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.

Matthew 16:18 - The Enduring and Conquering Church

Matthew 16:18 - And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. 

Message: The Enduring and Conquering Church

Time: Matthew, one of the 12 apostles, is credited with this book, despite the fact that he did not sign it. Dating it's writing is difficult, but most agree it to be AD 60-65 since it does not mention the destruction of the temple in AD 70. A Jew, he includes 50 direct citations and many other indirect citations from the Old Testament. 

What the Lord is Saying:

As I write the summaries of the last 2 lessons, I notice that they are saying the same thing. I've had two lessons with basically the same idea - coming together and sharing in Christ's sufferings, exercising our spiritual gifts, for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ, and this is done by the way of Love. It is Love that we must be about. 

As I start this passage I see that church is something Jesus began. Had a comment from a person I correspond with recently who said Jesus never said to join a church, but he began church here in this verse is my thought. 

Tabletalk mentions that throughout history there have been various threats toward the church. Arianism - Alexandrian priest Arius (AD 256-336). Rather than Jesus being the same being as God the Father, assert that he was begotten or created for a specific time by God. Thus, not co-eternal with God. The closest belief system to this today is Jehovah's Witnesses though they don't pray to Jesus and they believe Jesus can fully know the Father. Other threats are communism and Islamic empires that have sought to kill Christians and their buildings. Secularization is transferring society from religious views to non-religious views with the belief that as society progresses and modernizes it becomes less religious. 

Yet these threats have not won. The church remains as do the people of God and the gospel continues to penetrate lives around the world. 

Today's passage citing Jesus' words on the church support this. The church will not simply endure but it will conquer (the gates of Hades shall not overpower it). Gates in ancient times were a defensive fortification for a city. As such the gates of Hades or Hell well not prevail against the church. Jesus promises this. 

Summary: It is true we are discouraged at times by what is happening in society, but the church continues and Christ's promise guarantees that it will conquer to the end. 

Promise: The church will never be finally defeated. 

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, thank you for stating that the church will prevail. It has and it will continue and I thank you for that statement that we can rest in. That the outcome for the church is sure. Thank you for this victory. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of August is about the Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation; July was the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May, Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture; January, the doctrine of God. 

Christ's Body

The Body of Christ - The Church is the Body of Christ and Christ loves the church. We are to imitate Christ and see that the Church is how Christ carries out His purposes in the world. The Head of the Church - Christ is Head of the church and he only has final authority and gives life to the church. Life is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. - The Church We Can See - Belonging to a church is not optional, for anyone. We are meant to live in a community with other believers, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow. The Church We Cannot See - What we see is the Visible church, the invisible church only God knows because He is omniscient and that is the Church we cannot see. 

Truths about the Church from the Apostles Creed

Church Unity - The church is bigger than our local assembly; there are core beliefs among the invisible church. One People Throughout History - God has only one people; throughout the world there are people that share doctrines and truths despite their being differences in where we attend or belong. God's Holy People - By being in Christ, though we still have a fallen nature, God has set us apart as holy, as his saints. True Catholocity - God's people includes men and women from every tribe and every tongue that hold to the biblical gospel. The Apostilic Church - we are fellow citizens with all people from all tribes and tongues throughout history, united by being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets teaching, thus apostolic, with Christ Jesus being our cornerstone.

What the Church Does and Believes

Preaching Christ and His Commandments - A church needs to be committed to faithfully preaching the Word of God. Administering Sacraments - Sacraments (The Lord's Supper and Baptism especially) need to be part of a church existing, but they also need to be rightly administered. The Discipline of the Church - We need to be a people that encourage repentance to keep the church pure and set apart.

Church Leadership Offices

Prophets and Apostles - There is a foundation of how the church begins and that foundation is the apostles and prophets. Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers - Only mention of pastors in the New Testament. 

Purpose of the Church

Our Arena for Growth - It is being at church, present, that we are to be equipped, build one another up, in order to grow in maturity. Communion in Gifts and Graces - As believers joining in Christ’s sufferings we have community, exercising our spiritual gifts, in order to grow up the Body of Christ. Receiving and Giving God's Love - We come together because of His sufferings, but once we are together, we are to be about exercising our gifts to build up and grow one another, and it is done with love. 

Hebrews 5:8-10 - Obedience in Suffering

Hebrews 5:8-10

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. 

Message: Obedience in Suffering

Time: Hebrews was written to a group of Christians who had suffered in the past and were now threatened with even more suffering. They'd done well years ago, but the author of Hebrews feared that they might now turn away from Christ to avoid further persecution.The opinions on the author of Hebrews has varied. The strongly Jewish character of the letter to the Hebrews helps to narrow down its date of composition, most likely AD 64–69.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Again, as a review, this study I have been working on is on Christ Alone, solus Christus. Christ Alone saves and during this study I have looked at Christ's Divine nature, as God's incarnate Son (God became Man), the Human Nature of Christ in which I saw Jesus being hungry, needing rest, is tempted, and was ignorant at times of events; Jesus the Last Adam in that like Adam he shared the federal head whereby all humanity is sinners because of Adam's sin, and Jesus is the federal head to all the redeemed, for all in Christ are made alive; and just as in the Old Testament, Israel is called by God and chosen to be His representative and to make the truth of Him known to everyone, but Israel failed, while Jesus fulfilled this; Jesus is Messiah, as the office of messiah includes delivering and rescuing people; the root of our Salvation is in Christ's active and passive obedience - his active obedience is living a perfect life and being obedient to the Law of God and his passive obedience is dying on the cross for our sins, paying the penalty for our sins, from childhood on, he showed his obedience, and this obedience includes being baptized, even though he did not need to be made clean, obedience in temptation as he was tempted in the same way we are and he shows us to always respond to temptation with God's truth, and then Jesus also was obedient to the Law, fulfilling every commandment. 

Christ's active obedience means his active obedience to the commands of God so that Christ could be our righteousness. But we also need his passive obedience, His suffering God's curse in order for us to be cleansed of the mark of sin on our lives. 

Jesus suffered - other men beat Him and crucified Him. He was actively involved in this. Today's text, Hebrews 5:8 says - He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. Jesus, in His divine nature had no need to learn anything, but as man he can grow in knowledge. In this passage the idea of learned obedience means that Jesus came to understand suffering by experiencing it Himself. 

I wonder if my life is obedient in suffering. Do I complain, question, and grow impatient through suffering, wanting it to be over as quick as possible? Yes, I think that is normal, but as I go through it, I need to be dependent on God and His word, His promises that He has made to me. These kidney stones I have had have been marks of suffering, as well as the back pain I now have. Do I grow impatient with others? Probably. I need to rest in the confidence of God and let him use the suffering to grow me more dependent on Him. 

In Christ's suffering, He learned what it was for a sinless man to suffer for sinners. I find in life that I had to suffer when I feel like I have done nothing wrong. I am quick to question these and throw temper tantrums almost. Often I want vengeance. 

Jesus was made perfect, offering Himself as our atonement and became the source of eternal salvation. 

Promise: Christ endured unjust suffering. There are times when I need to endure this type of suffering. 

Prayer: Lord, give me discernment in knowing when I am to fight back and when I am to endure suffering. Thank you Jesus always for suffering for me and my sin so that I can live with God for eternity and have the peace of God in my life. Remove pride from me and give me a thankful heart always. 

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 celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- The Divine Nature of Christ, The Human Nature of Christ, Jesus the Last Adam, Jesus the True Israel, Jesus the Messiah, Obedience in Childhood, Obedience in Baptism, Obedience in Temptation, Obedience under the Law, Obedience in Suffering

Mark 13:11-13 - Enduring to the End

Mark 13:11-13
11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Message: Enduring to the End

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and delivering a message to his disciples and followers, a prophecy of the destruction of the temple and different things that will take place. He has just mentioned that people will be delivered over to the synagogue officials, governors, kings, for His sake. This is what awaited the first-century disciples after His ascension. Christians are not simply to wait but to be active in bearing witness to the World. We can take these messages as well and apply them to today as we await the final judgment of all people, though those words were fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The disciples would learn in this message that the Holy Spirit would speak for them When they arrest you and hand you over,as mentioned in the previous verses. They do not need to fret or be frightened and neither do I. do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. As we encounter difficulties in life we tend to get obsessed about our response, but Jesus wants us to focus instead on staying obedient to our calling and what He is doing in our lives and let Him take care of the words that we are to say. We can be confident in the Lord and that He will speak.

And in those perilous times of being accused and beaten, Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. The disciples should not think that they would at least have the acceptance and support of their family members because in these times they will be betrayed by family. I think something must definitely occur in people when we are close to death, when we fear that our life is on the line or that we are imprisoned. We tend to go into self-protect mode. I wonder often how I would respond in these situations. Would I let things occur or come to the aid of my family, if it was my brother or mom or other near relatives? I hope that my focus would be on Christ.

Jesus lets the disciples know beforehand that these betrayals will occur so that perhaps they can be better prepared for when they do occur. You will be hated by all because of My name. Again, this is a sobering truth. In these times of wanting to be popular is the reminder that instead we will be hated. I see a church today that is being more compromising in their beliefs with the idea that they are accepting of people. The few that stand their ground seem to be alienated. When we come to Christ we give our all, but many of us struggle with this and want to remain attached the creature comforts of our world. Our aim often is not complete adherence but adherence as long as safety, security, and comfort are not jeopardized. This world I notice is increasing in their abandonment of fearing God. More and more we are falling into subtle indifference. The family is no longer about a husband and wife, a man and a woman, but same sexes and changing sexes are here. Idolatry is rampant as many things are taking place of bible study and prayer. Church is not a priority for many, but simply a nice thing to do, if you have time. Truth is changing for a standard law to a personal low. Each person's truth is said to be acceptable and tolerable. The fair treatment of all people has become the greatest ideal. Often we spend our lives protecting life rather than ministering to others. I find my days are centered more on going through the motions. I'm not sure I am hated because I'm not really standing for truth. I wanting people to like me and value me so that comes at the expense often of being true to my calling in Christ.

Jesus records these words - but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Life is found in endurance. Life is not a sprint, but a journey. Our goal then is to make it to the end and the believing Christian will make it to the end. We are quick to say that we are not saved by works, but believing Christians do work to the end. Though Salvation is not based upon those works, a working Christian is a true follower of Christ.

Summary - Jesus sends forth a tough message here stating that difficulties will arise and they will be present. The disciples do not need to be shocked for even their family members will betray them as they are hurled into courts and prison time because of their faith. They will be hated but as a believer in Christ, a true believe, our lives are marked by endurance to eternal salvation.

Promise: Our Lord is focused on our future at all times. I think we are too focused on our now.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am not one of these people that betray another Christian, but Lord I pray instead that I would rely on your divine grace and will.

Psalm 119:89-96 - God's Fixed and Enduring Word

Psalm 119:89-96

⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.
⁹¹ They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants.
⁹² If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.
⁹³ I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.
⁹⁴ I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.
⁹⁵ The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.
⁹⁶ I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Message: God's fixed and enduring word

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:

We continue to look to God's word. His word is a lamp unto our feet (v. 105). It is here in this passage today that we remember and see that the sacred Scripture reflects the steadfastness of our Maker.

It endures
Your word is settled (or fixed) in heaven (v. 89). God and his word is a forever source of our life, both for today and in the future in heaven.

God is faithful throughout every generation. You established the earth, and it stands (v. 90). We can also expect the same thing for the Word of God. It has been established and it stands.

All of these words and commands are under your servants (v. 91).

Without God's word, we would have perished (v. 92).

It is for me
I will never forget Your precepts (v. 93). To all eternity they shall be the object of my meditation. For by them You have revived me. God's word is the light to our life. As we learn it and study it, it will speak to us in a way different from anything else in our life.

I am Yours (v. 94). This is the statement of a pious person. All that I am is God's. I am a follower of God. I am his. Save me. Deliver me from my enemies. For I have sought your precepts. I am guided by your Words. 

It is my security
The wicked wait for me to destroy me (v. 95). Through it all, I find my support upon Your testimonies. Where is my security? I am secure and safe in my position as a Christ follower. This is where I sit and reside. I am not a creature of circumstances waiting for something good to happen to me first. I rest on God's word and its proclamation to my life. 

It exposes me
Verse 96 - I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad. This is where man rests and allows God to take over. I see a limit in being perfect. God's word is significant when I look upon it. People often will say they are a good person, until the light of God's word shines upon their lives. God's word is exceedingly broad and because of it, I see that I am not perfect. If anyone thinks they are perfect, then they have not really considered God's word. This is a perfect verse to be found in this chapter 119 which speaks of the Word of God. After we examine God's word, we clearly see that we are not perfect and so how can we face God. We can't. This is why we need a savior. 

Promise: God's word not only endures, but it shines a light onto my life. 

Romans 15:4 - The Value of the Old Testament

Romans 15:4 - For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Message: The Value of All Scripture

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying: 

The Set Up
At first, verse 4 looks odd, but something I didn't note in the previous set of verses (15:1-3) was that verse 3 was a quote from the Old Testament. Quote from the Old Testament are always interesting. It is interesting to determine the context or the reason for the original writing. In this case, Psalm 69 is the chapter that is quoted and verse 9. This is not necessarily a chapter about Jesus. But, rather it appears to be a book to David and describing David's situation of a difficult situation and looking to God for help. Yet, verse 3 of Romans begins with Paul talking about Jesus, stating that Jesus did not please himself. Yesterday, the writing from Paul was about denying oneself and denying one's own personal enjoyment or convictions. Instead, do no please yourself, but please the other person. In the same way Jesus took on the reproaches (blame) of others.

Here is beginning of Psalm 69 from the Septuagint:

Save me, O God; for the waters have come in to my soul. I am stuck fast in deep mire, and there is no standing: I am come in to the depths of the sea, and a storm has overwhelmed me. I am weary of crying, my throat has become hoarse; mine eyes have failed by my waiting on my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: my enemies that persecute me unrighteously are strengthened: then I restored that which I took not away.

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my transgressions are not hidden from thee. Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord of hosts, be ashamed on my account: let not them that seek thee, be ashamed on my account, O God of Israel. For I have suffered reproach for thy sake; shame has covered my face. I became strange to my brethren, and a stranger to my mother’s children. For the zeal of thine house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. And I bowed down my soul with fasting, and that was made my reproach. And I put on sackcloth for my covering; and I became a proverb to them. They that sit in the gate talked against me, and they that drank wine sang against me.

The phrase that is quoted in verse 3 is "the reproaches of them that reproached thee are falling upon me."  

In Psalm 69, David begins with the proclamation that he is hurting. He is overwhelmed. He has cried too many tears. He is hoarse from calling on God. And his enemies are numerous. There are many that hate him just because they desire to hate. He, however, does not think he is above being judged by what he has done. Yet, he has tried to honor God through his words and deeds. And that honoring has not resulted in goodness to his life. 

David is a spokesperson or messenger of God's. And the people know this and so blame God for their current situations, but do it towards this man, David. David is who the people see so he is the one that receives the blame. And this really should be true of a Christian. A Christian should be an ambassador and should be living their life in such a way that it is very distinct and different from the way other people live their lives. Jesus was different. Jesus lived a different sort of life. Jesus stood out. Jesus did not blend in with everyone else. He was not a chameleon. He stood out. And He stood as God's representative on earth. And so, like David, took the blows from people. Jesus bore our sin. David bore complaints. There is similarity and Paul takes this phrase, originally applied to David, and applies it to Jesus. 

Jesus bore the sin of mankind. He took on the evil of the world. 

Current Verse
This is the reference point for verse 4. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction." I am not to look past the words of the Old Testament. They are there to instruct me and add value to my faith and life. Don't look past them. 

And it is to give me hope. It is through the endurance of the Scriptures. They are not just for a period of time, but are meant to endure. The words of old show me that God has been working in people's lives throughout history, long before me. And they are to encourage us. They are to encourage me. 

Our Hope is in Him. 

Promise: There are not any unimportant parts of Scripture. It is all given for our edification. 

Jesus Calling: March 7

    Let Me help you through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone. You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. This awareness opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence. Actually, this choice is continually before you, but difficulties highlight the decision-making process. So, consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped in various trials. These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely on Me alone.

Psalm 63:7-8
English Standard Version for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

James 1:2-3
Amplified Bible
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

My Prayer
Lord, you are my help and my anchor. I cling to you Lord. Your right hand, salvation, my protection, my refuge -- Lord, you are all those things for me and you sustain me not just through the moment of the day, but throughout eternity. Remind me of the importance of trials in my life. I need them. I need to train myself in endurance and steadfastness and patience. Help me to stop running to other sources to fix my trials and make sure they are short-lived rather than seeking You. Continue to help me rely on You.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.