I Kings 1:1-27 - Who Will Be King?

I Kings 1:1-27

And as for you now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. (verse 20)

Message: Who Will Be King?

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: David is now in his old age. He has a need to keep warm and so his servants look for a young virgin for him to keep him warm and find Abishag the Shunammite, a very beautiful girl to become the king's nurse though the king did not cohabit with her. 

Adonijah, born after Absalom, says, "I will be king." He was a very handsome man. Like Saul and Absalom no other qualities are described of him but that he was handsome. He conferred with Joab and Adonijah but then there were others like Benaiah and Nathan who were not with him to be king. Adonijah made a sacrifice of sheep and oxen, having a feast before men to build support for his proclamation as king. According to Tabletalk, "In the ancient Near East, eating together was a sign of peace, a sign that the parties at the meal would not seek one another’s destruction." Nathan spoke to Bathsheba stating that all this was done without the knowledge of David. Nathan is speaking for Solomon saying he is the one next to be king. 

Bathsheba then went before David, prostrating herself and saying, "What do you wish?" Bathsheba though confirms that Solomon is to be king. Nathan likewise came in to prostrate himself before David. He also recounts what Adonijah has been doing in self-electing himself king, and yet not inviting many to this ceremony including David. Once again Nathan asks, "who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?" 

In I Chronicles 22:8-10 it says the word of the Lord came to David saying that a son shall be born to David, his name shall be Solomon and "He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever." Thus Solomon is to be king. In I Kings 1:17 Bathsheba confirms this and Nathan then also confirms it in verse 24 with a question. 

Bathsheba and Nathan acted wisely in order to accomplish good goals. They saw what was happening and that it was not right and instead worked to make things right. 

Summary: David is old in age and struggling in his health. Meanwhile, his son Adonijah self proclaims himself as the next although Nathan and Bathsheba confirm that Solomon, as promised, is to be king. 

Promise: When we see that something needs to be done, we need to not be afraid but act on it. 

Prayer: In moments where leadership is uncertain, I ask for the wisdom of Nathan and the courage of Bathsheba to uphold the truth. Lord, guard me against the pride of Adonijah, who sought to take the throne by his own strength and ambition, rather than waiting on Your divine appointment. I trust in Your sovereignty to place the right leaders in power, just as You chose Solomon to sit on David’s throne.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 11 - David Does Evil in the Eyes of the Lord

2 Samuel 11

But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord. (verse 27b)

Message: David Does Evil in the Eyes of the Lord

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I have been developing this habit for some time now. Every now and then I like to stop and reflect on it. The habit here is reading the Bible. Granted, in my bent towards heavy discipline I know I tend to get obsessed with making these posts each day, but the obsession is really getting into the word each day to be trained. I am seeking to be trained in Godliness and yet this simple reading and writing is the education. What I am trying to do is have these lessons transform me into living life differently and yet I know that is not automatic. I am begging the Holy Spirit to reshape me. I suppose not only this, but in other things in life, like regular involvement in online ministry or talking to others more intentionally, though I notice that at times being squandered often by the distractions of work. I also am reading more and it seems reading is a better pastime than sitting in front of the tube, though I drift back to the tube very often as it is mindless and I suppose I need that mindless activity at times. I suppose I want to make sure I am living within the margins of life, living in balance, and not too focused in any one area. 

Well, back to regular scheduled program. For the first time in my reading of I and II Samuel, I am now on a text in which I actually have substantial notes in my Bible. It seems at some point in my past Christian life of reading and study I have looked at these texts now beginning in Chapter 11. I am not sure of the time frame of these notes, but I would guess prior to 2012 and probably after 1997. So somewhere between 30 and 45. I am now 58. 

This chapter is 27 verses and in my Open Bible has the headings - "The Sin of Adultery", "Uriah Does not Sleep with Bathsheba", and "David Commands Uriah's Murder." 

The Sin of Adultery

In verse 1 it means that it is spring and this is occurring "at the time" as I have the note that only certain times would the state of the country permit the march of armies. Well, that is interesting, so marching of armies was not at any time, but at specific times. Nevertheless, David sent Joab (who is over his army) "and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah" while David "stayed at Jerusalem." The note I have is David stayed and exposed himself to the temptation of idleness. It is one thing to stop and think and ponder, but another simply to be idle and have no agenda with one's time. It is in this idleness that one is lured into temptation. 

The time is about 3pm and David got up and "walked around on the roof the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was beautiful in appearance." Something tells me this was not the first time David had seen this beautiful woman. One issue with temptation is once it is discovered in life, the tendency to return to it is very strong. Once pandora's box is opened, we know who is out there and so we return to it to repeat the feeling it gives. But at this time the text records she was bathing. Now the comment here I have is David had the right to claim unmarried women. He had wives and lots of them. It was in his power to have women. That is something to think about with the many people, including later his son Samson and that their position afforded them the opportunity to take unmarried women for himself. In essence, he wasn't breaking a law. He was going along with a prescribed advantage given him. And that advantage was now a normal occurrence in his life. 

David inquires of her and verse 3 states that from the inquiry someone said, "Is this not...the wife....?" The question was raised, but David chose to ignore the question. I think of I Corinthians 10:13 in this moment, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." David was given the way out. But he ignored it. His desire for her had been determined the moment he inquired about her. He wanted her and no response mentioned was going to change that. But he was given an opportunity and he ignored it. 

He go her, had sex, she returned home, and she became pregnant. 

Uriah Does not Sleep with Bathsheba

Moving to verse 6, I have an alternate title for this section -- David tries to hide his sin by deceiving Uriah. Once the sin has been conceived and performed, now the escape shows up. Though he has done something in his power, he did not have the power to take a married woman. And because of that sin, that known sin, he wants to find a way out from that circumstance. He wants to respond in the same way Cain responded to the Lord, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper." David is now going to seek to escape the clear consequences he knows is needed in this situation. 

David sent for Uriah. Uriah has returned from battle and David lets him know that his service is complete and tells him to return home. The pregnancy is now out and David wants to cover his tracks by having Uriah immediately go lie with with wife. He even sends him a valuable present, something a king would send. But Uriah doesn't go. He's a soldier and the soldier's responsibility is to his king. Uriah mentions something of the ark of the covenant and guarding it. His promise as a soldier is important. Now David must switch his plans so seeing Uriah's allegiance he seeks now to get him drunk so that he forgets his senses, but this doesn't work either. Darn it! This guy is ruining my plans for completing the act of deception. 

And isn't this what we do. We plan our escape route even I think, in the back of our mind, while we are performing the act of treason (toward God and ourselves) by engaging in the act of sin. Oh, that this lesson is too familiar. Oh that I have a problem with knowing about this and knowing how to document it too easily with these words. I have been guilty of the same, too often. I have followed the desire of looking away from my wife and instead fallen into the embrace of a picture that brings an enjoyment to rescue me from whatever was ailing me at the time. I sought the good feeling and got it but then planned the escape route. At times, I escape, but at other times I do not. O God, I am not a judge here, but a conspirator. 

David Commands Uriah's Murder

It is interesting in this story as to what time period this chapter encompasses. Probably something like weeks. Not sure, as verse 14 could be days or weeks later in which David writes a letter to Joab to give to Uriah to place Uriah in the line of fire. The phrase is different in verse 14 as it says, "and sent it by the hand of Uriah" which basically gives the idea that Uriah is commanding his own death sentence. David had tried to send Uriah home to be his wife, but that didn't work, so he got him drunk and send him home, but that did not work. So now he cannot be exposed. He can't let the sin simply be found out and face consequences, so he kills off the consequences. 

This is the other problem in all of this and that is the unwillingness to let consequences show up. We fear them. We like our sin and even as we plot an escape, if it doesn't work, we make sure it won't be found out. 

The reality is in this situation that the crime of adultery by a king would have been lightly pardoned, but David resorts to extreme measures rather than face the subject. Also, Joab could have refused. He knew what this was all about, so Joab, though not to blame, was not a person of nobility either. That was seen in the last chapter as well. 

So Uriah goes to the frontline and is killed. David find out about this through a messenger that Joab sends. The messenger though first talks about the battle and basically says, "Oh by the way, Uriah also died." I suppose Joab did this so that David wouldn't get reinforcement that his actions were premeditated to get Uriah killed. I guess we do this as well. Even after we seek out an escape route for our sin, we try to set it up like it isn't that bad or that we didn't actually have that horrible intention. 

The last verse concludes the episode as David brings Bathsheba to be his wife, they have the son, "But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord."

I suppose that conclusion is needed as a reminder that - this is not right. This is evil. One could say David was successful in hiding his sin, but God knew differently.  God knows. 

Summary: David does not go with kings to battle and instead in idleness sees a woman on a roof, asks her to be brought to him, lays with her, she gets pregnant and he hides his sin by eventually having the husband killed, but God knows.

Promise: God sees everything.

Prayer: Lord, it is good to remember that in life you see everything. I confess I have hidden sin and tried to make it look like I have done nothing wrong, but you see it and you know. I think at times I have received consequences as well from my sin. And at times this still doesn't make me learn or change. Let me take my sin more seriously and that it would mean something that I have sinned against you. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 18:25-27 - Simon Peter Denies Jesus

John 18:25-27

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Message: Simon Peter Denies Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus (the first time). Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound. 

Verses 19-24 were about Jesus and his confrontation with Annas. Now 25 seems to be picking up where verse 18 left off and Peter warming himself at the first after denying Jesus for the first time. Now in these verses he denies Jesus two more times.  

I suppose there is an interesting contrast here. Jesus stands up to Annas and Caiaphas and says he spoke the truth of Himself and to ask the disciples. And then Peter when given the opportunity to speak denies Jesus several times. 

From Tabletalk -- Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary John that Jesus “had no need to die for people who are sinless, for there are no such people. He gave Himself for people who have it in them to betray Him, people like you and me. However, He will never betray those on whom He sets His love, but will love them faithfully for all time.”

Summary: Peter was questioned two more times about his association with Jesus and two more times Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus. 

Promise: We can never be worthy of Christ's love. But we should be people that confess Jesus as Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and true. Your ways are right and you are faithful to Your words. You stand for truth and You are faithful to your message. As sinners Lord, we often are instead denying You before men. I pray that this would not be so in my life. I do hope that when given the opportunity I would surrender myself to You. I ask that I have the courage to hold up your name before others and glorify You in all I do and say. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 13:21-30 - The Betrayal of Christ

John 13:21-30

21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

Message: The Betrayal of Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: This selection of scripture in study today has mention in the other 3 gospels:

Matthew 26:21-22 - As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Mark 14:18-19 - As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”

Luke 22:21-23 - "But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.

There isn't anything real different in the words stated in the other gospels to the account in John though John goes much more in depth. 

In the previous words Jesus had been talking of those He chose and yet also speaking of those that will not receive Him. He talks of the feet washing and the importance of being a servant. And then in verse 21 He makes the bold prediction, though it is stated more as a fact, that one will betray Him and He knows who it is and identifies Him (v. 26). I find these words interesting because the betrayal, as I have already discussed, becomes part of God's story or plan for the entire crucifixion story. Yet those present at the time did not understand the significance of it (v. 28). Jesus tells Judas to act quickly (v. 27). And remarks that Satan has now entered Judas, as if he had not up to that point. 

In verse 21, Jesus remarks that this announcement of Judas betraying Him is troubling. That troubling description could mean multiple things. (1) It could refer to the simple trouble of Judas and his betrayal despite Jesus having invested time in him. (2) But much is written that the troubling of His Spirit is anticipating now the journey Jesus will take toward the cross, and Jesus ultimately bearing the sin of the world. (3) And then another application is the offense of false teachers or those who speak a contrary word about Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus identifies the one who will betray Him, though the disciples don't understand the significance of this at the time. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Jesus was troubled at the trial that lay ahead of Him, but He was able to persevere in obedience because of His unwavering trust in His Father.

Prayer: O Lord my God you are awesome and your name is to be magnified. You are eternal in your ways and complete in your purposes. Thank you for the standard you have shown that we are to live our lives against, namely to honor You with our lives and give glory to You all of our days. Help us to be a people that honors you always and does not seek after selfish means to please ourselves. Though this happens thank you for your hand of forgiveness. Lord, allow me to remain grieved over the truth of the cross and the need for sin to be expelled at the cross, my sin which so often is a disappointment to me when I commit it, and should remind me always of the suffering you took upon to make my place right with God for eternity. Draw people to yourself Lord. May people be revived in their souls to seek You and turn their lives over to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:18-20 - Receiving the One Whom Jesus Sends

John 13:18-20

18 I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, "HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME." 19 From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Message: Receiving the One Whom Jesus Sends

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 18 is a quote from Psalm 41:9 - "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Jesus here once again takes a text that served one purpose in one time and now applies it to a different time. He takes the principal and applies it now to a different time. 

Tabletalk explains this well:

David complains that one of his meal companions lifted up his heel against him. In the ancient Near East, to eat a meal with someone was a sign of friendship and trust, so it was especially terrible for someone who sat at your table to betray you. David was the greatest king of ancient Israel, so the psalm indicates that his betrayal was not incompatible with his position. The same is true of Jesus. He would be betrayed, but that would not make Him any less the King. Moreover, Psalm 41 also predicts the final triumph of David over his enemies. By quoting the psalm, Jesus indicated that despite His betrayal, He would have the ultimate victory over His betrayers.

Verse 18 begins with, "I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen." Is Jesus expressing that the previous words that he stated are not meant in application toward all people, but only for those that He has chosen? For instance, serving one another or washing one another's feet. The idea of doing as He has done for us. I mean, is he saying these actions that He is asking us to carry out need to be carried out on all people. If that is the case, then is Jesus saying how we are to treat one another in the Body or in the Kingdom but not necessarily those outside of it? 

Or is he coming back to the words only of verse 11 in which "Not all of you are clean?" Surely I am analyzing this too much and what Jesus is referencing is that there is one among them that does not take application from these words. 

And now to verse 19 - Jesus offers a statement to help them in their faith, to help it be increased, once again showing them that He has been sent by God and the words that He speaks brings comfort to them. "From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He." Jesus explains the future. The reality is the event of Judas' betrayal has not yet occurred, so verse 18 while clear to us because of what we know of in the future is not clear to the disciples. Jesus confirms that Judas will betray Him and so He offers to the disciples this knowledge, showing them once again His knowledge of all events of time, both now and in the future. Jesus is proving Himself to the disciples. 

For verse 20 Jesus confirms that the disciples are there to be His ambassadors. There will be those that turn from Jesus but receive God and in turn receive Jesus. "whomever I (the Father) send receives Me (Jesus) and he who (disciple) receives Me (Jesus) receives Him (the Father) who sent Me (Jesus)." Judas through His betrayal injures all, not only betraying Jesus but betraying the Father and betraying the purposes of why Jesus has come and been sent by the Father, betraying the kingdom of God.

Once again, I appreciate the words of John Gill (1697-1771) here:

he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me, and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me; I have sent you in my name to preach the Gospel; you are my ambassadors, and you will be honourably received by many; and which I shall regard and take notice of, and esteem, as though they had received me; even as my Father has sent me into this world, as a Saviour and Redeemer, a prophet, priest, and King; and as many as have received me, are looked upon by my Father, as having received him: in short, such as cordially receive and embrace the ministers of the Gospel, receive Christ, in whose name they come, and whom they preach; and such who receive Christ, as preached and held forth in the everlasting Gospel, receive the Father of Christ; and partake of his love, grace, and kindness, shown forth in the mission and gift of Christ to them: Christ, as Mediator, represented his Father that sent him; and the ministers of Christ represent him; so that what is done to them, either in a way of reception or rejection, he takes as done to himself: it is a common saying among the Jews (c), "that the messenger of a man is as himself". 

Summary: The betrayal of Judas was foreseen by Jesus. Let that confirm to us Jesus understanding of the future and confirm that His ambassadors who receive Jesus, receive the Father who sent Jesus. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us endeavor to receive everyone whom Christ sends to exhort us."

Prayer: Lord, all the events of your scripture here confirm You and confirm the truth of You and that You had knowledge of all events of time. For the Jew here it was important to see that connection between receiving Jesus and being sent by you Father God. Thank you for making yourself known and being this confirmation. Help me to be an ambassador for You continually and to speak Your truth to the world around me and make you known in the way I speak and act and live. I want to be your ambassador. And I want to be authentic always in the ways I live, with a desire of you being well pleased of me. I praise you God and thank you for calling me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 13:2-11 - The Cleansing We Need

John 13:2-11

2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.

5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Message: The Cleansing We Need

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: As I learned in the previous lesson and verse, the text is leading us up to the Passover. But first, feet washing by Jesus of the disciples. 

There are bookends of similar ideas for this text - Judas and his betrayal of Jesus. In verse 2 it says it is the devil that places that into the heart of Judas. But that placement had already occurred. Judas was on the scene here at the Passover already with the notion that he was not all in...and yet he was still in the room, still walking with the disciples, but still not all in. For Judas he had a love of money and so his heart was inclined in that direction and Satan then takes him all the way down the path to betrayal. What starts the betrayal - desire. Desires are not bad, but the problem here with Judas is his desire for money got him sidetracked from what matters most. Like the Rich Young Ruler who wanted eternal life, but could not give up his desire for money. 

I have wondered why Judas in betraying Jesus was necessary. But Judas is part of the process of Jesus being handed over to authorities to then be crucified (Mark 14:44-46). Despite Judas choosing that path, the path was necessary for what Jesus would accomplish. So there is seemingly free will, a choice by Judas, yet led by Satan and yet this choice is in the plan of Jesus going to the cross. There remains a tension, a question it would seem between free will and God's sovereignty. It remains a perplexing piece of life - whether we have in fact have free will. Remains hard for me to reconcile. Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Every moment gives the appearance we do, but then in outcomes I just don't know. Somehow there seems to be a connection between the two otherwise are we not all robots? I mean, why would we have so many commands in our Bible which give the suggestion we have a choice? [There are scientists and philosophers throughout history that don't believe we have free will; there are atheists identify with this as well calling it determinism. And yet throughout life we are held accountable to our choices, and this is agreed despite how one holds to this notion of will.]

Well, in continuing on in this passage Jesus is washing the disciples feet. Jesus has been showing His love - mostly in communicating to people that He and the Father are one, that the Father gives the Son a mission and salvation is found in God, found in Jesus. God is one. Jesus and God are one. And along the way He heals people and saves them from physical death and storms to exemplify His power to all. And yet He remains a servant. While King He is also servant. And so in washing their feet, He goes to the level of the common servant, washing people's feet before entering a home. Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He reminds me of the importance of serving others. 

And Jesus connects himself to these disciples through the washing. 

But also here is a lesson of the need for regularly cleaning. "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Jesus is surrendering Himself to the disciple, becoming low, becoming a servant. And then man (the disciples) yield to the will of the servant. This was the problem of Judas as he did not want to submit himself to the Lord. Peter initially did not want to either, but in hearing Jesus' words he was compelled and agreed. Judas had his feet washed, but his whole self had not been cleansed. Jesus points out that not all are clean before Him, completely clean, completely forgiven. The act of being forgiven is accepting the sacrifice of Jesus. 

This here is an example of faith. Jesus is showing his cards and showing his desire to cleanse people from their sin, but we must yield and surrender to Jesus and allow our feet to be washed. And so there is faith. There is trust. And it is through that act of surrendering that I become whole. 

And so there are two surrenders. Jesus sacrifices Himself and His position, but the disciple surrenders and allows himself to be washed, to be cleansed, realizing that the cleansing by Jesus is the best cleansing. The only cleansing we really need.

Summary: Most of the disciples surrendered themselves to the Servant King, Jesus, but one was unwilling to surrender himself and remained firm in his desire. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, I like this reminder -- When we are converted, we are decisively cleansed (our whole body) from sin such that we enjoy salvation permanently. Yet, Christians continue to sin and need cleansing of that sin (our feet).

Prayer: Lord, these words that I travel through continually are a joy to travel through and you continue to teach and illuminate me and challenge my thinking. I am forever trying to understand this world that you have placed me in and how I fit here and how you have designed things. I surrender to You and pray that I would continually do this each day. Thank you for making me clean and stain free before You. But don't let me get ahead of myself and not see that I need that forgiveness each day as I continue to sin and go in selfish directions. Cleanse people. And give us understanding continually of the work that You are doing in making people clean. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 6:66-71 - Persevering Disciples

John 6:66-71

66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." 70 Jesus answered them, "Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?" 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him. 

Message: Persevering Disciples

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: I still am amazed by the last lesson and the acknowledgement that the Spirit gives life and opens people's minds and many do not respond in faith and people may profess a faith in God but there life needs to have works in it and when it doesn't people will leave eventually as it now says they have done in verse 66. 

And then Jesus turns to the 12 making sure through a question that they do not want to also go away. This reminds me that the people that were following Jesus was many more than 12 as "disciples" are mentioned and then also "multitudes." Within these groups, these followers, there were some that Jesus acknowledged were not part of His kingdom. So following Him did not guarantee that they would be part of His kingdom. This is important and yet also sobering even today to realize that simply going to church or attending regularly and having the appearance of being a follower of Jesus does not guarantee that someone is indeed a follower. 

For example, yesterday, I was remembering a study from Mark in which Jesus speaks about people who follow Jesus with wrong motives. Some people come to Jesus for motives of their own, to be seen by other people or for selfish reasons. 

And yet, here, it seems odd that Jesus would ask the question to the 12 - "You do not want to go away also, do you?" And yet perhaps God is also asking me, "Will you go away?" When the going gets tough and when the questions come up that you don't like the answer, will I go away? Jesus does not answer every one of my prayer requests for His sovereign reasons and so when this happens, what is my response, to turn away or will I continue to follow. Peter responds, "Where else shall we go?" Jesus is the only to offer eternal life. And He is the Holy One of God. 

Gill's Exposition states here: 

He was promised by God of old, spoken of by the prophets, and expected by the Jews; that anointed prophet Moses had spoken of, that should arise out of Israel, like unto him that anointed priest, who, according to the oath of God, was to be priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek; and that anointed King, whom God has set over his holy hill of Zion.

He is the Holy One. He is the Messiah, the Christ. And yes, Jesus confirms as well, just as He is the Chosen One from God, the disciples are also chosen and yet among these chosen one will not respond in faith. There will be one that will turn away. God chooses but some do not respond. One will betray him. One is of the devil, the accuser, is actually against Me. One who is following Me will at some point not follow Me. 

Jesus is intending for all to check themselves, to examine themselves. We need to do this often and regularly always and not ever assume we have made it. And yet I have questions about this one betrayed: Does Jesus choose some that don't respond in faith and believe Him all of their days? It makes me wonder again the process of salvation among these disciples as there is a calling but at what point did they become part of His kingdom? Can one be saved and then turn away later? 

Summary: After some have left following Jesus, Jesus turns to the 12 for them to examine themselves as he knows one will betray Him at some point and will they all continue to follow Him. 

Promise: Daily, I need to commit myself to Christ and His teaching, to persevere in faith and show that He has chosen me. 

Prayer: Father God, your ways are right and true. You choose people to be Your vessels, to be Your people. You ask Me to follow You but I also need to respond in faith to You and follow You all of my days. You show yourself as the One, the One who gives eternal life and the Holy one of God. I am thankful for those that surround me that remain faithful and I pray Lord that You will continue to bring back many to that saving faith. I think of friends who start out in this way of following You but have not always continued for various selfish reasons. Bring them back to the joy of their salvation. And Lord guide me to never give up and to continue to follow You all of My days. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.  

Mark 14:43-49 - Arrested Under The Cover of Night

Mark 14:43-49
43 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.”

Message: Arrested Under The Cover of Night

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is praying in the garden of Gethsemane, preparing for it is ahead, death and dying which he knows will include being beaten and scourged. Whether the will of God or not, he is to go through it and he asks for the cup of wrath to find another way. In the process, he asks the disciples to keep watch, but instead they go to sleep, despite them saying during their meal time they would never deny Him.

Jesus has just pronounced to his disciples as he had been asking them to keep watch and pray that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners and now it is coming true before their eyes, for a large group of religious leaders were coming for him. Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 

I have previously talked about Judas' betrayal and how this last act of his would define him for his life. This act made everything he had done before not believable. Jesus had called men to follow Him and he had risen up to do that, but in light of this betrayal is the wonder of what his motives were in following Jesus. Was it really a heart decision? For Judas betrays Jesus in an emphatic way here. As if the leaders didn't know who Jesus was, Judas stated that he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 

Judas' Kiss is now the sign of betrayal. It accented the betrayal of Jesus. Jesus knew it would occur as he had also told the disciples but it was being fulfilled with complete clarity with Judas referring to Jesus as Rabbi or teacher. Rabbi was a title of honor. And Judas gives him a sign of affection. It almost looks like Judas has been put up to a double dare. He shows that no matter what his words or actions may have been his heart was in a different place. Again, Judas' act was necessary as Jesus will say - but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures but Judas is still responsible for his actions. The decree of God and the responsibility of man are separate, thus God is sovereign over everything in our lives. He will carry out his actions even if that means through the disobedience (or obedience) of His children. God can work independently of man, but he also works through man.

During this process of arrest one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. The gospel writer John records this as Simon Peter who did this. Peter is providing these words to Mark and yet Mark shows it as one of those so perhaps Peter didn't want to state that it was him or Mark didn't want to state this. This is obviously not what Peter wanted to see and he was bothered that this man that he had been with for years now had betrayed Jesus.

And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; Jesus reveals something about those that have come to seize him wondering maybe why this is such a scene but also partially embarrassing them for the way in which they have done it. Jesus has made him self available many times to them. But instead of doing it where he was at, they come after him like they would come after a robber. Luke reports that Jesus healed the man that Peter had struck. They came at night upon Jesus, not during the day, not in front of everyone, not at the Temple where the crowds were. They are seizing Jesus somewhat in a secret manner. They were really only doing this because Judas was helping it all happen, providing further motivation for it to happen.

Summary - Jesus was now being taken away. It was happening. His death had been predicted but the way it was happening he had not necessarily been mentioning. The disciples had been tasked to keep watch, but they failed. Judas had said he would follow Jesus, but he failed. Jesus was being arrested like he was a criminal, under the shroud of darkness, in a hidden way. But Jesus went willingly. The scriptures were being fulfilled.

Promise: Jesus was being treated as a sinner, even at this point, though He would have no sin of His own.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sacrificing for me. Thank you for experiencing this humiliation on my behalf and going willingly. Many have betrayed you but I am chief among sinners. Thank you for forever making me free and clean before God. On this day I want to do things your way.

Mark 14:37-42 - Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Mark 14:37-42
37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Message: Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is preparing for a distressing time. He knows it. He comes down from the Mount of Olives to pray. He has predicted his death. But, he still asks for another way out, another way to satisfy the will of God. But no matter what He asks the will of God to be done. It is the night before He is crucified.

Up to this point, Jesus knows that Judas will betray Him. I wonder at this point if the Judas was with them. It seems that  he is not. Because it seems that one reason here in these verses as to why Jesus was asking Peter, James, and John to keep watch is because He knows that He will be given over to leaders, but He needs to pray. So he asks them to keep watch. Jesus is in great distress at this time, as has been recorded. And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? The disciples are to do what Jesus says but continually they fail. And in this serious moment they have fallen asleep. Could you not keep watch for one hour? The task was somewhat simple. Whether the disciples thought this was an important task or not, they still had a task to do.

Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This statement was for a specific purpose and yet it can be applied to many areas of our ongoing lives. Do I actively watch and pray that I may not come into temptation? I wonder if I take my flesh serious enough. I am doing a better job in these months of training myself by God's word. God has given me a great love for my wife and I continue to make her #1 and I am fortunate because she responds well to me as well. She enjoys my company so I have no reason to look elsewhere and thus, temptations are lessened. I work hard on that relationship. The kids are leaving and that relationship is central in my life. The kids needs are less and yet they still need the Word of God. I am not speaking into their lives enough. I am not asking to pray for their needs like I should be doing. Pamela and I need to be a stronger force regarding prayer. I do not need to get too big for my own britches or think that I am safe and all is good. I need to continue to watch and be careful not only for temptations that hit me but temptations that hit my family. I am their leader.

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. What a sad picture this is of the Lord and His followers. Christ gives so much to us, his life. He bore the sin of the world and we take it for granted. He remains faithful to pray for us and I need to take my commission before the Father more serious.

And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; - It is sad to see this response by the disciples at this moment, but I also see a similar response by me and Jesus has come to me way more than 3 times and I have not replied.

the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” Get up. Get ready. Get going. Don't delay. It is time.

Summary - Jesus is preparing His death. It is getting closer and his betrayal is closer at hand. He needs his disciples to stand by Him. They have said they won't deny him but then they fall asleep and don't watch when they are needed. The commission of God is for Him to be seized, but man is still responsible to be alert and watch for those that may come for Jesus. It is the day before his crucifixion.

Promise: The message is simple here today but the application is hard. The message is 'people be ready' but the application is we are to be ready. Seek God's face. My flesh is weak. Serve the Lord and follow through on this daily. Wake me up.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stand watch over me and my family for temptations that enter our lives. Forgive me Lord for not protecting my family better. Help me God to encourage them and pray for them as you direct me to. They are your children and they all need you, whether they are here in this house or farther away. Help me to protect my wife as well. Yes, your Spirit is willing, but Yes our flesh is weak and we resort to being trained too often by the world and its ways. Thank you for using this verse to instruct me. Keep me faithful. Lord, I need to turn to your more. Lord, free up those things that so often distract me and pull me away from living for You. Wake me up O God.

Mark 14:17-21 - Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Mark 14:17-21
17 When it was evening He *came with the twelve. 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20 And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Message: Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is Thursday now. Jesus was in Bethany the day before having received the anointing from Mary in the house of Simon the Leper and afterwards Judas had begun to betray Jesus by going to the chief priests and telling them he would take them to Jesus and in exchange Judas would get money - perhaps for himself or for others. Jesus is in preparation for the Passover meal and has two of his disciples go and locate the place and prepare the place for the meal.

The Passover celebration was a joyous one for Jesus and His disciples. When it was evening He *came with the twelve. Jesus has arrived at this guest chamber with his disciples. It was now the evening as the sun is setting. The lamb has spent the afternoon cooking. Judas was back with them, but at this moment not aware of where he was going. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.  Jesus really sort of drops a bomb on them of information. In Mark's telling of this event, the washing of the feet is not mentioned. Jesus remarks that one of the disciples will betray Him.

The disciples respond, seemingly unaware of what was going on. The fact that I would suspect Judas must have meant that we don't have the complete story of the events and while Judas questioned Jesus' anointing, perhaps questioning Jesus and what he was doing was not uncommon among the disciples. And him wandering off must have meant that other disciples had wandered off at times. They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” At this point, it is puzzling in a way that Jesus brings this up. But then also the way the disciples respond almost make it sound like they each must have thought about turning from Jesus at some point. While they may have suspected Judas they may have also suspected themselves. I mean, although our allegiance is toward Christ, how often do we live like it isn't? How often do I turn from him and seek self? And then hope that pleasing self is proper? Maybe each one, in their grief, thinks they have been found out.

Jesus responds with And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. He shows who this person is, that he is one that has up to this point partaken in everything he has been given and provided. But many were eliminated at this point because there were probably just 3 or 4 near Jesus that was using the same bowl as he was. The truth is getting closer to be revealed.

For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Now this is interesting. Jesus as Son of Man, and therefore, is proclaiming his human quality is to go to die as it is written. He will be sacrificed as it is written. Jesus will achieve the outcome of death. Yet, each person is still responsible for their own sin. This is a difficult concept in itself. Jesus is to die but the person involved in killing him would have been better to not have lived. The latter phrases give the impression that if that person hadn't then Jesus wouldn't have died, but I don't think that is what is being said. Instead Jesus is separating the outcome from the person responsible and saying the person is still responsible. I still think this is a tough statement by Jesus - It good for that man if he had not been born. This then means that the error is in the heart of man and what motivates him. It also speaks to the seriousness of the betrayal because it is very well possible that Judas did many good things in his life up to this point, but his life is going to be marked often by his one act.

As Tabletalk pronounces here on October 20 2016, "The Bible is clear that human beings cannon blame God for their sin even though sin is included in God's predetermined plan for His creation." John Calvin states that "God ordained Judas' betrayal of Jesus, but He did so to achieve the good of our salvation. Judas betrayed Jesus, yet He did not do so because He wanted to see sinners saved but because he loved money more than the Lord." What motivates us?

Summary - Jesus is now at the Passover table and the disciples are eating. Jesus takes a moment though to call out the betrayal of one of the disciples, but he doesn't call out that person, but instead will slowly reveal him over time. In that moment all the disciples feel guilty and each one is in a way responsible, but we know that there is only one for this one issue of betrayal and his life will forever be remembered by that one act.

Promise: God is only about good. Man is intent on pleasing self. The story may appear the same but each one has a different motivation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your word. Your gospel message of redeeming us and setting us free is illuminated even more clearly when we see our own sin. So help me to continue to examine myself so that the Light and Glory of who you are is then praised. Thank you for revealing truth to me and helping me see that Judas and I are responsible for our sin despite that fact that sin is part of your Story. You mean it for good, we mean it for something else, often selfish gain. Thank you for helping me see this. You are to be praised.

Mark 14:10-11 - Premeditated Betrayal

Mark 14:10-11
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. 11 They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

Message: Premeditated Betrayal

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is 2 days before the Passover as Jesus is headed to the cross. The religious leaders are out to get him but with the Passover many will be in town so they wonder if this is the right time. Jesus is in Bethany and visiting Simon the Leper's house and someone in the house (Mary) breaks open a bottle of perfume and pours it on Jesus' head, signifying an anointing. Jesus remarks that this act was significant. 

In the Gospel of John, at this point, Judas is already on the scene and it states he was the one that questioned the use of the perfume that Mary had poured on Jesus, though the text does not attribute it to him in the book of Mark. Judas had remarked that the money could have been better served by selling it and giving it to the poor. But, Mark did not attribute those words to Judas. Perhaps Peter (who Mark bases his book on) didn't remember it was Judas or perhaps at the time Peter did not think it was important. At this time Judas is known to have left the twelve in order to betray Jesus.

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. I am sure Judas knew, as all the disciples knew, that at this point the chief priests were looking for a way to seize Jesus. Something motivated Judas at this moment to do this act. Perhaps his faith all along was weak. The disciples questioned Jesus at various times in His ministry and Judas might have been part of those groups, wondering why Jesus would be talking about death and resurrection, as it didn't make sense given how popular he was to the people and them. Perhaps Judas was motivated by money and feeling inside that the money could be used for other purposes, like helping those in need.

Judges 17:6 remarks that people without a king, without a leader directing them, these people did what was right in his own eyes. Paul says in Romans 1:21 that people began to turn away from God and started to not give thanks and in the process became futile in their own thinking. The human condition is interesting. Often, we do things for our own best interests and not for the benefit of others. We have many scriptures that have to remind us to trust in God and thank God or people and Jesus even said we must live for others. We have to be reminded continually to not do right in our own eyes. 

They (the priests) were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time. So we have the priests that were happy to hear about the betrayal. Most scholars state that Judas had already left the area. But the verse also mentions that Judas was planning when he would betray Him further, at the right time. This betrayal is interesting. While Judas is himself responsible for his actions—his actions ultimately were part of the plan of God for Jesus to be arrested, scourged, beaten and die. That's the puzzling dichotomy at times for me - man chooses, but God uses man's choice to accomplish His purpose. I read that and understand those pieces but still don't comprehend why it is that way. Perhaps I think it is that God creates, man departs from God, their are consequences, and while God knows the events that will occur and knew that things would end up in His son dying on the cross, it was more of a coincidence that it all worked out in this way. I mean, if there was no Judas it would have happened but maybe another way? I'm not sure.

Granted, in this instance Judas is responsible. John Calvin writes, "Judas was inflamed with the desire to steal; long practice had hardened him in wickedness, and now when he meets with no other prey, he does not scruple to betray basely to death the son of God, the Author of Life, and, though restrained by a holy admonition, rushes violently forward."

Summary - Judas was there watching Mary pour the vile of perfume on Jesus. Perhaps he cringed over this waste when he saw the worth of the vile and the money that could come from it. Meanwhile, Jesus is 2 days from Passover and is preparing for death. And now it seems the Judas is involved in that death. It is something God knew all along, but we are finding out now.

Promise: When evil desires creep up in us, we can indulge in them or turn from them. Consequences will result in each choice, one glorifying Man and his ways and the other glorifying God. Choose life.

Prayer: Lord, I read and understand this scene whereby Judas betrayed you. From my vantage point money was more important to him. And Lord perhaps I don't understand completely your sovereignty and I wonder if Judas was not the one would there be something else to get this carried out. Could Judas have chosen differently? Those are questions I have God and asking You for wisdom in understanding the answer. Meanwhile, I remain yours and seek to trust in You and Your ways, to love You and love my neighbor. Help me today in this. I'm struggling with that love toward others and how in fact to put them first while being fair. Work challenges me in my faith. And I look to you for guidance. Thank you for this time in Your word.