeless live; it can lead one whose soul is emaciated and sick to be healthy, and for the one who is always looking for energy and renewal, it can give to them an inexhaustible spring of refreshment!

The Practical Theology Of The Tongue: Ephesians 4:31-32

2011-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love the picture of ethics and behavior that we find in the Bible because it meets us where we live. Though there are plenty of glorious breath-taking discussions about God, salvation, the gospel, and the age-to-come in the Bible, it all serves greater knowledge of God, love for Him, and ultimately love for others. In other words, it is all “practical theology”. In seminaries “Practical Theology” refers to the area of study related to “the practical application of theology to everyday life” (Wikepedia). It includes classes on preaching and pastoral duties. I always thought “Practical Theology” was a strange label for a sub-set of biblical teaching and practice—as if everything else is mere ivory tower speculation. Yet, the reality is that all biblical teaching is so very practical!

No where is this seen with any more punch than in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” As an outgrowth of the work of Christ and his gospel in us (Ephesians chapters 1-3), we are to show forth the worth of this gospel (4:1) and to carry out the new life into which we have been formed in Christ (4:17-24). One of the very nuts-and-bolts places this impacts us is in the area of how we speak (4:29). Being led by the Spirit (4:30) we, as new people, are to speak in a way that benefits and builds up the other person (4:29). This necessitates that we put far away from us all speech that derives from a less-than-loving, hateful heart. After all, that is not who we are any more (4:24). Such speech is characterized by six terms which overlap in meaning. The piling up of the six terms (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice), along with the twice-appearing word “all,” emphasize that there should be not even one little bit of speech left in us that seeks to hurt another person, make our self look good at another’s expense, complain, or tear down someone else. In other words, unloving speech that unveils an unloving heart should not be present with a new person who has been given a heart of love (Gal. 5:22).

Instead of such hateful speech, we are to love by being kind to one another, tender-hearted, and forgiving one another—following the example of God who has forgiven Christians in union with Christ Jesus. Bottom-line, when a person has been saved and made new in Jesus Christ, it should impact small details, including what we say and don’t say. We should become a people who love to do good and to build others up with the tongue, not tear them down.

Does this describe you? If you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, you have been made the kind of person who can have an all-new vocabulary. No more practical or challenging picture of life in Christ could be given. May our tamed mouth pour forth fresh water, good fruit, and blessing on others (James 3:7-12).

Don't Give Out Bad Fruit: Ephesians 4:29

2011-05-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Don’t you hate it when you reach into the fruit drawer in your refrigerator, expecting to pull out a nice plump juicy apple, only to put your hands around a mushy in eatable glob? What a disappointment that is! Rather than biting into a tasty morsel, you end up blurting out, “Yuck!”

We can have that same experience when a rotten, corrupted, corrupting word is handed out to us. This is why Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting speech come out of your mouth”. The word translated “corrupting” is used elsewhere for rotten fruit (Luke 6:43) or fish (Matthew 13:48). There are some words that are simply putrid, nothing good in them, and they do not produce anything healthy or delicious in the person with whom they are shared. Dirty jokes, words of anger, bitter “venting,” gossip, just to name a few examples, are words which are like biting into rancid meat. They should not be part of what rolls off our tongues. Such words are not in keeping with the calling we have to show forth God’s worth (Ephesians 4:1) or with the new self we have been made into through Christ (4:17-24). This teaching by Paul must be understood in light of the biblical reality our words display what is in our heart and our heart where we are at with Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:33-37; 15:18-20). What we say is important and it also has great impact upon others, as exemplified in Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up strife.”

The desire of the Christian should be to honor God through loving Him, pursuing holiness, and helping others do the same. That is why our speech should be marked by three descriptions Paul mentions in the rest of Ephesians 4:29: “but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” First, our speech should build others up. This does not mean it must always be positive (after all, sometimes we must admonish and correct others, 1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Tim. 3:16), but it must be the kind of speech that helps construct people into those whom God wants them to be. This would be a word of encouragement, a word of thanks, a word of praise to God, a reminder of God’s promises, a correction—whatever will be to their benefit and God’s glory.

Second, our speech should fit the occasion or the need. This simply means that we will be willing to correct if need be. Likewise, we will be willing to encourage if that is what the person needs. Our love for them, our desire to meet their need in a God-honoring way, will lead us to be bold and to speak even what is hard.

Third, our speech should give grace to those who hear. In other words, it should communicate benefit and favor that will aid the person—drawing them closer to God and onward in their walk with Christ, rather than to hinder their walk or move them away from him.

James makes it clear that it is hard to tame the tongue, yet a tamed, changed tongue is exactly what should be seen in the true saint (James 3:1-12). Paul makes that same point. Make it your prayer that God would grant you the grace to live out your new life in Christ and speak forth delicious morsels that refresh, invigorate, and spread health, rather than ooze with their rotten juices.

Finding Healing Joy and Security In The LORD

2011-04-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

The two memory verses we are working on this week in our church's Hammer Verse memorization program are Proverbs 17:22; 18:10.

In these two verses we read: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Then, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Notice two main wisdom-giving messages that emerge from these texts. First, when we have a joy at the very depth of our being (in our heart), literally, “it causes good, [like] medicine.” In other words, when we are ill and take medicine, there is great benefit that comes from this. The same is true when our heart is joyful. When we are content, satisfied, rejoicing, finding delight, this puts a spring in our step and brings strength.

There are some things we need to know about this joy, however, if it is to be a beneficial medicine: This joy is to be in the LORD (Pss. 34:8; 37:4), it is caused by God’s saving work in us (Ps. 92:4), it arises out of all the LORD’s benefits toward us (Psalm 103), it is possible only by his grace (Ps. 86;4), this is a joy that all God’s people can and should have (Ps. 70:4); in fact, it is commanded by God that his people have this joy (Pss. 37:4; 70:4), and it is a joy we will have in God’s presence for all eternity, which comprises the great eternal reward we have (Ps. 16:11)! For us to find our joy, our pleasure, in our Savior, is not something which is a small thing. It has the power to move us through hard obstacles that stand in front of God-glorifying obedience (Phil. 4:4; Heb. 12:2; 1 Peter 1:8-9) and it is to be one of the great goals we have in serving each other in the body of Christ, that is, to help others find their joy in God (2 Cor. 1:24). After all, it was the purpose for which Jesus accomplished his saving work for his people—to secure his joy and ours (Mt. 5:10-12; Heb. 12:2). Additionally, we must not miss what the outcome is when this joy is missing: “a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” When we lack joy for very long we begin to feel like our soul is brittle and fragile. So, this proverb should move us to find this healing, strength-giving, vitalizing joy in our glorious Savior!

Second, we are reminded that all that the sovereign, covenant-keeping, ever-present God is (i.e. his name or reputation) is like a strong tower, a citadel, into which a people will run during time of danger to be out-of-reach of the enemy. When the one who has trusted in the LORD and thus is righteous (Gen. 15:6; Ps. 32:1-2) comes to the LORD in times of danger and trusts him for all he is and has promised to be for his people, then, he is beyond the reach of danger and hurt in the ultimate sense. The New Testament counterpart to this proverb is Romans 8:31-32: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

In Proverbs 17:22 we learned we must find our joy in the LORD. Now, in Proverbs 18:10, we learn one of the reasons why—namely because only in him are we truly safe and secure. This is why, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (Ps. 118:8).

A New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17

2011-04-17T14:59:00.001-07:00

In the epistle of 2 Corinthians Paul defends the new covenant ministry with which God has entrusted him and other true apostles and ministers of the gospel. He defends it against the charges of some who were calling him into question. One of the ways he does this is to set forth the superiority of the new covenant gospel ministry over the old (or any other versions) from 2:14-7:4. In the midst of doing this, Paul argues that one of the reasons the gospel and gospel ministry are so glorious has to do with the change that comes to those who are saved. He says that all for whom Christ died come to die themselves once his work is applied to them (5:14). As such, they live for the glory of Christ as new people (5:15), and so we should see them as new people, just as we came to a new view of Christ when we came to salvation (5:16). Why can we see people in new ways? We learn the answer to that in 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” When we are united to Christ, we are made a new creation through the work of the Spirit of Christ in us (2 Corinthians 3:16-17; Titus 3:5-6) with the result we are able to walk a different direction, to honor God, and to serve as ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-20). So, rejoice that if you are in Jesus Christ with his righteousness imputed unto you (2 Cor. 5:21), you are a brand new person. You now are able to say, “Yes,” to God and “No” to sin. You are now able to be God’s billboard. May this be your encouragement in the fight against sin, a help as you pray, and may it put a new spring in your step as you walk with Christ.

Meditations On Suffering From 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

2011-04-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

In the letter we call 2 Corinthians Paul responds to those in Corinth who have challenged the validity of his apostolic ministry, being finally motivated to do so by his change of itinerary that kept him from coming to Corinth (1:12-2:4). In his response he highlights the superiority of the New Covenant gospel ministry over the legalistic ministry in which his opponents engage (2:14-7:4).

After speaking of the reality he is part of those made ministers of a new covenant (3:1-11) and how this ministry involves transformation into the image of Jesus Christ (3:12-18), he explains that he and his fellow new covenant ministers do not lose heart in the face of opposition since they have been given such a glorious good news to share, namely the gospel of the glory of Christ which is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God as seen in Jesus Christ (4:1-6). What is more, he makes it clear that their ministry is not about them, their value, or their comfort, for they are merely dispensable containers in which the treasure of the gospel is carried forth so that grace is taken to more people resulting in God’s glory (4:7-15). Because of these realities he and true gospel ministers do not lose heart or get discouraged in the face of opposition which is wearing away at their outer self or man—while at the same time their inner self or man is being renewed daily (4:16.

In 4:17-18 we get to the heart of why Paul and fellow gospel ministers do not lose heart at the opposition which comes against them for the message they proclaim. He writes: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (17). In other words, the difficulties pressing in upon them (this affliction or tribulation) are working in them in such a way as to bring about an eternal weight of glory. The word translated “weight” may very well be chosen because of the weight, the pressing in, of the troubles. The burden now is not even comparable to the weight of what will be experienced in the future (see Romans 8:18). This is similar to saying that the agony of daily workouts that make us into a great athlete are not able to be compared to how great the reward of being a champion will be. The end will make the difficulties pale in comparison.
In verse 18 we read: “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” We should see one of the reasons why the affliction is not comparable to the eternal weight of glory: it is eternal, not merely transient. Therefore, we should keep our minds focused upon the eternal (even if it remains unseen) rather than the transient, physical realities which are hard.

What cannot be escaped in Paul’s argument is that the current afflictions have a part to play in bringing about the future weighty eternal glory. What is that part? The answer to that was given earlier in the letter: “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (1:9). In other words, as Paul explained other afflictions he has experienced (and according to 2 Cor. 11:22-29 he experienced far more than most of us reading these words), he affirms that there was behind them the divine purpose of bringing him and others to the point of relying upon the God, for only He could help them in those situations, after all, if He can raise the dead, He can help with problems we face.

Here, then, is what we take from this text. Quite often difficult situations in life (be they difficulties related to ministry or be they physical trials [2 Cor. 12:7-10]) are ordained by God that we might look to Him and rely upon Him and see that His grace is sufficient (12:9) in ways we have never seen before the trying times. This has the power of bringing a person to faith in the first place or growing their faith-fueled loving obedience and thus increasing their reward, pleasure, and joy in their future glory. Paul is saying when looked at in this way, there is no need to lose heart in our pain, but we can be encouraged in what God is doing. When we have that perspective, our affliction is seen (in comparison to our future glory) to be light and momentary!

All Should Praise The LORD!

2011-04-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

With verse nineteen of Psalm 103, David launches into the conclusion to this psalm. He has completed his celebration of God’s benefits toward those who are His (verses 3-18). Now, he clarifies one of the reasons why God can accomplish all these benefits: namely, He is the king, the sovereign over all the universe. Here is how he writes this (19): “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” By “throne” is meant God’s kingly rule. That He has established it in heaven signifies his kingly rule is above all and thus extends to all things in the universe. His “kingdom rules over all” here has the same meaning. So, what David is saying is that the LORD is king of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16) and His dominion and control extend to every being (seen and unseen), as well as every past, present, and future action.

This reality not only stands behind the glorious saving works addressed in this psalm, but it also introduces the universal call to praise (what is meant by “bless”) God in verses 20-21: “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!” “His angels,” “mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word,” “his hosts,” and “his ministers, who do his will” all refer to those spirit beings who exist to worship God (Isaiah 6:2-3), do His bidding (Genesis 18-19), and serve the people of God (Heb. 1:14). David emphasizes that these angels always do the will of, they carry out the word of, they accomplish that which pleases God (which is why we can pray “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:10). As glorious as these beings are, they still are nothing compared to God and the LORD is worthy of their praise! So, the king calls upon the angels to bless (to praise) God. Two implications arise from this call. First, David suggests that all beings in the universe ought to praise God. Second, those who do the will of God should also praise Him! This includes the saints of God.

In 22a David also calls upon all God’s works to praise Him. In other words, all those things God has accomplished in creation, in all His governing and preserving His creatures and all their actions, in all His saving acts—these should cry out to the universe with the greatness of God. Since these are not beings (like angels or men) who can praise God consciously, most likely the sense is that men and angels should acknowledge these works and see the grandeur of God in them!

In 22b, now that David has revealed how the sovereign God of the universe can accomplish all these great benefits toward His people and why all beings and works should praise Him, it is only fitting that he calls upon his own soul, his own being, to praise the LORD. As such, he ends the same way he began (verses 1-2), which is a typical Hebrew poetic device to show what a song or poem is about. David is calling all beings to praise the LORD, but is especially reminding himself to work hard at and to be intentional in praising God with every ounce of his being for all He is and has done. The application for the reader is to take up the same call for himself. May we worship our Savior with such great passion and sincerity!

God Rewards Us For What He Gives!

2011-03-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

As David continues to recount the benefits of the LORD (Psalm 103:15-18), he shows very clearly that there is a strong contrast between man and God that highlights the glory of knowing God. When it comes to man, to mere mortals, his life is very brief. Psalm 103:15-16 read, “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.” Man comes on like grass and he blooms like a wild flower, both of which have the wind pass over them for a season and then they are gone as quickly as they came. The point here is that grass and wild flowers have a short life span. The same is true of man since the years seem to pass so quickly. Man’s pleasure and joy will not ultimately be found in what he accomplishes, in long life, or in having things in a perpetual state of “sameness”. Instead, man’s hope is found in the LORD. Psalm 103:17 reads: “But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him.” The covenant loyal lovingkindness of God lasts forever upon those in whom God has graciously worked that they might fear him (Jeremiah 32:40). Man’s life may pass quickly and it may feel like nothing significant lasts, yet, the one who knows God has the joy of knowing God’s faithfulness and love will be experienced by Him forever. This not only means such a person will have eternal life, but that in that eternal life, he will experience the unceasing love and kindness of God. What is more, this grace of God often is passed on to such a man’s children since one who fears the LORD tends to teach His children about God and they come to know God as well. As such, the very best of all legacies can be experienced by one who knows God and has God as central in all he does. Such a person who experiences God’s eternal love and faithfulness not only fears the LORD, but also, as a result, keep’s covenant with God and does his commandments. Note how verse 18 reads: “to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” Not only do we learn in Psalm 103 about the glorious benefits of God toward his people, but we also learn how God graciously works in his people to forgive them, satisfy them with good, enables them to fear him, and enables them to keep covenant with him and obey his commandments! Truly God rewards us for the very things he enables us to do!

The Soul Of Godliness

2011-03-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Few Old Testament passages are more beloved than Psalm 103:11-14, for it speaks of God’s compassion and His lavish forgiveness. Let these glorious words of good news sink in: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”

One of the most important parts of this passage is a word we might overlook, one which establishes a very important condition for the news contained therein, and one which we find twice: “fear”. It is only those who fear the LORD who experience His steadfast love, His compassion, and His forgiveness of sin. Does this mean, then, that we earn our salvation by working up within us this fear of God? No! Scripture is clear that this fear is a work of God’s grace in us. In Isaiah 25:3 we read a prophecy of how God will bring about this fear in the nations of the world as He brings them to Him: “Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; [the city] of [fear-producing] nations will fear you.” In context, it is the work of God which will bring the world system of formerly bully nations to fear God. Jeremiah makes this point even more clear in Jeremiah 32:40: “I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.” (emphasis added)

The fear of God is so important because it is the essence of the new life God brings about in those whom He saves. It is, as the late Bible commentator and scholar, John Murray, termed: “The soul of godliness” (Principles Of Conduct [Eerdmans, 1957], 229) since it is the driving force behind our pursuit of holiness (2 Cor. 7:1). Solomon termed it the “beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

Since this is the case, what is this fear of God? The best definition I believe we can come up with also comes from Murray (Principles Of Conduct, 236-7): “The fear of God in which godliness consists is the fear which [strongly moves us toward] adoration and love. It is the fear which consists in awe, reverence, honor, and worship, and all of these on the highest level of exercise. It is the reflex in our consciousness of the transcendent majesty and holiness of God.”

Those who have this fear know God through His Son, Jesus Christ. And, those who know God through His Son, can be assured they have God’s steadfast love, compassion, and forgiveness upon them!

The Biblical "B Vitamin"

2011-03-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Being thankful to God and praising Him are not natural. This is why David in Psalm 103 must take such pains to praise God. It is also why several centuries after David, the Apostle Paul had to instruct the church in Philippi to do all things without grumbling and disputing (Philippians 2:14, NASB) and also why he told them in that same letter he must learn to be content (4:11). If you find it difficult to give thanks to God and praise Him, you might be low on the Bible’s “Vitamin B,” in other words, low in remembering the Benefits of God. If this is the case, then sit back with David in Psalm 103:8-10 and take in a large dose and allow it to change your heart to one of gratitude and worship.

The first benefit David highlights in these three verses is that “the LORD is merciful” (8a). In other words, He is full of compassion for those whom He has saved (according to verses 3-5, these alone are the recipients of these blessings) and, as such, has reached down into our misery to pull us out of our terrible plight. The LORD did not wait until we “got it all together” before reaching out to us; He helped us when we could not help ourselves!

He is not only merciful, but also “gracious” (8a). In other words, He showers upon us His unmerited favor whereby He saves, transforms, and grows us. This grace leads to His continually, unceasingly gushing forth with good, grace, and kindness upon us in this life and the life to come (Jeremiah 32:40; Ephesians 2:7). If it were not for the grace of God, we would not know God (Eph. 2:8), be forgiven (Eph. 1:7), stand in His salvation (Romans 5:2), nor would we be able to serve Him at all (Eph. 4:7ff.). This grace for which we praise God comes to us in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-7; 2:1-10). Apart from Jesus Christ we would not know this life-changing, eternity-shaping empowerment to enjoy and delight in the glory of God in Christ (2 Cor. 4:6), which is the heart of our eternal fullness of joy and pleasure in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).

David also remembers the benefit of God that He is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (8b). There is no doubt that God hates sin and evil (Psalm 11:5) and His wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Romans 1:18). Yet, He is slow to anger and so patient toward those who belong to Him, those from whom His wrath has been turned away through Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1-2). He is not only slow to anger toward His people (look at verse 12 of this psalm and the absolute way He has forgiven His saints), He also is abounding in steadfast love. God’s steadfast love is His eternal loyal covenant-keeping love He displays toward His people. He overflows with a multitudinous amount of this steadfast love. Its depths will never be exhausted. This is why Paul is certain that no one or no thing will be able to separate us from the love of God we have in and through our precious Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-39)!

In verses 9-10 David begins to elaborate upon God’s patience and His steadfast love. In verse 9 the poetic shepherd-boy-turned-king acknowledges that God does sometimes chide believers. In other words, God contends with them and brings charges against them because they have broken covenant with Him, been unfaithful, and thus they deserve His discipline. Yet, this discipline of the LORD (which arises from His love, by the way, Proverbs 3:11-12) will not last forever. Why is this the case? Because “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (10). O, how gracious and loving and merciful our God is! He treats us infinitely better than we deserve!

Let your meditation upon this glorious medication, the biblical Vitamin B, restore your health in praise and contentment before our Savior!

God's Benefits

2011-03-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

In a previous post we started looking at Psalm 103. Since we will eventually memorize the entire psalm in our congregation's Hammer Verse memorization program, we continue in this post with verses 5-7, a section in which benefits from God toward His people are being remembered for the purpose of praising Him. This passage reads: 5“who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.”

First, we learn that the LORD satisfies us with good. In other words, God brings benefits to us that build us up, help us trust in Him, and thus bring us to a frame of mind wherein we see we have what we need to enjoy God and in fact even more than we need. Later revelation (Romans 8:28-29) shows us that God’s good helps us become more like Jesus Christ. This good also reinvigorates us so we feel young again and so that we are strong and vibrant like the eagle (a sign of strength: Isaiah 40:28-31).

Additionally, the LORD works toward those who are oppressed in a way that He will eventually bring about outcomes such that they are in line with His character (righteousness) and His precepts (justice). This is a reminder that God does not overlook the ways in which His people suffer and/or are persecuted or taken advantage of in this life. Eventually He will right all wrongs.

Finally, the LORD works in behalf of His people, showing them He is holy and He answers prayer. Psalm 77:13-14 comes to mind when reading verse 7: 13“Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” Isaiah 64:4 is also instructive: “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, “who acts for those who wait for him.”

Psalm 103 is not only great fuel for the fires of our worship, it also reminds us that the true knowledge of God is not first and foremost about what we do for God. Instead, it is about what He has done for us and how this impacts us for His glory and our good!

Godliness

2011-03-02T15:34:00.000-08:00

There are certain virtues in Scripture that are so glorious and compelling once they are understood, this very act of comprehension is enough to motivate us toward its pursuit. I believe that is true with godliness. Consider what Paul says about it in Titus 2:11-12: “The Grace of God has appeared…training us to renounce ungodliness…and to live…godly lives….”

Apart from four instances in Acts, all occurrences of eusebia (godliness) and related forms are confined to the later Pastoral Epistles (1, 2 Timothy, Titus) and 2 Peter—most likely because early on the Church used these terms to describe non-Christian piety. Yet, by later in the 1st century these terms were used to speak of attitudes and actions that flow from fear of or reverence for God and show a devotion to Him.

The root seb- meant originally to step back from someone or something, especially out of fear or shame. Though the word group is used only rarely in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), it usually renders the Hebrew yare, “to fear”. The negative adverb “ungodly,” asebes (the a prefix means “no”), is often paired with “unrighteous” in the Septuagint and focuses upon sinful actions and attitudes, which arise from lack of fear of God.

Godliness involves holiness (2 Peter 3:11) and is marked by: contentment (1 Tim. 6:6); love for God, love for others, humility, obedience to God, thankfulness, and self-control (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Godliness cannot be produced by self, but is the outcome of the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ in us (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3), and is only lived out because saints are united to Him (2 Timothy 3:12). As such, godliness will not be the source of the true work of God, but will be an outcome of it (Acts 3:12), which will include going about teaching the truth in a God-pleasing manner (1 Tim. 6:3; Tit. 1:1). Though godliness is an outcome of the gospel in us, nevertheless, to live it out, we must pursue it (1 Tim. 6:11), discipline our self toward it (1 Timothy 4:7), make every effort to add it to our life (2 Peter 1:6-7), told that our teaching content and approach must measure up to godliness (1 Tim. 6:3; Titus 1:1), we are told to pray for it (1 Tim. 2:2), and promised that there is great gain in godliness with contentment (1 Tim. 6:6).

Given this groundwork, godliness can be defined as “a loving but reverent awe of God” (Ligon Duncan). Along this line, Jerry Bridges offers a very helpful more specific definition: "The New Testament word for godliness…conveys the idea of a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to [Him]. This personal attitude… is…devotion to God…in action…. [This] devotion is not an activity; it is an attitude…composed of three essential elements: The fear of God; the love of God; the desire for God."

The Puritan William Law furthers our understanding of this reverential devotion when he writes: "Devotion signifies a life given…to God. He therefore is the devout [godly] man, who lives no longer to his own will…but to the sole will of God, who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common life, parts of piety [godliness], by doing everything in the name of God, and under such rules as are conformable to his Glory."

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, nothing else need be said. God has given us a mouth-watering delicacy. To have looked at it briefly as we just have is like walking by a bakery where fresh bread has just been pulled out of the oven. We don’t need someone to explain why we should want to eat it. We simply do. May God give us that kind of reaction to the aroma wafting from Scripture’s teaching on godliness.

Passionate Worship In Line With Truth

2011-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Worship is a “hot topic” in today’s Church. Many people are passionate about singing praises to God, yet it is easy never to stop and ask, what is worship and how do we go about it? Psalm 103:1-4 sets a good foundation for answering these questions when it reads: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy….” Here are some brief thoughts on ways these four verses define worship and how we should approach it.

First, as the word worship suggests, it is recounting back to God or showing forth to others His “worth-ship”. This is brought out in David’s call to himself to “bless the LORD,” i.e. to say good things about God—who He is and what He has done. It is another way of saying we should praise and thank God for all He is and does. Worship is not first and foremost about us. Worship is God-focused.

Second, worship focuses upon God’s character, His attributes, what He is like, as is seen in the call to “bless His holy name” (1b). God’s name deals with His reputation, what He is like. The description “holy” highlights that what is motivating David to praise are attributes such as God’s holiness, which means God is set apart and altogether different than all other persons and things—especially when it comes to moral purity. In other words, in God is no sin, no evil, none whatsoever (1 John 1:5).

Third, our recounting back to God His worth-ship should also focus upon God’s works He accomplishes in and for us. David tells himself, “do not forget all his benefits” (2b). In other words, we should take into consideration not just God’s attributes, but also His works, His actions in behalf of His people. David goes on in verses 3-19 to highlight some of those works. Since we are considering just the first four verses, we see only a sampling of benefits: He forgives all our iniquity, He heals all our diseases, He redeems our life from the pit, and He crowns (graciously rewards) us with the great treasure of His steadfast love and mercy. The fact that God saves us, delivers us from ultimate judgment and condemnation, someday will deliver us from death and sickness, has shown us His glorious salvation, poured out on us His eternal covenant-loyal lovingkindness, and has reached down to help us in our condition of misery, all should move us to grateful praise of Him. These verses remind us just why the best, most biblical, and God-honoring worship is in line with truth (John 4:24). It is not worshiping worship, false images of a god, or merely expressing spontaneous religious feelings regardless of content. Instead, true worship is praising and calling attention to the true God for who He is, what He truly has done; it is drawing eyes to His glory.

Fourth, we discover that worship is to be heart-felt and passionate. This is seen in the following: David calls himself and “all that is within me” to bless God’s holy name. Additionally, David twice tells his soul to bless the LORD (verses 1-2). Sometimes “soul” can simply be another way of referring to the self, but here in parallel with “all that is within me,” most likely it focuses upon one’s inner being. In other words, worship should not be rote actions. It is to be, as Jesus said, “in spirit” (John 4:24). We should thank God there has been over the last generation or so a revival of heartfelt worship. When such worship in spirit is in response to the true God and what He has truly done, it is powerful and glorifies Him! After all, God commands us to delight ourselves in Him (Psalm 37:4).

Finally, there is a reality implied here by David that worship takes some effort and doesn’t always happen spontaneously. We see this in how he writes this psalm to be sung in such a way the singers are addressing themselves to worship and praise the LORD, addressing themselves that they would not forget all His benefits. I take this to mean that apart from diligence, preparation, and perhaps prayer (see Psalm 119:36-37), it is easy not to worship, not to think about and remember all that God has done, and perhaps easy not to worship God in spirit and in truth.

My prayer is that God will take these few comments on these verses and enflame our hearts and minds to do the very thing for which we were created and have been redeemed (Psalm 8; Revelation 5:9-10), namely to worship Him daily in spirit and in truth—not just in times of prayer, singing, and Bible reading—but with all we do (see Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:23)!

Knowledge That Builds Up

2011-02-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

Eternal life is about knowing God and Jesus Christ, His Son, whom He sent (John 17:3). What is more, we are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)—all the while working hard at handling God’s Word accurately (2 Tim. 2:15) and going on in maturity beyond the milk to the solid food of the faith (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). This all means God wants us to know His Word, to have our minds renewed by it (Romans 12:2), to meditate upon it (Joshua 1:8), and continually grow in our grasp of it. This is to be glorious and good food for our souls (1 Peter 2:2).

Yet, there is also a danger to such knowledge if not handled as it should. To a people struggling with division over difference of opinion on matters related to ethics, Paul said: “This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). I think we all know the danger Paul is addressing—both as we have seen it in the mirror and in others. The more knowledge we attain, the more zeal we can have to stand up for that knowledge. Sometimes, the way we stand up for that knowledge and defend it can be anything but loving. We can look down upon others and think them foolish for holding to their positions. “Why can’t they get it? Why are they so foolish?” When our knowledge of Scripture puffs up in this manner, we have missed the reality the goal of our knowledge is to be love of God and others (cf. Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Tim. 1:5). This is one of the surest tests as to whether or not our knowledge of Scripture is having a godly effect. Since that is the case, what does a loving outcome of Bible knowledge look like? Paul explains this in Romans 15:1-2.

First, it will lead us to be patient with those who may need to be corrected. In verse 1 Paul refers to such persons as “the weak”. I don’t think they are weak as much as Paul means this is how we view them. We think we are strong and they weak since we may understand a finer point of theology better than they or understand Christian liberty in ways they do not. Paul says we are “to bear with the failings of the weak”. Paul tells us elsewhere to be patient with all (1 Thes. 5:14) and when we have to correct someone, we must to do it kindly and with gentleness, for this is the spirit in which God often grants people repentance to escape the devil’s traps (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Next, Paul says we also must not have in mind merely to please ourselves (15:1b). Our ultimate goal in dealing with others with whom we disagree or who we believe does not quite understand something, is not to make ourselves feel good by showing what we know, by winning an argument, or by defending our position. We always have a greater purpose in the shadows of all we do—namely that of putting God’s greatness, His glory, on display (Romans 15:7).

Finally, Paul says that we must have in mind to please our neighbor (Romans 15:2a). In other words, as Paul goes on to write in this verse, we are to approach disagreements in a way that brings good results to that person (15:2b). “Good” for Paul is that which helps a person become like Christ (see Romans 8:28-29). Another way to put this is that we approach a person in a way “to build him up” (15:2c). As God reveals elsewhere through Paul (Ephesians 4:29), He desires that all we say be for the purpose of building up people. This does not mean that we can never correct or warn (see Colossians 1:28). It does mean that whether our words are words of correction or encouragement, they are to help a person grow in their walk with Christ. When our actions and our words have these desired ends, they will be in love and honoring to God.

Yet, didn’t Paul say that he operated in a way as not to please men, but God (Galatians 1:8-10)? Yes, he did. By this the apostle means there is a way not to please man (merely say what they want to hear and what will make them feel good, but is contrary to God’s truth, to His gospel). Yet, there is a way we should speak and act to please men (i.e. in a way those in whom God is working will ultimately appreciate that we speak truth into their lives with kindness, gentleness, patience, but also courage and firmness).

May our knowledge of Christ and His Word always so build up others!

Musings On Mubarek, Muslims, And Missions

2011-02-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

With the ousting of Egypt’s president, Hosni Mubarek, there is great unrest in the United States. Egypt, though imperfect, nevertheless, is the closest thing to an ally the U.S. has in the Middle East outside of Israel. The fear is magnified since during the past twenty years Jihadist terrorists have wreaked havoc through the world. It is easy for people to be afraid of the growing shadow of Islam.

Yet, for the Church there is no need to be frightened. God has shown Himself to be a God whose purposes cannot be thwarted (Is. 46:9-10). He is orchestrating all things together for the good of His Church (Rom. 8:28). He is a protection for His people (Psalm 62:8) and He will subdue the ruthless, fear-inspiring nations/peoples (including many Muslims) that they will fear and glorify Him (Isaiah 25:3). He will make an everlasting covenant with them that He will not turn away from doing good to them and will put the fear of Him in their hearts that they will not turn from Him (Jer. 32:40)! With the coming of Jesus Christ and the accomplishment of His saving work, the “times of ignorance” (Ac. 17:30) have now passed and the nations cannot be deceived to the degree they once were (Rev. 20:3).

The result is that God will conquer the nations through the Gospel, through His Word, through missions, so that the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people will worship Him (Rev. 5:9-10), so that the knowledge of the glory of God will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14)! O, Church, this is our confidence! May we go on in missions with this glorious hope! We can proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9) in the certainty we will triumph, even through martyrdom and death (cf. Rev. 6)! I know of nothing which should give us more boldness to proclaim the gospel to the Muslim world than these realities.

As you read about and watch the events in Egypt, pray for a great harvest among the Islamic peoples for the glory of Christ!

God-Glorifiers Make Great Lovers!

2011-02-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

Those of us who hold to a very God-centered theology (sometimes called Calvinism or Reformed Theology) are, at times, accused of not caring enough about the needs of people. After all, we are always talking about God’s glory. Doesn’t this mean we never quite get around to addressing human pain and suffering, not to mention at least looking out for our brother or sister in Christ?

Now, of course, sometimes we may earn this criticism. Yet, we should not, since those who live most for the glory of God should be those who care the most about others and sacrifice the most to show them love.

As Paul addressed a church in Rome divided over many issues, including whether or not to follow certain dietary restrictions popular among some in the church, he made it clear in Romans 14:7-8 that what should shape our response in disagreements is the reality we are called to live and die for the Lord (=for His glory) and we belong to Him as saints. This means His desire should be our desire, and He loves it when we pursue unity with each other for His glory (Romans 15:7). Elsewhere, Paul tells us to do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) and this includes making sure we do not unnecessarily offend brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Cor. 10:32).

So, the next time you have a disagreement with someone, remember that what God calls us to is not to defend our own “rights” against all else; instead, He calls us to love the other person in such a way that puts His grace in your life on display.

Communion With God

2011-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Our Hammer Verses (the memory program at our church) for this week are Psalm 84:10-12. This is a glorious passage that is worthy both of our meditation and memorization.
Psalm 84 celebrates how glorious it is for the people of God in the Old Testament to go on pilgrimage to the tabernacle or temple in Jerusalem. This is where God’s special more visible presence was and where He was worshipped in the fullest sense. As such, the psalm is ultimately a celebration of communion with and devotion toward God. Notice:
(1) We see the superiority of communion with God (10). This is so true that a short time in the presence of God is far better than a great deal of time elsewhere. Today we might say it this way: I would rather have 20-30 minutes communing with God in Bible intake and prayer than to have hours at a major league baseball stadium or days at a theme park. This is also so true that a lowly position in God’s presence is better than a higher or more comfortable position where we would be immersed in wickedness and outside God’s presence. We might put it this way: I would much rather be an unheard-of person who is adopted into the family of God than to be a famous individual who does not know God. Do we value God in this way? Do we miss communion with Him when we have been negligent?

(2) Next we see why communion with God should be valued (11). To begin, God is our source of strength and direction. In the same way the sun is behind the production of food and energy, as well as the means whereby men can see where they are going, so God empowers and guides those who have been saved by and know Him. Additionally, the ever-present, eternal, covenant-keeping God (Yahweh) is our defense. He protects us from our ultimate enemies (Satan) and keeps us from perishing in the ultimate way. Finally, God is so generous in His blessings of us! He gives undeserved favor, as well as glory, to His people. These are two words which speak of His salvation. There is no good thing needed by His people which He keeps from those who walk in a way pleasing to Him—which can only happen as He works in us by His grace.

(3) Finally, we discover the kind of person who enjoys such communion with God. Yahweh, the one who is over the hosts of heaven, as well as His people, He gives blessings to those who trust in Him! (12)

O LORD, grant us grace that we might love, value, and delight in You so richly, may we taste and see You are good to such an extent, that we long to commune with You—more than all other things. We understand, Lord, the only path to communion with You is through Jesus Christ. May we draw near to You and know You will draw near to us!

Food For Faith and Joy

2011-01-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

The Scripture tells us that our faith and our joy grow by means of God working in us through His Word (e.g. John 15:11; Romans 10:13-17; 2 Corinthians 1:24). In light of that reality I want to encourage you to take some time the next few weeks to feast upon some glorious food by listening to soul-stirring, Bible-rich, joy-growing, and faith-strengthening sermons.

Tomorrow I am headng to the Desiring God Pastors' Conference in Minneapolis. In light of that, I commend to you some of the Desiring God Conference messages from the past few years. All these sermons can be found and downloaded for your listening by going to the Desiring God web site, and then clicking on Sermons/Conference Messages/By Date/ and then going to the dates mentioned below.

(1) First and foremost, make sure you listen to the three messages on Christian Hedonism by Sam Storms from the Feb. 1-2, 2010 Pastor's conference. Few sermons will help us to be joyful followers with any greater power than these.

(2) Next, listen to Randy Alcorn's Oct. 1, 2010 Desiring God National Conference message entitled "Difficult Truths and Deep Love: Pondering Sovereignty, Suffering, And the Promise OF Heaven". This is a very powerful message on Romans 8:28.

(3) Do not miss Tullian Tchividjian's October 2, 2010 message, "Giving Thought To Gospel Math: Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything". This will help us see how the gospel should be central and shape us in all we are and do!

(4) Also, in October, 2010 is John Piper's conference message, "The Life Of The Mind And The Love Of God". Here we gain very important direction on how our mind is to serve us in the growth of our love for God.

(5) Mark Dever has three messages on evangelism during the February 2-3, 2009 Pastors' Conference which will encourage you in evangelism and help you understand how to go about it.

(6) Finally, every February John Piper's presentation at the annual Pastors' Conference includes a biography of a Christian out of history. These are very powerful meat for your soul. Check all of them out!

Don't forget as you seek to be a joyful follower that we have so much food available to us through these sermons. Don't hesitate as you are in the car, working at home, out on a walk, or on a run to listen to God's powerful word preached.

The End Of The Joyful Follower

2011-01-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

What gets you through hard times, those days when illness or disappointment or loss threaten to suck the air from your lungs? Have you ever tried passionate, unleashed, put-all-yourself-into-it, hedonistic worship of the sovereign Savior?

That is exactly what the 8th century B.C. prophet, Isaiah, did in the middle of trying to preach to and warn a perennially stubborn people on the eve of an invasion from Assyria, which threatened to destroy the country. In Isaiah 25:1a we read: “Yahweh, You are my God! I will exalt You! I will praise Your name!” (my own translation) Why would this man of God gladly affirm that He belongs to the self-existent God who has always been, will always be, and is always present with and faithful to His people? Why would he take great delight in the reality that God owns Him, that he wants to show to others just how great God is, and why would he praise all that God is (His reputation, His works, His person) with a great heart-felt gratitude?

The answers lie in what God has just revealed to him in chapter 24. The entire world (viewed as one big wasted, empty city or world system, v. 10) will be judged by God (1-13, 16b-23). The end of the wicked will be eternal conscious punishment wherein all joy is removed (7-12, 21-22). Yet, there will be some saved (13) and they will lift up their voices, sing for joy in a radical way, and it will be all because of the majesty of Yahweh (14)! The majesty of the LORD includes all that He is and does, especially His righteousness displayed in salvation and judgment (15-16a).

God has shown the end of the saved and of the lost to Isaiah, to encourage the prophet and the rest of the true believers in Israel. God will be victorious over evil, even if, at the time, it doesn’t feel like it. He will show Himself faithful and gloriously generous in His blessings of His people!

As Isaiah looks to the end of those who joyfully follow God, namely that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forever (Ps. 16:11), he is encouraged to think much about God, to worship Him, and is therefore lifted up into great, refreshing joy. Though he knows he did not deserve it (cf. Isaiah 6:5), nevertheless, God has redeemed Isaiah and given to him an inheritance that is glorious. Most of all, unlike those who have rejected God and continued in their own way, Isaiah will enjoy the glory of God Himself forever.

Next time you do not know how you will continue on, consider the glorious God who “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” and though “for a little while…you have been grieved by various trials,” shout to the top of your lungs with the Apostle Peter: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” (1 Peter 1:3-4, 6, 8)

Saturday Night Prayer For Joyful Followers

2011-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Tullian Tchividjian, in the January 15 post on his blog, wrote the following, entitled "A Sabbath-Eve Gospel Prayer". I wanted to share this as an example of a great way for us to pray and prepare our hearts for worship and for hearing God's Word on Sunday mornings.

As all of us prepare our hearts and minds for worship tomorrow, my prayer is that we go, first and foremost, expecting to encounter the glory of God.
I pray that, as we sleep, God would expand our want to sing of who he is and hear of what he’s done.
I pray that we go ready and willing to feel the grief of our wreckage so that we can feel the glory of his rescue.
I pray that we go to see God on display, not preachers or musicians. A worship service is not the place to showcase human talent; it’s the place for God to showcase his Divine treasure. A worship service that contains the power to change us (even us preachers) is a worship service that leaves us with grand impressions of Divine personality, not grand impressions of human personality. Isaiah did not leave the temple in Isaiah 6 thinking, “What great music, what a great building, what a great preacher.” He left thinking, “What a great God.”
Perhaps John Stott’s words will be used to grow our love for the great gospel we will encounter tomorrow:
The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be.
Amen!
Remember: we gather for worship not to escape the real world, but to be reminded that this present world in its present fallen state is not all there is. For the Christian, the best is yet to come.
So worship humbly and hard tomorrow. You need it…So do I!

Joyful

2011-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

One of the things God did in my heart while we were in Guam over Christmas and the New Year is to convict me that I need to recommit myself to finding my joy and delight in Him. Related to this, my purpose in life and ministry must be to find my pleasure and treasure in Him, as well as to help others do the same (Mt. 6:19-21; John 16:24; 2 Cor. 1:24; 2:3). Nothing shows forth God's value and glorifies Him more than when we delight ourselves in Him and are satisfied in Him (Phil. 2:14-15). I have noticed lately that I have been frustrated in pastoral ministry, as if my joy is dependent upon how people respond. What should be happening is that, as I am remade more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18), I should endure difficulties for the joy set before me (Heb. 12:2).

These sentiments lead me to conclude that as one who desires in 2011 joyfully to follow and love God to His glory, I must highlight the JOYFULLY much more! As such, my prayer for the next twelve months and/or however long God gives me on this earth is to live as much as I can for His glory and my pleasure in Him!

As a 21 year old man, 17th c. pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, began writing 70 resolutions for his life, the first of which pertains to what I am talking about in this blog. So, I offer to you those seventy resolutions and encourage you to consider them all carefully, especially the first one!

May you be a joyful follower in 2011!

Resolutions By Jonathan Edwards

Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.
9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder. xxi
12. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, To be endeavouring to find out fit objects of liberality and charity.
14. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution.
24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, To cast away such things as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, To strive every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, To be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Prov. xx. 6. ‘A faithful man, who can find?’ may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, To do always what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,—what sin I have committed,—and wherein I have denied myself;—also, at the end of every week, month, and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or matter of laughter, on a Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, To inquire every night before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed when I was received into the communion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723.
43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s; agreeably to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th. Jan. 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, That no other end but religion shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, Never to allow the least measure of any fretting or uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved, to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye; and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere, temper; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would xxii lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have so done. Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, That I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Resolved, Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, that I will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.
58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &c. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then, according to Eph. vi. 6-8. to do it willingly and cheerfully, as unto the Lord, and not to man: knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall be receive of the Lord. June 25, and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, When I find those ”groanings which cannot be uttered,“ of which the apostle speaks, and those ”breathings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the psalmist speaks, Psalm cxix. 20. that I will promote them to the utmost of my power; and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Aug. 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm,. July 26, and Aug. 10, 1723.
66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself, all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.

Whew and Wow!

2011-01-02T02:01:00.000-08:00

Now that I am done blogging through the One Year Bible, I have a couple words of summary: Whew! and Wow! That was a big undertaking, but it also was very rewarding to do. Thanks to all of you who followed the comments some or at least occasionally checked to see what was being said. All the entries are now available on our church web site (Mindenefc.org) for those who want to check them out while reading the One Year Bible this year or any time thereafter.

Once I return from Guam, where we are visiting our daughter and son-in-law, I will return to doing other things on the blog--most likely sharing thoughts, quotes, and the like as they surface in what I am studying and/or reading.

May all of you have great joy in Christ during this new year!

2010-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 31:

Malachi 3:1-4:6:
The book of Malachi consists of six disputations the prophet takes up with the people, all of which are designed to call them back to faithfulness to the LORD. Today we look at the last three.

In the fourth disputation (2:17-3:5) Malachi chastises the people for thinking that the LORD is not just (2:17). They wonder “Where is the God of justice?” In 3:1-5 an answer is given: The LORD Himself will come to them after his messenger comes before Him (1). Yet, He will not come in a way they expect. He will come to judge (5). He will also come to refine and purify them so that they can be pleasing to the LORD (2-4). Of course, this was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the God-man, who came to refine and purify and also to judge those who reject Him. Malachi (My Messenger) clarifies that the Lord would be preceded by “My messenger”. This was John the Baptist. So, Israel would know when the LORD comes and carries out justice.

In the fifth disputation (3:6-12) the prophet chastises the people for robbing God of His tithes and offerings and so calls them to bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse.

Finally, in the sixth and last disputation (3:13-4:3) Malachi chastises the people for thinking it is vain to serve the LORD. After all, the great Day of the LORD is coming and only those who fear God will experience His reward. The rest will experience His wrath.

The book concludes (4:4-6) with one last call to remember the Law of the LORD, which is at the heart of being faithful to the covenant of God, and also with a promise that Elijah (actually the New Testament clarifies it is one like Elijah) will precede the Day of the LORD which will not only be a time of judgment, but a great time of transformation wherein the hearts of fathers and children will be turned toward each other (a sign of covenant faithfulness to God by covenant faithfulness to each other, cf. Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 3:11-12). When we compare 4:5-6 with 3:1-3 we realize the Day of the LORD is inaugurated with the coming of the LORD Himself after His messenger, an Elijah-like figure precedes Him. As such, the curtain closes in this final act in the Old Testament drama by revealing that the coming Day of the LORD, that time of full reward for the people of God and judgment upon the wicked will dawn with the coming of Jesus Christ. Before the curtains close completely we sit in stunned silence and wander that He is the fulfillment of all to which the Old Testament has pointed and all for which the Old Testament saint has waited! O, may we see Him as our great treasure!

Revelation 22:1-21:
The final two chapters of Revelation unveil for us what the new heaven and new earth will be like. As you read this portion of Revelation, take note of why this will be such a glorious eternal dwelling for us. First, we will have eternal life which is not just life that last forever, but true existence and vitality marked by the eternal (1-2)! Also, this will be the place where the people of God will experience the full blessings of God that are part of His covenant promises addressed throughout the Bible (3-5). Finally, as we saw yesterday, the real blessing is that we get our triune God and so we anticipate and await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, longing to continue in our faith and in our faithfulness to Him that we will be ready (6-21)! What a fitting close to the New Testament and to the Bible as a whole. Because Jesus is our hope, we say with John, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Psalm 150:1-6:
The entire collection of Psalms comes to a close with a repetitious and emphatic call for everything that has breath to praise the LORD in all places, in various ways, with great passion for who He is and what He has done. This is a fitting conclusion to the collection wherein over and over again the people of God are called to praise and worship the LORD in spite of whatever they are facing. Truly, the life of the true follower of the true triune God must be a person of praise!

Proverbs 31:25-31:
With these seven verses we close out this alphabetical acrostic poem celebrating the excellent wife and what it looks like to live a wise life. We should also understand that since the book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings preparing primarily young men for future leadership in the court, this poem also becomes a guide for the kind of wife one ought to marry.

Here are the final three stanzas: We discover that the excellent, wise, industrious wife experiences prosperity (25-27); such a woman is positively recognized by her children and husband (28-29); and finally, the poem ends with a summary that praises the excellent woman, i.e. the one who fears the LORD (30-31). Thus, the book of Proverbs ends with the thread which runs throughout: The fear of the LORD is where skill for godliness begins (see 9:10).

2010-12-18T10:10:00.001-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 30:

Malachi 1:1-2:17:
This last book of the Old Testament was written by a prophet named Malachi (means “my messenger”). His reference to “the governor” in 1:8 is consistent with the time Persia was a world power and had oversight of Israel. The fact that Malachi mentions themes and situations similar to that of Ezra and Nehemiah (such as the importance of the Law, the problem of marriage to foreign wives, the sin of neglecting the tithe, and the evils of an apostate priesthood) suggests this book was written sometime from 458 B.C. to 433 B.C., yet, to be more specific is impossible. The number of times the prophet mentions “covenant” in the book suggests this was a prominent theme. Since Israel had not experienced the full-fledged promises (especially messianic promises) of other prophetic books and since they were experiencing hardships, many had grown disillusioned and were not careful to walk in a faithful manner before the LORD. As such, Malachi calls them back to the LORD toward the end of the 4th century B.C. and to remember that “sincerity toward God and a holy manner of life were absolutely essential to experience [His] favor” (Gleason Archer, Survey Of Old Testament Introduction). The book is organized around six disputations wherein Malachi opposes certain aspects of the current situation among Israel.

Today we will look at the first three disputations. To begin, after the introduction (1:1), Malachi challenges Israel’s thought that God has not loved them by reminding them of the special love with which He has loved them over all other peoples (1:2-5). This is the first subject taken up because it will stand under all the others. Israel can trust God in large part because He has loved them with an everlasting love and continued His faithfulness to them (Jeremiah 31:3).

In the second disputation (1:6-2:9) the prophet challenges Israel with the truth that their Father (God) deserves honor. Sons honor their fathers and servants their masters, yet Israel has not honored the LORD, they have not feared Him (6). This is primarily shown through a sinful, careless priesthood and also the careless, sinful way people have brought sacrifices (7-14). After all, the LORD’s name will be great from the rising of the sun to its setting and will be feared among the nations (11, 14) and yet Israel has taken Him lightly! This second disputation closes out by chastising the priests. Since they have profaned their calling God will profane them by spreading dung on their faces (3). They also have fallen short of one very important calling and that was to teach people in the right way, a way from which they themselves have strayed, so the LORD will discipline them (7-9)!

In the third disputation (2:10-16) Malachi chastises the people for being unfaithful to the covenant of the LORD by their unfaithfulness in their marriages. Not only have some married foreign wives, but many have taken marriage lightly and divorced their spouses, something which God hates. It is in this third disputation we see the explicit statement that marriage is a covenant (14).

Today’s reading calls us to faithfulness to the LORD by not taking lightly the things which are important to Him, His reputation, His atonement, the important calling of teaching others, and the gift of marriage. Yet, we also must be struck by the reality that however much the LORD has worked in the lives of Israel to correct them and bring them back to Him, they remain unfaithful. As such, in this last Old Testament book we are drawn one last time forward. The only way that God’s people will stand faithful before Him is to be united to the One who was and is always faithful, Jesus Christ. And, the only way we can be made a truly faithful people in practice is through the transformation that comes through Jesus Christ!

Revelation 21:1-27:
The final two chapters of Revelation unveil for us what the new heaven and new earth will be like. First, we must notice that our eternal dwelling will not be some ethereal spiritual place in the clouds. It will be an earth that is renewed, which has become one with heaven, and thus becomes the realized, visible place where God dwells with His people to bless them forever. As you read this portion of Revelation, take note that the ultimate outcome for the people of God is to be with the God of His people, it is to be rewarded by Him and His presence forever. Additionally, notice some highlights of what we are taught about why this will be such a glorious dwelling for us. First, it is the place where we will see the visible glory of God (21:11, 18-21). Next, it is the dwelling place of all God’s people, unified in all their diversity (21:12-14, 24-26). Additionally (and this will be the foundation of all other blessings there), it is the dwelling of God (21:15-16, 22-23). This reminds us that the glorious good news is that we get God! This will also be a place of perfect security where we will never have to be afraid (21:17) and where every tear, pain, and mourning will be history (21:4), for there will be an absence of evil (21:27).

Psalm 149:1-9:
This psalm calls the people of God to praise Him with great passion. It also affirms that the LORD takes pleasure in His people.

Proverbs 31:10-24:
The last twenty-two verses of Proverbs comprise an eight stanza alphabetic acrostic poem (each verse starts with a different letter of the twenty-two character Hebrew alphabet) which gives a picture of the excellent wife or woman. Since wisdom has been personified earlier in Proverbs as a woman, this poem is probably intended not just to speak of the ideal wise woman, but close out the collection of proverbs with one last consideration of what it looks like to be wise, whether you are man or woman. It is not clear whether this poem is part of Lemuel’s collection (see 31:1) or if it is by someone else. In favor of Lemuel is the tendency throughout the rest of the book of Proverbs to have all sections headed by the revelation of who the author or compiler is. Against it being from Lemuel is the presence of the word “oracle” in 31:1, for this poem would most likely not be part of an oracle. Though the evidence is slightly on the side of Lemuel being the author of this poem, we have to conclude we are not sure.

Today’s reading covers the first five stanzas: Praise in general for the character and personal benefits arising from the excellent wife/woman (10-12); a description of the industrial pursuit of the woman in behalf of her household (13-15); a description of her financial enterprises (16-18); a description of how she provides for her family and the poor because she works hard and is so industrious (19-21); and finally how she is distinguished by her industry (22-24).

One of the common threads running through all five stanzas today is how hard the woman of wisdom works and that those who are around her benefit from her hard work and business savvy. This is one of the places in the Bible we find out that good business practices are a blessing.

2010-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 29:

Zechariah 14:1-21:
This last chapter of the book, which closes out the second oracle (12-14), reveals that there will be great opposition against the people of God (decreed by God) and God will defeat these enemies in a time of His coming (14:1-5). This coming (5) comprises the second coming of the LORD spoken of in these two oracles, the first being His coming in humility (9:9). This coming will usher in a time when the world will be transformed (6-7), a time when living waters (suggesting God is the continual source of life) will flow out from Jerusalem (8 [which sets this in the time of the New Heaven and the New Earth, Revelation 21-22, esp. 22:1]), and the LORD will be king over all the earth (9).

The rest of the chapter (9-19) reveals in the language which would be understood by Israel in that day that the LORD will judge all peoples who oppose Him and His people and yet He will save many Gentiles and they will worship the true God and thus be part of this eternal reward (cf. Revelation 21:24).

What we have discovered, then, in the two oracles which comprise the second major section of Zechariah is that the hope of Israel toward the end of the 6th century B.C. is the coming of a divine King who would first come in humility (9:9) and bring salvation for a believing remnant (12:8-9) of both Israel (12:7-9) and Gentiles (14:16-19), a salvation which would be wrought by His being rejected and pierced (12:10), which would result in repentance and great transformation—to the point of reflecting the character and glory of God (12:7-14), as well as complete forgiveness and cleansing (13:1). Though there will be great opposition from those who do not believe, nevertheless, the LORD will defeat all enemies when He comes again, this time with wrath against the wicked and to reign (14:1-5). The LORD will be king over a transformed earth wherein only saints will experience His eternal blessing and all others will experience His wrath (14:9-19).

Revelation 20:1-15:
In chapter 20 John receives another vision, this time of an angel coming down from heaven with a key to the bottomless pit and a great chain (the fact that the vision includes a chain for a spirit being strongly suggests this is a figurative depiction). The dragon, Satan (cf. Revelation 12) is bound for a thousand years. Though interpreters have differed on this passage throughout the history of the Church (some see the 1,000 years as a literal thousand year reign of Christ on earth in the future or at least a literal reign of Christ for a long period of time and others see this long time of binding and reign of Christ as concurrent with the age of the Church), it seems best to understand that Satan’s binding is His binding and the demons’ binding through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21-22; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), which is also understood as his being thrown down to earth and cast out of heaven (Revelation 12) so that his influence over and deception of the nations is so much less that relative to what it had been, it is as if he cannot deceive them (Revelation 20:3). Does this mean that Satan has no power during the Church age? Of course not, he is roaming around like a lion seeking people to devour (1 Peter 5:8), he and his demonic legions are waging battle against the people of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and knowing his time is short and influence limited, he is raging against the Church through world powers (Revelation 12). Yet, during the age of the Church, great multitudes from among the nations are coming to Jesus Christ as Savior and thus leaving the realm of Satan. The level of darkness the nations had been in and the deception they had experienced has been done away with and great light has come to them! Satan will be allowed at the end of this age to deceive nations and rally them against God one last time that He might defeat them, show to all the world He has conquered, and then cast Satan, demons, and all unbelievers forever into eternal judgment (3, 7-15).

If we have read this text correctly, then the reign of Christ and the saints with him (both those in heaven and those on earth) is also concurrent with the age of the Church. Those who “came to life” (4) are those who have been spiritually resurrected and who truly live with life eternal and, as such will never truly die (though their bodies will, see John 11:25-26 and also Revelation 20:6). They are those who have remained faithful to Christ and have been marked by Him and not by the beast. This picture is designed to pull back the curtains on the world and history to see heavenly realities and to show saints that Christ reigns, He is carrying out the redemptive plan and purpose of the Father, and they are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s treasured possession (1 Peter 2:9). These saints have been remade as princes and princesses who are crowned with glory and honor and who have dominion over the world (Psalm 8:5-6) and thus carry out the original purpose God had for mankind (Genesis 1:26-28). As such, what God has decreed and what He is orchestrating for this age of the Church is not just for His glory (Eph. 1:11-12), but also for their benefit (Romans 8:28). Though these realities will not always be fully seen, nonetheless, there will come a day when the true state of saints is fully revealed (1 John 3:2-3).

O Christian, understand the glorious place you have in Christ and the glorious future our Lord has for you. Take courage in this, regardless of what difficulties, trials, or persecutions you currently face!

Psalm 148:1-14:
The last five psalms in the entire Psalter focus primarily upon calling readers and everything to praise the LORD. That is certainly true of this psalm. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that all should praise the LORD by calling heaven to (1-6), the earth (7-12), and also His redeemed (13-14). Especially noteworthy is the verse 13 affirmation that the name or reputation (all He is) of the LORD is solely that which should be exalted in the ultimate way; His splendor is greater than all in the heaven and on earth.

Proverbs 31:8-9:
Here in Proverbs 31:1-7 we find the words of King Lemuel. The Reformation Study Bible provides a helpful overview: “Lemuel was not an Israelite king. The nature of this section (vv. 1-9) suggests an Egyptian or perhaps a Babylonian origin. Its intention is apparently vocational, the equipping of the ruler for his task. The form is similar to the instructions of chapters 1-9…. In this case, the teaching is given by the mother…. While the father may have been the principal teacher of the children, godly women also took that role…and there were in Israel noteworthy wise women (2 Samuel 14:2; 20:16).”

2010-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 28:

Zechariah 12:1-13:9:
Chapters 9-14, comprising the second major section of the book, look to the future as two different oracles (9-11; 12-14) deal with the coming of God as king to inaugurate His kingdom. Today’s reading brings us into the second oracle.

In 12:1-9 we learn that the LORD will bring complete salvation to His people (“Israel,” “Judah,” “Jerusalem”) and also use them to pour out judgment upon the people or the nations, to the point that all the nations which come against Jerusalem, the people of God, will be destroyed (9). The repeated phrase, “on that day” (used 17 times in this oracle), moves our vision forward to a particular period of time which is to be associated with God’s final time of salvation and judgment, the “Day of the LORD” (cf. Amos 5). The prophet seems to be looking forward to a time which has been inaugurated by the coming Messiah, the King (see Zechariah 9) wherein the nations will be judged based upon how they respond to the King, to the God of Judah/Jerusalem. These prophesies seem to telescope together events which span the entire New Testament Church age, from the first to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

We learn the LORD will bring ultimate salvation to His people (12:7-9). We must keep in mind that the New Testament light shed on this book suggests that this material is being communicated in language with which the people of God at that time would have been familiar, yet the fulfillment moves beyond the mere borders of Jerusalem and Judah. For example, the use of “tents” suggest the people have been in battle and the LORD is bringing salvation or victory to them over enemies. Yet, this battle deals with more than other nations coming against Jerusalem (Revelation 16:12-18:24). That the salvation comes to Judah-at-large before Jerusalem is to suggest it will come not just to a select few, but to all of God’s people. Again, the focus is on more than merely Jerusalem and Judah. The text goes on to say all the people will have the same glory as the house of David to the point that even the feeblest among them will be like David (this comes about because believers are united to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of David) and the house of David will be like God (the flow of the text, then, suggests all God’s people will be like God). To become like God, more specifically like the Son Jesus Christ, is the ultimate end, it is the glory of all the saints, that is, all God’s people (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In 12:10-13:1 we discover that part of this salvation God brings to His people will involve so changing their hearts they will have a “spirit of grace” and “pleas for mercy” in that they will mourn when they look on the one they have pierced, identified here as God (10). The meaning is that the people have rejected their Savior, their God, yet they will eventually come to look upon Him, to trust in Him and thus will experience His grace and will long for his mercy. This statement is quoted in John 19:37 in regard to Jesus upon the cross, which sheds light on how this great change will take place. The God-man will be rejected by many of His own people (John 1:11) and yet that rejection and ultimate piercing will be the source of their salvation that leads to their grace and pleas for mercy! Zechariah 12:11-14 makes it clear that the mourning for God (the repentance toward God) will permeate all His people and the result will be forgiveness for their sins: “a fountain opened up for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” (13:1). Herein is the ultimate salvation and restoration for the people of God. Israel and Judah have consistently and regularly “blown it” throughout their history. Yet, there will come a time when true and full repentance and restoration come to them (as well as all Gentiles grafted into the tree of the people of God, Romans 11:11-24) such that they have complete and lasting forgiveness and cleansing of sin through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:14).

In 13:2-6 we learn that at the very end of time, the same time when God makes His people like Himself (12:8), God will once and for all do away with idolatry and there will be no need for prophets. Again, what will lead to this transformation is the Shepherd laying down His life for the sheep (13:7 [cf. Matthew 26:31; John 10:15]). As a result, a remnant (=in context, all true Jerusalem/Judah) will be saved and refined, they will call upon God and enter into covenant with Him; He will be their God and they will be his people (13:8-9).

Revelation 19:1-21:
In chapter 19 we are once again returned to a heavenly throne-room vision in which the redeemed are worshiping God and giving Him glory for His sovereign reign, His judgment on the wicked, and for His salvation of his people (19:1-8). We see that these redeemed finally are ready to consummate marriage with their husband, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, for the time of the marriage supper is at hand (19:7-9 [cf. Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 25:6; Matthew 8:11, 12; 22:1ff.; 29:29; Luke 13:29; 14:15-24; Ephesians 5:32]; Revelation 3:20]). This means that it is time for full, consummated joy in the presence of the Savior with His eternal reward and blessing!

As we have seen, though, throughout chapters 6-18, not only are the saints moved toward their eternal reward, but God brings judgment upon the wicked as well. In 19:11-21 we see Jesus Christ riding forth as conquering warrior and judge (keep in mind that He is the only one who, by His redemptive work, could open the seven seals on the Father’s book of His decreed plan of redemption to bring about God’s salvation and judgment) to defeat completely the enemies of God and the forces of Satan and to cast them into eternal punishment for ever. This appears to give us another look at the final defeat of God’s enemies, something we have already seen in 16:12-18:24). It also seems best to understand what we will see in 20:7-15 as another restatement of this final defeat and judgment.

This chapter, like so many in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts, brings comfort and hope to the saints of God in that He will glorify Himself through judgment upon and complete victory over wickedness, as well as through complete salvation of His people resulting in eternal reward and joy in the presence of our glorious Triune God and Savior. This chapter is a reminder that the ultimate and most glorious good news is that we get God (cf. 1 Peter 3:18)! This reality should not only comfort us and give us hope, but also shape what we value now—intimate relationship with and dependence upon the Father, Son, and Spirit. That relationship and growth in the knowledge of God should set the tone for what we desire and where we put our greatest energies.

Psalm 147:1-20:
This second of the five concluding Hallel psalms provides for us a good model of what worship is. The psalmist praises God for His redemption, His providence, and His Word. As you read this psalm, allow it to move you to worship the Lord for these works and these great gifts from the LORD in your life. Also, notice in verses 15-20 just how closely the Word of God is connected to who He is and His acts. This is one indication that we cannot separate the Word of the Lord from the Lord of the Word! If you don’t treasure His Word you will not treasure Him truly!

Proverbs 31:1-7:
Here in Proverbs 31:1-7 we find the words of King Lemuel. The Reformation Study Bible provides a helpful overview: “Lemuel was not an Israelite king. The nature of this section (vv. 1-9) suggests an Egyptian or perhaps a Babylonian origin. Its intention is apparently vocational, the equipping of the ruler for his task. The form is similar to the instructions of chapters 1-9…. In this case, the teaching is given by the mother…. While the father may have been the principal teacher of the children, godly women also took that role…and there were in Israel noteworthy wise women (2 Samuel 14:2; 20:16).”

2010-12-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 27:

Zechariah 10:1-11:17:
Though today’s reading is very difficult to interpret (especially chapter 11), the basic message is clear. The LORD chastises shepherds, leaders of the people of God who have led them astray (cf. also Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 13; Hosea 5; Micah 3). He will transcend this kind of leadership to lead His people, restore them, and bring judgment upon those who reject Him. This will all take place through Messiah, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, calls them, they follow, and He gives to them eternal life (John 10:15, 27-30).

We are reminded that though the world suffers from much poor leadership, our king, Jesus, leads us in wisdom, with goodness, out of love, and will direct us in ways best for us! As we read Zechariah we must remember that one of the key themes is that our Sovereign God is in control and will take care of His people through the trials faced in this world to bring them into their ultimate reward.

Revelation 18:1-24:
Chapters 17-18 of Revelation depict the fall of and judgment of God upon (18:2-6) “the great prostitute” (17:1) who is “Babylon the great, the mother of all prostitutes” (17:5). Babylon is representative in the Old Testament of people who oppose both God and His people. It may very well be that the original readers would see Babylon as representative of the Roman Empire which in their day encouraged emperor worship and thus moved people to commit spiritual adultery. People of any age can think of how the state has a tendency to usurp the authority of God, seeking to displace Him. Yet, the driving force behind this world system and way of thinking is none other than Satan and his demonic legions (18:2).

These chapters, on the one hand, flow out of the seven bowl judgments since one of those same seven angels shows to John these visions of the fallen prostitute (17:1). Yet, there also seems to be a sense in which these two chapters (culminating in 19:1-10) give yet another view, one more depiction, one more cycle looking at how God deals with His enemies through the age of the Church and culminating in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Whether it is a resident of Asia Minor in the first century, a persecuted Christian living in China in the twentieth century, or a twenty-first century tortured, harassed saint in Iran (cf. 18:24), the Lord is showing all through John that our sovereign God will have the last word, He will defeat the satanically-driven rulers and powers of this world, He will give victory to His people, and He will bring us into our eternal reward in the presence of the Savior (19:1-10)!

Psalm 146:1-10:
The last five psalms in the Psalter are sometimes referred to as the “Concluding Hallel Psalms” since each one calls readers to praise (halal) the LORD. This psalm praises the LORD since He is one in whom we can and should put our trust, for He works in a mighty way in behalf of those who do. Pay special attention to verses 7-9 which present a glorious and strong picture of how the LORD helps those who cannot help themselves!

Proverbs 30:33:
Here in Agur’s last statement he gives the reason for what he said in verse 32, namely that in the same way that pressing or churning milk certainly produces curds and hitting the nose produces blood, so also churning or pressing our anger will certainly produce strife. So, the exhortation is not to be a person given to anger (cf. 15:1), which goes hand-in-hand with foolish self-exaltation and evil schemes (32). Those who think much of themselves tend not only to have too high a self-view, but also tend to look down upon others and become easily angered when family or friends do not live up to their expectations. When this happens, their hearts are usually filled with evil scheming to take vengeance or “show them” how they are wrong and must pay. This leads to great and continual strife, along broken relationships not easily mended. Needless to say, this is not the God-fearing way of wisdom.

2010-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 26:

Zechariah 9:1-17:
With chapter 9 we move into the second major section of the book. Chapters 1-8 have dealt with encouragement for the post-exilic people of God from the night visions and discussions of true fasting and social justice. Chapters 9-14 look to the future as two different oracles (9-11; 12-14) deal with the coming of God as king to inaugurate His kingdom.

Chapter 9 launches the first oracle by looking at the coming of God as king (9:9-17) after He defeats His enemies to establish safety for His people (9:1-8 [His enemies are represented by Assyria, Syria, Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia]). The people of God are called to rejoice with great excitement because of the coming of their king who is righteous, i.e. literally “He is one who saves” (9). The righteousness of God is revealed both in His saving His people and bringing judgment upon the wicked (cf. Romans 1:16-3:26; especially 1:17). This king is either divine or a close representative of God, since only God saves (Jonah 2:9; Zechariah 9:16). Additionally, He is pictured as “humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (9). This is significant because Solomon rode to his anointing/inauguration in such a fashion (1 Kings 1:33, 38). This means that this future figure is a fulfillment of Solomon who served as a type. This king, then, is none other than Messiah, the one who would sit on the throne of David forever (2 Samuel 7:12-14). Somehow Messiah will be instrumental in defeating the enemies of God (10a), He will set prisoners free based upon the blood of the covenant of God (11), and his rule will be universal (10b). What is more, we learn in verses 13-17 that God is the one who saves, so there is very strong reason to believe this coming king is not only man, but also God. This is exactly what we find in the New Testament as the Gospel writers quote this passage when Jesus rode into Jerusalem just days before His accomplishment of salvation through His crucifixion and resurrection (e.g. Matthew 21:5; John 12:15). What is more, Jesus instituted that week the Lord’s Supper wherein He refers to the “new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20), by which He means that He has inaugurated a new covenant by His bloody death as a fulfillment of this text in Zechariah.

There can be little doubt, then, that God, through the prophet in this text, is calling His people once again to look to the future coming of the Messiah and His work for their ultimate hope. There is also no doubt the New Testament authors saw Jesus as the one who fulfilled such prophecies. Jesus purposefully rode into Jerusalem before His crucifixion in this fashion to fulfill this prophesy. He clearly knew He was Messiah (the Christ) and that He was riding into Jerusalem to accomplish salvation, demonstrate the righteousness of God (Romans 3:21-26), defeat the enemies of God (Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 1:13; 2:14-15), bring about a new covenant (Luke 22:20), and inaugurate the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15). Though the restoration of Jerusalem, the temple, and the people of God after the exile were very important events in the history of God’s redemptive work, their greatest importance is found in the way they typified and moved people to look forward to the Christ!

Revelation 17:1-18:
Chapters 17-18 of Revelation depict the fall of and judgment of God upon (18:2-6) “the great prostitute” (17:1) who is “Babylon the great, the mother of all prostitutes” (17:5). Babylon is representative in the Old Testament of people who oppose both God and His people. It may very well be that the original readers would see Babylon as representative of the Roman Empire, which in their day encouraged emperor worship and thus moved people to commit spiritual adultery. People of any age can think of how the state has a tendency to usurp the authority of God, seeking to displace Him. Yet, the driving force behind this world system and way of thinking is none other than Satan and his demonic legions (18:2).

These chapters, on the one hand, flow out of the seven bowl judgments since one of those same seven angels shows to John these visions of the fallen prostitute (17:1). Yet, there also seems to be a sense in which these two chapters (culminating in 19:1-10) give yet another view, one more depiction, one more cycle, looking at how God deals with His enemies through the age of the Church and culminating in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Whether it is a resident of Asia Minor in the first century, a persecuted Christian living in China in the twentieth century, or a twenty-first century tortured, harassed saint in Iran (cf. 18:24), the Lord is showing all through John that our sovereign God will have the last word, He will defeat the satanically-driven rulers and powers of this world, He will give victory to His people, and He will bring us into our eternal reward in the presence of the Savior (19:1-10)!

Psalm 145:1-21:
In this glorious psalm of praise David exults in God’s attributes and His works. He also affirms that such praise of God, such delight in who He is, should overflow into telling the next generation about God. This applies to both our parenting (telling our kids about the LORD) and also general evangelism (telling anyone). For David this task of telling the next generation about the LORD was not odious, but glorious—it flowed from his joy in God. May it be so for all of us!

Proverbs 30:32:
Agur tells us that if we have been accustomed to much talking which shows our lack of wisdom and arrogance, or if we have been prone to planning a way of life that is sinful and against the will of God, we must shut our mouths, which means we must cease such arrogant evil thinking, schemes, and displays. This appears to be a short pithy way of calling readers to repentance and to wisdom.

2010-12-16T14:39:00.001-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 25:

Zechariah 8:1-23:
This chapter gives hope to the 6th century B.C. people of Israel for after seventy years of captivity God will once again return His favor to Jerusalem and to His people. Yet, this prophecy goes beyond the mere restoration of Jerusalem, Israel, and God’s blessings upon His people to a time when Gentiles in large numbers will come to worship the true God (communicated in the language of that day) and so it points to the Church age and then ultimately to the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22). This chapter, like so many in the Old Testament prophets looks at the future much as we might see mountain ranges off in the distance as all clustered together in one small area. Yet, in reality great space separates each one. So it is with the future in the eyes of the prophets. The age of Messiah looks like one small, short set of events, yet it encompasses the time of the first coming of Christ to His second and on into the age-to-come. In this prophesy, however, great hope is given to the people of God that the LORD will carry out His covenant promises to them. In this they can take comfort that He will do all the necessary things in the interim to bring about His promises. Those of us in Christ today, those who are in the midst of the unfolding of these promises, have the same assurance as we look forward to promises yet-to-be-fulfilled.

Revelation 16:1-21:
In this chapter we find the fourth and final cycle of judgment visions, the outpouring of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. These bowls on the one hand resemble the plagues of God upon Egypt (sores, water becoming blood, hail, and they are called “plagues”), yet on the other hand, they surpass those plagues. Though the unholy trinity (dragon, beast, false prophet) assemble a great army to fight the LORD at the mount of Megiddo (Armageddon), the enemies of God are soundly and easily defeated (represented in the “great city…of Babylon”). Though the seventh bowl does not explicitly speak of the Second Coming of the Lord, what is said, “It is done!” along with the cosmic imagery (compare with Matthew 24:29-31) suggest that this cycle, like the previous ones, ends with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. If this is the case, then, what we have in this section of Revelation is not a linear and/or chronological depiction of future events during a literal seven year period of Tribulation; instead, we have several cycles of visions which each depict the age of the Church and yet each one increases in intensity and may take the revelation of God’s wrath and salvation forward with each cycle, so that when we come to the end of these cycles, we have seen with great emphasis that God will soundly and completely defeat His enemies through the blood of the Lamb and carry out His judgment to the glory of His name!

What we are to take away from this section of Revelation is that we are part of the unfolding of God’s glorious plan of redemption. In this we should take great comfort and hope! Because of it we should fear God alone and not His enemies, be they demonic or human (Matthew 10:28; Ephesians 6:10-18).

Psalm 144:1-15:
Like so many of the psalms, though we do not know the exact situation which stands behind it, we do know that David wrote these words of prayer in response to a difficult time when the nation was opposed by enemies (7-11). As the king, David feels a sense of responsibility to pray to the LORD in behalf of the nation. He knows that as the king goes in such situations, so goes the nation (cf. also Psalms 20-21). He acknowledges the grace of the LORD seen in His training his hands for war (1), His delivering him in past times (2), and even just in the fact that He watches over man when man does not deserve it (3). Based upon this grace, David prays for more grace and blessing that he and the nation would be delivered and would continue to prosper (5-14). He ends by affirming that those who are the people of God and experience His help are truly blessed (15)! This psalm provides a wonderful pattern for how any Christian should pray for their local church to prosper in the midst of spiritual warfare. It is especially applicable to those who are leaders.

Proverbs 30:29-31:
These four examples of strength and courage are to serve as a motivation for the young person to be strong and courageous. This comes only by fearing the LORD and, as a result, practicing righteousness (cf. Proverbs 28:1).

2010-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 24:

Zechariah 6:1-7:14:
In 6:1-8 we come to the last of the eight night visions of Zechariah (1:7-6:8). In this last vision, like the first, Zechariah sees four units of horses. This time, however, they are pulling chariots, the symbol of military might of the day. The vision most likely represents that God is on the move in different directions with might to bring judgment upon those who have opposed Him and His people. North (Babylon, Assyria, Syria) and south (Egypt) are the directions from which Israel’s enemies always came. To the west is the Mediterranean Sea and to the east is the desert. This last vision reminds readers that throughout this section of Zechariah the point has been made that God will in fact take care of His people and bring His wrath upon those who oppose Him. We must take comfort in this!

In 6:9-15 Zechariah is commanded by the LORD to take from some men who just came from Babylon the material to make a crown of silver and gold, then place it on the head of Joshua, the high priest. He was to be called the “branch,” which is a messianic term (Isaiah 4:2; 11:1) referring to the one who would sit on David’s throne (Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16). This was not only an affirmation that the temple in the near future would be rebuilt with Joshua at the center of the work, it was also a foreshadowing of the Messiah to come. The return from the exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and the successful leadership of Joshua all pointed to the one who would come and take His people out of the ultimate exodus, who would rebuild the ultimate temple, and who would reign over His people forever, Jesus Christ. As with the other prophets, so with Zechariah, the ultimate hope is in Messiah. Today, our hope still is Christ and Him alone!

In Zechariah 7 now that people have returned to Israel, some of them want to know if they should fast in the fifth month (to commemorate the fall of Jerusalem) as has been done through the captivity? The answer the LORD gives to them is similar to the message given by Isaiah in Isaiah 58. More than fasting, the LORD wants them to “render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, the poor,” and not “devise evil against another in your heart” (9-10). Though fasting can be practiced as a legitimate act of humility, dependence upon the LORD, and worship, the LORD does not want from them any empty religious actions. He does, however, want them to live out their faith in Him in such a way that they honor Him and act in righteousness. This is still a good reminder for us today.

Revelation 15:1-8:
This chapter serves as the introduction to the next, the fourth, the final cycle of actions flowing from God’s eternal decrees which include the protection and preservation of His people, as well as judgment upon those who oppose God and his people. Like previous cycles (4:1ff.; 8:1ff.; 11:19), this one begins with a view of the Holy of holies, the throne room of heaven and worship being offered up to God for what He has done and to set the tone for what He is about to do. With imagery reflecting the exodus from Egypt and the song of Moses, the redeemed in heaven, those who have conquered the beast, Satan, praise God for His righteous deeds of salvation and judgment. As part of this scene, one of the four living creatures surrounding the throne gave to seven angels seven bowls full of the wrath of God. With these the wrath of God is finished, so we see a climax in this cycle, namely that the pouring out of God’s wrath upon the wicked will be complete. What we have seen in these visions of Revelation and what climaxes here is the continual pouring out of the wrath of God “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, why by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18). Though the eternal wrath of God is yet to be poured out (Revelation 20:14-15), the continual pouring out of God’s wrath upon the wicked has been depicted in these chapters of Revelation.

As the people of God we can take delight in, assurance from, and find hope in the reality that God will not ignore sin, yet He will save His people. In other words, we can rejoice in the reality that His “righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:4 [compare Romans 1:17]).

Psalm 143:1-12:
David cries out to God in the midst of a difficult situation. He not only wants to be rescued for the sake of God’s reputation (11), but longs to do the will of God and knows such ability comes from Him (10).

Proverbs 30:24-28:
These four things which are small, but exceedingly wise, provide a metaphor for the young person or young believer to understand that strength in numbers or large size does not have to be present for there to be power or success in life. True success comes from fearing God and following His way of skill for godliness (His way of wisdom).

2010-12-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 23:

Zechariah 4:1-5:11:
In today’s reading we come to the 5th, 6th, and 7th of the eight night visions given to Zechariah as recorded in 1:7-6:8.

The 5th vision (4:1-14) includes a golden lampstand with seven lamps on it (representing perfection or fullness) and olive trees by it to supply oil that it might burn. The vision is for Zerubbabel, the governor whom God commissioned to rebuild the temple along with Joshua the high priest (Ezra 5:2; Haggai 1:1). The point is that the Spirit of God would empower Joshua and Zerubbabel continually to carry out the task of rebuilding the temple. This forms a pattern also for how the Spirit would continually indwell the people of God and empower them to carry out the task of seeing the temple, the New Testament Church, built (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:4-10).

The 6th vision (5:1-4) shows a billboard-sized scroll which is none other than a covenant document describing that covenant breakers will face covenant curses. This is a warning to post-exilic Israel that those who would experience the blessings of God must come to Him by faith and, as a result, walk in all His ways.

The 7th vision (5:5-11) shows a woman in a basket and depicts God sovereignly removing sin and wickedness from the land. God will not overlook sin as He restores His people. This is why over and over again as we have made our way through the prophets and the captivity has been addressed, we have seen that what God is doing is purging His people.

Today’s reading in Zechariah reminds us that we come to God and carry out His purposes through the work of the Spirit applied by grace through faith. Yet, the outcome will be one of pursuing holiness, it will be that we are conformed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). A good part of our Christian life is spent, then, learning to trust in Christ and His work in us that we might live to the glory of God.

Revelation 14:1-20:
In this chapter which closes out the third cycle of visions and which gives way to the next set of seven in the fourth cycle, John sees the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and the 144,000 “who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads” (14:1-5 [cf. 3:12; 7:3]). Jesus Christ and the saints in their complete number are seen standing on the very place which symbolizes the presence of God and His reign among His people. They are singing a song of praise which only the redeemed can sing. The entire vision speaks to God’s protection over them and their blessing in the presence of Jesus Christ and of being blameless.

After this, John also saw an angel flying overhead with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, the people of every tribe, nation, and people (14:6-7). The message of this good news is to fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment has come. Next, another angel pronounces that Babylon (symbolic of the enemies of God in general and of Rome currently in the days of John) is fallen (8). In other words, God will take vengeance upon those who oppose Him. Also, a third angel appears warning people not to worship the beast or take his mark for if they do God’s wrath will be upon them (9-13). The reason this angel calls out is to warn mankind, especially those who bear the name of Christ that they will persevere.

Chapter 14 closes with a vision of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, coming to harvest the earth, to take His people to be with Him and to bring God’s wrath upon the wicked (14-20). Chapter 14 makes it very clear that God will preserve and bless His people and that His wrath will come upon those who do not respond to His gospel and thus worship and glorify Him. So, like the entire book, it is a comfort to His true children who are in affliction and it is affliction to those who are falsely comfortable.

The sense we are gaining by this point in the book is that from chapter six on we are gaining snapshots of the age of the Church which are cyclical in nature. In other words, they cycle through the Church age showing how God will bless His faithful ones and take them through their time of tribulation and how He will judge those who reject Him and persecute His people.

Psalm 142:1-7:
Here we find a great example of David praying to the LORD for help out of great distress.

Proverbs 30:21-23:
Here are four things a young person may experience which simply are out-of-place: A slave becoming king (for he would not typically have the preparation to carry out the task), a fool filled with a feast (for usually fools are not able to prosper so), a married woman who is not loved (for love should be part of marriage), and for a maidservant to steal away the husband of her mistress (for the husband should be only for his wife). The point of these verses seems to be to demonstrate to a young person that there are some things which are very inappropriate. The emphasis may fall on the last two of the four items, namely that an unloved wife and a husband fooling around with the maidservant are as out-of-line as the first two.

2010-12-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 22:

Zechariah 2:1-3:10:
In Zechariah 1:7-6:8 the prophet receives eight different visions in one night in 520 B.C., which comprise a powerful part of his overall message that God’s people will prevail and the wicked will be judged. In today’s reading we find vision 3 (chapter 2) and vision 4 (chapter 3).

In the third vision found in chapter 2 an angelic being measures Jerusalem which is symbolic of the fact that the LORD is aware of all the city and will protect it, which is the interpretation given (5). Even though the city will be without walls for a time, nevertheless the LORD will surround her (cf. Psalm 125:1-2). The people of God are the “apple of His eye.” In other words, He has His eyes upon them so much that if you looked at His pupil, you would see their reflection. Likewise, in the same way that one would guard his pupil, so God guards His people (see Deuteronomy 32:10). For the LORD to call them “the apple of His eye” once again is to make very clear that their punishment is over and He is exercising toward them covenant loyal steadfast love. He “will again choose Jerusalem.” We also learn in this third vision that God will not only judge the wicked nations, but will bring many from the nations to worship Him and they will be His people. As is the case so often with the prophets, views of the future give a telescopic view of the Messianic age, which includes people from the nations coming to worship the LORD.

In the fourth vision (chapter 3) Joshua the high priest (cf. Ezra 3:2) is seen standing before the angel of the LORD with Satan accusing him since he is wearing filthy garments and thus is not fit to serve as priest and represent the people of God. Joshua’s vestments are changed so that he is clothed with pure ones. This is a picture of the imputation of God’s righteousness to those who trust in Him (cf. Isaiah 61:10-11; 62:2) and foreshadows the work which Christ would do in our behalf (Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Once made righteous Joshua is commanded to walk in God’s ways. This vision would ensure the people of God that He is a saving God and can redeem them from their former sins and give them a future of His blessing. What is more, they can invite others to come into that blessing also (10). This is foreshadowing the work which Jesus Christ would do to make for Himself a purified kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 5:9-10).

Revelation 13:1-18:
Here in this thirteenth chapter the vision of a beast rising from the sea contains parallels with Daniel 7 and suggests this apocalyptic phenomenon represents world powers that wage war for Satan against Christ and the Church. A second beast from the earth represents those who counterfeit the works of the Holy Spirit and serve as propagandists for the anti-Christ powers. Most likely both visions, if we have understood properly how the visions in this part of the book are functioning, show what opposition to Christ and the Church will be like during the Church age on the part of the state powers and those philosophies and religions which mimic true faith, but are bedfellows with the powers-that-be. To have the mark of the beast is a counterfeit; it is the opposite of the mark of those who belong to God (cf. 7:3). The point is that there will be times throughout this age in many parts of the world that if a person wants to prosper from a worldly standpoint and put food on the table, they must denounce Christ and pay allegiance to the state, which is driven by Satan. To remain faithful to Christ will mean that they will be denied basic necessities of life. Yet, if they remain faithful, they will receive the crown of life (cf. 2:10).

In addition to understanding temple references and Israel-related terms to be literal, the only way that Dispensational interpreters understand chapters 4-19 to refer to a time of future Tribulation out of which the New Testament Church is previously removed is to suggest that no occurrence of the word “Church” in these chapters suggests the Church is not part of this period. Instead, it is a time of tribulation for Israel they claim. Yet, the connections in these chapters with the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2-3 should suggest otherwise (not to mention references in 5:9-10 which elsewhere in the New Testament are applied to the New Testament Church). One of the strongest pieces of evidence that this time of tribulation involves the Church is found here in 13:10. It appears to be a similar call to perseverance in the midst of persecution as was given to Smyrna in 2:10 and it is addressed to “saints,” a term elsewhere in the New Testament used of those who are set apart in Christ Jesus and part of the New Testament Church.

Psalm 141:1-10:
Though David faces dangers, what he is concerned about in this psalm is his life and integrity. What a great example for us as we face trials! We learn here that most likely incense was associated with prayer and acceptable prayer was like a pleasing incense before the LORD (2), we must be concerned and pray about what comes out of our mouth (3), we should be willing to accept rebuke from fellow believers (5), and we must keep our eyes focused in trust always upon the LORD in the face of difficulty (8).

Proverbs 30:18-20:
Verses 18-19 all serve to show things which are beautiful to the point of surpassing words, yet the focus is on the fourth action, that of sexual intercourse for the first time. The unspoken implication is that this is something which is not only beautiful beyond words, but also should be treated as very special, held in high honor, and kept undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Such provides a great deal to think about for the young person who simply wants to rush into sexual activity.

Verse 20 provides an example of the kind of sexual behavior which has become common and is not held in high honor and kept undefiled, namely that of an adulteress who treats it about as commonly as munching on a leg-of-lamb and then wiping her mouth.

2010-12-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 21:

Zechariah 1:1-21:
Zechariah’s prophetic ministry began in the same year as Haggai’s, 520 B.C. (1:1). Local opposition had terminated rebuilding of the temple only after the foundation was completed and, once opposition was history, the people were indifferent to completing the project. In addition to being partially responsible (along with Haggai) for encouraging the people to complete the project (Ezra 5:1; 6:14), Zechariah set forth to the post-exilic Israelites that “God is going to preserve His remnant from all world powers which oppress them and threaten their extinction; these Gentile empires shall be destroyed, but [the people of God shall survive every ordeal because [they are] people of the Messiah.” (Gleason Archer, Survey Of Old Testament Introduction)

The book begins by Zechariah proclaiming the first word of the LORD which came to him, a call to Israel to repent and not to be like their ancestors (1-6). This word from the LORD was followed by eight visions which came to Zechariah in one night (1:8), the content of which is recorded in 1:7-6:8. These visions are apocalyptic in nature so with outstanding imagery they are pulling back the curtain of the world and history to show what God is doing to take care of His people and to judge the wicked. The rest of today’s reading includes the first two visions.

In the first night vision (1:7-17) Zechariah saw a man riding a red horse who was standing among myrtle trees with red, sorrel (brownish-orange to light brown), and white horses behind him. These horses and horsemen have been patrolling the earth and have seen that all is at rest, nothing much is happening to further the future of God’s people and to carry out His purpose among them. Yet, the LORD makes it clear to and through the angels that His wrath is hot against the nations who have oppressed Israel and He will restore them, prosper them again, rebuild the temple, and choose them again as His people. This makes clear that the time of punishment is complete. Additionally, this vision should give encouragement to the people to finish the temple.

In the second night vision given to Zechariah he sees four horns, which symbolize four arrogant, oppressing military powers (cf. Ps. 75:4-5). Most likely these represent Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece (the powers who have and/or who will oppress God’s people). Additionally four craftsmen appear to cast down the horns. Thus the people of God in post-exilic Israel see that God will deal justly with the wicked. He will curse those who curse them (cf. Genesis 12:3).

Revelation 12:1-17:
Chapters 12-14 of Revelation comprise a third cycle of visions (following the seven seals which gave way to the seven trumpets). Though these visions are not numbered like the first two cycles, what they have in common with the first two is that they are giving snapshots of the Church age, the persecution of the people of God, the protection of God, and God’s judgment of the oppressors.

In chapter 12 we find a grotesque vision of a dragon (Satan, the accuser) waiting to devour a male child (Jesus Christ) birthed by a woman (the messianic community, Israel/New Testament Church). In this vision John is being given a picture of the great trials of the Church and why Satan rages so against the Church. The chapter unfolds as follows (I am indebted to D. A. Carson, “The Strange Triumph Of A Slaughtered Lamb,” chapter 3, in Scandalous). First, “John outlines the occasion for this Satanic rage” (1-9). Satan is outraged at the birth of the child and the fact that He has been defeated and cast out of heaven. As such, he seeks unsuccessfully to destroy the child and then he pursues the woman into the wilderness for 3.5 years (the time of persecution patterned after the time of Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century B.C.). This time of tribulation spans the entire period between the first and second comings of Christ.

Second, “John identifies the reasons for this satanic rage” (10, 12-17), namely that his sphere is restricted, his time is short, and his success will be limited. The fact he is defeated does not cause him to cease his rage. It is all the more reason he pursues the Church with rage!

Most important in this chapter, however, is that “John specifies how Christians overcome this satanic rage” (11). First, they conquer him on the ground of the blood of the lamb. Our hope is not what we do, how good we are, or anything of the sort. It is on the ground of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and thus have the armor to stand against Satan (see Ephesians 6:10-18). Additionally, because true saints are in Christ, they also give testimony to Christ and see the kingdom spread and they also love Christ more than life. As such, Satan cannot defeat such people since the worst he can do is take their life (Matthew 10:28). Yet, the more he rages and the blood-bought Church shows it loves Christ more than life itself, the more Christ is glorified, the kingdom spreads, and Satan is destroyed!

Christian, do not miss from this book of Revelation that we are in a battle, yet, we win by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in us!

Psalm 140:1-13:
David complains to the LORD about enemies and also prays for His deliverance. By the end of the psalm he strongly affirms his trust that the LORD will work in his behalf. We see this pattern over and over again in the Psalms. Its very repetition seems intended to drive home to our minds and hearts the importance of pouring out our heart before the LORD in our distress, meditating upon His attributes and works, and thus coming to strong trust rooted in His Word and wrought by His Spirit. One of the key summary messages of the Psalms is to get to know God, revel in His attributes, works, and faithful words, and then: Trust, trust, trust, pray, pray, pray, obey, obey, obey!

Proverbs 30:17:
This is a powerful and appalling proverb, worded as such to get across its point. Part of the godly, wise, God-fearing lifestyle is that of honoring one’s parents. The one who does not do that will end in an early death, characterized here by one’s body (specifically the eyes which mock and scorn parents) being picked out and eaten by to the ravens and vultures.

2010-12-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 20:

Haggai 1:1-2:23:
Haggai preached the four messages which make up this book in 520 B.C. (1:1) and, along with Zechariah, was instrumental in getting those who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple to resume their work (cf. Ezra 5:1; 6:14). After Jews returned to Jerusalem and laid the foundation of the temple, the work had stopped due to foreign opposition (cf. Ezra 4:23). Once the opposition had died down, the building did not resume due to indifference among the people (Haggai 1:2). Haggai was called of the LORD to preach to the people that they could see they must put the LORD’s work and His purposes first, for this is the only way forward for them as a people that they might enjoy His blessing. Haggai’s four messages are as follows: (1) A Call To Rebuild The Temple To An Indifferent People And Their Response. (1:1-15) (2) God’s Greater Temple And Encouragement From His Promised Blessing. (2:1-9) (3) God’s Blessing For A Defiled People: They Have Experienced Covenant Curses Because Of Sin, Yet God Wants To Bless Them Again. (2:10-19) (4) God’s Victory For His People: The Overthrow Of The Nations And Enthronement Of His Ruler. (2:20-23)

Like with the book of Chronicles which was addressed to the post-exilic people to show the importance of the restoration of atonement-based right worship in the temple, so with Haggai, we are reminded that the only way to know God truly and have His blessing is through atonement which leads to His presence with us and our right worship of Him. As such, Haggai moves our vision away from the late 6th century to that time when the ultimate tabernacle/temple would come in our midst, Jesus Christ, and die for our sins once for all that we might be reconciled to God! Such a reality should lead us to put as a priority in our life the living out of the effects of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all we do. May we never be indifferent!

Revelation 11:1-19:
Though we find ourselves in a part of the book of Revelation about which many Christians differ in their interpretation and it is admittedly difficult to deal with all the different unusual pictures and elements thrown at the reader, nevertheless, it seems that the simplest, the best interpretation, the one which has the least amount of problems, the one which fits with how some of these pictures and numbers are used elsewhere in Scripture is to see Revelation 11:1-14 (the second half of the 10:1-11:14 interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet) as a promise to the Church in this age as it faces tribulation that God not only knows their plight and cares, but He will continually preserve the Church even in the face of persecution and will resurrect saints at the end of this age.

Here is a brief overview of some of the elements in 11:1-14: The measurement of the temple, the altar and those who worship there (1) seems to be an indication that God knows, cares about, and will watch over His people, the temple of God, the Church (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:4-10), rather than some reference to a future temple rebuilding. The reference to the outer court (the court of the Gentiles) which is not measured and which is trampled by Gentiles (unbelievers) for 42 months or 3.5 years and the granting of authority to my witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days (or 3.5 years) is all meant to show that the Church will be persecuted for a period which Jews would associate with the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes in the 2nd century B.C. The point is not that it is a literal time, but that it is a season of persecution which God will cut short and not let go on indefinitely and a time in which God will enable His people, His Church to proclaim His Word and give testimony to Christ. The reference to the “two olive trees” (4) takes the reader back to Zechariah 4:11, 14 and two anointed ones (royal leader to rebuild the temple and a priestly leader to lead worship), so most likely what is referenced here in Revelation 11 is the royal priesthood of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10) for they are also called two lampstands (4), which we already know reference the Church or churches, God’s people, from chapters 2-3. In the rest of this passage Satan wages war upon the witness, they are killed and remain dead for 3 ½ days (probably to be associated with the 3 ½ years earlier in the passage) before being resurrected. This is none other than a promise that though the Church will be persecuted and many killed, nonetheless, they will be resurrected to eternal joy and blessedness at the end of this age, that is, at the coming of the Lord.

What we have, then, in the 10:1-11:14 interlude is a stop in the progress of divine wrathful action of the book of Revelation to show how God takes care of His people and how they will fair through this age of persecution of the Church and judgment poured out on the wicked. It functions very much, then, like the chapter 7 interlude and the discussion of the 144,000 who are sealed and protected. This very form suggests that throughout this Church age God will often not remove His people from the location of suffering, but will keep them in the midst of suffering. This fits with what we learned in Revelation 3:10 and how it relates to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:15: God preserves His Church as we are in the midst of trials and suffering.

Psalm 139:1-24:
This psalm rejoices in God’s presence with and His knowledge of us before birth and no matter where we go. Such should bring comfort as well as a sober awareness we should pursue holiness. Additionally, we are also reminded of the sanctity of unborn human life. This is one of the main passages in the Bible which teach us that God is present everywhere.

Proverbs 30:15-16:
Of these verses commentator Duane A. Garrett writes: “This text contains two sayings involving numbers…. Both concern insatiable things, and together they give the number sequence 2, 3, 4. The first…indicates that the leech has two daughters named Give. The saying probably alludes to the two suckers on a leech's body, and it may have been a common byword used to describe a selfish or demanding person. A frustrated mother may have said this when her children were clamoring for something. It is easy to see in what sense the four things…are insatiable, but it is harder to guess at the point of the list. It may be that this was simply a byword used of any situation or task that has no end, and that it is here simply to say that life is full of such situations and tasks….” As such, it is a warning to the young person to be prepared for such demanding people or situations. It may also be a warning to the young person not to be like this.

2010-12-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 19:

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20:
Zephaniah (= “Yahweh has hidden/protected”) was a descendant of Hezekiah (1:1) which is most likely King Hezekiah. Though little else is known about him apart from this book, his ministry took place during the days of King Josiah (1:1) who reigned from 640 B.C. to 609 B.C. Since Nineveh had not fallen yet (2:13), his ministry was before 612 B.C. The fact that he prophecies against the same sins Josiah addressed in his great reform (compare Zephaniah 1:4-6 with 2 Kings 23:4 and 2 Chronicles 34:1-7) suggests that Zephaniah’s ministry was prior to 621 B.C. (the year when Josiah’s reforms began).

The theme of the book is that “[Yahweh] is still firmly in control of all His world despite any contrary appearances, and He will prove this in the near future by inflicting terrible chastisement upon disobedient Judah, and complete destruction on the Gentile nations. Only by a timely repentance can this wrath be deferred.” (Gleason Archer, Survey Of Old Testament Introduction) This theme is worked out in the following manner: (1) Superscription. (1:1) (2) Prophecies of Judgment, including those against all nations (1:2-3); those against Judah (1:4-6); and a discussion of the coming Day Of The LORD (1:7-18). (3) A Call to Repentance. (2:1-3) (4) More Extensive Prophecies Against The Nations of Philistia, Moab and Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria. (2:4-15) (5) An Interlude Consisting Of Accusation Against Jerusalem. (3:1-5) (6) Summary Judgment Against All Nations. (3:6-8) (7) The Conversion of the Nations and the Restoration of the Purified Remnant Of Judah. (3:9-20)

One of the key points of application which arises from this book as Judah is denounced in the midst of denouncing the nations is that the background or ancestry we have will not save us. If we have grown up in a good, a religious, or even a Christian family, that will not save us. We are as lost as the most vile and pagan people in the world. We must turn to Jesus Christ and trust Him as our Savior and then we will know God’s certain future and reward. What is more, no matter who we are, if we call upon the name of the Lord to be saved, we will be saved (Psalm 86:5; Romans 10:13).

Revelation 10:1-11:
Revelation 10:1-11:14 contains an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. This interlude, like the one we saw in chapter seven, comes just before the last of a seven-part section and is very significant to the message of the book. Not only do we see God’s patient delay before He inflicts His final judgment, we also see in the first part of this interlude that God gives to John (and by implication to the Church during this period) strength to continue to proclaim His Word. The giving and eating of the little scroll (paralleling Daniel 10:5-6; Ezekiel 2:1-3:11), a scroll which was as sweet as honey (cf. Pss. 19:10; 119:103; Ezek. 2:3) is clearly depicting John taking in God’s Word, His message, which deals with “many peoples and nations and languages and kings” (10:11). It is sweet because it is the Word of God, yet it is bitter in the stomach since it deals with great wrath and judgment. John and the Church are being shown that the Lord will continue to give strength to the Church to proclaim His truth through this Church age.

Psalm 138:1-8:
Here David gives the LORD whole-hearted thanks for His steadfast love, faithfulness, and the fact that He has exalted above all things His name (reputation) and His word. Additionally, David rejoices since there will come a day when all the kings of the earth will give the LORD thanks for the words of the LORD’s mouth. This seems to be an allusion to the time when those from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people will praise God (Revelation 5:9-10) and kings from all over the earth will be included (Revelation 21:24). Here is great fuel to throw on the fires of our worship before the LORD. Meditate upon these glorious truths and join David in giving God whole-hearted thanks and praise for the same things! Also, do not miss the prominent place given to God’s Word and that a believer cannot take it lightly (see also Psalm 56:3-4)!

Proverbs 30:11-14:
Today’s verses in Proverbs provide observations to the young person and/or the young believer that they might have understanding about people with whom they come in contact in the world. He teaches that there are people in the world who, in the context of all of Proverbs, do not fear God and seek the way of wisdom. These are people who: Do not honor their parents (11 [cf. Exodus 20:12]); who think they are fine (cleansed) before God, but are really not, they are false-professors of faith (12 [Matthew 7:21-24]); are arrogant (13 [cf. 1 Peter 5:5]); and finally have mouths like swords for what they say, paralleling what they do, demonstrates they hate and care nothing for others (14). These are four common themes in the Proverbs which serve as barometers in regard to whether or not a person is following the way of wisdom in the fear of God. The young person or young believer is not only warned against being this kind of person, but is also being warned about their dealings with these kinds of persons. The sense throughout the entire collection of Proverbs is to watch out for such people, for they are dangerous!

2010-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 18:

Habakkuk 1:1-3:19:
Like Nahum the prophet Habakkuk (of whom we know nothing except what is in this book) received an oracle from the LORD in the form of a vision (1:1). Since the Babylonians (referred to as Chaldeans), who conquered Assyria in 612 B.C., are expanding their power and territories (1:6), yet, they had not taken captive Jerusalem yet (586 B.C.), nor had they taken King Jehoichin to Babylon yet (597 B.C.), it seems best to date Habakkuk’s ministry in the last decade of the 7th century B.C.

The book begins with Habakkuk’s complaint that Judah had strayed from the covenant, ignored the Law of God, and chaos reigned in the land (1:2-4). This is a description of Judah which fits with the reign of the wicked king and son of Josiah, Jehoiakim. The LORD answers Habakkuk in 1:5-11 in a very unexpected way. He will bring the Babylonians upon Judah as an instrument of judgment. The LORD says nothing at this point about the ultimate purpose of this plan, so it appears unjust and out-of-character for God in the eyes of Habakkuk. That is why God’s response leads to a second complaint by Habakkuk in 1:12-17. This time the prophet does not complain about the evil in Judah, but about the evil rod of punishment the LORD plans on using. Habakkuk knows that the LORD will not ignore evil or put His stamp-of-approval upon wretched, wicked, traitorous men. So, how can He use the Babylonians as an instrument of His plans? Habakkuk awaits an answer (2:1) which the LORD gives to him as recorded in 2:2-20. In essence, the LORD tells the prophet that He will indeed distinguish between the wicked and the truly righteous remnant, those who live by faith (2:2-5) and, as such, He will bring judgment upon Babylon and eventually fill the earth with the knowledge of His glory through salvation for His people and judgment upon the wicked (2:14), all showing that He is in His holy heavenly temple as the one who is sovereign over all and no one can rightly accuse Him of wrong (2:20). The LORD’s response to Habakkuk leads the prophet to pray for a new demonstration or appearance of His justice upon the wicked as has happened in the past (3:1-16) and then he affirms that regardless of what takes place, he will rejoice in the LORD (3:17-19), implying that he has come to see that in all the LORD has decreed, He will be just and righteous and thus Habakkuk can trust in Him.

Though we could cite several points of application out of this book, there are two we dare not miss. First, like with Nahum so in this book, we discover that God is always doing more in history through what He has decreed than we think. He can decree sinful nations, for example, to be used as instruments of punishment upon His chosen nation (Assyria on Israel and Babylon on Judah) and, at the same time, those nations are truly acting out their own sin and therefore He can pronounce judgment upon them (Nahum announces judgment on Assyria and Habakkuk judgment upon Babylon). This should remind us that just because God decrees something will happen, does not mean that action or set of events has his stamp-of-approval or pleasure upon them. God decrees to allow what He hates (sin and evil) to accomplish what He loves (the demonstration of His glory through gracious and merciful acts of salvation).

Second, like with Habakkuk, we must come to the point we can trust in God’s wisdom, goodness, and holiness in the midst of very difficult and even wicked circumstances. We may not understand fully why things are happening, but we can trust that our God is good, wise, holy, and faithful. Truly He will orchestrate all things together for the good (aka conformity to the image of His Son) of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Revelation 9:1-21:
Revelation 9 continues to unveil the blowing of the seven trumpets by the seven angels. These seven trumpet blasts introduce acts of judgment upon the world and the wicked who have opposed God and persecuted His people. The seven trumpet blasts are part of the Lamb’s opening of the seventh seal of the book of God’s plan for this age, which shows that these judgments are decreed by God to take place as an outgrowth of the saving work of Jesus Christ. What is more, these judgments are also decreed by God to be in response to the prayers of the persecuted saints who long for deliverance and vindication (8:1-5).

The images we find in this chapter are apocalyptic in nature, meaning they are designed to open up the curtains on the world and history that the Church (see chapters 1-3 and the messages to the seven Asia Minor churches) might see what God is bringing upon the earth to save His people and judge His enemies. As you read this chapter, the point is not, for example, to ask, “I wonder what the locusts correspond to? Are they some type of helicopter?” However God brings about this judgment (be it with actual locusts or in some other manner), at the end of the end times God will “turn the world upside down” at the coming of His Son as He pours out His wrath upon the wicked. As such, He will bring salvation for His people and judgment on His enemies.

Psalm 137:1-9:
This psalm was most likely penned during the Babylonian captivity of Judah. It expresses grief and lamentation over their plight and prays that the LORD would bring justice. It is a reminder that we are to bring all things before the LORD in open and honest fashion (Philippians 4:6).

Proverbs 30:10:
Here is a bit of wisdom from Agur to young leaders-to-be. Take care in bad-mouthing a well-thought-of servant to his master since the situation may end up coming back upon you, since the master loves the servant. This does not mean you cannot speak to a boss or overseer about someone under them. It does mean you should take great care in how you do it.

2010-12-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 17:

Nahum 1:1-3:19:
This book is named for the prophet to whom God gave this oracle (message from God) about Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, by way of a vision (1:1). Nahum (= comfort) was from a place called Elkosh. Though we do not know where this was, it was most likely in Judah since this book was written primarily for Judah (1:15). The book speaks of the 663 B.C. capture of Thebes by Assyria as a past event (3:8) and prophetically looks forward to the fall of Assyria (3:5-7), which took place in 612 B.C. Since Nineveh (and Assyria) was still at the height of its power when the book was written (1:12; 2:11-13; 3:1, 4) and that Judah was still firmly under Assyrian control (1:12-13, 15; 2:2), the possible dates can be further narrowed. After 640 Assyria began to weaken. Also, since the reforms of Judah’s King Josiah (reign began in 628/27 B.C.) went beyond Judah’s borders (2 Chronicles 34:6-7), suggesting Assyrian control had come to an end, we can most likely date the book between 660-630 B.C.

In many ways this book is a sequel to the book of Jonah. Jonah had gone to Nineveh in the first half of the 8th century B.C. to preach to the Assyrians, they repented, and the LORD did not bring judgment upon them. However, by the last half of that same century, they had become a ruthless world power and had even taken the northern ten tribes of Israel captive. Though the LORD clearly decreed He would allow this to happen and use Assyria as a rod of punishment for Israel, the nation was truly wicked (see Nahum 3:1). Not only had they decimated Israel, they had also made Judah their servant. What would come of this? Would God merely look the other way when it came to Judah and when it came to the sin of Assyria? The answer given in this vision to Nahum is a loud “No!” The LORD brings comfort (the meaning of Nahum’s name) to Judah by showing them He will deal with Assyria. What is more, He shows once again that even during the Old Covenant era when He worked primarily through the nation of Israel, He was also concerned about the nations. He granted repentance to Assyria and now He judges them for their sins, as He did with other nations (cf. Amos 1-2). He shows that though He, as a great God of power, is slow to anger, nevertheless, He will not overlook the sin of Assyria, but will show forth His wrath upon them for their evil (1:2-3).

As you read this book, understand that it sets forth a pattern, a type which Jesus Christ fulfills completely. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (John 3:16; 12:47; 1 Timothy 1:15; Revelation 5:5-10), yet, those who reject Him, who oppose Him, will face his wrath (John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Revelation 6:16-17; 20:14-15). The greatness of the salvation accomplished by the triune God also reminds us that those who reject it will face great judgment (Hebrews 2:3). What is more, the redeemed can take great comfort in the reality that ultimately God will take care of and deliver them, at the same time bringing judgment upon the enemies and persecutors of the Church (Revelation 6:9-17).

Revelation 8:1-13:
As the Lamb (Jesus Christ) continues to effect upon the earth the plan of the sovereign God, namely His salvation for His people and judgment upon the wicked who oppose the people of God as depicted through the opening of the seals, we see in 8:1-5 the opening of the seventh and final seal on the book of God’s plans for this age (cf. 5:1-5). The opening of the seal brings silence in heaven (denoting great sobriety and events of great significance are about to take place). Seven trumpets are given to seven angels. At the same time, an eighth angel is given a golden censer with incense whereby he offers up the incense with the prayers of the saints, most likely prayers for deliverance and for justice in the face of great persecution (cf. 6:10), and the incense with prayers were offered up before God. This heavenly scene is designed to show in temple terminology that the prayers (the incense offered in the tabernacle/temple depicted prayers of saints coming before God, Psalm 141:2) of the saints had been heard by God. When the angel takes the censer, fills it with fire from the altar and throws it upon the earth and it rocks the earth with thunder, lightning, and earthquakes, what is being shown is that God has heard the prayers of the saints and will accomplish judgment upon the earth and those who have opposed Him and persecuted them, actions which will be unveiled in the seven trumpet blasts to follow. The fact that the seven trumpet blasts are brought about in response to the coals from the censer and they are part of the seventh seal show that God has decreed He will bring judgment upon the earth as an outcome of the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ (for rejecting such a great salvation and so that the redeemed are vindicated) and also as the outcome of the prayers of those redeemed.

Revelation 8:6-13 reveals the first four trumpet blasts and the resulting judgments upon the earth. What is being revealed here is that at the end of the end times God will bring great judgment upon the earth and those who have persecuted the Church while rejecting Him. This judgment will also coincide with the coming of the Son of Man in judgment and to deliver His people—gathering them to Him (cf. Matthew 24:29-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Psalm 136:1-26:
This psalm is what today we would call a responsive reading. A priest or another leader of worship was supposed to read the first part of each verse and then the congregation would respond with, “his steadfast love endures forever.” The constant repetition of this response not only emphasizes the continual and lasting nature of the LORD’s covenant loyal lovingkindness, it also helps hearers or readers remember this truth. What is more, the psalm emphasizes that God’s works of creation and providence (the latter also including His work of salvation) are largely fueled by His enduring steadfast love. Read this psalm and praise God over and over again for His enduring, never-ending steadfast love!

Proverbs 30:7-9:
Agur records a prayer that should be in the heart and on the lips of every wise person who knows God, a prayer which arises from the knowledge that where we stand with God is far more important than the material wealth (or lack thereof) we have. First, he asks that God would work in him such that he would tell the truth and not lie (8a). This is a reflection of his desire for a holy, God-pleasing, God-fearing life, the barometer of which is often the tongue. He desires that God would do a work in his heart that would impact how he speaks (see also Psalm 141:3-4). Second, he prays that in God’s providence he would be neither rich nor poor. He fears the former would put him in the frame-of-mind which would think God unnecessary and the latter may put him in the place of stealing and thus dishonor God. So, his great desire is to glorify God and he is praying that God work in his heart and his life situations toward that end.

2010-12-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 16:

Micah 5:1-7:20:
Today’s reading rounds out the second prophetic cycle (5:1-15) and then concludes with the third and final prophetic cycle (6:1-7:20) as Micah calls the people of God to live out in practice the work the gracious, covenant-making, faithful God has done and continues to do in them. Here are some highlights from our reading: (1) The LORD promises to Judah hope through Messiah (5:1-6) and deliverance of the remnant (5:7-15); (2) We learn that Messiah will somehow come out of Bethlehem (5:2). (3) The LORD brings a covenant lawsuit against His people and in this we see a summary of the entire message of the book (6:1-8); (4) God brings upon the land the curses deserved when breaking the covenant (6:9-16) and so there is great lament (7:1-7). (5) The entire book and the third cycle end with a hymn of victory (7:8-20) which again highlights that out of the destruction the LORD is bringing upon Judah there will come restoration and salvation.

The book of Micah, like all the prophetic books, turns our attention forward from the time they were written to the future when the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be the ultimate deliverer, the key to a promised glorious future (cf. Micah 5:1-6). Here Micah shows us that it is only through Jesus Christ the people of God can be transformed into those who live out holiness and pursue the will of God within society at large. Under the Old Covenant the people of God demonstrated their failure time and time again, but a new day is dawning. Praise God that the salvation to which the prophets looked forward has now come and we who are in Jesus Christ are part of it (1 Peter 1:10-12)!

Revelation 7:1-17:
Chapter 7 contains an interlude before the seventh seal is opened which contains seven trumpets (8:1ff.). In chapter 7 we discover that believers are sealed, i.e. they are marked, before judgment comes upon the earth. This vision of sealing comes out of Ezekiel 9:4 where true believers are marked and distinguished from those upon whom the judgment of God will fall. This sealing is not to see a literal physical fulfillment. The number of the sealed, 144,000 (12,000 from each of the twelve tribes) is apocalyptic numerology (12 being the number of Israelite tribes and apostles) and not to be taken literally. The point is that a complete number (12 x 12) of the elect people of God (the true Israel) will be called, justified, and thus saved. They will come out of the Great Tribulation, that time of suffering and persecution which spans the Church age (cf. Revelation 12) wherein the people of Christ are persecuted, and they will be rewarded with eternal blessedness and joy (see also Revelation 21-22). This interlude serves to show the Church that God will not only bring judgment upon the wicked, He will also save the elect! Implicit in these images, as understood in light of chapters 1-3, would be a call to the Church to remain faithful, to persevere, to be part of those who are sealed and protected, not those who are judged.

Unfortunately, much bad writing and teaching has caused Christians to focus upon details such as: Who will be part of this literal 144,000? How will believers receive this seal? And so on and so forth. While believers focus on such things, they miss the message of Revelation, namely, that believers will overcome on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ (e.g. 12:11) and the wicked will be judged! As such, Christians need not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; yet, they should fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28)!

Psalm 135:1-21:
This psalm calls the people of God to praise Him for the way He has continually and faithfully taken care of Israel. He has chosen them and this was not forced since He is absolutely sovereign and does what he pleases (4-6). Part of this praise should arise from the reality that the nations who oppose Israel worship only idols—as opposed to the true God of Israel (15-18). The LORD dwells among His people in a special realized way to bless them (21), so they should bless (or praise) Him! As the New Covenant believer reads this psalm it should remind him that he also is part of this people whom God has chosen (Romans 11:11-17; Galatians 3:29; 1 Peter 2:4-10) and thus God is present among His people today to bless us. Let us, then, praise God for His blessings of us and let us also have compassion for those peoples who serve gods who are not really gods!

Proverbs 30:5-6:
Here Agur sets forth keen wisdom, namely, that every word of God is true and so we must take the LORD’s words so seriously and respond to them so carefully we do not add to them.

2010-12-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 15:

Micah 1:1-4:13:
Micah, whose name means “who is like Yahweh?” is from Moresheth (1:1), about 22 miles southwest of Jerusalem. He prophesied as a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea (1:1), focusing both upon Israel and Judah (e.g. 1:5), though sometimes he uses “Israel” to refer to Judah, which seems to be his primary focus. Micah’s main message is that based upon God’s covenant and His grace, His people should live out holiness and also order their society by God’s standards as a result of true saving faith (this is summarized in 6:1-8). The book is structured around three cycles containing a total of 19 prophetic messages. Each cycle begins with the word “Hear” (1:2; 3:1; 6:1), then contains prophecies of judgment before ending with a promise of future restoration and salvation (2:12-13; 5:10-15; 7:8-20). The structure and content of Micah, then, makes it very clear that God’s exile of His people was ultimately designed to purify them and bring forth salvation. The following is an outline of the book (taken primarily from commentator Bruce Waltke):
1. Superscription. 1:1
2. Cycle One, Judgment and Deliverance: God Gathers The Elect Remnant Into Jerusalem. 1:2-2:13
3. Cycle Two, Humiliation And Exaltation: God Restores Jerusalem’s Former Dominion To The Purified Remnant. 3:1-5:15
4. Cycle Three, Hope In Darkness: God Forgives The Remnant. 6:1-7:20

We see the following highlights in today’s reading: (1) The nation has broken God’s covenant which is why God is a witness against them (1:2); (2) The LORD will bring destruction upon Israel and Judah because of their sin, at the heart of which is idolatry (1:3-16); (3) They were so steeped in sin that they were lying in bed planning sinful acts before arising of a morning and committing them (2:1); (4) Their evil consisted also of taking away property from people (2:2); (5) Many leaders are denounced as being at the heart of the sin, including prophets and rulers (2:6, 11; 3:1-12); (6) Though Israel and Judah have been guilty of idolatry, there will come a time in the future when the nations will flow to worship the true God (4:1-13).

The book of Micah should move us to make sure our life in practice (personal holiness and how we interact with society) measures up to the gracious work Christ has done and continues to do in us. What is more, it should move us to praise God that we are part of that age when the nations are coming to know and worship Him!

Revelation 6:1-17:
In Revelation 4-5 we were reminded by a heavenly throne-room vision that the sovereign God is in control of history and will bring about His entire redemptive plan through the accomplishment and application of the work of Jesus Christ. This is depicted by Jesus Christ being able to open the seals upon the book of the decrees of God. So, as the seals are opened we are to understand that the churches in Asia Minor (see chapters 1-3), as representative of the Church-as-a-whole, are shown that God is carrying out His righteous and just plans.

Commentator Dennis E. Johnson says the following about 6:1-8: “As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, one of the living creatures shouts, ‘Come!’ and a horse with its rider (or riders) responds to the summons. The horses' colors generally reflect those of the horses in Zech. 1:8–10 and 6:1–8, symbolizing emissaries sent by God to patrol the earth. Only by the Lamb's permission and under his direction can the forces symbolized by these horses and their riders inflict death through sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts.” Johnson adds: “The seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments all have a format of four (judgments on the earth) plus three (cosmic judgments).”

Part of the theme of this section of Revelation is that God will accomplish justice upon the earth even though it seems to the persecuted Church that justice may never come and that the wicked will prevail. This theme comes to the forefront in the opening of the fifth seal as martyred saints cry out to the Lord as to how long before justice comes and their deaths are avenged (9-10)! Though not given a length of time as an answer, they were rewarded and then told that the number of their fellow servants, fellow martyrs, must be complete before complete justice comes (11). When the sixth seal opens we see God’s judgment falling upon the wicked and so we see God answering the prayers of the martyrs for His justice and righteousness to prevail (12-17).

Psalm 134:1-3:
This final entry in the Songs of Ascent may very well be an announcement of worshipers as they leave Jerusalem to go back home. If so, it is a call for the priests to worship the LORD and for the LORD to bless them. As such, it is a psalm which should now be applied to all God’s people since it is clear all of us are a priesthood (1 Peter 2:9-10) who are called to serve Him and tell of His excellencies. Take time to pray for your church that fellow believers would be passionate worshipers of God in truth and that the LORD’s continual blessing will rest upon them.

Proverbs 30:1-4:
Chapter 30 comprises a collection of sayings by a man named Agur whose identity is unknown and whose name occurs no where else in Scripture. Unlike other wisdom sayings which begin with acknowledging the wisdom of the teacher or sage, Agur begins by highlighting his lack of wisdom compared to God. Agur actually goes on to show that he has a good deal of wisdom, but again his assessment in verses 1-3 seems to be in relation to God. This demonstrates the importance of humility and dependence upon God if man is to come to godly skill and insight.

2010-12-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 14:

Jonah 1:1-4:11:
We know from the mention of the prophet Jonah in 2 Kings 14:25, he lived and served in the eighth century B.C. In this book the LORD commands Jonah to go to the capital of the Assyrian empire, Ninevah, and to confront them with their evil (1:1-2). We have learned in Kings, Chronicles, and Isaiah that during this time in history the evil empire of Assyria was posing a grave threat to the Ancient Near East. Jonah knew that he would not only prophesy against their evil, but the LORD would call him to hold out the chance of repentance to them that they might avoid His judgment (4:2). In light of the distinct possibility the LORD would offer mercy to the Assyrians, the prophet responded by trying to run from the Him (1:3). He got on a ship heading for Tarshish (either distant Mediterranean coasts or southern Spain—either way, the opposite direction from Assyria). Yet, he learned he could not run from the LORD, for God sent a great storm which threatened the ship (1:4-6). After it was determined that the storm had come in response to Jonah’s behavior, he was thrown overboard, the storm stopped, and the ship was saved (1:7-16).

The LORD then sent a large fish which swallowed Jonah and the prophet was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights (1:17). In the fish Jonah repented, cried out to the LORD, and acknowledged that salvation is from Him. This last point (found in 2:9) most likely has a double meaning: Jonah’s salvation from the fish or from any other destruction must come from the LORD. Yet, it also acknowledges that salvation is the LORD’s to give to whomever He desires and if He desires to save Ninevites, that is His prerogative as the Sovereign of the universe. Not only does chapter 2 show us how the LORD got the attention of the prophet, it also serves as a type, a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ who would be in the belly of the earth three days and three nights on His way to bringing salvation to the nations (Matthew 12:38-42).

In chapters 3-4 of this book Jonah goes to Nineveh after the fish vomited the prophet out upon the land (2:10), preaches, the people repent, the LORD refrained from bringing judgment upon them at that time, Jonah complains to the LORD that He was merciful toward the Ninevites, and the LORD reveals to him his sin of not having compassion toward this people and how good it is that He has had compassion toward them. From beginning to end, the book of Jonah shows us that even during the time of the Old Covenant the LORD had a heart for the nations. In fact, one of the purposes for which He chose Israel was that they might be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6), yet, often they forgot that, as Jonah did here and as many Jews would in the days of Jesus. The entire book forms a pattern and a sign pointing forward to Jesus Christ who would bring salvation to all kinds of people throughout the nations (cf. Luke 2:32; Revelation 5:9-10). As a result, Jesus commanded the Church, “Go and make disciples of all nations….” (Matthew 28:19).

There is another way the book of Jonah convicts believers. We all have the mandate to make disciples of all nations and yet we try to ignore it, deny it, and to close our eyes to this commission. We need to learn from Jonah we cannot run from the LORD’s command. May we take great delight in proclaiming His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9).

Revelation 5:1-14:
Chapter 5 continues the heavenly throne-room vision which the Lord gave to John. In chapter 4 we learn that God is the King over all and that which He has decreed will take place (4:11). Now, John sees in the right hand of God a scroll (5:1-2) which most likely represents God’s plan He has decreed for the world (cf. Daniel 12:4). It is made clear that the only one who can open the scroll, that is, who can effect the plan of God in the world, is Jesus Christ, here referred to as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,” both Messianic titles from the Old Testament (Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 11:1, 10). He is also pictured as a lamb (John 1:29, i.e. one who is a sin sacrifice) who has the Spirit of God in a special way (6). The Lamb, Jesus Christ, takes the scroll of the plans of God for the world which shows He is able to carry out the plans.

Why can Jesus Christ carry out the plans of God for the world? Because these plans center around the redemption of His people and that is exactly the focus of the worship of the Lamb after He takes the scroll. He can take it and open it (carry it out) “for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (5:9-10). This is a truth which brings worship from every corner of heaven (5:11-14).

So far what we have in the first five chapters of Revelation, then, is a message to seven churches located where Christianity was centered at the end of the first century. They are exhorted to remain faithful and to be encouraged because Jesus Christ, the Savior, is in their midst, God is on control—carrying out His redemptive plan for their benefit and His glory, and Jesus Christ has accomplished and applied that redemptive plan in such a way that He will carry it on to completion for them through this age and the age to come. In other words, the main content of Revelation is the gospel! Beginning in chapter 6 and on through the rest of the book, the seven seals are opened (and this gives way to seven trumpets, seven bowls, and beyond) which depicts that Jesus Christ is carrying out His plan to save His Church and to bring judgment upon those who oppose the Church. This results in the reign of Him and His people upon the earth (20:1-6), the judgment of Satan and all who oppose God (20:7-15), as well as eternal blessedness and joy for all the people of God (chapters 21-22).

As such, these first century Christians (along with all Christians who read this book until Christ returns) are shown what God is presently accomplishing in their behalf through His Son and what He will continue to accomplish in their behalf through His Son until they are in glory. It also gives insight into why Satan rages against Christ and the Church so much during this age (chapter 12). Though the book is not meant to give specific details of exactly what will happen in the future, it is designed to give great comfort and hope to the people of God for whom Jesus Christ is their hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)!

Psalm 133:1-3:
This psalm celebrates the worship of the people of the LORD when they approach Him in unity: “when bothers dwell even as one” (“when brothers dwell together in unity,” ESV). It is a sweet aroma similar to what was experienced when Aaron was lavishly anointed with oil as a priest. It is indicative of the lavish blessing of God similar to the lavish abundance and fruitfulness of Mt. Hermon with its abundant dew. David certainly understood there had been many times that the people of God had been at odds with each other. It is a great blessing of the LORD when they are together and it is something which brings Him great pleasure.

Proverbs 29:26-27:
Verse 26 reminds us that though many try to find justice from a ruler, true and ultimate justice will come only from the LORD. Verse 27 shows that heart and where we are at with God will ultimately determine how we view others. If we are seeking to follow God, we will not find pleasure in those who live unjustly. At the same time, if we are wicked, we will hate the conduct of those seeking to please God. This is a reminder not to determine our direction or self-worth from how others view us.

2010-12-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 13:

Obadiah:
The name Obadiah (=“one who serves Yahweh”) was used by others in the Old Testament (e.g. an official over King Ahab’s household, 1 Kings 18:3). This Obadiah must have been a prophet since he receives a vision and no prophetic disclaimer (such as we found in Amos) is found, yet all we know of him is what little we find in this short work. Since this book bears similarity to Jeremiah 49:7-22 (Jeremiah prophesied in the late 7th and early 6th centuries B.C.), since it speaks of the fall of Jerusalem as a past event (verse 11 [happened in 586 B.C.]), and since it speaks of punishment upon Edom as future (happened in 553 B.C.), the book was likely written sometime between 586 and 553 B.C. Since Edom (descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother) should have come to the aid of Judah when they fell, but instead sided with the Babylonians (verses 10-14), judgment will come upon them. This book is the pronouncement of that judgment. Because Judah had been taken captive at the time of this prophetic vision (1) and Edom was still free, it appears that no divine justice has been exercised. The LORD is making it clear through Obadiah that justice will come. Beyond justice to Edom, the book also announces that one day the LORD’s kingdom will include the nations (and Edom) and His people will rule over those nations (19-21). There is no need for God’s people to fret, for their future is glorious!

Two points of application stand out from this short book. First, at the heart of Edom’s sin is pride (3-4). To disregard or ignore the LORD, thinking we are sufficient and don’t need Him, is at the heart of sin. That is why humility is a prerequisite to experience the grace of God (Matthew 5:3; 1 Peter 5:5). Second, we must take great comfort in the glorious future that God has for us. There will come a time when His kingdom fills this earth, we will reign with Him, and we will experience eternal blessing and joy from Him. This should give us great comfort and hope as we face difficulties now.

Revelation 4:1-11:
Having exhorted the seven churches in Asia Minor in light of the presence of their sovereign saving Lord in their midst (chapters 1-3), John receives a vision in chapters 4-5 which will give shape to the rest of the book. In chapter 4 he is given a vision of heaven with God on His throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders (most likely representing the Old and New Testament Church [12 + 12], see 21:12-14) along with living creatures and many phenomena designed to emphasize the supremacy, the glory, and the power of God. He is the eternal, holy, all-powerful God (8) who reigns over all and who is deserving of worship.

What is more, one of the reasons the elders worship the King of the universe is because “you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (11). The way this is worded, the elders are worshiping God because when God has decreed that something take place, it is as good as if it has already happened, for it will happen. The scene in heaven, along with this word of worship, serves to highlight the reality that God is in control of all things, including the present and future of the Church. This is important for these seven churches to know. Whether they are taking God lightly and need to be reminded they dare not do this of the King of the universe who holds their future in His hands, or whether they are being persecuted and need to be reassured and comforted by the fact that He can and will take care of them, these saints must realize that both the Savior is in their midst (chapters 1-3) and the Sovereign God has their future in His hands (chapter 4). The full significance of both these truths will begin to be unfolded in chapter 5.

Take some time to meditate upon God’s sovereignty and then give Him praise that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that He holds your present and future in His hands!

Psalm 132:1-18:
Since verses 8-10 are quoted by Solomon in his prayer of dedication for the temple (2 Chronicles 6:41-42), most likely this whole psalm was written at that time (or perhaps before by David when he faced some hardship). It calls for God to take care of, to save the king, based upon the covenant God has made with David and the fact that Zion (Jerusalem) is the place God has chosen to reveal Himself and His presence in a special way. This is one of the many places in the Old Testament where we learn that God’s faithfulness and presence will lead to the blessing of His people. Based upon these realities, God’s people can confidently come to Him in prayer for help!

Proverbs 29:24-25:
One who is an accomplice to a sin, finds himself in quite a predicament. That is why verse 24 warns the young person not to be a partner in crime. Verse 25 teaches us that when we fear other people, when we care so much about what they think that it drives and shapes our lives, this very tendency ends up setting a dangerous trap for us which leads to our sinning, getting hurt, hurting other people, being so anxious about things we have no peace, all-in-all, it is a terrible way to live. On the other hand, one who fears God and thus rests in Him finds rest, peace, and safety no matter what happens. So, bottom-line, fear God, not man.

2010-12-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 12:

Amos 7:1-9:15:
Amos 7:1-9:10 is comprised of a series of visions given to Amos and then relayed to Israel which serve to confirm they are facing God’s judgment and calling them to turn to Him. Throughout this entire book it seems the main need in the northern ten tribes at this time was to look beyond their current prosperity to see that all was not well, they are facing punishment for sin. This unwillingness to face reality is exemplified by the opposition of Amaziah, the priest, to the message of Amos (7:10-17) and it ends in the worst judgment of all, the Word of the LORD will be removed from Israel (8:11). Earlier in Amos the fact that God gives His Word to His people, the fact that He warns them is seen as a blessing (3:7-8). Reading through the One Year Bible has shown the different and many ways God warned His people before they went into exile, instructed them while in exile, and gave them direction after exile—all that they might know Him and flourish in Him. Truly, God’s Word is a blessing. Yet, that Word will be taken away from Israel and will not return again until the ultimate communication from and about God, the Word, takes on flesh (John 1:1, 14). The Lord Jesus Christ grew up in northern Israel, bringing light to that area and even brought the good news of forgiveness and salvation to the former Israelite area of Samaria (John 4). The book of Amos ends on a positive note as it prophesies a future of restoration for Israel (9:11-15). This is typical of the prophetic books. The punishment through exile is not to show God is finished with Israel, but to purge them and bring out of them a Savior who will accomplish and apply to His people the redemption that leads to the fulfillment of the long-awaited promises of God.

Give thanks and praise to God today that there is no famine of the Word of God. For, as the author of Hebrews has put it (1:1-3): “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. [3 ] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high….” (emphasis added)

Revelation 3:7-22:
The last two of the seven Asia Minor churches are addressed in this passage, Philadelphia (7-13) and Laodicea (14-22). To Philadelphia, the Lord gives encouragement and promise since they have kept His Word and not denied His name, even though they have little power in the world’s sense. As a result, He will keep them from the hour of trial coming upon the world (the intensification of persecution which marks the Church age). This keeping is a fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer to the Father for His disciples in John 17:15 where Jesus prays not to take His disciples out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. The promise, then, is not a removal from trial, but faithful protection in the midst of it. Laodicea received a quite different message. This town, which received its water source from a distance so that by the time it arrived it was lukewarm (unlike the refreshing cold waters of neighboring Colossae and the healing hot springs of Hierapolis), knew what it was to spit out useless water. Jesus is telling this assembly that they have drifted from Him and must return that they might become to Him once again a people in whom He finds pleasure. Yet, Jesus does not discipline or correct them as one who wants to hurt. He corrects as one who loves (19), a statement which reminds us He is God (Proverbs 3:11-12).

Are you taking seriously the reality that the Lord and Savior, the Judge, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is in the midst of your church? Are you taking seriously that as a Christian you are united to Him and He to you? Do you realize He has redeemed you to be part of a people zealous to live for Him, to serve Him, to honor Him? This is the calling of Revelation 2-3: Remain faithful to Christ, to live out the saving work He is accomplished in your behalf and applied to you, remembering that great reward is promised to you (review the end of each church’s message and notice a promise is made to each one, a promise that belongs to all saints).

Psalm 131:1-3:
Here David humbly recognizes his true state in life and avoids arrogance (1), instead realizing his absolute dependence upon the Lord (3 [something to which he also calls others]). Living in this place he finds great contentment, as much as a weaned child is past the chaotic bouts of discontentment due to hunger, so David has learned to rest in His God (2)!

Proverbs 29:23:
The way of biblical wisdom teaches us that there is danger which arises from pride. On the other hand, blessing comes with humility. The reason for this is clarified in 1 Peter 5:5: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Those who are proud usually are self-sufficient and therefore do not turn to God for help. Yet, those who have a realistic view of self (Romans 12:3) and thus see their need for God’s grace, turn to Him and are helped.

2010-12-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 11:

Amos 4:1-6:14:
These three chapters complete a larger section out of this book written by the 8th century B.C. prophet, a section verifying that God’s warning of the northern ten tribes of Israel is legitimate and punishment is coming (chapters 3-6). After confirming the punishment of Israel in 3:9-4:3, the prophet reminds Israel of her unwillingness to return to the LORD by showing how they love to carry out their religious duties all the while they are steeped in sin (4:4-5) and also by reminding them of all the ways He has already worked to get their attention through disciplinary hardships, yet they have not listened (4:6-11). As a result, they will meet the LORD God in judgment (4:12-13).

Because Israel faces judgment, the prophet engages in a lament over them (5:1-17). A lament was a funeral dirge, demonstrating grief over death. In this lament the nation’s demise is not only grieved (1-3), but they are also called to return to the LORD, the creator of the ends of the earth (4-9), and reminded of their sins which have brought on this end (10-15). The result is there will be only wailing in Israel (16-17).

This section is rounded out by two oracles. First, in 5:18-27 we have an oracle of woe showing how Israel had false hopes concerning the coming time of God’s making things right in the world (the day of the LORD). Israel assumed that whenever God made things right in the world, it would mean only good for them. Yet, they learn here that is not the case. They face God’s punishment, not His blessing. Justice and God’s righteousness will cascade forth and gush out on them and they will be sent into exile. Second, in 6:1-14 there is an oracle dealing with Israel’s false security. Because Israel was in the midst of a very prosperous time and they were the chosen people of God, they thought nothing bad could happen. They did not take seriously the warnings from prophets. Yet, they must wake up, for destruction from one end of their land to the other is coming in the form of a foreign nation.

These chapters of Amos serve as a forerunner of a principle we find in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” It is easy for every generation and every person to ignore this truth, to think that sin does not matter. Yet, it does. Ask God to work in you that you will not take sin lightly, that in and through Jesus Christ you will pursue holiness.

Revelation 2:18-3:6:
In Revelation 2-3 John applies to the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey, a region that by the end of the first century was the center of Christianity in the world) the vision of Jesus Christ recorded in chapter 1, a vision which emphasizes He is Savior, Lord, judge, and is in the midst of the churches. Today’s reading covers the messages to Thyatira and Sardis. The warnings to these two churches have this in common, that they address the need for holiness arising from saving, transforming grace. In the case of Thyatira, it appears that a false teacher(s) had infiltrated and was at the heart of their immorality. In the case of Sardis (a town that twice in their history had been invaded because watchmen were not vigilant), the problem appears to be more one of lack of diligence and concern. They must wake up from their spiritually comatose state and “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Our journey through the One Year Bible has shown again and again that the saving work of our Lord leads to a changed, holy life. Similarly, we must come to understand how the work of Christ (the gospel) empowers and directs us to live for the glory of God alone. As such, the warnings to these two churches are fitting reminders to us of the reading in which we have engaged this year: “Only hold fast what you have until I come…. Remember, then, what you have received and heard” (2:25; 3:3).

Psalm 130:1-8:
This is one of the most beautiful psalms of repentance in the entire Psalter. The author acknowledges that if the LORD would always hold us accountable for sin, there would be no hope for us (1-3), yet, God does graciously forgive (4). Therefore, the psalmist puts his hope in the LORD and in His steadfast love and redemption, for God will redeem His people (5-8)! If we read the psalm carefully, we are reminded that sin is not forgiven merely by ignoring sin, but by God’s redemption, by sacrifice! Take time to thank God for our redemption and ask Him to enable you to be fruitful in telling others about redemption in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 29:21-22:
In verse 21 we learn that if one pampers or indulges a servant from the time they are young, that servant will end up being taken care of by them almost like a lazy son. The point is that a servant should not be encouraged to be lazy, but instead responsible. Verse 22 is another reminder that one who is quick to anger causes grave problems.

2010-12-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 10:

Amos 1:1-3:15:
According to 1:1 and 7:14 the author was a man by the name of Amos who was from Tekoa (6 miles south of Bethlehem and 12 miles south of Jerusalem). He was a shepherd supervisor who worked with sycamore trees and other cattle. He was a layman, not a full-time prophet. The date of his calling (spoken of in 7:14-15) was between 765-760 B.C., the length of his ministry is unknown, but most likely did not last over one year.

The content of the book (except for 1:1-2) is comprised of what Amos received from God and preached to Israel, so the book is a compilation of sermons. In a time when Israel (the northern ten tribes) had a strong economy, military, and felt invincible, the prophet attempts to call these people of God back to God by convincing them of their sinfulness, convincing them of the danger of that sinfulness, showing them what will happen if they remain in sinfulness, and showing them what can happen if they repent. Also, one of the themes through the book is how a people’s misdirected security can negatively impact their relation to society.

After the introduction (1:1-2), Amos moves into the heart of the book in a very powerful way. In 1:3-2:5 he pronounces judgment upon a number of Israel’s neighbors (Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Judah) which is designed to get Israel on board with what the LORD is doing. As Amos runs through the litany of sins for each different people, Israel would become cheerleaders for the punishment: “Yeah, you get ‘em God, go!” They would agree that all these people deserve judgment. Yet, Amos saves the longest and most piercing indictment for Israel herself (2:6-16). As you read this section, understand that the repeated formula, “for three transgressions…and for four,” is not meant to be taken literally, but is a literary device showing that there is a great amount of sin present.

In 3:1-6:14 Amos verifies the reality of God’s warnings and that the coming punishment is deserved. In 3:1-8 the prophet reminds Israel of the fact that God graciously chose them from among the rest of the world to have a special place with Him and in His plan, yet they have not lived up to this calling. As such, the LORD is justly bringing upon them judgment, yet, in His grace, He has also warned them through the prophetic word. Then, in 3:9-4:3 Amos clarifies to Israel that the LORD truly will bring judgment upon them for their sin, it is certain.

Some points of application which arise from Amos today include: (1) When God’s Word confronts you with hard truth, do not merely think about how someone else needs to hear this, consider also what impact it has upon you. (2) If you are in Jesus Christ, understand it is because God chose you and this reality should humble and lead you to great faith in Him and to faithfulness. It should not lead to a perceived license to sin. (3) Praise God that He has graciously given us His Word to warn us of judgment, the consequences of sin, and in it He has shown us the way of salvation in Jesus Christ!

Revelation 2:1-17:
In Revelation 1 John receives a vision of Jesus Christ designed to show He is awe-inspiring and fully capable of either bringing comfort to or affliction upon the churches in Asia Minor (1:9-20). What is more, He is in the midst of the churches and has given angels to the churches as ministering spirits, both truths making a great difference to these assemblies. He is there to empower, direct, and to discipline. His presence and His ongoing work among the churches is based upon His saving work (1:5). The sense of importance and urgency the churches must give to the message of Revelation is heightened by the fact that He is God, the Alpha and Omega (beginning and end), and also the fact that He is coming again as judge for those who do not turn to Him (1:4-8).

In chapters 2-3 John addresses each of the seven churches individually, based upon the truths about Jesus Christ unveiled in the chapter 1 vision. Five of the churches are primarily exhorted to be faithful and not stray, as they have been doing, two of the churches (Smyrna and Philadelphia) are primarily comforted in light of the trials they face.

Here are some points of application arising from today’s reading: (1) We learn from the relation of chapter 1 to chapters 2-3 that the well-being, strength, and future of churches (along with Christians individually) are all dependent upon Jesus Christ’s work in our behalf and His continual presence with and work among us. This is consistent with the Old Testament’s foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and the New Testament’s unveiling of Him. (2) Though doctrinal fidelity is extremely important and necessary, it is not enough, for we must have also a strong love for Jesus Christ which flows from what we know of Him (2:1-7). (3) As Jesus told the disciples during his Farewell Discourse, the Spirit took the things from and about Jesus and revealed them to the New Testament authors (John 16:12-15). We see this also communicated in the fact that the Spirit is speaking to the churches, He is revealing Jesus Christ and implications of the gospel to these churches (1:4; 2:7, 11, 17). It is in the Word of God, that is, the Spirit speaks continually to us and reveals Jesus Christ. The net effect is that the Son and Spirit both speak to us through the Word. (4) We are reminded that Christians often suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ and what the Lord is most interested in those times is that we remain faithful to Him by trusting in Him and looking forward to our reward in Him (2:10). (5) the Lord is very concerned about whether or not we faithfully hold to His Word and live out that Word (2:12-17).

Psalm 129:1-8:
In this psalm which was frequently sung as pilgrims went to festivals in Jerusalem (thus it is part of the Psalms of Ascents), the LORD is praised for His deliverance (4) from those who have opposed and hurt Israel in the past (1-3). Based upon this past grace, the psalmist is motivated to pray for God’s present and future grace in dealing with enemies—namely that He would bring them to shame and judge them (5-8). Though we do not know what specifically prompted this work, it serves as a good guide for the people of God as we pray to God regarding that battle we face that is not merely against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:10-12).

Proverbs 29:19-20:
Verse 19 teaches us that when there is a need for correction of someone we oversee, often words are not enough. The person will also have to experience consequences. Verse 20 shows just how destructive hasty words can be (whether they are in anger or simply not thought out and thus include gossip, hurtful speech, or coarse, crude humor). By the grace of God, we must learn to control our speech, to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

2010-12-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 9:

Joel 1:1-3:21:
There is no indication in the book of Joel as to when the prophet wrote this book. Some have argued for a date in the 800’s B.C., some for 500’s, and some for a post-exilic date. However, it is best to leave the question of date unanswered. There is also not much known about the prophet. He is the son of Pethuel (1:1) and seems to have a significant interest in Jerusalem, along with the temple and its functions (1:9, 13, 14; 2:14-17, 32; 3:1, 6, 16-17), so he may have lived in Jerusalem, but was not a priest (1:9, 13; 2:17).

We learn in this book that Judah experienced two agricultural disasters: their crops were destroyed by locusts and they had a devastating drought. The message of the prophet is for Judah to look beyond these physical phenomena to see that they are a foreshadowing of larger coming destruction, God’s judgment upon them for their sin. This time of judgment in the book is referred to as “the day of the LORD”. The contrast between the end for the righteous and the wicked are designed to call and move the people to repentance toward, faith in, and true worship of the LORD.

Anthony Selvaggio (The Prophets Speak Of Him) writes of Joel: “The only way that the people of Judah could avoid the destruction of the day of the Lord was to repent. However, the question that arises is: How can fallen men and women ever provide the type of radical repentance called for by the prophet Joel? It is with this question that Joel turns our eyes to Jesus.” The prophet turns our eyes to Jesus not only by the implication that the repentance to which man is called in this book cannot be manufactured by man himself (cf. Jeremiah 13:23), but also by the fact that he promises a new work of God among the people of God wherein all will have the Spirit of God (a reality and work which will transform hearts, Ezekiel 36:26-27). The Spirit comes permanently to indwell the people of God, we have learned in the New Testament, because of the finished work of Jesus Christ (John 16:7).

The book is structured in this way: (1) Introduction to the Book, 1:1. (2) The locusts and drought, prefiguring the judgment of the LORD, and demanding repentance, 1:2-2:17. (3) The LORD shows how He will respond to a truly repentant people, including the promise of pouring out His Spirit upon all His people, a promise fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (after Jesus’ resurrection) and beyond as seen in Acts 2 (2:18-32). (4) The book concludes by looking at the different ends of the wicked (judgment) and the righteous (blessing), 3:1-21.

The book of Joel should move us to give thanks to God for His Spirit in us, to trust the Spirit to transform us continually, to take sin seriously, and to have a passion to tell others about Jesus Christ, the only way to true salvation through His death and resurrection, applied through faith and repentance.

Revelation 1:1-20:
This final book in the Bible was written by someone named John (1:1, 9) who needed no further identification of himself, but was well-known to his readers (churches in Asia Minor, see chapters 2-3). He was on the island of Patmos, banished there because of preaching the Word of God, i.e. the testimony of Jesus Christ (1:9). All these facts fit with what Church tradition tells us about the last years of the life of the Apostle John, the reality he had become the major leader among the Christians in Asia Minor, as well as the strong testimony given by the early Church that the Apostle John is the author of this book. Since John the apostle is the author and since it was during his exile to the island of Patmos, the book was written toward the end of the first century A.D., most likely just before the turn of the century.

Revelation (the title is taken from 1:1 and means “unveiling”) is a mixture of different types of literature (or genres). First, it is an epistle since it is written to seven churches in Asia Minor (Christians led by the Apostle John), addressing situations they faced in their time (1:4; 2:1ff.). Second, it is also a prophetic book (cf. 1:3) in that it tells forth the Word of God in a way that it applies it specifically to the situation in Asia Minor, while comforting them and calling them to faithfulness to the Lord. Third, it is also an apocalyptic work, much like we saw in Daniel 7-12. Much of the book, therefore, pulls back the curtains of history to show forth what is taking place in the spiritual or heavenly realms, i.e. behind the scenes, with the purposes of comforting faithful believers who are being afflicted and of afflicting unfaithful Christians (or false professors) who are unnecessarily comfortable. As we read the book of Revelation, we must remember that it is not to be understood by means of reading its text and then looking in the newspaper to see things in our current day which might be both keys to understanding and also fulfillments. Instead, it is to be read against the stock of vocabulary, images, and material in similar Old Testament passages and to a lesser degree extra-biblical apocalyptic works. We must also remember that if we read Revelation along the lines of how Old Testament prophetic and apocalyptic material has been already fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the New Testament Church, as revealed in the New Testament, we see that the nature of such foretelling of the future is not to reveal every single detail of what will happen in the future in a way that the reader knows exactly how things will be unfolded. Instead, enough of a picture is given that when the events unfold, it is clear that they are the fulfillment of what was prophesied. So, we should expect from the book, when it is looking into the future (which it is not always doing), to glean a general picture of things, but not something specific enough to predict with precision every little detail of events as this Church age (the last days) progresses.

As you read chapter 1, understand that Jesus Christ gives a vision of Himself to John which John then applies in chapters 2-3 to each of the seven Asia Minor churches to whom he writes. Chapter 1, then, gives shape to chapters 2-3. Chapter 1 also gives us a glorious apocalyptic picture of Christ and truths about Him (but not a literal picture of what He looks like).

Psalm 128:1-6:
The message of this psalm is simple: Blessed is the one who fears the LORD! The one who reverences, worships, sees God as his all, sees God as central and worthy of priority, trusts in Him, and loves Him—this is the one who has true salvation, truly knows God, and thus has upon Him the eternal blessing of God. We would do well to bring “fear of God” back in our vocabulary since it is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) and it is those who fear God who have his blessing! Lest we misunderstand, the fear of the LORD is also to mark New Covenant believers (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Proverbs 29:18:
“Prophetic vision” is parallel to “law,” so it is referring to the Word of God. When the Word of God is not present or not consulted (in context of this chapter the focus is especially among leaders), things become chaotic and destructive. Blessing comes to the one who knows and follows God’s Word (see also Psalms 112:1; 119:1-8) and blessing also comes to people led by such men.

2010-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 8:

Hosea 10:1-14:9:
In chapters 10-11 Hosea uses a couple more similes to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness. First, he uses that of a vine (10:1-10). Here we learn that the more Israel increased and prospered the worse their idolatry and unfaithfulness became. In 10:11-15 he pictures Israel as a trained calf who has plowed wickedness and reaped iniquity. Therefore, He calls them to sow righteousness instead. In 11:1-11 Israel is pictured as a child whom God has loved and called out of Egypt as His son. They were to serve in faithfulness to God their father and serve as a forerunner of His Son who would become man someday. Yet, instead of living faithfully in response to a gracious Father, they were unfaithful and this is why they are facing exile. The clear message of these chapters is that Israel has fallen short of the purpose and calling of God upon them. There is only one who has not fallen short and that is the true Son called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15), the true vine (John 15:1). It is only in Him we too can have God’s favor, blessing, and carry out His purpose for us.

In chapter 12 the LORD brings further indictment upon Israel which leads to judgment (chapter 13). The book, however, does not end without hope. In chapter 14 Hosea gives a series of appeals for Israel to the return to the LORD and He will heal their apostasy and love them freely. This is a forerunner of Paul’s statement “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Romans 5:20). If it is true of you that you have strayed from the Lord or perhaps you have never taken Him seriously, hear the words of Hosea 14 and Romans 5:20!

Jude 1-25:
Jude, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) and brother of James (Jude 1), wrote this epistle to warn its readers against false teachers who have professed faith in Christ and yet walked away from that profession. He warns his readers of the end facing such people, calls the readers to contend for the once-for-all-delivered-to-the-saints-faith, to persevere in the love of God, and also assures them that God is able to keep them from stumbling. Jude is one of those passages in the New Testament which places a call to persevere side-by-side with a statement about security (see also Colossians 1:21-23).

We should also notice in this short epistle that it was expected that the rule-of-faith or body of doctrine delivered to the Church would have a limited extent (there would come a time soon when it is complete) and must be defended and preserved (3). This sets a foundation for New Testament Revelation to have an end-point, that is, for the canon someday in the near future to be closed, rather than the for New Testament Revelation continually to be given and growing.

Psalm 127:1-5:
This psalm teaches two important truths related to the family. First, though parents have great responsibility and though many important principles are set forth in Scripture for parenting, we must understand that all our efforts will be fruitless unless God is working in and behind and through all we do (1-2). He is the one who must make our parenting efforts fruitful. Second, children are a gift, a blessing from God (3-5).

Proverbs 29:15-17:
These verses remind us of the importance of disciplining children, as well as the truth that if children are allowed to proceed in wickedness and the number of wicked increase, so also does sin in a society. This is harmful, yet, in the end the righteous will prevail with God and witness the downfall and just desserts of the wicked.

2010-12-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 7:

Hosea 6:1-9:17:
Chapters 6-7 call Israel back to God (6:1-3), then show how they have transgressed the covenant of God (6:4-7:3) and how they are depraved and unwilling to return to Him (7:4-16). Chapter 8 drives home the message of chapter 7 even further, namely, showing how Israel is so thoroughly evil and disobedient (i.e. idolatrous and turning to other nations for help, not to the LORD, for they have forgotten Him), even though they claim otherwise. As a result of sowing the wind (operating without restraint and godly purpose, doing merely what they want to do without regard for the LORD), they will reap the whirlwind (the fruit of their actions will be great punishment coming back upon them for their sin). In chapter 9 we learn that because of this great sin, the LORD will punish them severely. He will no longer be with them to protect and bless, but will instead send them into exile.

From these chapters we learn that Hosea, like much of the Old Testament, clarifies that the holy God demands holiness from us and if we reject Him merely to live as we desire, there are grave consequences to face. All of this prepares us for the coming of Jesus Christ, through whose obedience we are saved, for He takes our punishment for sin (we are no less sinful than Israel!) and fulfills the covenant with God for us (Romans 5:18-19; Galatians 3:10-13). He is our only hope. What is more, in Christ and by His grace we are made into a people who want to follow God and can (Titus 2:11-14)!

3 John 1-14:
Toward the end of the 1st century the Apostle John wrote this epistle to a man by the name of Gaius who was experiencing conflict with another man, Diotrephes, one who did not submit to apostolic teaching. The conflict seems to be over hosting and supporting traveling missionaries, of whom Demetrius is one. Paul commends Demetrius and reminds Gaius of the importance of not supporting false teachers, but supporting those in line with apostolic teaching. This short epistle reminds us of the necessity of walking in the truth (4), a goal toward which we must pray and work by the grace of God. This goal will not only include regular Bible intake on our part (as well as being doers of that Word, James 1:22-25), it will also include sitting under and supporting sound biblical teaching in our church and through other ministries.

Psalm 126:1-6:
This psalm celebrates God’s restoration of Zion after some national calamity. Some think it may even be a celebration of their return from Babylonian captivity. It contains both an affirmation of restoration and a prayer for the LORD to continue to restore them. The desire is that the nation will leave a time of desolation and enter once again a time of fruitfulness and great harvest (5-6). This can serve as a great guide for how to pray for one’s own ministry or an entire church.

Proverbs 29:12-14:
These verses once again remind us just how much the book of Proverbs is written to prepare young man for life as leaders in the court, a truth which shines forth with great clarity in chapters 28-29. Rulers, who receive a lot of input and opinions from people, should be discerning and must not listen to falsehood, for this will lead to their operating upon false premises, engendering strife, and a practice of wickedness among those who work with him (12). If a ruler becomes an oppressor because he thinks too highly of himself, wants only to further his own agenda, power, and fortune, and cares little about those who are weaker and in need, he must be reminded that both he and the poor/weak are created by God (13). The implication is that both are dependant upon God and both will face Him in judgment. Finally, and similarly to verse 13, one who is in power and has regard for the poor will be a leader who is blessed (14). After all, this will be an indication of one who is trusting in, listening to, and sensitive to the will of God.

2010-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 6:

Hosea 4:1-5:15:
From here to the end of the book the prophet details the sins of Israel and how they have been unfaithful to the LORD. He does this by changing very abruptly from message to message. This suggests that chapters 4-14 are comprised of messages he preached on different occasions and then put together for this book, all to show how Israel, in relation to God, has been like a prostitute with her husband.

In 4:1-19 Hosea records a covenant lawsuit (“controversy,” 1) the LORD brings against Israel. In verses 1b-2 he references seven of the Ten Commandments they have broken (#’s 1-2, 3, 6-9). In this chapter “knowledge” or “knowledge of God” (1, 6) refer not only to knowing things about the LORD, but based upon that knowledge, having an intimate relationship with Him (cf. Genesis 4:1) wherein they put Him first, trust in Him, worship Him, and listen to His Word, His Law, that they might follow Him (this is all taken from the content of this chapter). Bottom-line, Israel is destroyed for their lack of knowledge of the LORD (cf. John 17:3 where Jesus reveals that eternal life is knowledge of God [cf. also Jeremiah 9:23-24]). The rest of the chapter delineates what the lack of knowledge of God has looked like in Israel. This chapter moves us to ask a question: Are we growing in the grace and knowledge of our God and Savior (2 Peter 3:18)? If we are, we will regularly take in His Word, we will spend time with Him in prayer, we will be grieved over sin, we will seek to obey Him, we will be passionate about worshipping Him, and seeing others come to worship Him. Ask the Lord to work in you that you might grow in your knowledge of Him.

Chapter 5 provides an indictment upon the leaders of Israel. They have been guilty of idolatry (1), a spirit of prostitution at the core of their being that leads to evil deeds rendering them even more unwilling to turn to God (4), and looking to others for help instead of the LORD (13). This is also how they have led in Israel. As you read this chapter allow the indictments of the leaders to serve as a check-up on your heart and behavior. What is more, whether you are a leader or merely praying for the leaders of your church, remember how important godly leaders are, for the principles behind this chapter form a pattern which follows through in the New Testament (e.g. 1 Timothy 4:12, 16; Hebrews 13:7, 17).

2 John 1-13:
Most likely written toward the end of the 1st century by the Apostle John, this short epistle addresses a congregation (probably what is meant by “elect lady and her children,” 1 [see also verse 13]) which is facing similar false teaching as the readers of 1 John. False teachers have threatened this assembly of believers with the teaching that Jesus Christ did not become a real man since matter is evil (7). Also, since matter is innately evil, the real “Christian” life is practiced in the intellect alone and so behavior is not important. John counteracts this teaching by telling the congregation he rejoices to know some of them are walking in truth (4), he reminds them of the importance of loving one another (5 [which for him leads to action, 1 John 3:16-18]), he calls them to persevere (8-9), and he tells them not to agree with or support such false teachers (10-11 [the word for “greet” most likely suggests sponsorship]). In his final greeting he expresses his desire to come and see them that their joy may be complete and also gives them greeting from other believers (12-13).

The epistles of John are vital for the Church today since there has been a very popular strand of teaching for over a century which has argued as long as we believe the right things, our thoughts and behavior don’t matter all that much, unless you want to gain more rewards in heaven. Yet, John makes it clear that just as apples are produced as the outcome of an apple tree, so repentance toward and saving faith in the god-man, Jesus Christ, produces a changed life of holiness and love. Do not succumb to the “cheap grace” teaching that argues it does not matter how you live. Instead, rejoice that in Christ we no longer have to be characterized by the works of the devil, but instead have been adopted into God’s family and have all we need to live a life of godliness to His glory (1 John 3:1-8; see also 2 Peter 1:3-4)!

Psalm 125:1-5:
Those who trust in the LORD, are forgiven, and, as a result, walk in His way, have the assurance He surrounds them, protects them, and He will do them good. Let this short psalm build your confidence in our Savior!

Proverbs 29:9-11:
It is pointless to argue with someone whom we learn is not truly interested in wisdom (9). Understand that one of the reasons believers are persecuted is that the wicked hate what they stand for (10). One who is not wise and does not seek wisdom gives full vent to his anger, which is not the way of the wise (11).

2010-12-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 5:

Hosea 1:1-3:6:
Hosea’s familiarity with geographical details of the northern ten tribes of Israel suggests he came from that area. It was to the northern ten tribes of Israel he wrote this book, a work recording his messages to them in the mid 700’s B.C., not long before they fell to Assyria and were taken captive (722 B.C.). The message of the book is that Israel has been unfaithful to the LORD, much like a wife who becomes a prostitute is unfaithful to her husband.

In the providence of God, the LORD told Hosea to take a woman (Gomer) as a wife who became unfaithful to him. In fact, she became a prostitute (1:2-3). The best way to understand this chapter (in light of the entirety of biblical revelation) is that God did not condone or put His stamp of approval on Gomer’s actions or even Hosea’s marrying her. Yet, He decreed actions He hated to accomplish something He loves and that is good, namely, to provide a call to Israel to turn back to Him.

In today’s reading we discover the truth about Hosea’s marriage and children and that it is a picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness (1:1-2:1); a call for Hosea to plead with Israel to repent since she is unfaithful and will face punishment (2:2-13); the LORD is willing to restore His wayward wife (Israel), if she would come back to Him (2:14-23); and then in chapter 3 we find out that Hosea goes and takes back his wayward wife as a picture of what the LORD is willing to do with His people.

Hosea is a powerful book for two reasons. First, it is built upon the reality that marriage is designed to be a picture of both God the Father and His people, as well as Christ the Son and His people (cf. Ephesians 5:32). When we stray from God and seek our satisfaction and our wisdom for life in anything or anyone else other than our Savior, our husband, it is a heinous thing. The Bible often speaks of sin as unfaithfulness to God. In fact, James 4:4 refers to professing Christians who love the world and are friends with the sinful world system as “adulteresses”. This strong language shows just how terrible in the eyes of God is our unfaithfulness to Him.

The second reason this book is so powerful is the picture the LORD gives to Israel of how He is willing to take them back to Him, if they would repent! This shows the depth of God’s love and mercy.

Are you straying from the Lord right now? Understand how terrible this is and how much He hates your sin. Yet, also understand His great love for you and the willingness to receive you back into His arms, if you but repent and say the same thing about your sin as He does (1 John 1:8-9)! How can a holy God who demands perfection and who is absolutely separate from sin (Habakkuk 1:13; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 1:5) justify us and forgive our sins? It is not on the grounds of our goodness, our sincere faith, or even a heart-felt repentance (though these will be present). It is on the ground of the death and resurrection of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 12:11).

1 John 5:1-21:
John ends his epistle by summarizing his message, namely that the one who has trusted in Jesus Christ, and, as a result, sees his life transformed into one who obeys Him, this is one who can know that he has eternal life. What is more, this person can also know that God will continually hear his prayers and answer them according to His will, in ways which are best for him. Finally, this person will also be willing to help fellow straying believers return to Christ and will keep themselves from idolatry.

Psalm 124:1-8:
This is a psalm of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance from enemies. It expands upon the words of Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” As you read this psalm, allow it to move you to praise God for His salvation in your behalf. After all, “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8). Additionally, ask the LORD to increase your faith that no matter what you face, you will trust in Him.

Proverbs 29:5-8:
Here again are often repeated themes (perhaps in context, geared especially for leaders): Don’t be excessively and falsely flattering to neighbors (5), there are vastly different ends for the righteous man than for the evil (6), a truly righteous man (leader?) wisely helps the poor (7), and those who take lightly and make fun of godly themes and of God ruin a city—the opposite of those who are wise (8).

2010-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 4:

Daniel 11:36-12:13:
After we complete the chapter 11 overview of the flow of history from the time of Daniel until the end of the world, chapter 12 takes us to the very end of the end times when there will be trouble for the people of God as never before (1). Yet, the people of God will be delivered, followed by resurrection and judgment of both righteous and unrighteous (2-3). On verse 4 Duguid and Wegner write that the book was to be shut and sealed “because its contents were not fully comprehensible and also to keep them safe for future generations of God's people to read. The wise will know where to find this wisdom, though those around them run to and fro, seeking knowledge in vain (cf. Amos 8:12).”

The book ends by Daniel asking of one of the angels, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” (6) Daniel’s question must have been about the length of the troubles, since the answer is “a time, times (= 2 times), and half a time” (7), “1,290 days” (11). Both phrases refer to 3.5 years which means it is a predetermined time by God, yet not a full and complete time of trouble (seven years). What is more, as history unfolds, the 3.5 years of the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century B.C. will become representative of and associated with great persecution. When we consider all the passages with these 3.5 years or a full 7 years (e.g. Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Revelation 12:6, 14), it seems most likely that the full 7 years covers the entire time characterized by persecution (the entire New Testament Church age) and the 3.5 years a smaller portion of that which will be even worse. The 1,335 days of verse 12 is obscure, but if we are correct about how the Bible uses 3.5 years and 7 years, may simply mean that the saints must endure through this time for an undetermined length (no one will know ahead of time). This understanding seems to fit also with Jesus’ prophetic words about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple which also prefigure the end of the last days (Matthew 24:9-28 [and follow the pattern of the time of Antiochus Epiphanes]), a time to be followed by the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:29-31) and resurrection (compare with Daniel 12:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

From the last three chapters of Daniel we learn that the people of God will go through great persecution and troubles which will intensify as time goes on, yet our certainty is this, the people of God will be delivered and resurrected unto eternal blessing. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 about this very subject, may we “comfort one another with these words”!

1 John 4:1-21:
In this chapter John exhorts his readers to test those who teach them and do not simply believe everything they hear (1-6). Because of the false teachers in their midst who denied that Jesus had come in the flesh (after all, since matter is evil, they thought, God wouldn’t really physically become part of this world), one of the key tests was whether or not they believed Jesus had come in the flesh. This is part of a greater pattern or principle which reminds us that what a person does with Jesus Christ, what they believe about Him and the gospel, is at the core of our decision about their teaching. John also reminds his readers that as true believers in Jesus Christ they have overcome these false teachers and their true leader (the devil), since the one in them is greater than he who is in the world. So, listen to the true apostolic teaching and gospel, not their teaching, since this is an indication of true believers.

In 4:7-21 the main message John communicates is that those who have truly trusted in Jesus Christ as savior and thus obey His commandments are those who love fellow believers. Anyone who does not love is not of God since God is love (8). After all, we love because He first loved us (19).

This is a very important chapter with very important application. First, do you know the gospel, the biblical teaching about who Jesus Christ is along with what He has accomplished and how this is applied to us, well enough to discern false teachers? If not, resolve today to keep taking in the Word, keep reading good books and sitting regularly under good teaching and preaching that you can safeguard yourself against error. Second, are you growing in your love for fellow Christians? Do you take your relationships seriously, even when they are hard? Ask the Lord to give you grace that you can grow in your love for one another.

Psalm 123:1-4:
Here the psalmist looks to God as his hope in the face of enemies. This frequent theme in the Psalms helps remind us to do the same in the face of physical and/or spiritual enemies.

Proverbs 29:2-4:
These three verses repeat themes seen quite often in Proverbs: When we follow wisdom, we bring joy to our parents and guard ourselves from harm (3) and also godly, righteous leadership is a blessing to those they lead (2, 4). Since there has been so much material in chapters 28-29 on the importance of righteous leadership, it appears that this is the primary focus in these verses. So, even the call to wisdom is first an exhortation to future leaders.

2010-12-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

THE ONE YEAR BIBLE Reading For December 3:

Daniel 11:2-35:
Daniel 11 is in the midst of one long vision (10-12) in which Daniel is shown the cosmic spiritual conflict taking place both as post-exilic Israel seeks to rebuild the temple and also the spiritual conflict related to God’s people leading up to a victorious end of time.

Commentators Duguid and Wegner give this overview of Daniel 11: “This passage gives a selective yet detailed overview of the flow of history from the time of Daniel in the late sixth century B.C. until the end of the world, the final climactic conflict and victory of God…. Such an assurance of God's sovereign control of history would have been profoundly relevant for Daniel's day. Judah was about to be restored from exile…and yet it was not really free. It would be subject to the Persians, and then to Alexander's Greeks; after that it would be caught in the middle between powerful heirs of Alexander's empire, the Seleucids and the Ptolemies…. Pious Jews would readily fall into bewilderment: how do these circumstances display God's concern for his people, and how will God ever use his now-insignificant people to bring blessing to the whole world? The vision is therefore reassurance for the faithful.”

1 John 3:7-24:
In 3:7-10 John concludes his discussion on the difference between those who belong to the devil (those who continue in a life chiefly characterized by sin) and those who belong to God (those who abide in Christ and thus are transformed). Since part of the purpose that Jesus Christ came into the world was to destroy the works of devil (which include works of evil and unrighteousness), it is impossible to be saved and not transformed.

In 3:11-24 we learn that a large part of the transformation (defined here as keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ) which comes from trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior (cf. 24), involves loving fellow Christians. Anyone who does not love fellow Christians in a way that flows into actions shows he really doesn’t know Jesus Christ as Savior.

It has become very popular in some Christian circles to argue that as long as we believe the right things (e.g. Jesus is Savior) or pray a prayer of confession in Jesus Christ, then we are saved, regardless of how we live from there on out. Yet, this runs counter not only to the entire New Testament, it very much runs counter to the message of 1 John. Some important questions arise from today’s reading which we must all face. Does your life show evidence of transformation? When you teach your children about Jesus Christ or when you share the gospel with other people, do you make it clear that when we trust Jesus Christ, this should lead to change?

Psalm 122:1-9:
Psalm 122 celebrates Jerusalem as the place where God’s realized presence is in the temple. It is a glorious thing to go there (1-2) because of the glory of Jerusalem (3-5) and, as such, we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem and those who go there (6-9). Since the New Testament Church comprises the people of God now and the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16), the primary way this psalm is applied now is to understand the glory of being part of those who are baptized into the one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) and therefore to pray for the peace, the wholeness, the health of the Church! (1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 6:16; Philippians 1:2, 9-11; Colossians 1:2, 9-12)

Proverbs 29:1:
Several times in Proverbs we have learned the importance of accepting counsel and correction from those who are wise. Yet, here a new twist is added. If a person continually ignores such counsel and correction, if they form a habit of not listening to others who seek to warn them, the outcome will be that they will eventually destroy themselves to a point of no return. By implication this would also apply to those who refuse to listen to the gospel. Often, as we see in Ecclesiastes 12, the older a person becomes, the longer they ignore the truth of God, the harder it becomes to reach them or for them to respond.