I Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David

I Samuel 20

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

Message: Jonathan's Covenant with David

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Samuel 18:1-16 - David Ascendant

I Samuel 18:1-16

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

Message: David Ascendant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruth 1:15-22 - Ruth and Naomi

Ruth 1:15-22

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall] be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if [anything] but death parts you and me" (v. 16 and 17).

Message: Ruth and Naomi

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

What the Lord is Saying: Naomi, after husband dies and her two sons as well die, after taken Moabite women as wives, decides to return to Judah. Where they have been is a famine. But she tells her two daughter-in-law that they should both return to their homeland rather than go with her. Orpah left, but Ruth clung to her mother-in-law. Ruth was determined and makes a statement that is now famous, "where you go, I will go." She commits to Naomi.

Naomi and Ruth come to Bethlehem. The city was stirred because of them (v. 19). Naomi says she should be called Mara (bitter) for the Lord has dealt with her (v. 20). 

Possibly, Naomi was a little bitter towards the Lord in disciplining her or afflicting her by taking the men in her life away. When she arrives in the city of Bethlehem, her home, the people are moved by her arrival. She is a prominent person it would seem and perhaps left the City with some level of anticipation and now she returns. The people are surprised probably, but whatever it is, they are moved by her return. Naomi though is feeling downcast. She is not returning in the way she would like and she takes on this complete picture of disappointment, all way to saying she should be called a different name. She is discouraged. And Ruth perhaps adds a little to the discouragement, for she returns not with a man, but another woman by her side. 

Summary: Naomi returns to Bethlehem, her home and Ruth clings to her stating where she goes, Ruth will go as well. Coming back home without men feels like being afflicted by God. 

Promise: Even in difficulty, we can recognize that God is doing something in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, help to recognize everything in my life is you working. Give me strength today and help me to be focused on my day and what needs to be done. 

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

Ruth 1:1-14 - Naomi and Her Daughters-In-Law

Ruth 1:1-14

But Naomi said, “Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? (v.11)"

Message: Naomi and Her Daughters-In-Law

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

What the Lord is Saying: In verse 1 it says "in the days when the judges governed" so this book seems to be at the tail end of the time of the book of Judges. And perhaps a little beyond that time. There is a famine going on and the book mentions a family in verse 2 -- the man Elimelech, his wife, Naomi; and his two sons Mahlon and Chilion; Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. "They entered the land of Moab and remained there." Then in verse 3, Elimelech dies. Her sons took wives - Orpah and Ruth. But then the sons died. So the 3 women remained (v.3-5). 

The 3 of them return to Judah because they heard of food being present. But Naomi tells Orpah and Ruth to return to their homes. She says there is no reason for them to continue with her. But they do not want to go. Naomi says they shouldn't wait for more husbands from her. Orpah leaves but Ruth will not leave and clings to her. 

I don't see many lessons or any lessons really in these verses. The commentary devotional I use, Tabletalk, makes mention that Elimelech took his wife to Moab. The Moabites were enemies of Israel and worshipped Balaam, so surprising Elimelech would take his wife and family there. Yet, Ruth was a Moabite. 

Summary: Naomi and her family go to Moab and get two wives, though all of the men then die and Naomi returns to Judah only with one wife--Ruth. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us strive to obey the Lord, and if we find ourselves in a bad situation due to our sin, let us pray that the Lord would bring redemption out of it."

Prayer: Lord, this is an interesting start to the story of Naomi and Ruth. I am reminded of your sovereignty here. And the importance of family and friendships. Continue to teach me through your Word.

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

John 15:14-17 - Friends of the Savior

John 15:14-17

14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another. 

Message: Friends of the Savior

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 continues this long discourse with his disciples. I am taking these words slow, breaking them apart, and yet this is a discourse that is not lasting long in time, though Jesus is speaking a lot. A lot of what I have read and see in these words are words of comfort and encouragement that Jesus is sharing with His disciples. But there are also words of responsibilities we have as believers and followers. 

I use the devotional Tabletalk, a ministry of Ligonier, to guide me through these lessons. It is interesting because I have seen recently in the lessons that speak of commands and appear to give these conditional statements like today in verse 14, "If you do what I command you" and verse 7, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you" and verse 4-6, "Abide in Me, and I in you" to bear fruit or Jesus will cast us out -- as those conditional statements are made, Tabletalk makes a point to say - now don't think these statements are conditional. I don't necessarily disagree with this, though I find it interesting that these statements must be made because it tells me there is potential for misunderstanding. 

And yet on a high level, Jesus is communicating a responsibility that believers have living in Christ. There is a responsibility they have with themselves towards Christ, with how they relate to others, and even the world at large which I will get to later. 

In this passage, Jesus says we are His friends, but says we are to do what He commands as He has previously mentioned the importance of keeping His commandments (v.10) and that the commandment is to love one another (v.12).  We are friends, not slaves any longer. And Jesus speaks of the special-ness or the intimacy that we now have with Him as His friends knowing what He is doing. Jesus receives from the Father and has shared with us. We are close to Him. 

Then in verse 16 and 17 is another summary that Jesus gives and these words do make us think those previous words that appear to be conditional are not. He says, "I chose you." We did not choose Him. This is correct. He called the disciples, the followers of Him and they responded, but Jesus did the choosing. And with that choosing is a task to go and bear fruit. I've been remembering the words of God in Genesis 1:28 when God says to Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." God created and God called. He says He chose us to bear fruit. That we are to ask of Him so that He will provide. He wants to provide. Again He says, "Love one another." Here it is again - (1) Believe, (2) Ask, (3) Obey, (4) The Helper helps and maybe I could add to love one another but I think that is part of obedience. 

Summary: We are Jesus' friend, no longer slaves. He chose us to bear fruit, and we can ask Him in His name and He will give it. We are to love one another. 

Promise: Though we are friends with Jesus, we still receive commands from Him that we are to obey. 

Prayer: Lord, you have called me your friend, choosing me, being transparent with me by telling me what You have done and done for me and will do. Thank you God for your honesty toward me and helping me throughout my days and my life. You keep me close to You always. Give me that strength to love one another and encourage them always to live for You. 

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

My Utmost for His Highest - June 16th - What Do You Make of This?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. - John 15:13, 15

    Jesus does not ask me to die for Him, but to lay down my life for Him. Peter said — “I will lay down my life for Thy sake,” and he meant it; his sense of the heroic was magnificent. It would be a bad thing to be incapable of making such a declaration as Peter made; the sense of our duty is only realized by our sense of the heroic. Has the Lord ever asked you — “Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? (John 13:38)” It is far easier to die than to lay down the life day in and day out with the sense of the high calling. We are not made for brilliant moments, but we have to walk in the light of them in ordinary ways. There was only one brilliant moment in the life of Jesus, and that was on the Mount of Transfiguration; then He emptied Himself the second time of His glory, and came down into the demon-possessed valley (see Mark 9:1-29). For thirty-three years Jesus laid out His life to do the will of His Father, and, John says, “we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (I John 3:16)” It is contrary to human nature to do it.

    If I am a friend of Jesus, I have deliberately and carefully to lay down my life for Him. It is difficult, and thank God it is difficult. Salvation is easy because it cost God so much, but the manifestation of it in my life is difficult. God saves a man and endues him with the Holy Spirit, and then says in effect — “Now work it out, be loyal to Me, whilst the nature of things round about you would make you disloyal.” “I have called you friends.” Stand loyal to your Friend, and remember that His honour is at stake in your bodily life.

 - From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

My Utmost for His Highest - March 25th - The Most Delicate Mission on Earth

He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. - John 3:29

Goodness and purity ought never to attract attention to themselves, they ought simply to be magnets to draw to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection and lead souls away into side-eddies. A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him. He will leave the impression --"What a fine character that man is!" That is not being a true friend of the Bridegroom; I am increasing all the time, He is not.

In order to maintain this friendship and loyalty to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful of our moral and vital relationship to Him than of any other thing, even of obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey, the only thing to do is to maintain a vital connections with Jesus Christ, to see that nothing interferes with that. Only occasionally do we have to obey. When a crisis arises we have to find out what God's will is, but the greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship--the friend of the Bridegroom. Christian work may be a means of evading the soul's concentration on Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we may become amateur providences, and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons.

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition

My Utmost for His Highest - March 24th - Decreasing Into His Purpose

He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30

If you become a necessity to a soul, you are out of God's order. As a worker, your great responsibility is to be a friend of the Bridegroom. When once you see a soul in sight of the claim of Jesus Christ, you know that your influence has been in the right direction, and instead of putting out a hand to prevent the throes, pray that they grow ten times stronger until there is no power on earth or in hell that can hold that soul away from Jesus Christ. Over and over again, we become amateur providences, we come in and prevent God; and say--"This and that must be." Instead of proving friends of the Bridegroom, we put our sympathy in the way, and the soul will one day say--"That one was a thief, he stole my affections from Jesus, and I lost my vision of Him."

Beware of rejoicing with a soul in the wrong thing, but see that you do rejoice in the right thing. "The friend of the Bridegroom...rejoiceth greatly because of the Bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:29-30)" This is spoken with joy and not with sadness--at last they are to see the Bridegroom! And John says this is his joy. It is the absolute effacement of the worker, he is never thought of again.

Watch for all you are worth until you hear the Bridegroom's voice in the life of another. Never mind what havoc it brings, what upsets, what crumblings of health, rejoice with divine hilarity when once His voice is heard. You may often see Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it. (“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34)

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition (she made no underlines or highlights for this one)

- throes - a spasm or pang of pain
- effacement - to rub out, erase; the act or process of eliminating something

Mark 16:12-13 - Appearances of the Resurrected Lord

Mark 16:12-13
12 After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. 13 They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.

Message: Appearances of the Resurrected Lord

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has risen from the dead. Initially, it is the 3 women that go to the tomb to anoint him further for burial, but upon getting there and wondering how they are going to roll away the stone see that the stone is already rolled away. They go inside and there is a young man -- an angel -- there letting them know that Jesus has risen and He will meet them and the disciples and Peter at Galilee. The women leave, but initially don't tell anyone, though it could be fear they felt for the people of Jerusalem who had just crucified him. Jesus then appears to Mary first and she goes to tell the disciples, but they don't believe her. They are busy mourning the loss of Jesus. Mary, as a woman, is not a credible witness that Jesus has risen.

After speaking to Mary Magdalene directly, Jesus comes upon Jesus appearing to two men walking into the country. After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.

This gospel is now recording Jesus' appearance to different people. He appeared to Mary Magdalene but we don't have words spoken and now also Jesus is appearing to two and nothing is recorded of Jesus' words. Here, he appears in a different form, almost like he did not appear to them in the form of Jesus. People were not believing Jesus had been risen again and yet the writer here is not very specific, as Mark has been, about this appearance. It could be that he was just taking on a different identity that was not immediately apparent to these men. This could have been 2 disciples, and although they believed, the audience that they told did not believe. This was odd because these were now men, and thus credible witnesses but it is possible that the disciples that had received the message still did not believe and still was not accepting of this message of Jesus having risen from the dead.

Summary - Jesus is making an appearance to people and while those witnessing his appearance are believing, the individuals the message being passed onto are not believing. But Jesus is risen and is appearing.

Promise: People have to receive insight in order to believe in Jesus, even to this day. Despite the evidence, the message is not immediately believed.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I would be a person that believes and accepts you. Help me to be compassionate toward people who do not believe the evidence. There is evidence of You but even that evidence is not always believed. Lord, I pray your message would be more central and be repeated to people more and more.

Mark 2:1-5 - The Faith of the Friends

Mark 2:1-5
When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Message: The Faith of the Friends

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:

What catches me first about this passage, that I really haven't seen before is Jesus is back in Capernaum and he is preaching, speaking the word to people. This is his overriding mission, to share the truth of God with people.

Overall, this has always been an interesting text to me because of how Jesus heals a man based upon the faith of his friends. The friends are tenacious as well and make a way where there seems to be no way in lowering this paralytic down. And while it says that the man's sins are forgiven, previously we have seen that Jesus sees the problem that has resulted from sin being in the world and that is people have problems, some of the diseases and some of them life-long ailments, like being paralyzed. So, by saying your sins are forgiven, it could also mean that the paralyzed man is healed. I'm not sure, because this doesn't happen always in real life - today.

This is likely at the home of Simon (Peter) and Andrew.

An evangelist of today tells that, after one of his meetings, he observed that a little girl kept her seat after all others had left. Thinking that the child was asleep, he stepped forward to awaken her, but found she was praying that God would send her drunken father to that meeting-house that very night, there to be converted. The evangelist waited, and soon a man came rushing in from the street and knelt trembling at the child's side. He had been brought there by a sudden impulse which he could not resist, and then and there he found Christ. The child's faith was honored in the conversion of her father. -- Sunday School Times

Promise: These men were so sure of Jesus' ability that they would stop at nothing to see Him. May we pursue our Savior with such fervent faith.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of faith. Thank you for the confidence that is found in people and the way you change lives through fervency of others. I praise you for my Mom and her praying for me and continuing to commit to pray. Thank you for the faith of her mom and her continual confidence in You. There is power in your name and you are to continually praised.

Galatians 3:23-29 - All Sons and Daughters

Galatians 3:23-29
23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Message: All Sons and Daughters (presented by Josh Swanson, Hope Church, Eastside, August 28, 2017)

Time: Paul wrote to the churches in southern Galatia after having a hand in starting them on his first missionary journey to Asia Minor. Paul wrote the book a few months before his attendance at the Jerusalem Council in AD 49. The Galatians fell away quickly from the gospel of grace Paul had preached to them and their disloyalty to Paul’s authority as an apostle. Paul began the letter defending that very issue. In chapter 3 he begin to get to the heart of their error; namely, that these Galatians sought to be justified by the Mosaic Law. In contrast, Paul presented his argument that justification comes to people by faith in Jesus Christ, not by their works under the Law.

What the Lord is Saying:

Josh started out with a discussion of orphans, mentioning how many of our stories in movies and characters are about people that are orphans. We all have a need to belong - to be embraced - we connect with characters - humanity feels a lostness - alienation - we feel disconnected - we feel homeless - the Bible speaks to this - answers the question “What is wrong with me?” - Adam/Eve paradise lost; Paul strangers and aliens (Not of this world) - Yet God is the healer of what is wrong - God brings reconciliation - God adopts us, bringing us home.

The key message of today's text comes from verse 26 - For you are all sons of God

1. Before Faith - Israel is confined by laws, ceremonies, rituals.
1. But this was temporary
2. in Christ, we are full sons of God
3. in Ch. 4, we are moved from slaves to sons
2. Rich Text - we are heirs, so what does this mean
1. In Exodus  - children of Israel were brought out of slavery
2. Reason you are a son is being united with Jesus
3. What is true for Jesus in his relationship with God is also true for us
4. Verse 26 says "All" and in verse 28, "all one" (I was reminded of the Sheila Walsh song from the 80s, "We're all one.")
3. Adoption as defined in the Greco Roman world
1. Families cared for families, specifically Jewish
2. But in Greco-roman world adoptions occurred
3. 7 or 8 Caesar leaders were adopted; Caesar Augustus was adopted by Julius Caesar to maintain the hierarchy
4. Octavion said that Julius thought by Octavion to be one of God's so Caesar Augustus gave him the name son of God.
5. Every President of the United States makes a similar claim that he will make America great again
6. This is the tone in this world that Paul proclaims his message
4. Jesus divests himself to the lowest type of person - "a slave"
1. The meaning of adoption in that day was infant exposure or taking a child and throwing it on the trash heap where it would end up a slave or in brothels and have no dignity or worth
2. Jesus becomes the lowest class person once again - "We are all sons of God."
3. The only recipient of heirs are sons, but God here is making everyone a recipient; this is an explosive message
5. This was a radical message
1. A whole new community; our new identity in Christ
2. But do we show partiality in our faith
3. Do we treat each other the same?
4. God is forming a new community
5. It's a new social movement
1. western nations all have dignity and worth (humanistic values)
2. equally birthed in Christian movement
3. Luke Ferry, philosopher in France wrote - "Christianity introduced concept that all classes of people have equal identity; Christianity was the pre-cursor of modern democracy; "All men are created equal."
4. people like equal dignity
5. Civil Rights movement is another example
6. All these movements ideas, at their core, is found in Jesus Christ's message of adoption of the lowest class of people
7. Do we care about everyone?
6. A new Vision of God
1. In the pantheon of god's you go to a different god to get what you want
2. But everywhere Jesus calls him My Father
3. He invites us into same relationship
4. How do I become a child of God?
7. What has God done for us
1. God becomes man, a slave, exile, suffers, dies
2. Every time Jesus speaks to God he calls him "Father" except for 1, when he is dying on the cross
3. Faith is the open hand that receives the gift
4. Turn from wandering to welcoming
5. Read the prayer of belief

Prayer of Belief: Lord, Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever imagined, but through you, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared to hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment, and offering forgiveness. I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior. Amen. 

This is a strong message. We are all children of God. There are no class systems. The true message of the Gospel is everyone is a priest. We are all made in the image of God. Jesus was a different kind of leader, he submitted himself to others. Each person is filled by Jesus' presence. The new humanity is one of equality.

Promise: We are all full sons of God. We are this way because of our unity with Christ. What is true of Jesus is true of me. I have been adopted. All men are created equal.

Prayer: Lord, it is difficult sometimes to see how we are trained in this world. It is hard to see the messages of church and religion and the separation that takes place between people in society. Lord, thank you that this isn't your message. Lord, you came to save us. You came to make us fellow heirs of the promise. You came to remind us we are all made in your image. Thank you for showing us this about ourselves and seeing such value in us. Thank you for truth. Thank you for making me a son of God.

Proverbs 27:9-10 - Closer than a Brother

Proverbs 27:9-10

⁹ Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
¹⁰ Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, and; better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.

Message: Closer than a Brother

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

What the Lord is Saying:

I am reminded here that we need one another. We are not meant to traverse this life on our own. I'm always reminded of Hebrews 10:24-25 that says, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." This reminds me that church attendance is important, but it reminds me that our fellowship is important. We need to assemble together. We found this in church yesterday, and even just for the few brief moments we got to church and saw old friends and shared that life is tough and a challenge and got that encouragement as well. And then that we could sit together and worship God together. Well, it was nice. 

Our Christian friends are people we share a common bond with. I appreciate the people that God has placed in my life - Fred, Pete, Craig, Bruce, Bobby, Scott, Karl, Warren. These are very important men in my life. There are more, but these men are consistently in my life and encouraging me. 

I think it is so important to have these men in my life. I need that daily reminder that life is a challenge and these men can encourage me. They help me put life in perspective. I am blessed to have them in my life. 

I agree with verse 9 that "a man's counsel is sweet to his friend." There have been many times when the words of Craig or Pete or Craig or Bobby or Scott or Warren have said something to me that just reminds me the importance of God's love in my life. There have been hard days of late, in some ways reminding me that I am not in control, but God is in control. I need to keep my eyes on God and trust him for the outcomes of life. 

I also realize that absent from this list is my own brother. I need to do it more, but I am not going to my brother. I could use time with him more. But, he and I are not as close as I would like. We live in different circles. I think this verse that says, do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity, realizes at times that our family members sometimes don't offer the best guidance in our lives. Mine would though, and I need to go to him more.

Promise: The counsel of a friend should be sweet, earnest, effective and grounded in concern for us, encouraging us to love God and trust Him.