2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant

2 Samuel 7:1-17

When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up forth from you, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom. (verse 12-13)

Message: The Davidic Covenant

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: This is a significant chapter. Verses 4-17 are referred to as the Davidic Covenant. It follows David saying "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains." Thus, the ark of God needs a better and more permanent place to dwell. 

Nathan speaks to David, having received a message from the Lord. That message mentions that the ark needs a house of cedar built for it. God had rescued his people. To David, "I took you" from grazing in a pasture to ruling the people of Israel. "I have been with you" and "I will make you a great name." God has been with David. He has cut off his enemies. His name is to be on par with the great names of earth. For the people of Israel, God "will appoint a place for My people Israel." God "will plant them." David thinks he is to build something but instead God is the builder. I think this is something always for us to remember. God is the builder. It is His doing. It is His grace which makes things happen. 

God "will give you rest from all your enemies." And "The Lord will make a house for you." God "will raise up your descendant after you" and this possibly is Solomon, David's son and "establish his kingdom." And "will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." 

It is also interesting, it says that "when he commits iniquity, I will correct him" and than it says, "Your throne will be established forever." Once again, this mentions God's grace. Iniquity will happen and correction, but God's permanent reward for His people remains the same. 

God's love continues and is prominent always with his people. The people go through difficulties, wanderings, iniquities, but God is still providing for them. Sometimes we don't see it in our current lifetime. God will take care of us many times on the way but sometimes it doesn't occur till later. This is hard. I want to see all things now, but we can await the promise and it will be fulfilled. 

Summary: God speaks through Nathan to David promising land forever, an unending dynasty and an everlasting kingdom. 

Promise: There will be a dwelling place for God and His people and in a permanent way, we are that permanent resting place with the Spirit in us. 

Prayer: God, you choose and you bless forever. Along the way there are struggles but you are present always with your people. You are forever and thank You God for bringing me along. Keep me focused on Your promises, these promises always. 

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

2 Samuel 3 - Abner's Negotiations with David

2 Samuel 3

May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. (verse 9-10)

Message: Abner's Negotiations with David

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: In the previous chapter, David was anointed king over Judah but Abner wasn't ready to accept this and instead made Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, king. The servants of Ish-bosheth and servants of David get into a conflict with the servants of David prevailing. Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah (half-sister to David) died in the battle. Thus, at the beginning of chapter 3 is now "a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David" and "David grew steadily stronger." David's sons are mentioned now, first born Ammon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijab, Shephatiah, and Ithream - all born from different women, thus David has now at least 7 wives, as Michal is not mentioned here. 

Abner has taken Saul's concubine, much to the anger of Ish-bosheth and is confronted by Ish-bosheth. Abner does not take the confrontation well, as he believes he has done much good for Ish-bosheth, resulting in Ish-bosheth being afraid of Abner (v. 6-11). 

Abner works to negotiate now with David, wanting a covenant with him. David wants Michal in return. Ish-bosheth gets her from her current husband. (v.12-16)

Abner asks the house of Israel to now go stand before David, with him as king. Abner comes to David in Hebron to have a feast with him. Meanwhile the servants of David and Joab come with spoils from a raid. Joab learns of Abner's arrival and is bothered, knowing that Abner is out to deceive David. (v. 17-25). 

Joab then sneakily kills Abner, meeting up with him. Joab is still mad about the death of his brother Asahel. David then tells Joab to tear his clothes on behalf of this death. Abner was buried in Hebron with David weeping at his grave. David offers a lament for Abner: "Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." Abner died at the hands of vengeance. There had been no legal process. David remarks, "May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil." 

David has every reason to be not angry at Joab for killing Abner for Abner had slain a relative of his, but just as he did with Saul, he upheld Abner. In some ways his last sentence could have been what Joab did in killing Abner, but the motives of Joab were wrong and his purpose was not to do the Lord's will and glorify God. Our intentions matter. Our hearts matter. Why we do what we do is as important as what we do, if not more. 

In response to Saul as compared to David, I Samuel 16:7 says, "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Summary: Ish-bosheth servants and David's are in conflict. After David makes a covenant with Abner, Joab shows up and has vengeance on Abner for killing his brother. David laments Abner's death.

Promise: Let us seek His kingdom, not our own advancement within it.

Prayer: Lord, I remember how Abner recognized Your anointing on David and chose to act by making a covenant with David. Give me courage to align myself with what is right, even if it requires change. Help me turn from old alliances that no longer honor You. Protect me from bitterness and revenge. When Joab acted out of personal vengeance, it brought sorrow and consequences. Deliver me from acting in anger. Teach me to entrust justice to You. God of compassion, I see David’s grief over Abner. Give me a heart that mourns wrongdoing and loss, even when it involves those who were once opponents. Make me a leader — in my home, my workplace, my community — who responds with integrity and mercy. You establish leaders. You bring down and raise up according to Your will. Let my life be built not on power or politics, but on faithfulness to You.

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

I Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David

I Samuel 20

So Jonathan made a [covenant] with the house of David, [saying], “May the Lord demand it from the hands of David’s enemies.” (verse 16)

Message: Jonathan's Covenant with David

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul continues to be on the prowl to end David's life. Jonathan and Michal at times are doing what they can to prevent this from happening as David flees from Saul. 

David is in Ramah now (v. 1) asking Jonathan "what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?" Jonathan thinks he should know all about what his father is doing but David wonders if his father is hiding this from Jonathan (v. 2-3). David devises a plan. Verse 5 - "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I am obligated to sit down to eat with the king (Saul)." But instead David will go hid himself. If Saul states missing David, then tell him that I David have gone to Bethlehem for yearly sacrifices (verse 6). If he is angry, mention to Saul "you (David) have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you (Jonathan). (verse 8)" David states if their evil he has done, then he is accountable and Jonathan should kill him (verse 8). 

Jonathan agrees with the covenant though he is willing to take his own life (in place of David) if Saul believes David has done something wrong. Jonathan makes this covenant with David (12-17). They mark a stone in Ezel and Jonathan will shoot 3 arrows. If the arrows are on the side of David "it is safe for you and there is nothing [to harm you], as the Lord lives (verse 21)." If on the other side, then David is to continue to flee. 

On the first day, Saul not seeing David at his place he thought, "he is not clean. (verse 26)" On the 2nd day, Saul asked Jonathan why he has not come (verse 27). Jonathan explains why as he and David had agreed upon (v. 28-29). 

Saul is angry (v. 30). In verse 31 states, "as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now then, send [men] and bring him to me, for he is doomed to die!” Saul threw a spear at Jonathan to show his anger. And Jonathan "was worried about David since his father had insulted him. (verse 34)" Jonathan then shot the arrow as they had agreed upon. Verse 42 - "Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, since we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” So [David] set out and went on [his] way, while Jonathan went into the city."

Jonathan was very different from his father. He and Jonathan made a covenant which continued the covenant they had made earlier (18:1-5).  Tabletalk mentions, "In the ancient Near East, when a new king came to power, he would wipe out the family of the preceding monarch in order to get rid of anyone who might be a threat to his rule. David’s covenant promise assured Jonathan that his family would not be annihilated when David replaced Saul as king." Here there is covenantal love or hesed. It speaks of faithfulness and an unwavering commitment. In this covenant they each sought good for one another. 

Summary: As David continues to flee from Saul, Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual friendship and protection. Saul still wants David dead, but David is able to get away. 

Promise: We should always be seeking one another's good. 

Prayer: God, thank you for friendships. I am deeply moved by the people in my life and there love for me and the bond that we have with one another, seeking one another's good. I am so thankful for the people in my life. It is what keeps me going I feel. I admit sometimes getting impatient. But thank you for good friends and the time we can be together, talking and sharing, praying and thinking and doing life together. 

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

I Samuel 18:1-16 - David Ascendant

I Samuel 18:1-16

Now Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. (verse 12)

Message: David Ascendant

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: After David's victory over Goliath, the Philistine, David goes to Saul. 17:58 is still a rather baffling verse in which Saul says to David, "Whose son are you, young man?" Back in 16:21 it says "David came to Saul and attended him, and Saul loved him greatly; and he because his armor bearer." It seems from that verse that Saul knew David. I have read some commentaries on this, but nothing seems very compelling other than David maybe had aged as we don't know the time span between David being in Saul's court and the David that defeated Goliath. 17:12 mentions David having 8 children. So perhaps time has elapsed since he was playing a harp in Saul's court. That seems to be the most probable explanation. 

Chapter 18 begins with a proclamation of Jonathan's close bond with David stating "Jonathan loved him as himself." Both Jonathan and David were men that had a trust in the Lord. In verse 3 "Jonathan made a covenant with David" to cement their kindred spirit and close relationship. And then Jonathan gives David his noble dress - his robe and armor. David most likely was still dressed as a servant. He had previously refused the armor from Saul when it was offered to him prior to fighting Goliath in 17:38. But here, from the hand of Jonathan he accepts them. Suddenly David is looking like a member of the King's court. 

Jonathan in chapter 14 had conquered the Philistine garrison though in that story Saul also showed up and took most of the credit. But in this situation, the people seem to know more clearly that David was the victor of Goliath. In verse 7, "the women sang as they played and said, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."" Saul does not like anyone else being in the limelight. And so verse 10 says, "Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God, came mightily upon Saul." 

This seems to show that the Spirit of God moves in and out of people. There is the Holy Spirit that I believe is sent to believers in Christ after Jesus comes to the earth, but there is also the mention of the filling of the Spirt in a person's life as in Ephesians 5:18, "do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." It seems that this is the spirit that moved in Saul previously at his anointing (I Samuel 10:6), but that was the Spirit of the Lord and now the continued selfishness of Saul results in this evil spirit. The evil spirit I believe is the result of a disposition in man that is already focused more on self than pleasing God (as mentioned in Romans 1). 

Saul removes David from his presence and places him as his commander, undoubtedly also thinking that David may end up dying in battle. But even in this it backfires on Saul because David will now be seen even more before the people and they will see more of the person that he is. 

Summary: David is now in Saul's court. Jonathan and David's friendship is marked by a covenant between them. Saul does not like David being near and puts him in command of his army. 

Promise: Ask the Lord to enable us to rejoice in the success of others.

Prayer: Lord God, I am thankful for Jonathan and is friendship with David and his desire to support him and give him the best clothes off of his back. Their friendship began because of their commitment to You and is a reminder that this is the hallmark of good friendships. I thank you for the men that you have placed in my life and the special bond I have with each one. It is different from any other relationship and thank you for each one and the encouragement we can share, spurring one another on to love and good deeds. You are to be praised and adored as David and Jonathan both did and as you possess and are in others good things happen. Show me these victories Lord. I need this encouragement for sometimes I get to me-focused and getting my needs met. 

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

Ruth 4:13-22 - A Story of Hesed

Ruth 4:13-22

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he had relations with her. And the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son...they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. (v.13, 17)

Message: A Story of Hesed

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Well, Boaz now marries Ruth. "He went into her." She gave birth to a son as "the Lord enabled her." The women of Bethlehem or the area let Naomi know God has provided a redeemer. They call her "Blessed." God has provided. This is a blessing of the Lord - God's provision. Reminds me in the moment of what God has blessed me with and provided me. My wife Pamela, my children - Tyson, Megan, Derek. These are God's gifts. He provides these gifts and I need to be more appreciative - every day. Forgive me Lord. 

The women go on in verse 15 to continuing words of encouragement. These are good women and say things that need to be said and say things that God has done. He is "a restorer of life." Despite all that Naomi lost and Ruth lost by losing the men of their life, God brought her home and he has restored her life. He has been "a sustainer of your old age." Again, God supports and nourishes her and provides what she needs. "Your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons." Sons are more important than daughters always. This is how the name is carried on. And yet they exclaim that Ruth is better than 7 sons. Seven even being a number in the Bible that is often showing completeness or perfection. But, no, Ruth is better. 

Then the women name Ruth's son - Obed (v. 17). 

And then a history lesson is given: generations of Perez: Perez - Hezron - Ram - Amminadab - Nahshon - Salmon - Boaz - Obed - Jesse - David. 

Naturally, all culminates with David. 

Hesed is kindness, but it goes beyond mere kindness to a covenantal kindness. It is unwavering commitment and refers often to God's unchanging love for Israel and for David. Ruth showed this type of commitment to Naomi by staying with her, even after her husband died. Boaz showed this type of care and kindness by caring about Elimelech and his family name, above his own. These individuals showed a loyal love to one another, an unwavering commitment that culminates in the royal line of David. 

Summary: Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed. The women of Bethlehem speak blessings on Naomi. 

Promise: God has shown us unwavering covenant loyalty and love—hesed—and we are to show the same in return to Him and to His people.

Prayer: Oh Father, you are eternally blessing me and showing your favor on my life. You have provided for me and sustained me. You have an amazing commitment to me and I praise you. Thank you for these words and the blessing they are to me. Give me strength each day. Help me to love others and be committed to them as you have blessed me. 

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

Judges 2 - A Tragic Cycle

Judges 2

18 When the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways.

Message: A Tragic Cycle

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 begins with a word from the angel of the Lord, "I will never break my covenant with you." Conversely in verse 2, "You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land." God has chosen us. He has chosen me. And I am to be about Him and His purposes and not about those that take me off track of that; they will. 

Then an interesting word in verse 3, "I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." Evidently, they will remain among us - those that might bring us down. If that's what that means, then that is a very interesting statement. Verse 4 says, "the people wept" upon hearing this. 

Verse 7 and 8 repeat Joshua 24 but mention Joshua age at death being 110. It states that the generation after Joshua "did not know the Lord" and "did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. (v. 10-11)" and "forsook the Lord" and "followed other gods" (v. 12). "And the anger of the Lord... (v.14)." 

Their evil continued and God's anger toward them continued. And the Lord said that he would use these other people in the land "to test Israel" and "whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it as their fathers did, or not" (v. 22). 

Deuteronomy 20:16-18 mention warnings to Israel as they enter the land. Verses 16 and 17 state that they are to "save nothing that breathes." As verse 18 states that letting them leave they will turn them away from the Lord. Strong words. And yet truth. God's people are to be about Him. But, after Joshua, the Judges record that the people allowed the inhabitants of the land to live. By letting them stay, though, God would leave them to be tested and then it will be seen who they will serve. 

There is mention of other gods they are worshipping. Verse 13 says they "served Baal and Ashtaroth." Tabletalk states, "Baal was the Canaanite storm god and Astarte was his female consort, and these pagan deities were thought to provide fertility to the land of the ancient Near East. Here the plural forms “Baals” and “Ashtaroth” are used because Baal and Astarte were worshiped under various names across Canaan and the surrounding lands. The worship of these deities frequently included child sacrifice and cult prostitution to get the gods to pour out rain and make the land fertile." 

People are desperate at times for divine intervention when things are hard and don't go as planned. I almost feel like in America, the pursuit of riches and then also the rescue from sickness results in serving alternate gods or finding any means necessary for achieving outcomes wanted. These temptations are real. We dance with danger rather than simply pushing it away. I do this. I keep giving air time to things that I need to rid in my life. 

Summary: The Lord's plan was the destruction of the Canaanites, but the people after Joshua let them remain and God agreed and kept them around, challenging the people to serve the Lord and not alternate gods or desires. 

Promise: Our land is filled with false gods and false worship practices, and if we are not careful, they can lead us astray. 

Prayer: God, I confess I often ignore your warnings like Israel did in times past. You have given me all I need and my hearts desire and yet I trade it often for something else. And in the process I suffer consequences and perhaps my children as well. I need to rather stay close to You and your ways. Get me right and give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, always. Get behind me Satan. 

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

Joshua 9 - Grace for the Gibeonites

Joshua 9

All the kings who were beyond the Jordan...gathered together with one accord to fight with Joshua and with Israel...They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”...Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live...they heard that they were neighbors and that they were living within their land...and the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders...“Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you are living within our land?"..."Because...we feared greatly for our lives because of you."...Thus he did to them, and delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel, and they did not kill them. 

Message: Grace for the Gibeonites

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying:

Thus far, my study of Joshua: After Moses' death, the Lord calls Joshua to lead Israel to the land of Canaan, promising to be with them every step of the way. The Lord encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he goes across the Jordan toward Canaan, remembering God's law, and being careful to follow it. Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan and possess Canaan. The people respond in obedience to his words. Joshua sends spies to Jericho and Rahab hides them, protects them and states her faith and belief in God and wants to be protected in the future from any wrath coming.  The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future. The Lord asks Joshua to have 12 stones brought from the Jordan to Gilgal for a memorial of God providing his people the means to cross the Jordan. The people of the land of Canaan are amazed at God's provision. The sons of Israel are circumcised and Passover is held for the 3rd time and then the manna ceases to be provided by God. Joshua encounters a man with a sword and realizes he is Lord and this man's servant, captain of the host of the Lord, who resides on holy ground. The Lord provides the fall of Jericho, a city where people do detestable things, sinning against the Lord and with a shout, the walls of Jericho fall. The people of Israel next go to Ai, but here they take in casualties due to one family disobeying God at Jericho and not being obedient to the Lord and ultimately their lives are taken. The Lord leads Joshua on the people back to Ai to conquer it, showing them a way to ambush the people, with the end result of the king of Ai being cursed, hanging on a tree. Joshua leads Israel to build an Altar at the Mount of Ebal, at Shechem as commanded previously, to worship the Lord, renewing our commitment to Him. 

Chapter 9 - Here we have a group of kings that surround the area where Joshua is at now, ready together to fight him. In verse 3, Gibeonites are on the scene. They would like to make a covenant with Joshua. Undoubtedly, they have heard about how the Lord has led Joshua and in the process kings have fallen, towns have been overtaken and the people killed and these people are obviously sensing what might happen to them. Israel had a need to make covenants with people outside of the land of Canaan, but 3 days later it is discovered they are not outside of Canaan but in fact are current neighbors to Israel, "living within their land." Joshua spares them. They had already made an oath to them (verse. 15) so despite the news they would not go back on their words and they would let them live, but they did receive a curse (verse 22). 

Summary: The Gibeonites are spared by Joshua and Israel despite deceiving but Joshua had already made a covenant promise with them. 

Promise: The Israelites were deceived because they did not ask counsel from the Lord (Joshua 9:14). 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be an honest person. Forgive me for my dishonesty and making it out often that I am someone I am not. Thank you for your grace that you show me each day. 

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

John 2:18-22 - The Temple of Jesus' Body

John 2:18-22

18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

Message: The Temple of Jesus' Body

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 continue to progress through these readings, it is interesting and worth noting the focus John is making on these texts and what He is sharing about Jesus. Again, he begins John 1 with going back and seeing Jesus before He was Jesus on this earth the way we know Him but with God at creation, creating and even testifying Him as God. Also as the Light, One, Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. John was his forerunner, preparing the Way. And as He came disciples began to follow and then He shows people He is Savior and He is different from anything that have seen before. God is with Him but He is distinct. 

And now John explains the response from the Jews at this day who want to see a sign of His authority. I suppose just asking the money changers and people selling in the temple was not enough. He let them know that they were not part of His father's business, so the Jews ask for a sign. Jesus responds instead with his next message about His body and that in 3 days it will be raised. But the Jews misunderstand and hear "temple" and think it is the literal man-made, bricks and mortar temple that took 46 years to build. (In fact, even during Jesus' days the temple was still being built and would not be completed till after his death and resurrection.) 

But Jesus was equating the temple with Him. He is the temple. He is the one to be worshipped. Another remarkable statement as the temple is likened to our body as well. But right now, looking at Jesus as the temple. The temple was the place to meet God, offer sacrifices, do the work of God. The old covenant tabernacle began then King Solomon supervised the building of the temple in Jerusalem with the temple similar to the design of the tabernacle. And so these Jews knew that changing the temple was significant. Jesus had shaken things up by cleansing the temple of those selling goods. And so Jesus as the temple (explained by John; spoken by Jesus, but clarified by John) meant that no more temples were needed. RC Sproul stated, "Christ is the temple, and all men are commanded to come to Him in order to worship and serve the one true God." 

Jesus speaks of 3 days. The number 3 is significant in scripture and as I study these passages I need to remember the significance of the number 3 and look for other examples of it. 

Summary: The final temple is Jesus, His body, that will bear our atonement for sin, once for all and then He will rise in 3 days. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "The only temple we should be looking forward to is the temple that is Christ’s body, which we will see in the new heaven and earth. The temple pointed to Christ and it is fulfilled in Christ and His church, so let us love Christ and His people."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I read your Words I can't help but have this sense of urgency for others to have the understanding of who You are and what you have said about You. Lord, I believe this is true and if it is, it changes lives. So change lives Lord and show me how I need to be involved. Thank you for this passage and for speaking the way You did and giving us clarity and understanding for who You are. Help me to speak these truths to others and show the clarity of Who you are. And will always be and who I am in Christ. 

Leviticus 8 - The Old Covenant Priesthood

Leviticus 8, specifically verses 12 and 13 - "Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him, to consecrate him. Next Moses had Aaron's sons come near and clothed them with tunics, and girded them with sashes, and bound caps on them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." 

Message: The Old Covenant Priesthood

Time: There is sufficient evidence that Moses penned Exodus and Leviticus including references to Leviticus by New Testament authors. Its name means "pertaining to the Levites" and its purpose was to instruct the Israelites on right living and proper worship. The most likely time for this is 1446 BC. The book communicates that receiving God’s forgiveness and acceptance should be followed by holy living and spiritual growth.

What the Lord is Saying: Our fundamental need of having a right relationship to our Creator - 

• Forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:21-26)
• Imputation of Christ's righteousness; justification (Romans 3:21-26)
• Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
• The Holy Spirit to regenerate us (John 3:1-8)

Our pathway to achieve these is having a mediator in order that we will be rightly related to God, approved by Him and accepted into His kingdom. It in Jesus that our sins are forgiven, that we are justified or made right with God and the Holy Spirit, who is God, regenerates us. 

In the Old Testament, the Messiah was anticipated and people in their daily lives saw a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah through the old covenant priest. The priest is mentioned often in the Old Testament as one who is set apart for service. The priest is commissioned via the anointing of oil, through offering sacrifice and even by receiving special clothing. Perhaps baptism, confession and being born again sets us apart today in these ways. The priest must be set apart because only he was able to enter the inner parts of the tabernacle to offer sacrifices to cover people's sins. The priest was the go-between man and God. And only the high priest could enter the holy of holies and once a year, the day of atonement.

The priest enabled the people to worship the Lord. And yet there was still this separation as ordinary people could not enter the Holy of Holies and the service of the priests was distinct or separate from other people's service to the Lord. 

Yet, it is important to recognize this history. This reminds me the importance of sin and it's seriousness in our lives and yet how we do not have the means on our own to be made right with God. We need someone else to provide this for us. In the old covenant, it was provided by the priest through sacrifices and entering into the holiest presence of God. Throughout the history man has not been able to absolve his own sins. He has needed someone else to do this. 

Summary: God has always provided a substitute and a mediator between God and man to reconcile us (Priests, Jesus). Man sins. God provides the way for righteousness. 

Promise: We have no need for earthly priests today. Christ is our mediator. We study the old covenant revelation to better understand the work of Christ. 

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for the consistency of Your Word and showing me the place of a mediator you have always provided to remove sin and make me righteous. It was a priest in Old Covenant time and it is Jesus today and for always. There is nothing that man does to make himself holy and yet you want us to be a people that obeys you because You are a God to be obeyed. You are Holy and we need to rightly obey You. Thank you for these lessons and reminders from your Word. 

Matthew 28:18-20 - The Institution of Baptism

Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Message: The Institution of Baptism

Time: The date of Matthew's composition is anywhere from 55-60 AD probably in Antioch of Syria, written by Matthew, the former tax collector, and one of the 12 disciples or apostles. The writing is most likely to the Jews. His purpose was to show them that Jesus of Nazareth was the expected messiah and both his genealogy and his resurrection were legitimate proofs of this.

What the Lord is Saying: During the Reformation, as the Protestants studied scripture they believed that the churches only sacraments are to be the Lord's Supper and Baptism. The defining factor was that they had been instituted by Christ. 

As Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven He spoke of the great commission, the giving of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people and in the process of seeing people coming to faith and becoming His disciples He stated that baptism should occur among people in the name of the triune God: Father, Son and Spirit. Therefore, churches today need to prioritize baptism and as we do this we need to be clear in it being in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. 

Baptism allows us time to teach of the importance of God in three persons. John Calvin comments on Matthew 28:18-20, "We perceive that God cannot be truly known, unless our faith distinctly conceived of Three Persons in one essence; and that the fruit and efficacy of baptism proceed form God the Father adopting us through His Son, and after having cleansed us from the pollutions of the flesh through the Spirit, creating us anew to righteousness." 

Also, the Greek word for baptism does not give mention of a specific mode for baptism - as such immersion, dipping, pouring, sprinkling, or any other means of applying water are lawful. 

In my life I have always been in churches that upheld immersion baptism. And this baptism often occurred at the request of the individual as part of their obedience. I think these churches believe this is the only way and I think this is fine to have these convictions. And yet it is also possible I think for others to have different convictions about other ways people are baptized. 

I was baptized after attending a Disciple Now (a weekend church retreat for youth in which 10-15 young people gathered in a person's home for bible study and fellowship) that occurred after I became a Christian in 1982. I think my baptism occurred in 1984 or 1985. I don't remember, but I remember who performed it: a man by the name of Jim Brooks who led a retreat I attended that weekend not far from my house. My regret in life was not letting my mother know that the baptism was occurring and she showed up for church after it had happened. That is one of many regrets I have in regards to my mom and my failure to include her and be included in her life. 

Summary: Baptism is commanded in Scripture following conversion and it is to be instituted in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, but the method can be any form with water over the person. 

Promise: If a baptism is not administered in the triune name of God, it is invalid. This is a new covenant baptism. 

Prayer: O Father God, you are Holy and good and true. Your Name is above all other names. You have given us baptism as a command. We witnessed you Jesus being baptized and now we are to do the same and also do it in the name of God, Son, and Spirit. Thank you for placing me in environments that have always prioritized this and I pray your Church would continue to uphold this. Work in me continually Lord to strengthen the Body of Christ and encourage this as well. 

Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices in Worship

Romans 12:1 

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

Message: Living Sacrifices in Worship

Time: Paul route to Rome, the city has never visited, from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57. The rights to a church that he believes needed to hear basic Gospel doctrine. The city was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idolatry. 

What the Lord is Saying:

One of the interesting subjects of the Bible is tying together the idea of sacrifices in the Old Testament to Jesus our eternal and permanent sacrifice in the New Testament. The idea has been mentioned before that the Old Testament in looking to Christ and now we are looking back. Yet, sacrifices were present and a part of worship, going to the temple, and atoning for sins. My brother recently in his Bible Study Fellowship lesson summarized the covenants for me. He said:

• The Abrahamic Covenant was unilateral and unconditional meaning God is going to bless no matter what. 
• Genesis 12:2-3 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 
• The Moses covenant is bilateral and conditional says, You do this and God will do that.
• Deuteronomy 4:1 - "Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you." 
• The Davidic Covenant is unilateral and unconditional which means God is going to bless no matter what. 
• 2 Samuel 7:12,16 -- "When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever."
• The New Covenant is unilateral and unconditional which means God is going to bless no matter what. 
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
• What these covenants show: 
• God desires to bring blessing. 
• People can't perfectly keep covenants. 
• God always keeps covenants. 
• Messiah Jesus fulfills covenants.

Though we do know sacrifices ceased under the New Covenant, there still is a little bit of mystery as to why the story was set up like it was - starting with Old Covenant sacrifices leading up to New Testament Jesus as the permanent sacrifice, once for all. It is a little hard for me to put together, the raising of animals, the killing of animals. It is probably harder to recognize today given the way we have been trained to treat animals and many of us still eat meat today and so sacrificing animals for our pallet continues today. 

But that idea also makes today's passage even more meaningful. In an animal sacrifice, the life of the animal is taken and removed and given completely to God. In the verse today it is mentioned - "to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice." This seems to take on the same idea as Galatians 5:24 -- "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." We remain living but we put to death our flesh, our bodies. The principle seems clear. The application seems a little difficult. Maybe I get caught up in how to do this completely. It is a surrender of myself and a surrender of to God to trust in what He provides. "All to Jesus I surrender" is the hymn. 

Leviticus 1:3 reminds me that the offering offered was without defect -- "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord."

Here is a great quote from St. Chrysostom (347-407) -- 

“How is the body to become a sacrifice? Let thine eye look upon no evil thing, and it hath become a sacrifice; let thy tongue speak nothing filthy, and it hath become an offering; let thy hand do no lawless deed, and it hath become a whole burnt offering. But this is not enough, we must do good works also; let the hand do alms, the mouth bless them that despitefully use us, and the ear find leisure evermore for the hearing of Scripture. For sacrifice can be made only of that which is clean; sacrifice is a first fruit of other actions. Let us, then, from our hands, and feet, and mouth, and all our other members, yield a first fruit unto God”

I love that quote because it puts the sacrifice to action. It changes our course and means that I make sure at all times my words and deeds glorify God.  

Summary: A living sacrifice in worship is to give God all of me, to give him my best and this means I turn from doing those things that don't honor him in any way. 

Promise: We must seek Him half-heartedly. Instead we are to give Him the very best of ourselves, not to atone for our sin or to merit our forgiveness but to thank Him for saving us, for giving us a purpose, and for calling us into service. 

Prayer: O God, I want to surrender to you today and give you all of me. Lord, make me clean to start so that as I go forward the slate is clean and I can be brand new in glorifying You and doing Your will. 

The Man Who Pioneered Faith - Abraham, The Friend of God, Charles Swindoll Bible Study Guide

The Man Who Pioneered Faith

This Abraham study is about him being a friend of God. And it begins talking of Abram as being a pioneer of faith. His life was one of faith and simplicity. Colossians 2:6 -- Therefore as you have received (by faith) Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (by faith). “Walk by faith, not by sight” the song goes. What does this look like? I trust Jesus Christ by faith. Faith is to trust or believe in God. This is simple and should be simple in our lives. Our lives begin in Christ with simplicity. 

I saw this text: Psalm 37:1-5: 

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Be not envious toward wrongdoers.

For they will wither quickly like the grass

And fade like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord and do good;

Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Let my life be about faith and living by faith and cultivating a life of faithfulness. 

Prayer: Oh Lord, I got started today on a journey with you and Abraham and his life to better understand you and better understand my life with You. I pray that my life is lived by faith. Help this to transcend me and in turn, help me to encourage others - here at home, online, everywhere. But I want to live by faith. And I want to know what this means each day to live a life by faith. 

The point is made that ‘faith expands understanding.’ God gave Abram promises - 

Now the Lord said to Abram,

“Go forth from your country,

And from your relatives

And from your father’s house,

To the land which I will show you; 

And I will make you a great nation,

And I will bless you,

And make your name great;

And so you shall be a blessing;

And I will bless those who bless you,

And the one who curses you I will curse.

And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” [Genesis 12:1-3]

Abram followed God before the promises seemed attainable. He followed. He loved the promise of land, but he loved more the promise of an heir. He didn’t know how it would occur as Sarai was barren. He thought it might be his servant that would be the heir, but God corrected him and said it would be “one who shall come forth from your own body.”

Prayer: Lord, I do want to follow You first. Not follow then wait for rewards. Let’s face it, you have already given me so much. 

Children follow - with a simplicity. Jesus made mention of this - “unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarah (“princess”) seem to have this type of faith - throughout their lives. They would have a son, Isaac (“he laughs”) after God promises to them. 

Q: In whom or in what are you placing your trust? 

• It is supposed to be ‘in God’ but it feels more likely that my trust wallows back and forth between wanting to be in God and more likely in His blessings. I wonder if that is the same thing. At times, it is, but am I only happy and content if I have what I need and want? If I am in want - am i still trusting? 

Q: And what kind of eternal dividend will that investment yield? 

• The eternal dividend of trust in God yields peace with God and life with Him. Heaven should not be a surprise but should echo the life I am living now toward God. 

The faith that Abraham displayed in offering his son as a burnt offering, only to be stopped by the angel of the Lord prior, is a faith that very few have duplicated. One is the appearance of an audible intercession by the Lord that I do not encounter today. The other is sometimes not feeling like I experience these kind of tests. But also Abraham, while following God, anticipated God to intercede - so he seemed to anticipate God interceding. 

Encoutering death is something Abraham did when Sarah died and then he prepared for his own death. 

Q: How would I respond if I was told I had very little time to live? 

• I would want my family to be prepared for my passing. To be ready to go on without me. 

Q: If this was my last day, how would I live it? 

• Saying goodbye to those I have loved and have loved me. 

The Life of Abraham - Genesis 11-25

11 - Terah is his Abram’s father; Abram takes Sarai as wife and they settle in Haran with Terah and Sarai

12:1-3 - Abrahamic Covenant - “a great nation, I will bless you, and all the families shall be blessed.” Abram departs from Haran (w/ Lot - his nephew) at age 75 - possibly in Southern Turkey and now Harran and arrives in Shechem - 14 hours drive south of Harran today; Lord “I will give you this land” and Abram built an altar, then he went to Mountain east of Bethel, then to Negev; then to Egypt.

12:11-20 Encounters Pharaoh and misleads him, saying Sarai (beautiful) is his sister, leading to the Lord striking plagues onto Pharaoh, and his men escorted them away; Pharaoh, tho he does not follow God knows the plagues are from God. 

13:1-14 - They leave Egypt (w/ Lot) to the Negev, b/w Bethel and AI - Lot and Abram each had lots of flocks, herds, tents and so they decide it is best to separate for the land cannot sustain them both - Lot goes east to Sodom (valley of Jordan); Abraham settled in Canaan

13:15-18 - Lord says, “Look, all that you see is for you and your descendants” and he went to Hebron and built an altar

14:1-12 - Lot is removed,  he and his possessions, from Sodom; Abram rescues Lot

14:17-24 king of Salem, Melchizedek, blesses Abram; Abram takes nothing in return

15:1-5 - Abram receives a message from God through a vision; Eliezer, his servant will not be his heir, but one born of him. Your descendants will be counted like the stars. 

15:6-11 - Abram believe in the Lord and He reckoned to him as righteousness

15:12-15 - Your descendants will be strangers, enslaved and oppressed 400 years, but God will judge the nation they serve and they will come out with many possessions; Abram will live a long life.

15:18 - Lord made a covenant with Abram - “i have given this land to your descandants”

16:2 - Sarai tells Abram to go into Hagar (maid) to obtain children, 10 years after living in Canaan

16:5 - strife exists now b/w Sarai and Hagar

16:9-12 - Angel says to Hagar, “Return to Sarai and submit to her and I will greatly multiple your descendants. Your child will be called Ishmael. He will live to the east.”

16:16 - Abram is 86

17:1 - Abram is 99

17:2-8 - The Lord gives covenants to Abram - “I will multiply you exceedingly” and “You shall be the father of a multitude of nations.” Your name is now Abraham which means father of a multitude. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful” and “I will make nations of you” and “kings shall come forth from you” and “everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants” and “I will give you and your descendants the land of Canaan” 

17:9-14 - The Lord says, “You shall keep My covenant”; “You shall be circumcised as a sign of the covenant” and this includes servants

17:15-27 - Sarai is now Sarah (princess) and I will give you a son by her and bless her and Abraham laughed as he wondered how this would happen to Sarah who is 90. Lord said, “his name will be Isaac and I will also establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” Ishmael will be blessed and made fruitful and become the father of 12 princes. BUT, my covenant will be with Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised himself, and all in his household.  

18:1-15 - Three appear before Abraham, thought to be 2 men and the Lord and Abraham prepares food for them. They are looking for Sarah to tell her that a son will be born to her at this time next year. Sarah laughs at this and then denies it for “Is anything too difficult for the Lord” is what is said

18:16-33 - Abraham intercedes for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and with God he sort of bargains for the fate of those in the city stating that if there are 50, then 40, then 30, then 20, even 10 righteous ones in all the city, then all the city will be spared. Before this God said that he is going their to decide the fate of those in the City. 

19:1-29 - 2 angels come to Sodom, and Lot welcomes them into his home, but the men of the City want those men in order to have relations with them. Lot pleads with them to not act in this evil manner, even offering his virgin daughters, but they insist. The angels intercede and strike these wicked men with blindness and then ask Lot to gather him and his family to spare them for the Lord has sent these men to destroy this city because of its wickedness. The angels say to Lot and his family to escape to the mountain, but Lot bargains with them and asks instead to go to the town of Zoar. Fire and brimstone then fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. After being told to not look back, Lot’s wife does indeed look back, and became a pillar of salt. It is said that God remembered Abraham in allowing Lot and his family to live.

19:30-38 - Lot’s daughters think that there are no men left to have children so they get their father drunk and lie with him in order to preserve the family. The first born gives birth to Moab (father of Moabites) and the younger to Ben-ammi (father of the sons of Ammon).

20 - Abraham goes to land of Negev, then to Gerar where he comes up king Abimelech and once again says Sarah is his sister. The Lord spoke to Abimelech and he called Abraham wondering why he would say this to him. Abraham thought there was no fear of God in this place and would kill him. Following this Abimelech gave Abraham sheep, oxen, male and female servants. Previously, having been made barren Abimelech’s wife because of this incident, Abraham intereceds for Abimelech and his wife and maids now bore children. 

21 - 3 things happen in this chapter. First, the birth of Isaac is mentioned and Sarah laughs because she and Abraham have bore children at an old age. Second, she sees Hagar, the mother of the child that was bore with Abraham and she wants Hagar to leave, stating that the offspring blessing is now reserved for Isaac. But the Lord says that while Hagar needs to leave, her offspring will still be blessed. So she leaves. Third, a treat is made between Abimelech and Abraham. Abimelech is the leader of the army and a covenant between him and Abraham is established. There is an episode of his servants seizing water from a well, but Abraham provides an offering for this it would seem to provide a sign that all is well between he and Abimelech. 

22 - This is the story of the offering of Isaac whereby God calls thim to make this offering. He must journey several days to the place of the offering, taking his son, a donkey and servants, and wood. The son wonders what the sacrifice will be and Isaac assures him that an offering will be provided. He leaves the servants once he arrives at the place and just as he is ready to slaughter his own son, God intercedes and perhaps Abraham hears the lesson that was needed hear - that Abraham is willing to forsake all for following the Lord. Immediately, a ram instead is provided for the sacrifice and Abraham builds an altar saying, “God will provide” and remains living in Beersheba. At the end fo the chapter, the offsprings of Abraham’s brothers is mentioned. 

23 - This chapter is about the burial place for Sarah, who has died at the age of 127. Abraham mourns for her, but spends time picking a burial place that is then promised to Abraham as a burial place. It is a cave.

24 - Abraham tells his servant where they are to go to find a wife for Isaac. After a long journey, and wanting to make a right decision, Abraham’s servant says that upon a woman coming who says to him, “Let down your jar that I may drink” will be the one. Immediately, Rachel appears and provides her jug for the servant to drink from. Rebekah had a brother Laban who provides a place to rest for Abraham’s servant. Rachel is a daughter of one of Abraham’s brothers - Nahor. Nahor hesitates in letting Rebekah go back with the servant, asking for her to stay 10 days, but then asks Rebekah and she says it is fine, so Rebekah then leaves and arrives at home and upon seeing Isaac in the field they are immediately wed. 

25 - After Sarah’s passing, Abraham takes another wife, Keturah and has more children. Abraham lived to the age of 175. Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave that I believe Sarah was also. 

Can I identify some of the struggles that Abraham faced? What is going on in my life right now and what struggles am I facing? 

Abraham: The life and times of Abraham is from age 75 to 175. Much of that is written about Abraham isn’t necessarily what he experiences but what others experience around him (Lot, Sarah, his servant) and besides this God bestows on Abram great gifts and providence. I suppose Abraham is challenged to listen to God and do what he says in offering his son Isaac. He also can’t believe that he can enter a town without lying. So he struggles with lying at times. He also sees his friends struggling and intercedes for them (christians living in Sodom and Gomorrah). He also has a wife that tells him to do a sin and he goes along with it.  

Me: So far my Christian life has been from 14 to 52. In that time one of the big things I’ve struggled with is anger. And I’ve also noticed I struggle with feeling a need to please others. And also feeling like I am never doing enough. In my walk with God, I often struggle wondering what more I can do. I feel that like God has provided me with alot and I’m not sure I’m taking care of others the way I need to do; so like Abraham what am I doing with the gifts He provides. The Lord will provide and does provide. I know I do good things and people tell me so, but still I wonder.  

Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The Covenant of Grace Fulfilled

Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Message: The Covenant of Grace Fulfilled

Time: The son of a priest from the small town of Anathoth in Judah, the prophet Jeremiah dictated prophecies from the Lord to his secretary, Baruch. He spoke to a people, though, that would not listen and his words have much emotion to them. Jeremiah’s ministry began when he was 20 years old, in 627 BC and ended sometime around 582 BC. Jeremiah prophesied in the final years of Judah before God’s people were exiled to Babylon.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I now transition in this study of grace from the Old Testament to the New Testament of the Bible, I see here in Jeremiah a prophecy from the Lord. He speaks of a covenant which they broke (v. 32) though God did not leave and stayed attached to His people (I was a husband to them). The Israelites had broken the old covenant and God would bring about a new covenant, namely the arrival of Jesus and Grace completely fulfilled. Sins will be forgiven and the people would know this. All people would know that this message of Grace is for them. And Jesus would get to the heart of the matter. He would expose the problem with duty, with the feeling of the day that we are justified by our works. He would show people over and over that believing in Him, having faith is what matters most. Here is the promise from God. All will be fulfilled in Jesus. Man would need this. He would need to see this visible God to show them the way.

God was all about making covenants with His people. These were almost like contracts with His people that He would fulfill His promises to them. In these covenants, presented to us in the Old Testament were responsibilities as well of man. As He made covenants, as God, He would fulfill His promises, but the people - His called ones - did not. But all covenants would end and culminate with this new covenant where the Lord will put My law within them. In essence the Laws before had required righteousness on the part of the people. Yes, God had called His people to His own, but He also gave them a law to follow. He provided a way for them, but He also asked them to respond. Thus, the experiment of man being righteous was over. Now righteousness would be imparted to them - written on their hearts.

This idea is summarized by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:3-6:

3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The law would move from stone to hearts. We went from being adequate to God making us adequate. Joseph Benson writes - "the law shows man his duty, the gospel brings the grace of regeneration, by which the heart of man is changed, and he is enabled to do his duty."

Tabletalk for this particular day and for this devotion records it like this:

the final aim of grace is not to set aside God’s law in every way. God’s saving grace is opposed to the law in the matter of justification—we are declared righteous by grace through the faith-imputation of Christ’s righteousness. But grace is not opposed to law in our sanctification. For by grace, God writes His law on our hearts, giving us the will to obey Him in order to thank Him for our great salvation, not to merit eternal life (Jer. 31:33).

The Law was really never meant to justify us. It was to remind us that we were incapable of never breaking a Law. In essence we should all be continually reminded that we are sinners. I find that those that are stuck on law abiding can also be stuck on the idea that they don't make mistakes. They are pleased with their law keeping, it would seem to me. But, when I go to worship at my church, I see a love towards God and Jesus' sacrifice that reminds me of how much we need a savior because our sins have been washed. I must remove duty from my thinking, from our thinking. And instead completely rely on Him. At times in church I wonder if I have that same exuberance for God. I've started holding my hands out just a little during the songs in order to sort of make myself somewhat prostrate before Him as I sing. It is small, but I don't want to raise my hands simply to be noticed, but I want it to be from my heart.

My life is often about duty and obedience. At times I need that to keep me on track, but I want to be more about Love and Devotion and dependence on God.

Promise: From Tabletalk - The process of God’s writing His law on our hearts begins in this life but is not completed until our glorification. Christians grow slowly but surely in their willingness to obey and to repent for even the smallest sins, and at Christ’s return, the covenant of grace will be consummated in a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Until then we pursue holiness, anticipating that great day to come.

Prayer: O Lord, wake me up. I want these truths to penetrate my entire being. I want to know and see the Law on my heart. Lord, I want to walk by your strength each day. Lord, I'm concerned for my work mates. I'm concerned that they don't know you - really know You. I can't help but stare at their lives, their reactions, their words. I'm concerned that their faith is about duty, about works, about showing up at church - and not being really changed by the resurrection, by Jesus. Lord, you are leading me right now to write out more clearly what I think the bridge needs to be. I'm thinking about that book the person at church introduced me to many years ago. Help me God to have the wherewithal to really commit to this. I don't want my days to be shallow.
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Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with the April devotional being about salvation by grace alone and how the Lord never fails to save the one whom He has purposed to save.