I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1

And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress, please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man." (verse 13)

Message: The Temple's Location Identified

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, a census is carried out by David, though influenced by Satan, opposed by Joab, yet allowed by God though man is responsible for this. Man chose to rely on his one understanding of the army that God establishes. I suppose we do this all the time. Though it is not right or showing a trust of God, God still works it together for His glory. 

Verse 7, "And God was displeased" with David for him not trusting God. "So He struck Israel." God's response to David's sin was to send a plague on Israel that killed 70,000 (verse 14). Thus, corporate responsibility. God views sin seriously and because of David's selfishness it results in other people dying. Jesus will make all free because of him bearing the punishment. Adam's sin resulted in sin for all mankind. Here David is favored by God, a man after his own heart, but his disobedience results in many dying. Back in chapter 21 verse 5 there was a count of 1,100,000 men and so this number is 6% of those men; 1 in 15. 

Verse 9, "the Lord spoke to Gad." God gives David the opportunity to be involved in the decision making consequence of his sin: 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of being defeated by your enemies, 3) 3 days of plagues on the land. David responds by deferring to God's mercy and thus the 3rd option results, a plague on the land that results in 70,000 dying. 

With 70,000 fallen, the Lord sets his sight now on Jerusalem. Again, all for this act of the census which showed David's pride and lack of trust in God. Just as the angel is about to destroy the land God intercedes and says, "It is enough; now relax your hand." 

David pleads to God in verse 17 that judgment would fall upon him and not all of these people. In verse 18, this commentary states: "Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem." David goes hear to build an altar, a place of worship, reconciliation and repentance. There remains a large consequence for this sin that he committed but afterwards God has him build an altar, giving him another opportunity to start over, begin again. David had to pay for the site, "600 shekels of gold," a significant amount to purchase this land. 

In verse 1 of 22 David identifies this area as the house of the Lord or the location of the future temple. 

Once again here is Divine Sovereignty. David does a census which is contrary to God's ways, showing his pride, but because of many people of Israel die and David has remorse and is told to build an altar at a place that will eventually be the sight of the temple. 

Summary: The consequence of David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

Promise: All works together for God's good purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences of life. You weave all of life together for Your glory. But there are huge consequences along the way. It is hard to reconcile the loss of any person, let alone 70,000 men of Israel through a plague. Yes, there is a seriousness of sin. Is all death the result of judgment? Lord, I submit and surrender to You and plead for your grace and mercy. 

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

2 Samuel 22:1-20 - David's Song of Deliverance

2 Samuel 22:1-20

Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has a lawsuit or claim could come to me, and I would give him justice!” (verse 4)

Message: David's Song of Deliverance

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: While this Psalm or Song appears after chapter 21, it does not necessarily follow the events of Chapter 21 but rather David records this song of praise following a battle victory, most likely. It is repeated in Psalm 18. There is a tradition among God's people to sing their praises to God. It is personal and also communal. 

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

Rock here is crag which means a steep or rugged cliff which is sought for refuge. The Hebrew word is Sela. Thus, God is unmoving. He is Strength. A fortress in these times was essential for survival against enemies. He is my deliverer. He is active in rescuing me from perilous situations. He saves. He liberates. 

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

This rock is a different Hebrew word. It is tsur. It is a strong rock or cliff or bedrock. He is my continual and unmoving refuge. The previous 'rock' is specific for a purpose. This 'rock' seems to be continuous. 

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;

A shield is for defense. Horn is a symbol of strength and is also a reference for Jesus (Luke 1:69). As a refuge, God is my sanctuary in times of trouble. 

My savior, You save me from violence.

God is my savior and in Titus 2:13, savior is also Jesus Christ. God intervenes to save us from physical harm, but also from spiritual harm. 

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

David calls because he knows God to be trustworthy and he is thankful to God. There is a response always to God after He provides of thankfulness and turning to Him. There is an immediate recognition that God is the source of our deliverance and so we return to Him praise and thanksgiving. We are thankful to God for his power, his faithfulness, his righteousness.

And I am saved from my enemies.

At numerous times, God intercedes. He is the reason my enemies are not victorious over me. Exodus 14:30, "That day the Lord saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians." Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." God hears and God acts. Sometimes in these days, it seems that our enemies are not as clear. Our true enemy is Satan today who wants to get us off track of our spiritual purpose in life. 

For the waves of death encompassed me;

Waves are sorrows. Water often symbolized chaos and destruction. 

The floods of destruction terrified me;

Floods are torrents in the King James Version. Thus, the danger is overwhelming. There is a disorder and confusion that I simply cannot face alone. In times of trouble, I need people close. It is no fun to be sick alone, to ache in pain, to experience a virus. 

The ropes of Sheol surrounded me;

The ropes or cords of Sheol refer to being ready to be devoured. This is being in a place of separation from God. It is darkness. Once again, it is overwhelming. 

The snares of death confronted me.

Snares are traps. "For the wages of sin is death." Sin results in death. Sin traps me. The reality in all of these phrases is the trap of falling into sin is real. 

In my distress I called upon the Lord,

So what does the Christian do in this situation of distress? Call upon the Lord. He is the reliable one. I have faith in Him. I can trust in Him. This should be an automatic response of God's people. 

Yes, I called out to my God;

It is a repetitious calling out. It is not one time. We often do not pray one time but continually pray for God to intercede. 

And from His temple He heard my voice,

The temple was not yet built in David's time. But it symbolizes God's dwelling place and in that place God is ready to hear me. Church is often this place for all people. Though we can call upon God anywhere, at any time, we always see Church is that place where God for sure hears us. 

And my cry for help came into His ears.

God hears me. It is one thing to cry out. It is another to be heard. The baby or child that cries out to its mother and the mother picks up the child. To be heard is to be known. I want to be know, to be seen, to be heard. 

Then the earth shook and quaked,

This is the earth responding to God's presence. This is God making himself known to His people. The natural disasters in life that are sometimes horrific in tearing apart lands - hurricanes, earthquakes - violent upheaval of land.  

The foundations of heaven were trembling

And the extent of these disasters are so immense they reach heaven. Here, judgment is real. It is interesting, we want God to deal with sin individually in a person's life, but not globally. And we are also quick to not ascribe famines or disasters to him. We don't want the judging God. We want the God to only be one of comfort. 

And were shaken, because He was angry.

But the reality is God's anger is real. This shaking and upheaval is in response to God's indignation and his anger towards sin. 

Smoke went up out of His nostrils,

This snorting. In movies or cartoons, this is anger where smoke is coming out of every opening on an animal or person's faith, often from his nose or ears. The anger is so intense. We will often say, "He is blowing off steam." 

And fire from His mouth was devouring;

Fire destroys. Fire purifies. With food, fires takes something raw and purifies it. 

Coals were kindled by it.

The hot coals kindle and let off heat to seer something, often food. Again there is purification. God is going to cleanse people. He is going to take that which is present and change it. 

He also bowed the heavens down low, and came down

God can manipulate the heavens for his purpose. And he came down, he appears, he makes himself known. In Jesus He made Himself known to people. John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and dwells among us." God makes himself known to his people. He is active in making himself known. He is clear. God is to be seen. In Jesus, he wants to make himself known. 

With thick darkness under His feet.

In Revelation 1:7, "He is coming with the clouds." Thick darkness in the King James is think clouds. The pillar of cloud guided the Israelites. There is God's mystery. There is God's majesty. The cloud is moving across the earth. There is authority and returning of God. In a storm, the clouds come down and are in the middle of us. He comes down to us. 

He rode on a cherub and flew;

Cherubim are often depicted as angelic beings. God rode beyond human limitations. He is omnipresent. He is omniscience. 

He appeared on the wings of the wind.

God moves, unhindered by earthly constraints. Wind often is the Spirit of God. He is swift in His movement. 

He made darkness canopies around Him,

This darkness is not evil but rather a representation of God's unapproachable holiness and glory. The canopy signifies protection and authority, much like a king's tent, indicating God's sovereign rule over creation.

Exodus 20:11, "Moses approached the thick darkness where God was."

A mass of waters, thick clouds of the sky.

The thick clouds symbolize God's ability to bring both judgment and blessing, as clouds can bring rain or storms.

From the brightness before Him

God's presences is often associated with brightness, overwhelming light. It is purity, holy, and unapproachable light. 

Coals of fire were kindled.

Fire represents divine judgment. And God has ultimate authority. 

The Lord thundered from heaven,

God intervenes. 

And the Most High uttered His voice.

He speaks into people's lives. God's message is clear to His people. 

And He shot arrows and scattered them,

God is precise in taking care of man's enemies. 

Lightning, and routed them.

God uses nature to accomplish his purposes. 

Then the channels of the sea appeared,

God makes a way where there seems to be no way. 

The foundations of the world were exposed

The beginning of the earth were laid bare. 

By the rebuke of the Lord,

God expresses disapproval. 

From the blast of the breath of His nostrils.

God's breath expresses his power. I think of a superman movie in which someone blows and people go swirling. There is a power in the breath. 

He sent from on high, He took me;

From His exalted position, God reaches down. 

He drew me out of many waters.

God removes me from the most difficult of situations. 

He rescued me from my strong enemy,

God intervenes on behalf of his people. 

From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

Believers are to rely on God's strength and not their own. 

They confronted me on the day of my disaster,

David experienced intense distress, trial and danger. 

But the Lord was my support.

But David can always rely on God for his strength in any situation. 

He also brought me out into an open place;

God took him away from confinement and moved him to open space to freely be. 

He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

God has a favor toward David. David is chosen and loved by God. 

I took my time in reviewing each line of this Song. What I saw are some consistent themes. God is my deliverer. I call on him. He hates sin. He will purify me. And He does this in a personal way. God comes to man. God comes down to man. God loves man. 

Summary: The author of 2 Samuel starts to conclude the life of David by offering here a song of praise with God as David's deliverer, fully expressing God's intervention in David's life.

Promise: Thank the Lord for His protection.

Prayer: O God, you are faithful. I thank you for the time today in further looking into this text and thinking about these words of Praise toward you. You are my Deliverer. I call on You and You answer. You purify me and rescue me. You are great and mighty. You hate sin and You will deal with it. I pray that I have not safeguarded my life to the point that I don't see your handiwork in my life, but also that I don't have reasons to trust in You for all your defeats of my enemies. Lord, let me continually see the active role you play in my life. 

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

Proverbs 11:19 - A Godly Lifestyle

Proverbs 11:19

He who is steadfast in righteousness [will attain] to life,

And he who pursues evil [will bring about] his own death. 

Message: A Godly lifestyle

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: The previous verse looked similar contrasting the wicked with the one pursuing righteousness and this verse takes on a similar idea. However, the person described here is not momentary in their pursuit of righteousness but steadfast or loyal or unwavering. This is a person with a track record of righteousness. The contrast is one that pursues evil. These two descriptions are contrasting not momentary decisions but multiple decisions over a period of time - with one person consistently righteous and the other pursuing evil. 

The righteous person attains life and life is what everyone is seeking - peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. It is doing things well. One of my favorite verses is I Timothy 4:8 which says, "bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Living for godliness, for righteousness is not only producing present day quality of life but a future life as well. That I might do things always that point in this direction. I want every moment of the day to go in this direction. 

It seems life is a matter of choosing righteousness and deciding what is really righteousness. It is about being unself and looking out for other's interests. Philippians 2:4, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Pleasing myself is the easy part of life and what I gravitate towards always. I need to be focused on others and meeting their needs. 

In contrast, pursuing evil leads to death. And specifically my own death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death." Working sin results in death. Am I pursuing Godly ways in my life - reading His word, fellowshipping with others, praying, sharing the message of the Gospel. Death is separation from God. Life is being with God for all eternity, death is being away from God for all eternity. 

I notice a clear effort in business these days to be more in pursuit of serving others and being pleasant and attending to their needs and this is what the Christian is to be about, but not simply to make a business strong or to please a boss, but it is to glorify God. 

Several years ago, I read and did a study of Respectable Sins from Jerry Bridges. These are the sins of life that are sometimes socially acceptable, but often what we focus on is life is big sins like are mentioned in the Ten Commandments which we all know to avoid. And yet these sins are impacting our lives and how we associate with others.  

Ungodliness

Anxiety and Frustration

Discontentment

Unthankfulness

Pride

Selfishness

Lack of self-control

Impatience 

Irritability

Anger

Judgmentalism

Envy, Jealousy

Sins of the Tongue

Worldliness

I think the danger in life always is living lives that are the best they can be and not simply good lives. Being the best is difficult and challenging and selfless. It is staying focused always on others. It is making decisions that go beyond the basics of life. 

Prayer: God, I ask that I am someone in life that pursues righteousness, pursues good behavior, but not simply doing what everyone seeks, but am truly unselfish for the glory of You and seeing truth and seeking life always. Help me to not get comfortable and revert to pleasing myself. But to pursue righteousness always and consistently. Remind me of the principles I really want in my life - focusing on the big rocks of life and pursuing those big rocks. Lord, keep me uncomfortable and keep me focus on pursuing things that are good always, in all situations and let me do it always to glorify You. 

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

I Samuel 31 - Saul Falls to the Philistines

I Samuel 31

Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together. (verse 6)

Message: Saul Falls to the Philistines

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: Well, this is the end of I Samuel. Samuel has died and now in this chapter Saul dies. I have been working through I Samuel since August. Samuel, then Saul begins in chapter 8. 38 lessons. A good journey. Here in chapter 31, the Philistines catch up to Saul. They "were fighting against Israel" in verse 1. They "overtook Saul and his sons." Jonathan is killed and his other 2 sons. Saul "was badly wounded." He asks his sword bearer to pierce him but he would not so Saul "fell on his sword and died with him."

Because of this, the men of Israel "abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and lived in them" (verse 7). Then they "cut off his (Saul's) head" and send it "throughout the land of the Philistines" and eventually the people of Jabesh-gilead gave him a proper burial, burning the bodies of him and his sons and placing their bones "under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh."   

The contrast is startling here. In the previous chapter, David conquers the Amalekites but now here the Philistines conquer Saul and his sons. Here the first king of Israel has died. Saul had his mission to defeat the Philistines and instead was defeated by them. This is the king the people wanted. 

Summary: Saul and his brothers and the men of Israel are defeated by the Philistines, killing Saul and his brothers, parading his head throughout the land. 

Promise: Saul was chosen, but acted in disobedience and God removed him from his throne. 

Prayer: Lord, I look at the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 31 and I pray for a humble heart that clings to You, unlike the pride that led to his downfall. Help me to walk humbly: Do not let me grow cold or fall away, but help me to walk faithfully with You, day by day, all the way to the end. Give me strength in the battle: When I face, fear, or find myself in a desperate valley, help me not to rely on my own understanding or strength, but to lean entirely on You for victory. Keep me from the trap of pride: Forgive me for the times I hold onto lies or comfort myself with worldly things rather than Your truth. Let me not be derailed from the plan You have for my life. May I finish well: Lord, teach me to live with the urgency of eternity, knowing that my life is in Your hands. Help me to surrender all my ways to You and to live for what matters most. I commit my spirit into Your hands, trusting in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Genesis 25:8 - Elderly, Not Happy

Genesis 25:8 

And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, and old man and satisfied [with life]; and he was gathered to his people. 

Message: Elderly, Not Happy

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: Aging is difficult. I am finding this out. It seems for me that life simply ran its course for 50 years or so, maybe even 55 for me, but over the last couple of years, I have noticed age starting to set in. Discomforts are rising. My mind seems more cluttered at times. Memory seems harder. Responsibilities are increasing. At times, my ability to complete tasks is taking longer. My analysis seems to increase on things. I have started a book called "From Strength to Strength" by Arthur Brooks. It is a book about happiness and purpose in the 2nd half of life. Even that book I am having trouble making progress on. I want to but other things get in the way or take my focus off of it. The book has reminded me so for that as I sense live coming to a close, there may be a struggle with joy and happiness and purpose. 

I am 58 and told my boss this week that I think I will retire 1 year from next month. It seems the right time. And yet, I don't know what will happen to me after that. Even though I will stop working, I can continue to get paid for a year because of the vacation and sick pay I have stockpiled. 

So this text or reading here seems apt for me. Granted, there are always those older than me. Right now, I am in a Sunday school class and a couple of weeks ago it was said I am a young person in the class since most of the class is made up of people my parents' age. I know my dad continues to struggle following the death of my mom in October 2019. While he misses my mom, his fear of death seems greater. And these two emotions in his life control his life and define it. For him, there is solitude. He manages his day I think. He has routines but it seems that each day is simply an exercise in getting to tomorrow. 

This text today mentions Abraham at his old age, breathing his last, mentioning he was ripe, satisfied and with friends. To me this means, he was ready, satisfied and had people. Perhaps that is the need for any time or moment in life. Living like today is your last. Living with contentment and living with people around you. 

This lesson though lists 3 points today. 

1. The author here points out that Abraham had faith in God. This faith has existed throughout his life as he has learned to trust God and depend on His promises. Uncertainties that come and sufferings that come can be faced because of that faith. I think this means we believe in God's promises and words to us. We believe in the future he has prepared for us, our heavenly home. And we remember the love he has for us. 

Often people remark that they don't know how people make it without God. I have been talking to someone recently that I believe is an atheist. He is thankful for life and appreciates life. He understands suffering and pain. That life is simply this. But for me it life is something more. God's word and that knowledge that I am his creation, and living with him now and for eternity gives me an everlasting peace. I see his work in all things of life and He is my creator. That life is more than today, but tomorrow. And the principles in the Bible are for my best. So it seems empty to not have that. 

2. Abraham was obedient to God. Obedience follows faith. "Trust and obey, there is no other way than to be happy in Jesus" or so the song goes. Obedience produces alignment with God and His ways. As we abide in His ways, we see the fruit that follows and that alone brings peace and tranquility and we know and have assurance that God will not forsake us. 

3. His final point is Abraham walked with God. It seems to the author this meant a relationship with seems to be the product of faith and obedience. He talked to God, listened, and understood Him. This relationship with God assures us and Abraham that God is there. Having built that relationship, we have nothing to fret about it. It moves to more than simply trust, to an alignment.. 

One of the things I have noticed with my earthly father is he seems to have placed his entire well-being in my mom and his dependence on her for everything she did meant that upon her passing, he did not seem like he could be happy consistently. He stopped meeting with friends at Starbuck's, going to his synagogue, relating with people because his foundation (my mom) was no longer there and this has resulted in his extreme solidarity and loneliness to the point that all he has is his health. That health fear has always been there but it has grown in these final days.

Prayer: O God, how I want to find my rest in You. How I want find my peace in You, trusting in You day by day. I want to grow daily in that relationship and continue to have faith and follow that up with obedience. Thank you for bringing me to this point right now. Help me to hold onto you. And be ready to die, satisfied and content and surrounded by friends and family. All that you have blessed me with. 

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

Proverbs 11:4 - It's All Going to Burn

Proverbs 11:4

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: It's All Going to Burn

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Our pastor on Sunday did a lesson from Proverbs on gratitude. Along the way, he explained Proverbs and the different ways the verses in this book are mentioned. Well, I am still focused on these contrasting phrases and continuing to read and walk through them.

Today, it is riches and the reminder that riches do not profit at the end or in the day of wrath. This seems to be the day of judgement. Friends and I will often say, "It is all going to burn" meaning that we really should not put our focus on wealth. The pastor's lesson on Sunday was basically the idea of giving and you will receive with verses like 11:24, "the one who scatters increases all the more" and 11:25, "the generous man will be prosperous." I studied Philippians 4 where Paul says in verse 17, "giving....increases to your account." This idea of giving will make us rich. I am not sure if that means monetary payback always, but maybe just the feeling that a person hast not been focused on wealth and accumulation, but rather in helping others and helping others is a good thing. 

In my life, I have gone from a 600 square foot one bedroom apartment to a 1300 square foot house to start a family and then to a 2050 square foot house the last 21 years now. I can't imagine going up any more. There is no need. At times, I think this house is too large. I try to not focus on accumulation. Plenty of people have needs and it makes no sense for me to have a lot and them to have a little. 

But, today the lesson is really more on the end and the day of judgment and the simple message that at the end, it really will not matter how much money you have. God will not be judging you on money accumulation, but rather on our heart and our lives and how they were lived. Ultimately, I am a sinner, saved by grace. Christ saves me because of what Christ did, not me. I understand this and believe this. I believe in God and that He is creator and this world is His and I surrender to Him. He provides me peace then to live life in a way in which life is full. Life isn't only about one thing when it comes to me and living. And from Solomon's perspective, it is righteous living. It is righteousness. 

But wealth matters. It seems that I will be judged on what I have done with my money. More and more I am having a hard time with wealth accumulation. I am struggling with this idea of having new things at times and the need for nice and pristine. We are flawed people and yet we don't want our cars to be flawed with dents. We want it all to be good, looking nice, and never a problem. And so from a money situation, I am struggling with riches, especially when there is such an imbalance in life. It is a struggle to me that people have this need to have no wants and everything is taking care of in this life. 

Everything in our life is wearing down. The car needs to be fixed. Yet, sometimes people get lucky and have a car that lasts. They don't get in accidents. We have a fridge that we bought 5 1/2 years ago. It has been great. But now, it is not working and has errors. Our bill to repair it is now approaching half of what we paid. And the concern I think is whether it will be fixed ever again. Or will we have to start over. These things happen. We don't like them. We like life to be running well, with pristine looking appliances versus accepting everything that is broken. And yet in all of that we have comfort. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, good jobs and a lot of joy with family and friends and people. 

So focus on right-living. Focus on righteousness. I review these words again. 

10:3 - The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger. 

10:6 - Blessings are on the head of the righteous. 

10:7 - The memory of the righteous is blessed.

10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

10:16 - The wages of the righteous is life.

10:20 - The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver.

10:21 - The lips of the righteous feed many. 

10:24 - The desire of the righteous will be granted. 

10:25 - The righteous has an everlasting foundation. 

10:28 - The hope of the righteous is gladness.

10:30 - The righteous will never be shaken.

10:31 - The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom. 

10:32 - The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable. 

And now 11:4 - Righteousness delivers from death. 

Rather than being rich, what matters is righteousness for that delivers from death. 

And this is my quest still, righteousness.

Summary: O God, I want to be this type of person. A righteous person. That's what I want. I want to do my work right and do things well and make good decisions and make things better. I think I have. I have tried, but still I make mistakes. Like the fridge, sometimes I have to start over. But you love me and know me and I am so thankful for that. I struggle God at work with those people that don't meet my expectations. I struggle with it at home, with it everywhere. I said it in front of people that I am trying to meet people's expectations and anticipate them. Help me God. Help me to give myself grace when I need it. Help me to rest in who you have made me to be. Help me to have moments of celebration where I feel like what I have done is good. It is hard to be on this quest of constant improvement. I get tired with it God. Make me God the person you want me to be. And let that be enough. And then take me home to You. Whatever you want me to go through, I will do it. Selfishly, I want to live this life now and figure out what I can do for me and how to help others. I want to do this Lord. I want to be righteous and want this in others. 

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

Proverbs 10:27 - A Long Life

Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. 

Message: A Long Life

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: In first reading other translations of this verse there are not many variations though some instead of fear talk of obedience or respect to the Lord. 

I noticed a very similar idea with the following verse (possibly also by Solomon): 

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13

Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

It does seem like that ungodly ways in people do result in a shorter life, but perhaps we hear of the lifestyles of those in the public eye more often and the appearance that their life is shortened. It seems those that live long lives are those that have taken care of themselves and lived simpler lives. 

Ellicott's Commentary cites those who are "shortening their lives by excessive anxieties, or the pursuit of pleasure." Whereas, Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine." I also notice actions like stress often cause anxieties which can make problems with bowels and an upset stomach. Promiscuous lives result in the occurrence of diseases. It seems righteous living produces a peace in life perhaps that others do not experience. 

Prayer: Father, I pray I would be one that lives in a righteous manner, not only with the peace of Christ, but doing the right thing and making good choices. 

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

Proverbs 10:16 - To Life

Proverbs 10:16

The wages of the righteous is life,

The income of the wicked, punishment.

Message: To Life

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 16 continues the theme of finances from verse 15. Although verse 15 wasn't really a pronouncement on wealth being preferred over poverty, there were some common sense observations given about each, namely that wealth makes life a little easier and poverty has potential to provide more problems. Yet, in many ways, I see often a little difference here. Granted, America is a place that many describe as a land to fulfill dreams. One thing is clear and that is the infrastructure of the United States and the foresight in developing technology (highways, paved roads, rail) has clearly made a difference in this land in encouraging developing and progress.

But verse 15 also did not really deal with a contrast in anything spiritual. Granted, many of the proverbs could be applied in any walk of life, though it seems clear that Solomon or the write is contrasting righteousness rather than wickedness and those themes are more in line with traditional Christian thought and ideals. And yet, these days, even calling anything righteous or wicked seems more old school or traditional as there is little that is decreed as wicked now and most is based upon personal choice or preference. 

The contrast here is between the righteous and the wicked. "The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the wicked, punishment." Both the wicked and righteous in these verses is earning money. There is labor worked, income made, wages earned for each. But the outcome of what they are earning or how money is spent is the difference. But this is not a verse encouraging wealth or poverty, though it does assume labor is being worked. I appreciate that assumption, for I think each of us is meant to work. 

Even in the garden of Eden people had responsibilities to care for the land and animals (Genesis 1:26-31). What occurred after the fall was their work became toil (Genesis 3:17-18). Work went from a joy to a burden. Both it seems are present today. Most people in life are dreaming of a day of not working. It seems we place too much of an emphasis at times on not working. This might be a result more of urban sprawl as farming seems to assume life long work. Granted, I have been healthy and so therefore, work has been easy and fairly easy to obtain. I remained concern over many people that do not work and choose instead to have the government support them. Granted, there are complicated reasons for each. But, to me, the idea of supporting one another and their needs is more of a responsibility of the church. And most people should find an opportunity to work or even serve. 

In the NASB version, the earning of the righteous brings life. NLT adds "enhance their lives." But most versions simply state life. The contrast idea is wickedness in the NASB is punishment. Many other versions state sin as the unwelcome outcome. The NIV adds death. 

I think here the righteous person is a Godly person and so the life that comes from wages supports a person that is concerned about living a righteous life. In scripture, life, in my observation, is the goal. God's love has an intended outcome of everlasting life (John 3:16). And the biggest obstacle in life - sin - is dealt with through death, the opposite of life (Romans 6:23). For the most part, this is the greatest goal of people throughout the ages. One thing remains, no matter the time period or point in history, we want an abundant life. We want to be able to possess it in its full potential. The righteous ends up with something with his/her earning, while the wicked ends up with nothing. 

I think there could even be an application of savings in this verse because life encompasses doing things that immediate funds cannot do, such as a vacation, or large investment. 

Last night my wife and I watched the biopic movie "I Am: Celine Dion" about her current state of life in having stiff body syndrome. She is 57 and has stopped performing because of it. One of the first questions posed in the movie to her is where you would like to go (or travel). She remarked that while she has performed all over the world, in many different places, she did not really go to any of the places or rather experience those places. In essence she was working and though her work produced much joy in her life she still did not get to experience really traveling to new places.  It was an interesting observation, that though she was very wealthy and had a huge house and land, there was something missing for her outside of her home even if she can never perform again. There was a fullness of life she might never experience. Not to say this is what every person wants. Some people experience a full life never leaving the city they were born and live. Their ideals are different. So to each person, a definition of what is life might be different, but for each person life is something we dream of possession. However it is defined, it has a goal. 

The labor or wages of the wicked is punishment or death or sin. The contrasting outcome is everything we don't want. But again, the contrast here is not being rich or poor, but it is how one conducts their life. I have always remembered a custodian who worked at the airport around 2002 that I would often see and speak with. He fulfilled a dream in having a home - a manufactured home and he took great pride in his lawn and taking care of his yard. For him, this was his full life and possessing it for him was life. But for the wicked earnings produces nothing of lasting value. 

The wicked life is ruined. It leads from sin to sin. In this sin outcome, one commentator mentioned luxury in the description. A premium price is needed for luxury and it is a high degree of comfort, pleasure and enjoyment. I have wondered at times if this luxury life is what we need this side of heaven. It seems that we do not want anyone to live in extreme poverty or in a realm in which they have no provisions. And so it also seems that the reverse or extreme luxury is likewise something that is unnecessary. This is a hard one to me. I suppose if people are employed to support those in luxury in a fair manner - equitable wages and normal working hours then it might be fine, but I am concerned of the life that is only lived in luxury. 

In some ways, I struggle to really see the outcome of the wicked. The wicked person today can achieve so much. One of my friends mentioned a lady that prostitutes herself in life to men who are older and have wives that are now unfulfilling. He mentioned how men pay big dollars to simply receive words of affirmation, encouragement and to be listened and wanted. And this woman makes over $100,000 per month. Sexual activity may also be involved. Her life seems to be wicked, and yet she is gaining a lot of riches through the process. But perhaps that is because we once again value opulent living. And the sin and death and punishment here just that. 

Prayer: God, I enjoy these Proverbs. It is interesting to examine the thoughts around each and what they really mean. Thank you for the mind you have given me and the joy of pondering these ideas. I pray that I would be a person of righteousness and seeking to live my life in a righteous way. I think this is all that we want in life. We want to be free of sordid gain for in that type of wicked producing life even if the outcome seems beneficial it lacks integrity and honesty. Help me better understand that meaning. Help me be a person that encourages righteousness. Be glorified always God. In Christ's name and because of Him I pray. Amen. 

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

Judges 20 - At War with Benjamin

Judges 20

And the Lord struck Benjamin before Israel, so that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day, all who draw the sword.

Message: At War with Benjamin

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: Chapter 19 was messy. It started with the Danites wanting their own land. Then idolatry and then a Levite and his concubine getting into problems with some unwholesome men. This resulted in the concubine's death and body parts distributed all over the land.   

Chapter 20 begins with a a large group of people gathering as one to the lord at mitzpah. There are 400,000 men there, and the leaders are standing among them. They are in the land of Benjamin. The Israelites ask about the wickedness that has occurred and the Levite responds and explains the situation of his concubine being raped and then him cutting her up and sending her parts to 12 places.  The people of Israel agree to go up against Gibeah. So the gathered of about 10% of the men to go against the people of Gibeah. They ask for the worthless man that came against a Levite, in order to put them to death and remove the wickedness from this area. But the people of Benjamin disagreed, and instead chose to wage war against the sons of Israel, though the odds were not in their favor. 

3 times it mentions the people came together as one. The atrocity of sin mentioned in the last chapter stirred the sons of Israel to now come together - as one. 

The sons of Israel, ask the Lord, who should battle in the Lord, says Judah. The sons of Israel go to battle, but after each day, they asked the Lord if they shall continue for their our losses of life. But each day the Lord says to continue, and then after the second day, he says they will now conquer. It took a while, but Israel set an ambush and eventually 25,000 of the tribe of Benjamin were slain. 

It is unfortunate that the tribe of Benjamin has now turned completely against God. 

Summary: The sin of Gibeah is addressed, but at a heavy cost and a loss of many men on both sides, but mostly in the tribe of Benjamin. 

Promise: The Lord at times does drastic things to rid His people of sin. 

Prayer: Lord, you will eradicate and deal with sin. Either you deal with sin with me personally or you do among your called ones, but you also do it among people at large. Sin is not tolerated. Sin is something people continue to choose. I do pray for Your mercy Lord and that it would continue and you would continue to pull your remnant close to You. Bring many to salvation, but it is hard that so many continue to abandon You and find solutions outside of You God. 

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

Proverbs 10:2 - Shortcuts Don't Work Out

Proverbs 10:2 

Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: Shortcuts Don't Work Out

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance this is an interesting verse that starts with a vice and then a virtue. The vice is "ill-gotten gains" with the KJV translating this as, "Treasures of wickedness." NLT states, "Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life." Something I notice is after verse 1 speaks of a general statement about being wise, the next verse that begins starts the rest of the proverbs by immediately speaking of money. I have read that the subject of money is present very often in the Bible. A quick search yields this statement, "The Bible is packed with over 2,000 scriptures about money, tithing in the Bible, and possessions. That's twice as many Bible verses about money than faith and prayer combined." 

I think of my marriage and one of our chief issues of stress has been over the years the issue of money. Although we have tried to manage it, asking questions about how it was spent, creating budgets, even thinking about how we give and tithe has been a big issue (tension) of our marriage. It also seems like in this country, our appearance of advancement, is often about the money we have. Most of the world struggles with finances and earning and yet in America there seems to be an abundance of jobs because of the right infrastructures. 

I am involved in a ministry speaking to people throughout the world, although I only speak to English speaking people which appear often in Africa and India where the desire and priority to speak English is strong. As I speak to people I discover how hard it is for them accumulate wealth. They struggle with the ability to even meet basic needs. [I have been speaking to a young man of 29 who lives in Nigeria. After spending much time in Lagos and struggling to find work and then his mother dying, he found a way to get a job in Abuja, the capital. However, to do that, he had to bribe individuals to the tune of $600. And this was necessary to get a government job with consistent wages. He started the job in mid-January and currently he is still holding out hope to be paid with having to sustain himself with now the promise of pay starting at the end of April. And yet, not even sure I would call this ill-gotten gains on his part, but for sure on his employer's part.] People are working very hard only to get to what would be considered a very modest standard of living in the United States. 

This proverbs presents a temptation in accumulating wealth - a short cut to acquiring it - "ill-gotten gains." While gains doesn't always mean wealth, I think it infers wealth because of the word profit. For instance, the gain could be cheating in school in order to get a good grade in school or getting recognition at work by mistake resulting in a promotion without saying anything.  

I have an example of an ill-gotten gain in which I was on the losing end of it. It happened around 2004 when we were preparing to move into this house. Someone contacted the church we attended and as the treasurer I was contacted about this person who had a need. I met the person at one of our shopping centers and the person fooled me through his crafty words, appealing to my sense of wanting to be known as a person of faith and trust by getting my ATM card and then taking money out of account at the ATM. And then it ended with him having me give him a gift. But in the process it wasn't just a gift I gave him in withdrawing money for him, but he had used the ATM card to pull out money previously. All-in-all that day he took about $1400 from me. It was ill-gotten gain. It is something that bothered me for some time and haunted me for years that I would be duped in this way. He was a crafty man and knew how to run a scheme to get money from me. I remember calling my friend Bruce to tell him of the faith that I thought I had gained only to realize then the money that I had lost. And then the embarrassment I felt. 

Ill-gotten is contrasted with righteousness. Righteousness is another very interesting word as in the Bible it is a word that seems to have a much wider meaning than how we might use it in the English language. The Apostle Paul uses the word to express the character of God and the way of God that is His standard. As such it is all the good that we want and would hope to acquire. Romans 1:16-17 tells us that the gospel is the righteousness of God. It is our chief desire because it is all that God represents. In a way, to me, it is likened to the holiness of God. Romans 3:22 tells us that this righteousness only comes from faith in God. Romans 4:3 tells us that belief in God is what grants us or through that belief we are credited with righteousness. Romans 5:9 says we are declared righteous by His blood. Blood covers unrighteousness but it is accessed by faith or believing. 

Righteousness is an interesting word in regards to salvation, but in the context of this verse it is contrasted with that which is acquired incorrectly. We are extolled to live in a righteous manner or good manner. And this verse not only infers that righteous living will give us a profit or gain, but that profit or gain will deliver us from death. There is a freedom in living the right way. Righteous living results in a peace. 

Righteousness also includes charity. As such, having wealth or gaining wealth also includes helping those in need. This is so important. For me, this is hard. I know I have a giving heart. I trust people easily and maybe that is why I feel into that issue in 2004 partly. I want to give to those in need, but I also struggle giving too much. Charity is tough because when you give the recipient they expect that gift to be followed by another gift and so forth. But the point of this in general is righteousness or righteous living includes giving. 

In conclusion, I need to be careful how I practice this as well as encourage this and pray that our country and people around me would approach wealth in a way that honors God. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for writing this words and including them and showing me what is important. God, you know people because you created them and you know our ways. We are selfish and yet we need not be. Even with the funds that we have received, we have a responsibility to acquire them correctly and be good stewards as well. Help people everywhere to honor You with their decisions in acquiring wealth. I pray that ill-gotten ways would cease and we would be a people everywhere taking care of our family and basic needs, but also be a people that gives. Help me in this to understand how I am to give - when to help and when to support in other ways. 

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

Joshua 20 - Designating Cities of Refuge

Joshua 20

1 Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, 3 that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Message: Designating Cities of Refuge

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: Well, this is a short chapter of 9 verses. So far in the previous chapters, cities of Canaan have been divided up according to the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Levi did not get land because of their status as priests. Now here is a city of refuge. 

The Lord speaks to designate these cities, according to what was spoken through Moses. Number 35 verse 9 states, "Then the Lord spoke to Moses." About? Verses 11 and 12, "you shall select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, that the manslayer who has killed any person unintentionally may flee there. The cities shall be to you as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands before the congregation for trial." And specific instructions are given. For those who strike others with iron, stone, wood, with hatred, this person will be put to death, but for those that threw something without enmity, he shall go to the city of refuge. And "he shall live in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil." As such, the Law, God's law, protects those that kill others unintentionally. 

This happened here Saturday night. I heard out about it through my work. A bus driver was entering the west on-ramp of the interstate and a bicyclist was heading south and the bus struck the cyclist at around 5:30pm. And the man died as a result of his injuries at the hospital. My friend Bobby called me yesterday to say that the principal at their school gave them an announcement that a father of children at the school had died from a cycling accident the night before. He was a missionary to Africa, here in the states temporarily because his son had been sick and was back here getting the son treatment. He had 6 school aged children, the youngest being twin 4 year old girls. His name was Craig.

Joshua 20:2-3 follows through on this designation of cities. It is interesting as it reads in verse 6, "He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the manslayer shall return to his own city and to his own house, to the city from which he fled." The death of the High priest (and the covenant recommences with the inauguration of a new High Priest) served as a sort of atonement to the manslayer, restored to the inheritance which had been forfeited by sin. Thus the high priests death took on a meaning like that of Christ, affording restitution of the offender. 

Interesting. I guess I never thought of it like this. Atonement is like a man dying for murdering someone. And this was laid out in the law of God and is carried out today in our courts. Some believing a man will die for killing another while others think the man is set aside in prison to live the rest of his life. But in each case, a life is atoned for another. In Christ, he has atoned for us, for our sins. We have not murdered, but through our sin before a holy God, our offense results in death. "For the wages of sin is death." We place our faith and hope in the work of Jesus Christ so that we can be restored to fellowship with God in heaven. 

Summary: Cities of refuge are now designated in Canaan as a refuge for those individuals that unintentionally take another person's life. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When we do not support appropriate penalties for the taking of human life, we show disdain for other people and for the Lord in whose image we are made."

Prayer: O Father, rich in mercy and love. You show me today the seriousness of life and those who take it, even though unintentional in that taking of life, life is still precious. Our law today is kinder to the unintentional crime. Life remains important. There is grace. There is forgiveness, but according to your ways. Thank you for being a God who is over all and specifies truth into our lives. You are holy and sin must be paid for, in all instances. Thank you for the places of refuge you give us - like our church and being with people of God in many different settings. We are sinners in need of grace and in need of restoration. Thank you Jesus for paying for my sin. Let my life be lived to honor you in all things. I also pray for this man, this family that is now victim of this, and their life which has now forever changed - for those children and for the wife - to bring them comfort and hope for the future, for today, for tomorrow. Be their strength when they have no strength to live. Be the God of mercy to this family. 

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

John 19:38-42 - Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus

John 19:38-42

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. 39 Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Message: Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus

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

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has died. Now he is to be buried. Ancient Jews and even Jews today, have great respect for the body of the deceased. My father currently practices orthodox Judaism and it is very important that a body is buried and not cremated. He also believes it very important to bury a body in a wooden casket, with holes. He thinks the body I think should return to dust and the creatures of the earth should be allowed to get to the body, rather than being in a sealed coffin. And in this case, it was no different. With the day of the week as it was, coming upon Passover, the body would not stay on the cross. Normally, it seems it would have stayed and vultures would be allowed to get at it. But with it being Passover, it violated Jewish law to leave a body hanging overnight (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). 

The disciples were last seen in the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas has taken officials and soldiers to arrest Jesus. It was here that the disciples did not go along or follow Jesus but stayed behind, in a way showing not their allegiance to him, but their cowardice (John 18:1). But now, after Jesus has died, maybe in them coming to Jesus, 2 disciples come back to bury Jesus, maybe feeling a little bit of remorse for not going along with him previously. These two - Joseph and Nicodemus - were members of the Sanhedrin, an administrative body of Jews that met at the temple of Jerusalem. perhaps I can understand how when Jesus was arrested and it included Jewish officials at his arrest that these two would have not added to the commotion but let things go. 

Perhaps at the time of Jesus' arrest they never imagined that he would be crucified, and so upon Jesus being crucified they had compassion for him and now they came forth. Or perhaps in their roles as members of the Sanhedrin and His disciples that it made most sense or they had a felt responsibility to tend to the burial of Jesus. 

Reading this and seeing this makes me wonder about myself. How often do I say these words, "I am a Christian" or acknowledge that I am a Christ follower. How quick I am to show my allegiance especially in situations where it might end up being ridicule that comes my way. Or rather how quick am I to go along instead with the crowd. 

I am not sure if I would have made a big deal of the burial and been careful to bury Jesus. Sometimes I am not good at those things and being careful. And I am probably one to wait for someone else to be responsible for this. 

I enjoy the word of Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) and here he speaks -- "The sight of the Cross not only leads to courage, and kindles a love which demands expression, but it impels to joyful surrender. Joseph gave a place in his own new tomb, where he hoped that one day his bones should be laid by the side of the Master against whom he had sinned-for he had no thought of a resurrection. Nicodemus brought a lavish, almost an extravagant, amount of costly spices, as if by honour to the dead he could atone for treason to the living. And both the one and the other teach us that if once we gain the true vision of that great and wondrous love that died on the Cross for us, then the natural language of the loving heart is- ‘Here, Lord! I give myself away; ‘Tis all that I can do.’"

Those are great words about Joseph and Nicodemus whereby their cowardice changed to allegiance and pride towards Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus has passed away and Joseph and Nicodemus come forward now to bury Jesus. Once ashamed or hiding from his arrest, now they take his burial serious and with honor. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- It is sin to hide our allegiance to Christ (Matt. 10:32–33), but it is not unforgivable. The key is that we repent of being ashamed or afraid of our identification with Christ and publicly declare that we are His disciples. This is what Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus did when they took Jesus’ body for burial. If we have been ashamed of Jesus, let us repent today and ask the Lord to give us the courage to be known as disciples of Christ.

Prayer: I want to be proud always to be a disciple of Jesus. I need courage Lord and conviction always, in the company of anyone. Help me be true to myself. 

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

John 19:28-30 - Redemption Accomplished

John 19:28-30

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Message: Redemption Accomplished

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: Being crucified was extremely painful. Adding to this was the problem of hanging on the cross in the Palestinian sun which exposed Jesus also to dehydration. 

Jesus has shown us that this entire process has been a fulfillment of scripture and him asking for something drink also seems to point to an application, but it is not clear. As I read the text in verse 28, it seems to say that now everything had been accomplished according to the scripture and my first reading was that the words of requesting something to drink was something extra. Tabletalk proceeds to find verses in Psalms, and most notably Psalm 69:21. But, the actual meaning of “knowing that all things had already been accomplished” seems to exclude the idea of a further accomplishment. It is as if everything has been accomplished and now he seeks some sort of relief for his physical suffering. 

After receiving the sour wine to quench his thirst, he announced "It is finished" and passed away or died. I feel like I need to be saying more about this other worldly and momentous moment. I love the song by Petra titled It is Finished. The idea that Jesus made this statement is the culmination of all that he came to this earth to do - to be God's authority on earth and to also live as man, in a perfect way, staying free from sin - going to the cross to be the perfect lamb. This is what we know now, but as I have read John, has this been the outcome that Jesus has mentioned or is has it been inferred by what He has said. Meaning, the idea that He would be the payment for sin, is that a message that is apparent? I mean, "it is finished" seems to embody that statement. Otherwise, what else is finished? His time on earth? 

But John did specify this as this book began in John 1:29 as he saw the approaching Jesus  “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is clearly shown as the entry point for people to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5); believing in Him merits eternal life (John 3:15; 6:40, 47; 10:10; 11:25-26; 17:3; 20:31). Believing Jesus also changes the person's ways and actions (John 7:38; 8:12; 14:11). Believe or you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Keep His word and never see death (8:52; 14:21). Jesus will also lay down His life (John 10:15, 17). His time on earth is temporary (John 12:8; 13:33; 16:17; 20:17). The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin (John 16:8). 

"It is finished." It is like Jesus is saying, I have come and done all that you commanded me to do. And now He will return to the Father. I guess it is interesting that it appears the idea that Jesus died for sins is only a reference by John at the beginning of this gospel with Jesus being the lamb of God. 

Summary: Prophetic scripture has been accomplished and Jesus speaks of his thirst and is quenched of that thirst, gives up His Spirit and proclaims, "It is finished." 

Promise: Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary John: “When [Jesus] said, ‘It is finished,’ He was saying not just that His life was over but that His mission had been fulfilled. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was accomplished.

Prayer: Lord, I am always trying to understand your truth. As I have studied this gospel I am moved by the words that John has put forth to me - the focus being on Jesus and believing in Him and then great things happening - a full life, a life of great action, and an eternal life ultimately. I know for sure I need to believe in You God and it is through Your Son Jesus that You are made known and I do believe in You. Help me to continue to understand the truth of Your word, the truth of who You are and who I can be in You. Thank you Jesus for living a great life. Keep defining truth in my life. 

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

John 12:20-26 - Death and Glory

John 12:20-26

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Message: Death and Glory

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

What the Lord is Saying: This chapter starts with Mary anointing Jesus which had the disciple Judas questioning it, then he went to Jerusalem as Passover was near and was greeted their with people crying out Hosanna 'Save Me' and blessing Jesus' arrival and Jesus comes on a donkey. But these things were not understood by the disciples at the time, though later they would look back and understand. Despite of this many still were understanding though the Pharisees were bothered that people were understanding. 

Verse 20 mentions Greeks who were part of those going to worship. Verse 21 they want to see Jesus. Philip told Andrew and both came to Jesus (verse 22). And then we have some lessons by Jesus. As I look at the Bible, now and through chapter 17 will be a lot of Jesus talking and speaking. 

Jesus begins in verse 23 by saying His hour has come. Up to this point he had mentioned it was not yet time for his departure. Hour is an interesting word for it seems to refer to time more than only an hour. It is language that is often said in the Bible that is not literal but refers more to a span of time. Either way, Jesus realizes the Son of Man will be glorified. Jesus refers to himself in the first person and as he does says Son of Man. This title has great meaning for Jesus will be the perfect man in taking away the sin of the world, substituting as the animals did annually, but Jesus will do once and for all. He has mentioned thus far his authority that comes from the Father.  But conversely is his person, fully man. Son of Man is simply a term for human. Ezekiel was called a Son of Man. 

In verse 24 he makes a reference to a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit. He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." It is interesting because he clarifies a little what He means by the hour having come for him to be glorified. He speaks of a grain of wheat falling from its stalk, no longer receiving nourishment from it and falling to its death. 

Alone. This is interesting because there seems to be something significant here. Jesus will die alone. Salvation is not a group effort it is his personal death. He will die. He is also alone in salvation. He is it. There are no other answers for the salvation of man. And so he compares himself to this grain of wheat and is speaking of Himself. 

I don't know it is an interesting phrase of meaning. Once it goes to the ground though, it will bear fruit. His death results in resurrection and out of this resurrection will come fruit. Many will be saved out of this resurrection. Disciples are washed in the blood of Jesus to bear fruit. 

In verse 25, Jesus mentions further that to love life is to give it up. Jesus loves mankind. He loves all people. God loves the world (John 3:16). But to keep people always with God he must lose that life. And Jesus mentions one must hate their life to have life eternal. We must give up our life. Again this is another phrase that speaks to life and giving it up or surrendering it. 

These are the words of Jesus that feel the hardest for me to obey in this life. To hate one's life is just so opposite to how my life is lived. I think often of the pandemic and this complete focus people had on preserving life. I never saw it more clearly than during this time. And I suppose I continue to witness it in this life - this zeal and 100% desire to stay well, to preserve life, to keep going. And yet that approach seems so opposite to these words. If there is one thing that continues to keep me hiding from the preaching of the gospel it is this - I love my life. Not that I think I will be killed for sharing my faith, but in that thirst to do things that protect me and my well being and keep me from being embarrassed or labeled a radical, I stay hidden from the public eye. I talk of everything going on in this world but the salvation of others. In sharing about my week, it is all about what I have experienced in that week. Nowhere am I losing my life. I might lose my life to serve others but even often in serving others there is selfish gain in stroking pride, in stroking my accomplishment, in thanks. There just isn't enough 'surrendering.' There is self protection. 

And so verse 26 is the natural next verse -- If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. After losing one's life, we then serve Jesus. And in this service is a promise - serve Me and the Father will honor him. And so that's it. Serve Jesus. Lose one's life. Die to your life and it will bear fruit. Lose one's life. Serve Jesus in losing one's life and dying to it. I am a servant. Larry Norman wrote that song and I remember him saying he wrote this about his dad because his felt this expectation to do what his earthly father said. He couldn't do what he wanted to do in his life. Instead he is a servant. And yet born out of that experience by Larry Norman in which he seems to write almost in anger is the idea that we can be the Lord's servant. Do this serve and your life will be honored. See the connection - to have one's life honored by Father God, what must we do? Serve Jesus. The two are connected. 

Summary: Greeks looking for Jesus and then Jesus speaks about his future death and how He will and we need to lose our lives to find fruit and abundant life. 

Promise: Serve Jesus and the Father will Honor you. 

Prayer: O God, your words are truth and life to me and yet assaulting to me. It is so hard God because I love myself too much. And instead I need to love You. Not simply more than I love myself. I need to love You. Lord, keep assaulting me with these words and training me and teaching to lose my life for Your sake. Lord, I need to make more mention of You in my day. I need to lose my life. I need to follow You in losing one's life, hating one's life, serving you Jesus. This is my journey and if I am being honest my real desire and ambition as a Christian, a Christ-Follower. 

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

John 11:11-16 - The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

John 11:11-16

11 This He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”

Message: The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

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: Last lesson began this story of Lazarus and Jesus heading back to the Jerusalem area, at Bethany to visit Lazarus, but he has not left yet. The disciples are with him and Jesus is now explaining to them his soon departure and they first misunderstand that he has died thinking he has just literally fallen asleep. But Jesus clarifies he is dead. Jesus wants the disciples to go with him so that they will witness him bringing Lazarus back from the dead. He wants His disciples to see this and in response believe. This is the purpose of Lazarus rising again - that people will see the work of God and believe. 

Part of the confusion by the disciples is that Jesus use a metaphor for sleep that was common in the Old Testament. 

I Kings 2:10 - Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

2 Kings 8:24 - So Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son became king in his place.

2 Chronicles 9:31 - And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David; and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

Today we often use the term, "Pass away" as a more kinder declaration than died. But this idea of going to sleep can also be fitting for the body itself goes to sleep. Though many believe the Spirit goes to heaven and then at the second coming of Jesus, the body will be united with the Spirit. 

However, for this lesson Jesus again has a goal of confirming the disciples faith. 

Verse 16 states that Thomas will be going along and speaks to the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." It is not clearly apparent what Jesus meant by this statement. We know Thomas wanted proof of Jesus, seeing his nail scarred hand (John 20:25). Up to this point, Jesus had spoken of his death coming and perhaps the disciples were bewildered by this and with the knowledge that the Jews in Jerusalem were seeking to seize him (John 10:39) perhaps he thought Jesus was walking into a trap and yet Thomas wanted to go with Jesus. But even in Jesus stating that he will go to Lazarus, maybe the disciples do not understand yet what Jesus will be doing with Lazarus. Jesus does speak in a little bit of mystery and the disciples are still trying to figure out what Jesus is saying. 

Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. In a way, Jesus will provide the disciples a sort of proof to them of who He is and why He has come - to change lives. 

Summary: Before proceeding to Bethany Jesus tries to explain to the disciples his reason for going. The disciples will go along with Jesus and their belief will be the goal of this visit. 

Promise: Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the great one who has come to change our lives. As I was speaking to a young man recently, Izzy, offering words to him, I pray that he will come to know you personally and that his faith will hold up in all of life's circumstances and he will see that he has been changed. Lord, your gospel shows us that we have needs - that we need you to save us and make us whole. That left to our own devices we will not yield a life glorifying You but rather glorifying self. Lord, you recognize what the disciples needed here and they needed more support for their faith and by raising Lazarus they can see more that you are here to change lives. Lord, strengthen me in your service and strengthen all us Christians to serve you always. 

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

John 10:11-16 - The Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep

John 10:11-16

11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd."

Message: The Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep

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: Jesus provides further clarity to what He said, recorded in the first 6 verses of Chapter 10. In verse 7, He says He is the door of the Sheep. And in verse 11 He says, "I am the good shepherd." Toward the sheep, Jesus says He lays down His life for the sheep (v. 11). He says he lays down His life for the sheep (v. 15) and he knows His sheep and His sheep know Him (v. 14). There is intimacy here. There is a close relationship. God is sovereign and in control. He is mighty, but, as a reminder, on this Christmas day, God sent His son as a baby into this world, small and innocent. He lived as we live, tempted as we are. And He knows us. There is nothing greater than to be known by God. 

Jesus lays down His life for His sheep. He dies for us. Jesus atones for His sheep. Jesus dies on the cross but His death was not for all because all would not be saved, instead He lays down His Life for the sheep. Jesus mentions in verse 26 that "you do not believe because you are not of My sheep." So not all are His sheep. 

Verse 16 speaks of "other sheep...not of this fold." Verse 1 of chapter 10 mentions the fold of the sheep. In these verses and in his conversation in chapter 9, He is speaking to the Pharisees, the Jews of the day (v. 19). But in verse 16 He remarks that beyond the fold of the Jewish people and those He has chosen of the flock, there are other sheep, there are other sheep that will hear His voice and they with the other folds will become one flock with one shepherd. 

As such verse 16 is a prophetic word by Jesus. The Gentiles will be a part of His kingdom but they are not yet. He is speaking here again to the Jews, the Pharisees but later all people from all nations will be a part of His fold - one flock with one shepherd. I remember again chapter 9, verse 39 that Jesus comes into this world for judgment and there will be a separation - some will see, some will be blind, but He comes into the world for all. For God loves the World. 

Summary: Jesus is the good shepherd, laying down His life for His sheep, those of the fold of Israel and other sheep (Gentiles), not of this fold are prophesied. 

Promise: John Calvin comments on John 10:16, “We are already God’s sheep, before we are aware that He is our shepherd.”

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy. Your ways are perfect. Thank you for grafting me in, all Gentiles in and calling Israel as well to your flock. You are our Shepherd and we are one Flock. Thank you for seeing the need all people have for You, in all nations, in all manners of life. Let us be a people that continually honors You and gives glory to Your name. Draw my family to You o god. Make yourself real to them always. Awaken them by Your Spirit to an understanding of You. 

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