John 17:4-5 - Jesus Prays To Be Glorified

John 17:4-5

4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Message: Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

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: The Tabletalk reading for this lesson talks about how Jesus set aside or veiled his divinity on earth multiple times and that is why this speaks to the idea of Jesus being glorified. And so here when He speaks of asking the Father to glorify Himself He is asking God to allow His divine glory to be seen again. 

It was veiled as has fulfilled his mission to provide eternal life to the elect. Atonement is required with the human nature; humanity can suffer, but God cannot. 

Yesterday in Sunday School our teacher asked us to mention things in our faith that remain difficult to understand - and we mentioned many different things. This to me is one of them - understand how the divine nature and human nature work together with Jesus. How can he be both? And when was He both? Other questions were asked like free will and sovereignty. I also mentioned what is the age of accountability. There is also the problem of evil or suffering. 

But with this idea of a human nature and divine one. Could it be that most of Jesus' time on earth or all of it was according to His human nature? And perhaps it was the Father working through Him always even as He did divine things like walk on water or understand what a person is thinking or motivates that person. Even when healing was done, was it God manifesting Himself through Jesus or was Jesus acting according to His nature. So this idea that His divine nature was veiled or set aside does seem congruent. 

Back in John 13:31-32, I saw this idea of the glorification of Jesus for the first time here in John. I saw in that lesson multiple passages that speak of God's glory. And that Jesus was our opportunity to see God's glory. The purpose of our life is to glorify God. In verse 31, "Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him."" Jesus' mission is fulfilled. It mentions that "now" or not earlier, but now is the Son of Man glorified. 

In verse 4, Jesus prays to the Father, "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do." Jesus has been perfectly obedience on the earth. In the same way that I myself now live and act and seek to Glorify God on this earth, this is what Jesus did on the earth, in all He did, glorified God on the earth. 

Albert Barnes (1798-1870) states, "He had preached to the Jews; he had given them full proof that he was the Messiah; he had collected his disciples; he had taught them the nature of his religion; he had given them his parting counsel, and there was nothing remaining to be done but to return to God." Thus, he finished the work God had given Him to do. He speaks as if the work on the cross had already been doing because for Him it had been done. 

Verse 5 Jesus prays words to the Father, expressing or asking that God would glorify Himself, would return to Him the divine glory that He possessed with the Father when the world began. These are clear words of divinity and it makes sense that Islam would not accept these words. As it states in verse 5, "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." These words are incredible. And very similar to John 13:31, but adds that Jesus previously had this glory, but his role was probably different. Now His role is to be mediator between God and Man, providing our atonement on the cross. 

What great words of comfort these are and how they explain to me so much of God becoming a man, in order to be an earth mediator between God and man and bring people to eternal life. Yes, Jesus did it all. He came with authority and power, showing us the truth of the Gospel message of salvation and yet also showing us that a full life is in Christ, living in Christ - being born again, embracing the bread of life, the water of life, the temple of Jesus' body, our Great Shepherd who guides us. We are to embrace Jesus, be in Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus now prays that God's glory, which He possessed before the world was, would be returned to Him and that Glory would be with God the Father. 

Promise: Christ has to be glorified in His humanity in order to dwell before God's face as the incarnate Mediator. 

Prayer: O Father God, you are rich in mercy and love towards me. You have given me life, abundant life through the work of Jesus on this earth and His completion of being glorified in the cross at Calvary. You came to bring us all eternal life and living with You as our sustenance is how I am to live now. Thank you that I can experience God's acceptance because of the work You did. And thank you for bringing me alongside You. God, you are to be praised. You are to be glorified. 

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

Habakkuk 2:14 - The Coming Knowledge of God's Glory

Habakkuk 2:14 - “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Message: The Coming Knowledge of God's Glory

Time: Habakkuk is mentioned 2 times and we know little of him (could be a professionally trained prophet in Law of Moses and/or a priest involved in worship). He mentions the imminent Babylonian invasion which probably puts the time period as 609 - 598 BC, in Jehoiakim's reign. Chapters 1 and 2 is an extended dialogue between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk was frustrated, but he took out his frustrating in prayers.

What the Lord is Saying: Another way that God has shown who He is and His glory is through His creation. I've always loved Romans 1 and it's clarity on this subject from Romans 1:18-20: 

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 

Even as we look up to the sky and heaven we see God's glory. Psalm 19:1 - The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

It is beautiful and poetic statement that God made Himself evident to everyone in creation. I feel everyone knows faith and belief in God is important and then people either spending their time trying to find a substitute or embrace this. But everyone has some knowledge of God and His creation. 

Today's passage from Habakkuk mentions a future day or predicts a day when this knowledge of God and His glory will fill our earth, in the same way the waters cover the sea. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 

The context of today's passage from Habakkuk is referring to the judgment of God's enemies, which is Babylon and then the redemption of God's people, the Israelites, from exile. This redemption will reveal divine glory and marks how the entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. But in Isaiah 40-66 this rescue broadens to include a new heaven and earth. People will see glory when they see Jesus. 

Summary: Glory is seen by all people as creation testifies of the knowledge of God's Glory and is also seen as people turn their lives over to following Jesus.  

Promise: We are engaged in the greatest work possible are used by God to full prophecy when we seek to take the knowledge of God's glory in the gospel to all peoples. 

Prayer: Lord, I love to see how this world testifies of You, through creation, through people coming to know and follow You as Lord and every day as we look up and see the sky overhead and continue to discover more and more about this planet. It all points to You and it is an incredible picture of You. You are to be praised and glorified always. 

Exodus 35:30-35 - Equipped for Vocation

Exodus 35:30-35 - 30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Message: Equipped for Vocation

Time: Moses is the most likely author of this book. His education and early tradition make him the likely author and it says in Exodus 24:4 that he wrote what the Lord said. The title Exodus means departure of Israel from Egypt by the hand of God. The book covers 80 years, from 1526 to 1446 with the events at Mount Sinai. God fulfilling promises and his story of redemption are the central ideas. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Word of God is amazing to me. If it is true and I believe it is because my mind was formed by God to be a reasonable creature and in matters of living and belief, this is the only belief that makes sense. God is the author of all creation, but also of created things and the other of our lives in what we do. He works in us in the right way at the right time to equip us for the work of His kingdom. And yet as His people we can still get in the way of His great work. 

There are many ways we can serve our creator. I Corinthians 7:21-24 says, "Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called." And I Peter 2:9 speaks, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

The Lord calls us and the Lord equips us for the vocation He has called us into. Today's passage is a great example of this. I could restate this entire passage, but it is evident that the Spirit of God has given us ability. God has granted this to all people. Some recognize it and give Him glory of it and others do not but the reality is He has gifted every person. Some of are using the gifts selfishly, for their own glory, while others are giving God the glory and working in a way that honors Him. I think we need to not lose focus that God has gifted all people for we are all made in His image. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

The Exodus passage is so clear. I've never noticed it before. It is the Spirit of God that equips us with craftmanship, design, ability to cut and carve, to teach and filled us with every work. Praise God for His hand of providence not only in food but in knowing how to do what we do. Yes, he uses school to teach us and train us but ultimately our ability to even learn is defined by God. I am not a quick learner. It takes me time to dive in and I have great job in learning, but I must do it in my way, according to the way He has designed me. I thank Him for the gifts He has given me. I am blessed indeed. 

Summary: All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well. 

Promise: From Tabletalk - Even though God gifts us with particular talents for particular tasks, that does not mean we put in no effort to grow in those talents. We are stewards of the gifts God has given, and as good stewards, we should be striving continually to improve our skills for the sake of glorifying God in our vocations.

Prayer: O God, you are not only the giver of life, but you are the giver of all the skills and aptitudes and abilities we have in this life to live. Thank you O Great God for your great gifts and knitting us all in a way that is ultimately for our good. Continue to equip me and help me to be a good steward of that which you have given. 

Psalm 27:4 - The Beauty of Worship

Psalm 27:4 - One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. 

Message: The Beauty of Worship

Time: Psalms, a collection of lyrical poems, with multiple authors. David wrote 73 Psalms, though for 50 or so the author is unknown. Psalms means songs of praise. The writings span 1,000 years. They encourage us to praise God, illuminate the greatness of God, affirm His faithfulness in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His word. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

Wow, that is a great verse. That could be a life verse for me, to dwell with the Lord, in His house, to behold His beauty and meditate in His temple, on His words. And this is my plea to God, make me this my priority in life. Psalm 27. What a great Psalm. Verse 11 says "Teach me Thy Way, O Lord." 

As I continue to study and look at worship, according to Tabletalk this lesson is based upon sermons given by RC Sproul about "Recovering the Beauty of the Arts." Today's passage mentions "To behold the beauty of the Lord." But how do we see the beauty of the Lord when the Bible tells us that God is invisible (Hebrews 11:27 - 'Him who is unseen;' John 1:18 - 'No one has seen God at any time;' Colossians 1:15 - 'Jesus is the image of the invisible God;' I Timothy 6:16 - 'No man has seen or can see;' Note: I could not find verses from the Old Testament about God being invisible, but there are verses that say we can't see God like Exodus 33:20 - "No one can see God and live.")? 

The Old Testament speaks much about God's temple or his tabernacle. It seems to give the idea that our churches can be places that we build and craft with ornaments and decorations in order to see beauty and see the beauty of the Lord. Exodus 28 speaks of the priests attire. Exodus 31 talks of the tabernacle and its furnishings. One of my favorite verses in Romans 1 says in verse 20, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes...have been clearly seen through what has been made." The creation that we can see allows us to see God that we cannot see. 

I love to go walking in creation. The streets of my neighborhood are nice because I can see plants and trees planted and look up at the sky but when I go hiking everything that I see is his creation. And in this there is such beauty. And in the process I am often moved to worship. Right now, I look out my window and see the clouds rolling by with the sun coming over the mountain and it creates a beautiful picture of creation giving me wonderful colors in the sky. I see this and in way I am seeing the beauty of the Lord. 

Not all churches I think are beautiful. Some are ordinary or in a shopping mall. And simply being there together with others helps us experience God's presence. But many of our churches are beautiful places with high ceilings and stained glass radiating the light from outside and furniture that is distinct. In all of these places there is the beauty of the Lord. In all that is pleasing to our eye, there is beauty of the Lord. And therefore, there is beauty of worship. 

Summary: The beauty of the Lord is seeing what God has made in His creation but also in His temple and specified in people's attire. All of these colors help us to worship God. 

Promise: Pursue beauty and excellence in worship. Use our talents and spiritual gifts to create beauty. 

Prayer: Thank you for beauty God, for the beauty of creation which includes what you have planted and have provided with mountains, streams, rivers, water, trees, plants, flowers and what we can put in place in our churches through paintings and paint and furniture and then also in each other. I thank you for the wonder of my wife and her smile and her features. In all of these things I praise you God and I worship You. 

 

Romans 1:19-20 - Explaining the Phenomena

Romans 1:19-20
19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Message: Explaining the Phenomena

Time:  This book was probably written between 56 and 57 B.C. Paul was in Greece, probably Corinth when he wrote. It was sent to Gentile believers, but also believers with a strong Jewish element.

What the Lord is Saying:

The statement ‘Explaining the Phenomena’ was taken from the ancient philosopher Plato, who was speaking of the role science has in explaining the various things we see in the natural world. He said “save the phenomena” in the sense of saving their intelligibility. Plato wanted to discover those ideas that would explain the data that comes to us through our five senses.  This is what science does as it looks at cause and effect relationships to try to describe events of the natural world. [Just now I used the word ‘describe’ but as I have engaged with an atheist I believe he would instead use the word ‘define’ as I think he thinks this is what science does for us.]

Conversely, the Word of God declares in Romans 1:19-20 — that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse  — describes that the natural world also helps describe what can be known about God. God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen (though constantly ignored or denied) through what — God and Man — has made.

From Ligonier - "For example, God sends the rain, and rain is caused by the accumulation of water in the clouds. Each explanation is true—God is the primary cause of rain according to His sovereign decree, and the clouds produce rain according to their role as secondary causes within God’s plan."

Promise: When we see an apparent conflict between the Bible and science, either our understanding of the Bible is wrong, our understanding of science is wrong, or our understanding of both is wrong.

Prayer: Lord, help to see and enforce that science and theology can work together and they are both needed.


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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Genesis 2:19 - Science and Theology

Genesis 2:19
Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.

Message: Science and Theology

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I move now in this study away from straight doctrine and into application, I recognize that God is spirit and so I cannot see Him and these doctrines while true, are invisible to me, as He is. The basis of these studies is now on a RC Sproul series called Creation or Chaos and looks at the intersection of science and faith or science and providence. In many ways, I am seeing that the goal of the New Atheists is to pit science against faith and religion in hopes of maybe using that division to uphold science as king while belittling faith. But, in fact they are not at odds with one another. They work together and both have a similar ambition or goal.

Many people do not realize that some of the greatest scientific discoveries in history were made by Christians. Air quality, advancements in medicine, air conditioning, air travel -- these are all ways that science has impacted us. In this text today is also the work of taxonomy in naming and distinguishing every living creature. In addition, the promise to preserve the regularity of days gives us a basis for science. Genesis 8:22 - “While the earth remains,Seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Our day never changes though everything around us does.

Promise: God's revelation gives us a basis for science. Experiments can be repeated because the natural order has been preserved.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me that You are here and You are present. You are the creator of live, but You also preserve life. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Help me as a person to continue to exclaim this to others and make you known throughout the earth or at least in my sphere of influence.


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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Genesis 8:22 - Things that Fall Out Necessarily

Genesis 8:22
“While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease.”

Message: Things that Fall Out Necessarily

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying:

In light of the discussion of God's sovereignty, namely that there is nothing that the Lord does not determine and control, the result is a challenge from critics that there is not human freedom. Earlier this week, with the study of Governance of Small Things I brought this up and put forth the idea that: God knows our choices and the entire picture and in order to achieve His overarching outcomes ordains how all of these free will actions will work together for His glory. Now, as I come upon this study, it appears the same thing will be addressed by the Tabletalk writers on March 13, 2017 reading.

The writers state that Reformed thought speaks of a first and second cause in creation. Thus, God is not the only cause for events, but the first cause. He is the one that makes cause and effect even possible. Yes, there are secondary causes in God's decree. These secondary causes have real power to make things happen.

The Westminster Confession of Faith states in Question 5.2 - Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he orders them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.

Thus, there are three categories of secondary causes - means to God's ends: 1. Secondary causes that operate necessarily, 2. Secondary causes that operate freely, 3. Secondary causes that operate contingently.

Today, the focus is on things that fall out necessarily. Here the idea is physical laws cause things to happen by necessity. There are physical laws of our universe such as the law of gravity. Thus, there are not choices as to whether gravity will happen or not. But rather these laws mean that this is how objects work. A book falls off a shelf to the ground because of this law. The scientific community assists in helping us define these laws and their attributes. Thus, these laws are absolute - they happen no matter what. They are universal - they happen throughout the universe. They are stable - they do not change.

Genesis 8:22 speak of this - “While the earth remains, Seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” While the science community helps define how these laws work and acknowledge that they are there. The science community cannot say how these laws began. According to theology, God created these laws. And they shall not cease. 

Promise: Secondary causes are the reasons why we do science. We can predict the weather. We can harvest our food based upon a schedule of seasons. God works through them to sustain human life and the universe. God has provided through these laws.

Prayer: Lord, you are creator and definer of all that we see and do not see. There are invisible things in this creation that we trust and believe in each day and yet they are there because you ordained them and therefore they work in conjunction with your will. Lord, I pray that we would all recognize these laws in our lives and trust You for their provision.

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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Acts 17:26-27a - Providential Governance of Big Things

Acts 17:26-27a
and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him


Message: Providential Governance of Big Things

Time: Clearly written by Luke, this book follows the lives of Peter and then Paul after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book was completed about 62 AD as Paul sat in prison. It provides an account of the growth of the Church and spread from Jerusalem, from a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and it should help us to be bold and have zeal in our walks with God.

What the Lord is Saying:

This creation that he extends to us is a common grace, meaning it is common to everyone. Everyone in history benefits from His creation, no matter whether they acknowledge God as creator and Lord. Everyone needs His creation. Thus there is providential preservation. Everything that exists in creation exists only because He preserves its very being. Thus, when we talk about the God actively controlling all things that occur, this means that his created order is not simply of the past, but is now.

Another part of his providence, in addition to preservation is governance. He governs all his creatures and their actions. As I study history at various times, it is amazing to see that today we are not very far off from our history. There are events like the British Empire and Ottoman Empire that still affect us today. When we look at our thinking today it is often because of events from the sixties. I've looked at Roman Catholicism and people's thinking about the fact that Bible reading is reserved to bishops and this continues to affect life today. Thus, it seems clear that God has steered the course of human history. He allots specific periods for His purposes. This may mean that he allows earthly powers according to His good pleasure. We like to however think that as time goes on we develop and progress and evolve in the strongest manner, but in actuality the events of our times are still steered by God. 

The verse from Acts today states in 17:26-27 that He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. Many in this nation are appalled at the leaders of our nations and what they are doing. Yet, this isn't here by accident. 

This is interesting as I think also about the power of prayer. When I pray, what I am asking God to do is steer things in a certain direction. I am asking Him to change direction. But, sometimes I wonder if what I am getting out of this is the idea to trust Him for how He has steered things. 

Additional verses are:

• Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
• Matthew 10:29-30 - Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

To think that the actions of a sparrow are from the Father and he knows the numbers of hairs on our head which means he knows when they are on our head and when they have fallen out. Thus, His knowledge of us is complete. 

Promise: Nations do not rise and fall by their own design but succeed and fail only according to the Lord's will. God will preserve His people through all the storms of life and this includes the governments and powers we are under. 

Prayer: Lord, as I continue to learn that your providence now is governed, that the events of life are determined for a reason, I see that events of life are steered by You. You order things for your good purpose. I admit my struggle is finding purpose in these events. 

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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Matthew 5:45b - Providence and Common Grace

Matthew 5:45b
for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Message: Providence and Common Grace

Time: The date of Matthew's composition is anywhere from 55-60 AD probably in Antioch of Syria. 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:

The Sovereignty of God acknowledges that God actively controls all things that occurs in His creation. God is creator and He has planned all things and they take place as He has planned. He is independent of creation and Lord over it. God has existed for eternity while everything else has a beginning. God is also active. He did not simply wind a clock up but He is active each day in His creation and thus He is providential. Our existence today needs God right now. We need God for our world to exist today. We are all dependent on one another.

He sustains us out of his grace. Grace is providing something to someone that they neither earned or can pay back. When a homeless person on the street asks you for money, you are being gracious in giving him money. He does nothing to earn it and won't be paying it back. You are freely giving him what is yours and making it his. This is how God has exhibited his love toward us. He could act in any way he wanted, but He chose to give us freely what we need.

While some people will call God Lord and some with call Him a liar, everyone receives His creation. We all live in this creation and enjoy its benefits. Thus, His grace is common to all. The verse today echoes this idea for He causes His Sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Saving grace provides salvation only to the elect of God, but common grace is open to everyone. Common grace does not distinguish, does not discriminate.

Some time ago I was looking at His creation or the natural revelation that has been given to us. One of my favorite verses is Romans 1:19-20 - that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Everyone can see God because everyone can see His creation. Everyone can see His power and His nature. The benefits of His creation are common to all.

While grace is common to all, there is a special grace of salvation to all in Jesus providing us His son for salvation.

Promise: God's common grace reminds us that as creatures we are undeserving even of our very existence.

Prayer: Lord, you are sovereign over all. You are active. You are present with me right now and you are present in this world. I need you every day. Each day you create and each day you sustain this world. We like to think we are in charge, but God you are in charge of all. Thank you for your creation that I have before me each day. Thank you for making it the way you have, for the people that I see each day, for creating them. Lord, re-train mankind to know you and draw people to yourself. I pray the good news of your salvation is more clearly seen in people each day.


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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Nehemiah 9:6 - Providential Preservation

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the Lord.
You have made the heavens,
The heaven of heavens with all their host,
The earth and all that is on it,
The seas and all that is in them.
You give life to all of them
And the heavenly host bows down before You.

Message: Providential Preservation

Time: Nehemiah is the author and written from a first-person perspective. We meet him as an adult serving in the Persian royal court as the personal cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. It opens in the Persian city of Susa in the year 444 BC and concludes around 430 BC. Most of the book centers on events in Jerusalem. He was a layman not a priest and his life is a study on leadership. He gave God the credit for his successes.

What the Lord is Saying:

Sovereignty is the doctrine that God controls all that occurs in His creation. God works all things according to the counsel of His will. All things take place as He has planned, decreed, or ordained them. The way that God works all things is in the works of creation and providence (Westminster Shorter Catechism 8). He created the heavens and the earth. He created all things out of nothing. We are His creation.

In addition to His creation God provides. Nothing happens by chance. Often in life, we use the word providing to denote things that we like that we receive. We have no problem receiving good things in life, but the notion that God provides the uncomfortable situations, the difficulties, the trials of life seems absent from our thinking for why would suffering be at the hand of God? Yet, we can see multiple times how trials teach us about ourselves and also about our need to trust God.

Again going back to WSC 11 we see that God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. Thus, the divine work of providence can be divided into divine preservation and divine governance.

To say that there is divine preservation is to record the idea that He sustains the existence of all created things. In essence, we need each other. Everything we see is His creation - nature, animals, land, sea. They all testify of who He is and yet they are all here to support one another. We need creation to live and sustain life. We need the food from creation to support one another and the animals. The sun lights our days. All of creation is dependent on one another and so God preserves it all for us, for His purposes.

Creation also cannot exist apart from God. Nehemiah 9:6 states - You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them. God gives life to all of them. Evolution and atheism try so hard to show that their is no life-giver, no one that sustains life, but rather life evolves and remains on its own. Yet, to me, it seems that his creation order gives this impression. The continual regeneration of one form to another is seen, but the mystery remains often why one form ends and when it does. We praise God for new life, for beginnings, but we often don't for ends.

Psalm 145:15-16 records - The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. We sit at the table and thank God for the food He has given, for the shelter he has provided, for the job he has given, for the clothes we have on our backs - we want to remain thankful to him. There is danger in thinking this providence comes about because of our hard work alone.

Promise: As Martin Luther states, whatever "is in heaven and upon the earth, is daily given preserved, and kept for us by God"; thus, "it is our duty to love, praise, and thank Him for it without ceasing."

Prayer: Lord, as I take the time to examine creation, it reminds me Lord that You are creator. Lord, I see again that You provide everything that I see. Forgive me for thinking often that I am in control of outcomes. What a danger I have in my life to see what I produce and want to give myself the glory. Keep my eyes looking to You. Thank you for the earth and all that is in it. You give life to all that we see. You are giver and taker, but always for your purpose. We need you to carry on life. I need to keep returning to You in all things because I get so easily distracted.


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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Genesis 1:1 - God's Decree and Creation

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Message: God's Decree and Creation

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying:

God is sovereign which is defined as God actively controlling all things in His creation. He is active today, right now, in working out all things and to work them out according to His will. God has a perfect plan and purpose for all things. He is working from what we know was the beginning of the heavens and earth, up to now and then after now, throughout the history of time. He created time.

The eternal decree of God means that God has planned or decreed all things and this means that things take place as He has planned, decreed, or ordained them.

In the beginning God created all things out of nothing. Only God is eternal - everything else has a beginning. He began creation. He did not combine elements, but he spoke creation into existence. Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 

Everyone agrees that all of life has a beginning. Granted there are some which believe the material world has always existed (dualism), but for the most part even those that are not religious or atheistic believe that the world at one point began. Thus, we know that all that we know begins. Life begins at conception. Trees and gardens begin from a seed. Every man made object of life had a beginning. The created order is everywhere present in our lives. We simply differ on what caused this creation to occur.

It is not complicated. It is not difficult. We often make it complicated and difficult because we struggle defining it as simple.

Promise: God created and His creation is to be enjoyed.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating everything I see and creating it the way that You have. My body amazes me the way You have formed it. Lord, your plan is perfect and there is order by what You have done. Thank you for being eternal and set apart. Lord, I want to continue to testify of You and what You have done.


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 March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Isaiah 55:12 - Personification, Hyperbole, and Metaphor

Isaiah 55:12
“For you will go out with joy
And be led forth with peace;
The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Message: Personification, Hyperbole, and Metaphor

Time: Isaiah prophesied from 739–681 BC to a nation that had turned a deaf ear to the Lord. He wanted to see the nation of Judah return to serving God with humility and love for their neighbors. But he was called to pronounce judgments to on a people offering meaningless sacrifices in the Temple and committing injustices throughout the nation. It provides the most prophetic picture of Jesus in the entire Old Testament.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I spend this time talking about interpreting the Bible literally, I think about the language that is used in the Bible and the different types that are present. Yesterday, I looked an non-literary language or the idea that words sometimes have more than just their basic dictionary meeting and sometimes words mean something a little different from the literary definition. For some this can be confusing and cause people to think about texts in a different way. The Bible, if read incorrectly, can become different in its meaning.

The words of 2 Timothy 2:15 speak - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. This is my desire, to accurately handle the word of Truth -- God's word. As I do this, I can be confident in the work I do each day to further the gospel.

Three more literary devices are examined today.

Personification uses personal characteristics for impersonal things. Society calls nature, Mother - as in Mother Nature. People refer to their cars as "he" or "she." Here in Isaiah 55:12 it says that the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah uses these words to help communicate the great joy that will result when God's people return to Him. These words are also found in Psalm 98:8 - Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy. The deliverance of God's people yields a joy that is all over creation. It is all encompassing as it even effects objects that have no voices.

Hyperbole is the use of intentional exaggeration to make a point. This is not deception but again helping to provide a picture of what a person is feeling at a given time. I will often say that I am hungry enough to eat a horse. I am not saying that I am actually going to eat a horse, but if I did, a horse represents a lot of food and I am simply stressing my hunger. When Jesus gave the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32 he used this type of hyperbole. He talks about the mustard seed in a garden and when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches. He calls it smaller than all of the other seeds. But it isn't the smallest seed. He is showing that the kingdom of God starts out small as to almost invisible but then grows into a large realm. The gospel starts with a small group of men and we have now seen it grow and multiply across our world. God can take things that are little and multiply them. He has done this with this blog for he has built a community of people that encourage one another as they read the Jesus Calling devotional each day.

Metaphor is used by writers to designate one thing in order to designate another. Jesus says in John 10:7 - Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. Is Jesus literally a door? Is Jesus literally a light? No, but he uses these metaphors to help describe the entryway he is into our lives. Jesus often uses this door metaphor as described by John. In Revelation 3:20 he says, Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. This explains to us that as we open the door or the window of our hear or our lives to God, he comes in. He enters into our lives and takes up a sort of ownership in our life. And into the kingdom there is only one door or only one entryway.

Promise: We should call attention to the different uses of language in the Bible that is used to help us better understand what it is saying.

Praying: Lord, thank you again for the clarity of Your Word and the way you speak and encourage me through language. Lord, in some ways we speak in a funny way, but we speak in order to communicate in a effective manner and help people understand. Lord, remove the blinders on people who think that You must fit into a box and only communicate in one way. Help people to see the truth of your message. Lord, you are true and complete. I pray that this language would help draw people closer to You.


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 February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Romans 1:18-32 - The Limits of Natural Revelation

Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Message: The Limits of Natural Revelation

Time: Paul probably wrote Romans between A.D. 57-58 while he was at Corinth in the home of his friend and convert Gaius. He planned to go first to Jerusalem to deliver a gift of money from the Gentile churches to the poor in Jerusalem. Then he hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain. His hopes were later realized, but not as he had expected. When he finally arrived in Rome in early A.D. 60, he was a prisoner under house arrest (Acts 28:11-31).

What the Lord is Saying:

Paul here in these verses records the beliefs very often of those who don't believe. God is made himself evident within themselves. Each person has a knowledge of God within him. However those that did not honor Him as God or give thanks basically are fools - they are futile in their speculations, their foolish heart is darkened, they profess to be wise. Is this not the state of affair of the atheist? Does not God's word reveal the nature of the fallen person? God's revelation of himself through creation or natural revelation is meant to help people see the truth of themselves.

The Gospel is about each person recognizing themselves as a sinner, in need of God. The atheists today don't make it about themselves but instead confront God. They ridicule God and ridicule people that worship God. They make it laughable that anyone would worship the God of the Bible.

Their creator is not God, their creator is man. They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.This is the problem with man. They replace the God of the Bible with man, teaching that man evolves from man, from birds, from beast. This is what they worship. God has provided natural revelation but people instead choose natural selection. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.

Romans 1 has always been an interesting text to me because it so clearly testifies of the person walking around the earth today. It was written 1930 years ago and yet it seems to be have written today. As Ecclesiastes says - there is nothing new under the sun. History repeats itself. This was a problem in Paul's day and nothing has changed it is a problem in our day. It simply speaks of the position of mankind. Chapter 2 of Romans will talk about the individual. Romans 1-3 Paul explains that the point of the natural revelation is to show people truth about the Lord so that they can see the truth about themselves - that they are sinners (For all have sinned and fallen short) in need of salvation (justification is a gift by His grace). The crazy thing about justification is that it isn't earned, it is simply recognized. Can people see the truth about themselves?

These texts never bore me. The key here though is something I don't think I've put together before and that is while nature reveals to people the truth of God as creator, each person must still see the truth of themselves as sinners in need of this God that has been revealed. Nature does not teach this. Our conscience does. God's revelation to man obviously does and this happens clearly through scripture.

Promise: Most people will not be saved only by looking at natural revelation. The Gospel must be preached: Repent and believe.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the truth of your Word. Your word is truth. Thank you for the revelation You have given me. I'm truly amazed. Now help me to show others that revelation. I'm a sinner and too often I don't share it as life is caught up in other ideals, other gods, other forms of idolatry. Thank you for your creation and the testimony it gives of you. May it lead people to realize their condition, their way apart from you. Lord, I pray that the message of repentance and belief would shine in this world. Help me to be an ambassador, a spokes person for you. I can do it because of You in me.

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 February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Genesis 1:1-2 - The Trinity and Creation

Genesis 1:1-2
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

Message: The Trinity and Creation

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying:

The story of the Gospel is one of being redeemed. I have just finished reading a book called, What is the Gospel? and it was a nice summary statement of the meaning of the Gospel and at its core it is a story of God redeeming people. But people also understand that they need to be redeemed and therefore, they desire to Glorify God following that redemption. Thus the gospel is lost, found, believe, change. It is unfortunate that a book like this needs to be written, but people and the church have somewhat muddied the waters as to what is salvation and so we need to be reminded again what it is that sits at the foundation of our faith.

The Gospel has a beginning - In the beginning God. For one, it is clear that God is beginning. God begins all. Thus, God is already on the scene at the beginning. It is not that God was created, but He already existed and for man the first act we know is God created. The Gospel and the World matter because God created, otherwise we might as well subscribe to the idea that the world just came on the scene for an unknown reason, by itself. God created the heavens and the earth. 

The Gospel writer John also shows that Jesus was with God in the beginning and as such was God eternal: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word or the Son or Jesus was on the scene at the same time of creation, thus Jesus pre-existed creation.

At the time of the creation the Spirit of God was also present. Verse 2 says the earth was formless and void and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. The Spirit of God was over the waters, waiting and ready to minister to the creation. Yesterday in the reading of John 14:26 was the description of the Spirit of God's work He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. The Spirit of God is ready to be in our lives. God is active and present and ready for His creation.

Any act of God involves all three persons of the Godhead. That doesn't mean that we always read them being on the scene and at times, one may be emphasized over the other(s). Thus, there is a co-working of the three persons of the Godhead and this doctrine is known as inseparable operations. Thus, the three are not cooperating. The eternal operations of God proceed from Father, through the Son, in the Spirit.

There is a unity here in the description of even the work of God. These states of America have been often on a roller coaster of unity. I don't think one could say that right now we are a people united. Instead there is fear, anxiety, distrust, and division. And as such our nation is less and less about God.

Purpose: All three persons of the Trinity work in tandem for one common purpose. Thus, the people of God are to strive for unity.

Prayer: O Lord God, I come to you and thank you for being creator of all. You are perfect and over all. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of unity. How we are a people in need of unity. We are stubborn and divided. We all want peace but we are striving on our own rather than submitting to You first God. Return us to the joy of our salvation. Help me to be defined by unity and embrace the understanding of you God and how you proceeded from the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit. Help me to voice clarity of who you are. I do not want to be ashamed, but instead want to make you known at all times. Forgive me for fear in sharing, my own selfishness. Forgive me God for these things. I want to start anew, afresh with You as Lord and God.


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 January being about the doctrine of God.

John 1:1-18 - God the Son

John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Message: God the Son

Time: While John does not admit to have written this gospel, there is ample evidence from others that he did. It was most likely written in Ephesus around 85-95 AD and is the fourth gospel. John provides a Jesus more clearly as the Son of God. John cites Jesus' seven "I Am" statements, mentions many miracles of Jesus, signifying Him as God's Son. He is the Son of Man and atoned for our sins and the Son of God with eternal implications in rising from the dead.

What the Lord is Saying:

This book opens up not with the story of the nativity scene. Like the Book of Mark, Jesus comes on the scene immediately, but John also takes us back to creation showing that Jesus is not a created one, but was in the beginning as creator and in the beginning with God. This is a text that some beliefs have changed the meaning of as it clearly shows Jesus as God (the Word was God) while those beliefs make it to read Jesus was a god.

John came to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus to get people ready in the belief that Jesus is the Light, sent from God, to witness of Him. It was true that some received Him and some did not. But to receive Him meant that they to would be children of God.

While the Law was duty and keeping commandments, Jesus was about grace and truth. The biblical narrative has always been about redemption. God has redeemed His people. They walk away or turn away and He brings them back. He restores His relationship with them. But, not all believe.

Jesus is God and there are many other examples of this throughout the scripture and gospel writings. For example, Mark 2:1-12 records Jesus claiming the authority to forgive sins. Even in Jude 5, Jesus saved a people out of the land of Egypt. The Old Testament attributes this to Yahweh but Jude attributes it to Jesus. He was God and was with God. While coming to live and walk the earth alongside us Jesus came to redeem and save people. God is still in the work of redemption.

Promise: Only those with hardened hearts ill deny that the Bible reveals Jesus as the Lord God Almighty, worthy of all our love and worship.

Prayer: O God, thank you for redeeming mankind, for continually bridging the gap. Our effort to come to You remain efforts but our attempts our always not sufficient, but you came to earth and saved us. I receive You and want to always receive You. Forgive me when I get to prideful and too concerned with my own name and ways and don't receive You. Thank you for bearing my sin and saving me. Thank you for being the light for all the world. I pray that people would continue to seek You and desire to know you. Help me to communicate that love to others in as many ways as I can.



Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with January being about the doctrine of God.

Mark 16:14-15 - Commissioning the Disciples

Mark 16:14-15
14 Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Message: Commissioning the Disciples

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 has risen from the dead on the first day of the week, Sunday, after being crucified on Friday following his arrest and seemingly conviction for rightfully being King of the Jews. The news of his resurrection was given first to 3 women and then he appeared for the first time to Mary Magdalene, followed by 2 of the disciples, however after hearing from these individuals, people are not believing that Jesus has in fact raised from the dead.

Between verse 13 and 14 is another appearance of Jesus to his disciples - Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining. Jesus is appearing to them in the evening now of Sunday, the first day of the week. The disciples are now known as the eleven as Judas, the 12th, has killed himself following him betraying Jesus. But, it is said that Thomas is not even with them at this time, but still the group is referred to as the Eleven. They were reclining at the table and eating when He appeared to them.

and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. Jesus confronts their unbelief, their stubbornness in not believing despite His appearance to others. It is a situation that remains true to this day as many will not believe unless they see Him or have some sort of visible proof. They are not willing to take the Words of other witnesses. But, this is important for us today as well for we are believing now based upon the testimony of others. However, his focus is not on the evidence, but rather the condition of their hearts. They begin with a hardness of heart so that the evidence does not even matter, whatever the evidence may be. This is the problem with a hardened heart as it makes a decision even before the evidence is presented.

Yet despite this unbelief, it is them that he tasks to go into all the world and preach. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." On the surface this seems surprising. Today, wouldn't we look for the most qualified individuals prior to giving them this task. All to often this is how we choose people today, based upon their resume's and past performances, but Jesus then commissions these men that throughout His ministry have shown over and over that they are not the most qualified. Could this be because man's position is not what is important, but God's position and His mission will always save lives. So Jesus gives them the task despite their hardness of heart. He rebukes them, but then commissions them. One note is that Mark is always careful to show the failures of the disciples. He is often more interested in how people responded to Jesus rather than Jesus' message itself.

Summary - After speaking to Mary Magdalene and others on the road (perhaps disciples) he comes back to his original disciples (less Judas who is deceased) and reproaches them for their unbelief and for not even looking at the evidence, but first having a hardness of heart. Yet despite this denial of Him, He tasks them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. They are still the one's that He will use.

Promise: Past failures do not mean that we cannot be used of God today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for using the undeserved. You show me continually that You can work through any person. Help me to not be so caught up in qualifications that I miss the work that You are doing. Help my unbelief and thinking a certain way before the evidence is presented. Help me to have an open-mind.

Mark 13:14-20 - An Abomination in the Temple

Mark 13:14-20
14 “But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.15 The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; 16 and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 But pray that it may not happen in the winter. 19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

Message: An Abomination in the Temple

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 has been delivering what is known as the Olivet discourse, predicting the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and talking about the events that will occur leading up to this. He says to be careful (be on your guard) for many will come in His name saying, "I am (he)." Don't be led astray. You will be delivered over to governors and beaten in synagogues but keep proclaiming the name of Jesus. Your family will turn against you but faith is not a momentary change but a lifelong commitment to Jesus so endure to the end to welcome your salvation.

From Tabletalk of October 7, 2016 - In AD 70 the Roman general Titus invaded Jerusalem to crush a Jewish revolt, entered the temple, had the building destroyed, and carried off the lampstand and other temple artifacts to Rome. Thus, this seems to be the prophecy event that Jesus was talking about. Thus, Jesus tells the Jews to flee once this occurs. Josephus, the Jewish historian reports that the Jewish Christians in Judea heeded Jesus' warning. When the city and temple fell, more than one million Jews died. But Jewish Christians, by and large, were not among them, for they had already fled the city when they saw the Romans coming.

Jesus gives these warnings upon this abomination occurring:

- those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains
- The one who is on the housetop must not go down, 
- The one who is on the housetop must not get anything out of his house
- the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 
- woe to those who are pregnant, pray it may not happen in the winter
- woe to those who are nursing babies in those days, pray that it may not happen in the winter. 

19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. God has determined that the period of vengeance is shorter than what is deserved.

Summary - This message is for those people at that time. Destruction will come to Jerusalem and they are to listen to God's warnings and heed what He says. History shows that they did in fact do this and the Jewish Christians lives were spared.

Promise: Bad things will happen to even the Lord's houses. People can be corrupted but we can be on the guard nevertheless at all times. We need to listen to what the Lord is telling us.

Prayer: Lord, you speak to Your People and You give us warnings. Lord, I pray that as you speak I would listen. It is true, I'd rather see it written on a page before me but you Holy Spirit do speak to in our lives. Thank you for saving your people and rescuing them and saving me and rescuing me.

Proverbs 30:26-28 - Wise Badgers, Locusts, and Lizards

Proverbs 30:26-28

²⁶ The shephanim (badgers) are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in the rocks;
²⁷ The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks;
²⁸ The lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.

Message: Wise Badgers, Locusts, and Lizards

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: The small creatures continue to be exemplified here in these 3 verses. The text looks at the badgers, the locusts, and lizards. Badgers are not mighty and yet they build their house out of rocks in order to protect themselves and appear mighty, locusts have no king or ruler  and yet they all go out in ranks like someone is leading them, lizards can be picked up easily by human hands and yet they are found often among people.

Overall, I believe this to be another reminder of what God has ordained and what he plans ahead of time for his people (including animals).

This is from Tabletalk of October 16, 2015:

• Rock badgers (v. 26) are small creatures about the size of a hare. They live among the rocks surrounding the Dead Sea and in other rocky locales in Palestine and Syria. God has specifically designed them for this habitat. Ordinarily, their small size would make them quite vulnerable to predators, but their clawed, almost weblike feet and footpads enable them to scurry about the rocks with ease, hiding in holes and small caves that are inaccessible to larger creatures that might want to make these badgers their food. Since the Bible often compares God to a rock for His people, the lesson seems to be that the only shelter we can find from our enemies is in the Lord Himself. In light of the great obstacles we face in the world, the flesh, and the devil, we are exposed and defenseless if we rely on ourselves. Yet if we take shelter in the Rock who is higher than we are we will find protection from all that seeks to destroy us. 
• Locusts (v. 27) can form vast swarms that wreak incredible havoc and destruction in a matter of minutes. Such a feat is incredible when, according to the naked eye at least, we cannot find a king or other leader among these insects. Clearly, each individual locust knows its places and is content to do the task for which it was created. Such discipline prevents jockeying over position that would make the formation of locust swarms impossible. The parallel lesson for us is to be content with where the Lord has placed us and to avoid the jealousy of other people's gifts and positions that can cause destruction. After all, if the locusts can be so successful because they are happy to be where God has placed them and they have no king, how much more successful will we be under the kingship of Christ if we are content where we are? 
• Lizards (v. 28) are reptiles so small that we can easily hold them in our hands, yet their ability to stick to walls means that no place is off limits to them, not even the kings palace. Those who live by God's wisdom will go far in life, and those who trust in Christ, who the wisdom of God will dwell in the Lord's heavenly places forever. 

Promise: If I am content where God has placed me and happy to be under his leadership, then I will enjoy success both now and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be content in all situations. Forgive me for my discontent and feeling like I need more or something better. Help me to learn to stay where I am and encourage others as well in this. Thank you for your abundant providence in bringing me where I am at right now.

Psalm 102:15-28 - God Unchanging

Psalm 102:15-28
¹⁵ So the nations will fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth Your glory.
¹⁶ For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
¹⁷ He has regarded the prayer of the destitute and has not despised their prayer.

¹⁸ This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
¹⁹ For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the Lord gazed upon the earth,
²⁰ To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to set free those who were doomed to death,
²¹ That men may tell of the name of the Lord in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem,
²² When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.

²³ He has weakened my strength in the way; He has shortened my days.
²⁴ I say, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days, your years are throughout all generations.
²⁵ “Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
²⁶ “Even they will perish, but You endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing You will change them and they will be changed.
²⁷ “But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.
²⁸ “The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.”

Message: God Unchanging

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Yesterday I looked at this idea that is presented here where the Psalmist is asking God to intervene in his/her life. He doesn't understand what is going on his life. His enemies have reproached him all day long (v. 8). He is in distress (v. 2) and his bones are groaning (v. 5). He resembles now a lonely bird sitting on top of a housetop (v. 7). He is obviously experiencing pain. It could be an ailment, a sickness, a feeling of despair, losing a relationship, or a family member. I do not know the cause of the pain, only the pain. But even with all of that pain, there is the proclamation that God is there. You, Lord, abide forever (v. 12).

Now we shift to the nations will fear the name of the Lord to describe not only the writer praising God, but now the entire nation. And the language further shifts to shouts of praise remarking that the Lord has regarded the destitute, listening to their prayer. God is present. He hears us. The Lord will be praised over and over, not only in this generation, but for the generation to come. 

He hears us. He knows the pain that we are experiencing. And he is not simply in the hearing business, but he is in the business of saving those doomed to death. That is the condition of each of us. Apart from Christ, we are all doomed to death, to the grave, never to rise again. But God saves man and man in turn may tell of the name of the Lord throughout the land in which he lives. All of us are gathered together...to serve the Lord. We praise His name, we witness His redemption, and we spread His Name, serving the Lord as we go.  

He is the creator, the giver of life, the creator of this world. And even beyond what we can see it is the work of His hands. He is all we need. He endures. You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end. And then the promise of Abraham is continued as the children of Your servants will continue. 


Promise: Our stability is only in God. God is our rock, strong and stable. But God cannot be changed. He is fully dependable.

Prayer:O God, thank you for remaining the same and always being there. You are the creator and the sustainer of life. All centers on you. I praise Your name for all that you do. All the events of life surrender to You. Help me always to return to You and thank you for your grace. As hard times come, keep my eyes on You, trusting in You, bearing this present life. Thank you Lord for Your love.

Proverbs 8:22-36 - God's Greater Wisdom

Proverbs 8:22-36

²² “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old.
²³ “From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.
²⁴ “When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
²⁵ “Before the mountains were settled, before the hills I was brought forth;
²⁶ While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, nor the first dust of the world.
²⁷ “When He established the heavens, I was there, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
²⁸ When He made firm the skies above, when the springs of the deep became fixed,
²⁹ When He set for the sea its boundary so that the water would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth;
³⁰ Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,
³¹ Rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men.

³² “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways.
³³ “Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
³⁴ “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.
³⁵ “For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.
³⁶ “But he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.”

 
Message: God's Greater Wisdom

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

This has been an interesting chapter as wisdom speaks to me. It started out with an 11 verse address to "listen up." And then 10 more verses on simply the value of wisdom and how it is the key ingredient in all of life and for all positions of life. Wisdom transcends all the roles of life and our desire is to run out evil and embrace the truth.

This set of verses continues the thought. These verses have thought to be at many times to personify Christ and the coming Messiah.

The Lord possessed me. God was in me. I can see why people think this is talking of Jesus, but to keep the thought of wisdom in this chapter, we see that the Lord owns wisdom. Wisdom is possible apart from God. But, the kind of wisdom that rules life and is what we want comes from God possessing it. Lord, help me to surrender to you each day and allow your wisdom to be in my life. It is like a crescendo, an instrument of praise. Throughout scripture we have this idea of “In the Beginning God.” God establishes his creation and all the things in it and everything is meant to be for us. Lord, help me to be more thankful of you and what you have done. Help me Jesus to be reminded that surely you are in this place. I get too focused on tomorrow and what it needs to look like. But bring me back to past victories. I do not want to be wise in my own eyes. I want to gain wisdom from above.

Now….

….therefore….

Sons….Listen to me – blessed are they who keep my ways.
Heed instruction

Be wise

-          Don’t neglect it

-          You are blessed [simply] for listening to me

o   Watching daily at my gates

o   Waiting at my doorposts

He who finds me finds life.

He who finds me obtains favor from the Lord.

But….

He who sins against me injures himself

 All those who hate me love death

Promise: God has a greater wisdom.