I Kings 4 - The Glory of Solomon

I Kings 4

Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. (Verse 21)

Message: The Glory of Solomon

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon is now king. The temple is in process of being built and he has begun to marry, but not correctly, instead choosing women from Egypt, intermarrying. He prays and asks God for justice, that he would have discernment of what is right and wrong. This is what he wants and God is pleased that he isn't asking for riches or defeats of enemies, though that will be provided. Thus, his reign will be focused on peace and justice. 

Chapter 4 begins with a list of those that were his officials. 

• Azariah, identified as the son of Zadok, serves as a priest during Solomon's reign. The priesthood was a vital institution in Israel, responsible for religious duties and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
• Elihoreph and Ahijah are mentioned as secretaries, responsible for recording royal decrees, managing correspondence, written communication, and maintaining official records. 
• Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, served as the recorder responsible for chronicling events, maintaining historical records, and possibly advising the king on matters of state.
• Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, commander of the army, known for his loyalty and bravery, having previously served under King David.
• Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during the early part of Solomon's reign. Zadok present during the early struggle with Adonijah while Abiathar would be removed from the priesthood. 
• Azariah in charge of governors. A high level of authority, overseeing regional officials who managed various districts of Israel.
• Zabud, also a son of Nathan, held dual roles as both a priest and an adviser to King Solomon.
• Ahishar in charge of the palace, maintaining order and efficiency in the king's household and administrative affairs.
• Adoniram, also known as Adoram, was responsible for overseeing the forced labor, such as building projetcts, including the construction of the Temple and his own palace.
• 12 governors each assuming his duties for one month. Provides food for family, servants and officials. 
• Ben-hur
• Ben-deker
• Ben-hesed
• Ben-abinadab and Taphath, being a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Ahilud
• Ben-geber
• Ahinadab son of Iddo
• Ahimaaz in Naphtali, married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Hushai
• Jehoshaphat son of Paruah
• Shimei son of Ela
• Geber son of Uri

The people were numerous "as the sand that is on the seashore." There was an abundance of prosperity during Solomon's reign with verse 22-28 listing all that his kingdom provided regularly. However, one item that mentioned he had an abundance of was horses (verse 26 - "Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen") and yet there was a provision in the law from Deuteronomy 17:16 that forbade this ("Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’") Thus, not everything Solomon did in acquiring everything was good and correct. 

But more than this he was respected for his wisdom and people came from all over to experience it. 

Summary: Solomon establishes his leaders and all of his provisions. 

Promise: All of our lives -- all parts -- are meant to glorify God. 

Prayer: Father, you are holy and good. And you want all of my life to be surrendered to you in all of its parts. Lord, I submit my life and surrender to You. Thank you for the life of Solomon and using him to give us so much wisdom. He wasn't perfect but you still used him. Remind me that no one is perfect but there is still value in people. 

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

Judges 3:1-11 - The Model Judge

Judges 3:1-11
And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother (v.9)."

Message: The Model Judge

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: Judges is an interesting title for this book because in a way what God seems to be doing here in this book is challenging the Israelites, but in a rather natural way based upon their choices to not completely trust God after allowing non-Israelites to continue to inhabit the lands that they were promised by God in Canaan. Rather than wiping those people out, they allow them to stay. We do the same thing in our lives. We dance with danger. We try to have our cake and eat it too. We say we are surrendering to God and yet we let in those things that potentially could bring our faith down and make us ineffective. And then as we do this, we still go to God and ask Him to bless us. People marry people of different faiths or of no faith. We saturate ourselves in so many different types of entertainment and music. We make alcohol too much a part of our life and we spend much of our time with people that do not share our beliefs. And yet there are challenges even in me saying this as we are called to be in the world, but not of it. It is the world where people that are not of our faith reside and we need to go to them to bring them into the fold. 

But the Lord God in His providence and sovereignty does something else - though the Canaanites remain because of the disobedience of the people in not conquering them when they had the chance, God also will now use this remnant to teach the Israelites that are now there about war - fighting and "God's extraordinary power and providence manifested therein (Joseph Benson)." A generation had fought previously under Joshua, but now a new generation is present and God needs to teach this new generation fighting and also dependence and reliance on Him. David Guzik writes, "These nations would remain because God wanted to prove the faithfulness of Israel to Himself, and to improve their reliance on Him." My obedience is for God's glory and something He wants not simply so my life will be better but because He wants my faithfulness. "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)"

This is powerful and maybe something I haven't really noticed or realized before. That these words in Scripture are describing God and His ways and purposes. God is wanting to do something in me - for Him -- for His Glory. That it isn't first and foremost about my spiritual growth. It is about me being in Christ, in God. Because He wants a people that is dependent on Him. This isn't all about me and making me better, but it is about Him and making Him great. 

In verse 1 of chapter 3, it says, "these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them." In verse 4, "to find out if they would obey the commandments of the Lord." In verse 5, "They took their daughters for themselves, and gave their own daughters for their sons." In verse 7, "The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." Evil must be defined by God, not man. All too often I think the danger we have as people is defining what is wrong by what we think is wrong. But, God wants us to uphold His word and look to it as our plumb line. The standard is His. Thus, the mark of a Christian or Jesus follower or one who really wants to obey the Lord is to constantly measure ourselves against what His word says is right and wrong. 

Verse 9, "When the sons of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother." Verse 10 - "And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and He judged Israel." Verse 11, "then the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died." Not much is written here about Othniel. It says the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and that seems to be all that is needed to describe him. 

Thus, the first judge. The Lord provided. He judged them. He delivered them. 

Summary: God tests Israel to prove they are a people relying and depending on Him. They serve other Gods and Othniel delivers and judges them and the land has rest for 40 years. 

Promise: God delights to use people to accomplish His purposes, but we should take care to give Him the credit. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me these lessons and truths - that life is always and only about You and my obedience is what You are supposed to receive. I need to follow You all of my days. This life is Yours. Help me to keep that the focus and not on my own learning or focus. You are to be glorified. 

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

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Sowing Generously, Reaping Abundantly

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written,

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER."  

10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Message: Sowing Generously, Reaping Abundantly

What the Lord is Saying: This was the title of the message yesterday at church. I spent time studying the passage in church, kind of summarizing ideas from each verse and then continuing to think about the meaning of the text. The pastor is doing a series on giving and has an agenda with the passage and seems more focused on the passage that we give cheerfully. His points weren't off base. I just saw some other things. 

Looking at each verse

6 - Sow little, reap little; sow bountifully, reap bountifully

7 - No grudges, no complaining, God loves a cheerful giver

8 - God has grace to us - we have good deeds

9 - He gave to the poor (freely; Ps. 112:9); righteousness forever 

10 - He supplies seed/bread and will supply and multiply your seed

11 - I will be enriched - producing thanksgiving

12 - Fully (and frequent) supplying - overflowing thanksgiving

13 - So glorify God for obedience

14 - Pray for others; yearn for others

15 - Thanks to God for His Gift! Indescribable (Rom. 5:15)

I enjoyed that. Taking each verse and just looking at its basic idea.

I summarized further -- Sow - Cheerfully giving - He supplies - Overflow with thankfulness. Glorify God - pray for others - Thank God for His Holy Gift. 

This idea that he supplies the seed/bread. He is the supplier of what we give. He supplies. Our responsibility is to give. 

1. Sow with Cheer (I DO)                            

2. Be Thankful (for this Supply) (TO GOD)

3. Glorify God (TO GOD)

4. Pray (I DO)

5. Thank God (TO GOD)

Only the first verse speaks of reaping abundantly. The main idea seems to be about giving back in multiple ways. We give back through prayer in praying for others. And we give back by being thankful to God for what He has supplied us. And we give back by glorifying God. And we ultimately thank God for His indescribable gift. The gift is the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the One Man (Jesus Christ), which abounds to the many. 

Summary: The idea there not so much about frequent giving but our heart and do it for him. I mean frequent giving will occur as He keeps supplying. I am to sow and pray. And I am to be thankful, glorify Him and Thank Him. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the great gift that You have given Me in providing Jesus as the sacrifice for my sins. Adam sinned and sin spread to all, but the power of Your sacrifice, shedding your blood for me, saves. Glorify to God for your great gift. Help me to be a cheerful giver and also to also thank You always for what you have supplied, glorifying You and thanking You for the gift of salvation. And help me to pray for others, yearning for them. 

 

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

John 17:10-13 - The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

John 17:10-13 

10 and all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world; and [yet] they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, [the name] which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in They name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 

Message: The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

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: Once again, as I start a reading today, I hear Jesus once again aligning Himself and His ways with the Father. This Gospel I see has three primary themes: (1) Showing the Father has Sent the Son, (2) Showing the Father and the Son are the same in purpose and essence and authority, (3) That Jesus came to give people eternal life. 

Our Works Glorify Jesus/God - This time Jesus says, "all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine;" -- the same that belongs to the one, belongs to the other. This is not mere prophet speak which some religions like Islam believe Jesus only holds. "and I have been glorified in them." These words are a continued thought from verse 9 when Jesus is speaking directly of the disciples. From verse 6 Jesus prayed that the disciples "have kept Thy word." The disciples had actions on their part to keep the words that Jesus had spoken, maybe not perfectly, but they would hold fast to His words and continue after He has left to uphold the words that had been spoken to them. Yes, it seems it took them a while to figure it out and come to an understanding and then receive and believe (v. 8). But once they did, the result of those actions appears to be what Jesus is praying and confirming before the Father. 

Keep Them - Much of this prayer is Jesus speaking truth, rather than interceding for the disciples and asking the Father to do something for them, but in this verse I read and hear words of a request. Actually, his entire prayer up to this point is speaking theology or confirming truth. [Note: Always as I read these words, I am astounded and amazed that we have these words and these are words of Jesus as given by God to John to write. That God would breath these words to man so that we can have them for centuries and they would be scripture to us is still somewhat incredible and hard to fathom.] In leading up to His request Jesus prays and confirms with the Father the reason for Jesus' request - and that reason being that the disciples are in the world -- "they themselves are in the world," -- the disciples will remain in the world after Jesus is glorified or ascends to heaven to be with the Father. 

Jesus as He has continually done in this farewell discourse is looking out for the disciples and requests now of the Father - "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name...that they may be one, even as We are."  Simple words. "Keep them in the name of You." Interesting.

One of the things I really don't like in the church often as I hear people pray is their theology in prayer and how we often are not so careful in what we are saying and yet I need to be careful because people are doing the best they can, may be nervous, and may not be seasoned or deep in what they are believing and yet they have a heart and love and desire for spiritual truth. One of those things I struggle with is when people ask God in a church setting to be here with us. Jesus is with us; God is with us. And so it seems unnecessary to ask Him to be with us. We can confirm He is with us and thank Him for that and much of what Jesus is praying is that - confirming truths. I mean, so far in this prayer by Jesus has been 5 verses confirming truths. But now He asks that the disciples be kept in God's name. Could it be He is saying, "May their life continue to be lived testifying of you God, staying committed to You, as I (Jesus) have been committed and one with you." I mean, he seems to be bridging the oneness Jesus has with the Father with a oneness his disciples are to have with keeping them in obedience. This appears to be a prayer of completeness or sanctification for the disciples. They are to be continually kept close - in Thine - One. 

And in these words Jesus is acknowledging that this work of them staying close to the Father depends on the word of the Father. We are not to be kept in Thy name by our own strength but by the strength of the Father. It remains enigmatic in a way that the way of the Christian life and our closeness to the Father, even our waking up to know Spiritual things, is the work of God in our lives. And yet Jesus is asking or praying for the Father to keep the disciples there. How often do I pray this? Rarely. How often do I ask God the Father to keep my children close to Him, to not let them wander. I pray that they would not wander, yes. I almost pray to God that He would move in them so that their action would be to stay close to God, but these words are different - the prayer is on the work not of the disciples in staying close. The one that keeps them close is the Father. It is the Father working. The prayer is you God, "Keep them." Amazing. Quite different from me praying that I would shape up or my kids would shape up, instead, "God, you awake them and then keep them."

Jesus then speaks some incredible words in verse 12 by mentioning that on the earth, He did the job of keeping them - everyone, but Judas. And yet Judas went astray to fulfill prophecy. Now Jesus tells God the Father to 'keep them.' He not only kept the, but 'guarded them.' That guarding to me gives the idea of keeping them from falling astray, though Judas did fall astray. I won't get into it here, but the work of man's free will and being accountable and God being the active agent in our lives remains a strong mystery. 

Have Joy - In verse 13, Jesus returns to proclaiming and speaking directly to God, describing what He will be doing. The intercession is over for now. It was one idea - God, keep them. And then Jesus speaks more theology: I come, I speak, that they may have joy. Beyond being kept, the goal that Jesus has for the disciples, and perhaps there is a little request in here, is that they will have joy. But not just any joy, but 'Jesus Joy.' And that this sort of Joy would be in them, fulfilled in them. 

So in this passage is a twofold idea of being kept near the Father, sanctified, one, and that we would have the Joy of Jesus. What a great word of encouragement. God wants us - Jesus wants us - to have joy. Joy is favor and gladness and delight. It is not happiness, but joy always has seemed to me to be more peace. Like in Matthew 25:21 where Jesus recognized great work and says, "enter into the joy of your master." Same Greek word is used there as in this verse. Joy. 

Summary: Our works are to Glorify Jesus, Glorify God. Jesus prays that the disciples, we, will be kept with God the Father and that we will have joy. 

Promise: Our perseverance depends on the Efficacious prayers of Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, you are teaching me here in these verses about prayer. And how to pray. Lord, you are shifting my thinking instead of praying that my kids would stay close to You, Lord, I am praying now that God you would keep my kids close to You. God, awaken them to You, draw them out of the brokenness where they are at times and take them to a place of revelation of You. For those that you have done this, keep them in Your name so they have that same oneness that Jesus has with the Father and they would have that oneness with You God and the desire to Glorify You in all they are doing in their lives. And Lord teach me to accept and trust and value and be in that joy that you are giving me. The delight of being in You and in Your presence. 

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

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

John 17:4-5

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

Message: Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 17:1-3 - Jesus Prays That He Might Glorify the Father

John 17:1-3

1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Message: Jesus Prays That He Might Glorify the Father

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: Since chapter 14, Jesus has been speaking over a small period of time in what has been labeled as His Farewell Discourse and now in chapter 17 this is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. 

Intercession is interesting. In Numbers 14, most of the chapter is an exchange between Moses and the Lord. The Lord speaks and then Moses pleads for his people. Moses asks for the forgiveness of Israel and God grants Moses' request and doesn't kill them, but does punish them. In 2 Chronicles 30:27 it is the Levitical priests who speak on behalf of the people. Hebrews 7:25 says of Jesus, "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

As Jesus begins, we see this is a prayer as it describes Jesus, "lifting up His eyes to heaven." I have always thought it was interesting how we always bow to pray. I wonder if we do this so as to not be distracted and yet in some ways it seems more natural to speak to God in the way we speak to one another but with the difference of looking up to the heavens. 

Jesus says, "Father, the hour has come." John 7:30, "His hour had not yet come." John 8:20, "His hour had not yet come." John 12:23, "Jesus [answered them], saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." - The Hour is the appointed time for Lord's death on the cross. And though while here in this verse it is not yet arrived, the events that culminate it have begun. This is the time. It has arrived. There isn't a surprise. This time has been planned. 

And then Jesus speaks of himself in the third person asking the Father to glorify Himself, the Son. I wonder if Jesus is speaking of His divinity in referring to the Son. This hour that is coming is the result of Jesus being glorified - Jesus' work on earth being completed. Jesus has really done a lot on earth, in a short amount of time. 

In this passage, as has been the focus very often in this gospel - Jesus is pointing to the Father. Now, is he just doing this to make his message more palpable to his audience, primarily Jews? Possibly. Or Possibly his focus is meant to be on God the Father. 

On a typical Sunday at church, I often will people watch and observe what is going on in the church and one thing I notice in our church, more than others I have attended is the complete focus on Jesus. The song selection is really focused on Him. I suppose as I read scripture I see this very even focus in Scripture on all members of the Trinity and as I read John, I see a focus that Jesus has often on the Father. 

The focus in these words is what God has done - "You gave Him authority over all flesh." Jesus and the Father clearly have the same authority. And this authority has a purpose, "He may give eternal life." This is the purpose of Jesus - to give eternal life to all, in His name. If there is one big message in the book of John this is it -- the giving of eternal life to all in the name of Jesus from the authority of the Father. 

John 17:3 is such a huge verse that Jesus is speaking, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." To know God, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Eternal life is what we want. We want to know that our future is secure. We don't want to go to another place of not being with God. We are selfish in this way. We only want good things to come in our life. We hate mistakes and bad times and situations. But Jesus takes us beyond what we want to declare that the goal of our lives is to know God. We are to know God. Life is about knowing God. And Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of God's spirit, to communicate the knowledge of Jesus and what He has done and Jesus is all about the Father and His business. 

Summary: Jesus voices in this prayer that the hour has come for the son to be glorified with the Father. Jesus came to give us all eternal life and this is a life of knowing God and His Son Jesus. 

Promise: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

Prayer: Lord, what a joy it is always to read and study your word and specifically the words you have given to us through John and the difference a little in his emphasis from the other gospel writers, namely that Jesus gives eternal life. That is clear and remains clear. Lord, I love to study your words but it remains hard at times to talk to people and spend time sharing with others and conveying these words that I am learning and talk to people open and honestly about them. Lord, your words seem clear. I am to know God and in the process I receive eternal life, but my zeal and goal in life is knowing God. 

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

John 16:12-15 - The Spirit's Guidance

John 16:12-15 

12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Message: The Spirit's Guidance

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 to provide comfort to the disciples and encouragement and confirmation to their ears that while He is leaving to the cross, and eventually to be with the Father, the comforter, the Helper, our Holy Spirit will be with us. In the last passage, I learned the Holy Spirit will be with us and convict the world of sin, of Christ's innocence and of Christ being the victor over Satan. The Holy Spirit is there to convict sinners of their need for God. 

In verse 12 Jesus mentions He has more to say, but people are not ready to hear. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything appropriate in its own time." Some things we are to understand but some things we are not, possibly never, or possibly at another time. While Jesus was not communicating to them now, it is possible the Holy Spirit would in the future communicate with them the things that He was not ready to tell them from verse 12. Perhaps the Holy Spirit's communication to them would be over a period of time, as a Christian can handle what needs to be said. Verse 13 says, "He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth." What a wonderful word of encouragement. I think of where I am in my walk with God and it seems that each day that goes by I because more understanding of the things of God. I hope that I am always going forward and not back. But I appreciate the understandings of truth. I think I am on a lifelong journey to understand the things of God. 

Jesus says, "He will not speak on His own initiative." The Holy Spirit is guided by the Father. The Spirit receives from what the Father illuminates Him to speak. He reminds people of truths from Jesus. And in this verse we hear that His truth is directly in line with the Father. Again, John, is making something clear to the Jewish audience who is of the mindset that only God is their Father and their is no one else. He is letting them know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are in direct communication with God and so their are to both to be on the same plain or have the same level of significance regarding spiritual things.

Jesus has promised that despite Him leaving to be glorified, the Holy Spirit will be there and I think He lets them know here in the words, "He will disclose to you what is to come" that this means that the Holy Spirit will help give them understanding of the meaning of the days ahead when Jesus dies on the cross and then resurrects and then returns to the Father. Again, the Holy Spirit is speaking to us always and shedding light and truth into our lives.  

Verse 14 -- He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. Verse - The work of the Holy Spirit is toward Jesus. "The whole design of the Spirit's office is to glorify Christ" (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary). 

As a side note, I wonder if we pray to the Holy Spirit. It seems in my prayer life, it is most often to God which I know includes Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but I am also sometimes specific in my words to the Father, so am I also specific in my words to the Holy Spirit and Jesus. It seems it doesn't come natural, but it seems like I could and should at times. And maybe I should more because it is the Spirit that is speaking directly to me. But I think I pray like I do because of the words of Jesus in telling me how to pray through what we know of as the Lord's prayer. 

Verse 15 -- "All things that the Father has are Mine (Jesus Christ); therefore I (Jesus) said that He (Holy Spirit) takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." -- I've added those descriptors to denote who is speaking. This to me is a verse of conclusion for it confirms all that I have recorded previously. All the Father has are in Christ as well. Words of significance to the Jewish audience. And then to further multiple or carry out the work of the Father, the Holy Spirit takes of what is of Jesus and shares it with us. 

Summary: Jesus confirms that the Holy Spirit will speak of the truth of Jesus, glorifying Him, giving us more insight as days go by into the future, and the Holy Spirit is also from the Father. 

Promise: The Holy Spirit continues to guide the church into the understand that Jesus has provided us and even words Jesus was not ready to give to the Disciples, further comprehension of Jesus and His work. 

Prayer: Lord, it has taken me a few extra days to get through this lesson. I think some of it is my own doing and getting busy or distracted with things. My own brain I think has struggling concentrating, but also getting up on time, having time with my wife in the morning, getting on with other activities, these things have sidetracked me and yet as I return to this study and you, perhaps there is a new freshness and the ability of my now to concentrate. I am thankful for this morning and the rain that occurred last night and so the morning is wet and overcast, so that gives me rise as well to slow down and rest in You. I thank you for this. I am also hit hard this morning over a mistake I made yesterday with the car and feeling embarrassed and upset of that sort of freak accident. Yet, as I have been learning, these events, these tough situations of life, are to cause me to focus on my eternal home all the more. You are good, so good. And I do look forward to the day when I am no longer of this world. I thank you for these words today God you have sent me about the Holy Spirit speaking things of Jesus and also being sent by You to disclose truths to me. Lord, one thing that I am struggling with was words from Jesus in the last lesson about how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of Christ being the victor over Satan, of Christ's innocence or his perfect life for us in atoning for us - it feels like that message Lord is not resulting in changed lives in America. It seems like the words of truth are not as compelling to people and instead we have people moving from You rather than moving close to You and Your ways. People leaving churches more than new people being added to churches. And our land seems to be conforming more to the ways of the world. What does this mean God in relation to this verse? Are you giving these people over to their sinful wants as Paul speaks of in Romans 1? Are we a nation now wandering in a wilderness and now expecting a future time of being restored to You? There are pockets of revivals that we hear but overall it seems we are remaining in exile - waiting for truth to be at the forefront again. Lord, change our nation, our world to surrender themselves to You. Selfishly I want you to come quickly, but for the sake of others I pray that people would be awakened to the Gospel and turn their lives over to You. May you be an active agent again in people's lives, guiding them into all the truth of who you are. Don't let me give up though. Keep me faithful and doing what you lead me to do in Your power. Thank you for the continuous joy of knowing You and learning of You and fellowshipping with the saints. 

 

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

John 15:8 - Proving Our Discipleship for God's Glory

John 15:8

By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 

Message: Proving Our Discipleship for God's 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: What is the purpose of all things? That the Father be glorified. I think this is hard for us to reconcile and accept at times. I was speaking to someone recently that said God couldn't be a part of our lives today because we are suffering so much. The focus from this person is on us, and how we are doing, not on the Father and Him being glorified. But that seems to be what is most important for most of us humans - taking care of ourselves. It is normal I suppose, but Jesus reminds us in this statement today that "By this is My Father glorified." All that he has been speaking about with Him being the vine, the Father pruning, abiding in Jesus, Jesus in us, the Father in us, to bear fruit, to be obedient, to receive what we ask, to have the Holy Spirit help - it is really all for the Father to be glorified. What is most important to Him. That is the key. And I don't think we understand this because we naturally think it is all about us and we are trained in this sort of thinking everyday. 

In addition to God being glorified, He is glorified when we bear much fruit. God does desire outcomes and fruit. He does want to be known everywhere. He gets glory as I bear fruit. All the good that I can do - in being obedient, in asking Him by praying, in believing - it is all fruit and all for His glory -- "that you bear much fruit." 

And in this process of our lives bearing fruit and the Father being glorified, we show that we are Jesus' disciples. I mean, God sent Jesus to this earth to provide salvation for all, to be the true vine (v. 1). Why? For His glory, for people to know Jesus as being sent, to have eternal life in Him - and so we are therefore His disciples. We are His followers doing His business. 

The reality is I am trained in this world to be all about Me. God wants to train me that it is all about Him. And that in all I do, He also wants me to know that He is wanting to work through me. This is why He sends His Spirit - to help me and work in me. I have what I need always in Him. How I need to figure this out more. 

Summary: Our purpose on earth is to be called Jesus' disciples, bearing fruit, and all for one purpose - the Glory of God. 

Promise: We do not do good works merely to do good works, our good works have as their end goal the glory of our Creator.  

Prayer: Thank you for helping me see yesterday that through the walk of my life, I am to turn to You. I am to seek You and seek Your help in my life. Even in my walk sometimes Lord, I think I do it by my own strength, but You are in me, giving me strength. Help me to help others see that it is about You. That all in life is for Your Glory. Yes, you have saved me and provided for me, but take the focus off of me. Place it on you. 

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

John 12:27-30 - Hearing a Voice from Heaven

John 12:27-30

27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes.

Message: Hearing a Voice from Heaven

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: In the Open Bible, starting with verse 23, it has given a heading of "The Messiah Teaches" from verse 23 to the end of the chapter, verse 50. So this is an interesting discourse that Jesus is giving now and John has witnessed and wrote down for us to read. Verse 20 mentions Greeks coming to worship Jesus and so the words now from Jesus seem to be a response to this. 

In verse 27-30 Jesus almost is talking to Himself and others are witnessing. In verse 23, He has mentioned "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." John Gill (1697-1771, pastor beginning in 1719 for 51 years in Southwark (oldest district of London)) mentions this: 

that the son of man should be glorified; by rising from the dead, ascending to heaven, sitting at the right hand of God, and from thence pouring forth the Spirit upon his disciples, who should go and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well as Jews; and which would issue in the conversion of many of them, and so in his glory, of which the coming of these Greeks was an earnest. 

In verse 27 is Jesus' honest reflection on this moment, anticipating the death that is coming. Though this is His destiny, He still struggles with it. He is "troubled." He wants to be saved from this hour. He is completely man, exhibiting the challenges that man faces when he is approaching something difficult. He is troubled about facing the judgment of God. The Christian has a peace about this judgment for believing in Jesus an trusting Him alone for their salvation. Often we will say that God might look at us and ask us why He should let us into heaven and we would respond because we are trusting in the blood of Jesus alone. Our hope is that at that moment our works will not be judged and yet I think we need to still hold onto some sort of fear for this judgment. We still should fear God.

Following these statements, Jesus still he sees His purpose and knows that the Father will be glorified. And then a voice from heaven speaks out confirming this - confirming that this is the intended outcome and goal of Jesus. God the Father speaks to the history of mankind in the statement, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." 

People heard the voice from heaven. And Jesus confirms that all that will transpire, his death, will be for the sake of all of them. All that Jesus will do and the Father's purpose is for the sake of mankind. 

Tabletalk makes this last statement in the devotion for today (July 9, 2018) - "God reveals (v. 28) that the cross will mark a new era in His dealings with His people, assuring them of their salvation." This is an interesting statement and it seems to be saying that 'a new era' is a new dispensation which is a new order at a particular time. And that order is people will be assured of their salvation. Why? Because Jesus will have achieved the defeat of death that all prior had been looking forward to His doing. So perhaps those in the past held onto a promise but now going forward people will be able to hold onto the actual event - the death, burial and resurrection event - as providing each person now complete assurance of their salvation. 

Summary: Jesus admits he is troubled about future judgment before God and yet God has a purpose for people, to give them assurance and Jesus submits to this. 

Promise: God is willing to go above and beyond in making Himself clear to us. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for the peace that is found in You and the honesty that you speak to me about what you experience, troubled about God's judgment and possibly death. But sometimes God we must go through these things that are tough. Help me to stay focused on the future and good things that You will do even when I don't understand it at the time. 

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 8:48-55 - The One Who Seeks Christ's Glory

John 8:48-55

48 The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon? 49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father and you dishonor Me. 50 But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." 52 The Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also, and You say, "If anyone keeps My word, he shall never taste of death." 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too, whom do You make yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God'; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know Him, and keep His word. 

Message: The One Who Seeks Christ's 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: Jesus has just stated that those who are of God are the ones that hear the word of God. Jesus is stating this because the Jews that are speaking to Him (in Jerusalem) are not believing in Him. In verse 43 He says, "You cannot hear My word." In some of my previous studies I have seen that the only way people can hear of God is if God awakens them to be able to hear. In John 6:44 Jesus says, "No one came come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him." It seems we are drawn by the Father, awakened by the Spirit or born of the Spirit (3:6). And yet the Jews are stating that because of being the offspring of Abraham, they are not enslaved (3:33) and do not need to be set free (3:32) and yet Jesus makes known that everyone is born of sin is a slave of sin (3:34). But the Jews continue to focus on their relationship to Abraham. And because they do not accept Jesus and His words, Jesus also states they are of the devil (3:44). Strong words. Confrontational words. Sort of attacking words. 

Because following Jesus stating that they don't hear from God, the Jews now (v. 48) follow up by stating Jesus is a Samaritan and a demon. These words by the Jews are I think more of an assertion that Jesus is a heretic. Jews believed the Samaritans were the worst of the human race. And the confrontation that He is of the devil or Satan is more that he has an evil spirit. 

Jesus continues in his conversation to state that He is only interested in advancing the Father - honoring Him. He is not even focused on His own glory (v. 54). These are necessary words as well toward His audience. Jesus is unselfish and while He wants people to Believe in Him this is because the Father has sent him for this purpose - to believe in Him and not perish, but to have eternal life. And then in the process people will do great things (7:38). 

Jesus is also speaking that people that believe in Him will not perish and will not taste death, but will truly live. As He has been speaking of eternal life. The Jews understood what He was saying as they mention that Abraham and the prophets died (v. 52). And so the Jews see that Jesus is asserting that He is indeed greater than Abraham and the prophets (v. 53). Jesus is consistent. He has been stating this message throughout John and this is the message John wants to present to us. 

Summary: Jesus is all about the Father's glory, though the Jews believe he has an evil spirit. 

Promise: We can conquer death, but only by believing in Jesus, agreeing with the Father, who glorifies Jesus. 

Prayer: Jesus you are Lord. You are the only way for me to have eternal life. I do believe in You and agree that the Father sent you to be glorified. Father, draw people to You. Transform lives. Help people to discover the real meaning of the Gospel. Thank you for the clarity of Your Word and how it penetrates me. And brings life to me. 

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

I Chronicles 16:28-34 - Ascribing Glory to God

I Chronicles 16:28-34

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;

Bring an offering, and come before Him;

Worship the Lord in holy array.

30 Tremble before Him, all the earth;

Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”

32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains;

Let the field exult, and all that is in it.

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord;

For He is coming to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Message: Ascribing Glory to God

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: "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him." To ascribe is to attribute something to. A part of our purpose as His followers, His children is for me to identify glory due His name. It is to bring an offering before Him, which for me today, is to bring myself as a living sacrifice. 

Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I am to come before God unfettered or unrestrained or with no association to anything else. 

“How is the body to become a sacrifice? Let thine eye look upon no evil thing, and it hath become a sacrifice; let thy tongue speak nothing filthy, and it hath become an offering; let thy hand do no lawless deed, and it hath become a whole burnt offering. But this is not enough, we must do good works also; let the hand do alms, the mouth bless them that despitefully use us, and the ear find leisure evermore for the hearing of Scripture. For sacrifice can be made only of that which is clean; sacrifice is a first fruit of other actions. Let us, then, from our hands, and feet, and mouth, and all our other members, yield a first fruit unto God” (St. John Chrysostom - 347-407 AD)

When I pray, I often close with the request to give glory to God, in everything I say, in everything I do. This is the plea of me. My goal is to live in such a way that I should never have to apologize. For me, it is to have patience when people are talking and to not hope that they would not talk anymore. It is to accept people's words without inside thinking, "I'll show them." I am finding that there is a lot of patience in doing good. It is serving my wife, my father, without wishing I didn't have to serve him. It is also to do all of these things without complaining, without making fun of him behind his back. It is speaking always with the idea that the person I am speaking about is in front of me, hearing what I am saying. O God, so much of how I live and breathe and operate is thinking I am holy and yet speaking in a dishonoring way about others. And then it is also doing. It is calling Scott when I think about it versus just continuing to bury those thoughts. I think of telling people that I don't respond to them when I am busy. Does this busy including sitting in front of the TV for multiple hours watching TV? Last night I told my oldest son something that he did not find welcome, but at least I voiced it without just speaking about him behind his back. 

This is how I am to live, because I want to give glory to God. I am not to live like this with the motivation of gaining acceptance by God. 

James 1:16-17 -- Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

This is how I am to live. It is not simply showing up at a service and lifting my hands up to show I am praising God. It is that, but so much more. 

Summary: In the way I live - speak, look, act - my life is to ascribe to God the glory due Him. 

Promise: We do not design worship for unbelievers but for the glory of God and the edification of His people.

Prayer: O Lord, how wicked I am and holy that You are. For me to truly give glory to You, I must yield my entire life to You. I want to do this. I will fail, but I have a goal to glorify You in all I do and say which includes my thoughts. Lord you deserve this and I pray my life is honoring to You. 

Exodus 35:30-35 - Equipped for Vocation

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

Message: Equipped for Vocation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - The Mandate to Work

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

Message: The Mandate to Work

Time: Paul visited Thessalonica to help start the church and then returned to Corinth to write these two letters around AD 51. He was concerned the church was being misguided so he thought to assure them of the authenticity of his letters and also to encourage them about end times in order to help establish them further in their work here on earth. 

What the Lord is Saying: The previous lesson to this one, which I did back on May 9 spoke to the idea that in working we serve others. We work so that we can serve others and give to others. I think this is an important lesson and in today's passage it is further clarified. 

I have struggled at times with those in our country that are not working and yet I do not think that means a person must always garner a paycheck in order to be seen as working. For instance, a mother staying home to raise children is working. Whether the children are homeschooled or not, children are at an age where they need guidance and nurturing and oversight and training. I am thankful for my mom that always at home while I grew up, interacting with us, preparing meals, preparing us as we returned home, helping us learn to make good decisions. It was important for her to give to ministries as well and I know my dad was willing to share his earnings with her in helping her to give to others. 

Other people retire but they still look for opportunities to serve through volunteer work. And I am impressed always of the number of people with disabilities that are continuing to work. In my work the vending machines are supported by the Commission for the Blind and we have certain city purchases that first must be looked to be provided by companies for disabled people. I like this and this encouragement that despite life challenges for mobility and reasoning that people can and are still working. I have a friend that has not worked for 15 years and it is hard for me to see this in him. He is quite defensive about his inability to work and at times he has volunteered, and at times served his parents like a parent would have served a child, but often I wonder if his daily activities are too involved in time passing by. I suppose I am thankful that up to this point I have not had to experience these challenges. So it is easy for me to be critical of others when I am not walking in their shoes. 

This passage also has application to me at my work and that I am not idle with my time and that I am a person that is busy while I work. I definitely have seen the struggle in my job to not work hard and instead dabble in other things. Rather than spending time with people after work, we often spend time at work, not doing our jobs so that we can visit. It is normal practice and yet I am not sure it is the best option. 

We are to be a people that works. "For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." Paul mentions the need for us to discipline ourselves in I Timothy 4:7, one of my favorite passages. It is a reminder that each day we need to train ourselves to work. \

I know there are people that are unable to work, people with severe disabilities. But I think we need to be careful we do not too quickly move people over to that identification. Paul is clear that if you are willing to work then you should not eat. Those are tough words and yet we all have a tendency for laziness and our society is training us more and more in distraction. Let us make sure in life that believers are the best workers. 

Summary: We have a mandate to work, if we are able, and not only work, but to it to the best of our ability, not lazy, but striving to be the best worker possible. 

Promise: We love our neighbors through our vocation and hope that our neighbors see us as hard working and diligent workers. If we are not working at this level, then we are not loving our neighbors. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for instilling in me a desire to work and do my best. I have been trained well and encouraged always to find the vocation that is the best fit for me. I thank you for my father's leadership in this with aptitude testing. And thank you for tough bosses, like Roger Minke who woke me up and helped me see that I am to do my best always in my work. Thank you Holy Spirit for instilling this in me. Give me discernment in others and how I might help them. I pray for those I am in contact with that are working hard, but are not seeing lasting provision, bring that provision to them. Help them. And show me how I can help others continually through your Word and through in other ways you lead me. Help me to not be lazy in helping others. 

Colossians 3:16-17 - Lay Duties: Teaching, Admonishment, and Thanks

Colossians 3:16-17 - 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Message: Lay Duties: Teaching, Admonishment, and Thanks

Time: Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church in AD 60-61 during his first imprisonment in Rome after the church was under attack and denigrating the deity of Christ. He penned it before visiting the church. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity. 

What the Lord is Saying: As I was finishing up my senior year at Baylor University in 1989 and 1990, I honestly wondered if there was a call for me to go into full-time ministry. I really enjoyed the Bible teaching of Tommy Nelson from Denton Bible Church and I even made a personal visit to the seminary he attended in Dallas - Dallas Theological Seminary. I seriously wondered if this would be my vocation. But as I prayed about it, I sensed the Lord was leading me not into full time ministry, but instead to be an active lay person, working and yet active in ministry. To this day, I still wonder if anyone should be in full-time ministry as a vocation or whether everyone should be working in some capacity. Over the years, I see a tendency among non-paid church staff to watch the paid staff do most of the work of the church. But, my guess is that even if this happened, there would still be a tendency to watch a small number do the work of the church. And yet, I can't help but think that the model found in the Old Testament of priests set aside is not the model of the New Testament and beyond. 

But the reality is the church body is made up of people with different responsibilities. I have studied in the previous two lessons the responsibilities of elders and also deacons. And so this lesson provides words that can be applied to those in the Body. Chapters 3 and 4 of Colossians are laid out as verses that respond to the sufficiency of Christ in all things and thereby the practice of the believer and in these verses how the believer is to put on the new man. 

Colossians 3 says to "seek the things above" (v. 1), "set your mind on things above" (v. 2), "your earthly body is dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed" (v. 5), "put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech" (v. 8), "do not lie to one another" (v. 9), "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (v. 12), "bear with one another, forgive one another" (v. 13), "love" (v.14), "let peace of Christ rule in you" (v. 15), "let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you - teach, admonish, sing, with thankfulness" (v. 16), "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Jesus to God the Father" (v. 17). And then what follows is specific direction to wives, husbands, and children. 

Here in these verses we see a responsibility we have to shed the old life and the sins that entangled us. But also to put on the new life and all that comes with it. And then more specifically, what this passage of Scripture is emphasizing today is: 

(1) let the Word of Christ dwell within you. As I am doing right now, we need to do as we gather and that is to dwell on the Word of Christ. Each of us can through our lives and our words teach one another. Teaching is not reserved to only some. I notice this in our Sunday school class as the teacher leads us and often asks questions of us. In the answers from the class, we can receive encouragement and teaching from one another. 

(2) It also says to admonish which means to warn or reprimand. We need to watch out for one another. A friend and I have been doing this lately, encouraging one another in our lives and some of the dangers of life that often occur. There are temptations all around us to get off the path of truth and onto the path of sin. We must stay clear. And we can do this through our singing with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Let the word of God not only speak but sing. Scripture can be sung to one another. 

(3) sing with thankfulness. I am continually reminded of the need to be thankful. I was with a friend yesterday and we were sitting and thinking. Each of us are in our mid-50s. We have raised kids and all the kids are out of the house. And the reality is we have a lot to be thankful for. It is good to stop always and lift up our voices to thank God for his provision and how He has carried us through so much in this life. We are not done, but God has done so much. 

Summary: Each person in the church puts on the new person in Christ to learn God's word, teaching, admonishing and giving thanks. 

Promise: Let us seek to give thanks to God in all things, remembering that He works all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). 

Prayer: O God, you are good. You are true. You are right. I thank you for making me new. And for showing me continually what needs to be old about me - what needs to be in my past - namely sins that should not be known by me. Help me continually to do good. I want to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I want to bear with one another and come alongside one another to forgive one another. Help me to love, really love people the way you love. I pray Christ for your peace to rule in me. I ask that your Word Lord would richly dwell in me. Help me to teach others and to be taught. I want to sing your songs lifting high those words of hymns and Psalms. Be glorified in everything I do and in everything I say. 

Exodus 3:18 - Redeemed to Worship

Exodus 3:18 - And they will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt, and you will say to him, 'The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.'

Message: Redeemed to Worship

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

What the Lord is Saying:

While this is the 9th topic explored in these studies commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, with the first 8 so far focused on doctrinal reform, John Calvin actually listed the reform of Christian worship first in his explanation of the why the Reformation was necessary. 

Previously, I looked at one of the chapters of the Westminster Confession of Faith as I looked at the doctrine of the church and here today am reminded of the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism which says:

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]

[a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11

[b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

A catechism is a doctrinal manual. It is a summary of doctrines and used to teach children and adult converts. The shorter Westminster Confession of Faith catechism was written in 1646 and 1647 by the Westminster Assembly, a group of 121 theologians that was put together to restructure the church of England more in line with the Church of Scotland and help put to rest some of the  doctrines that were attempting to divide the church. It is in a question and answer format which Martin Luther had used to help children learn. Previously, the practice of memorizing the Lord's Supper, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles Creed had been the means to learn Christian doctrine prior to the Reformation. One must remember that the printing press and the practice of getting the Bible into individuals hands didn't begin until the 1600s so memorization and listening to lectures early on the Christian faith was the main means of learning Christian doctrine. The scriptures above were added in 1978 by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.   

So in teaching about Christian doctrine, the first question offered had to do with the chief end of man and that is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Thus, we were made to worship the Lord. And so when we practice worship in our life we are fulfilling our purpose for living. 

In Romans 1, my favorite passage of scripture, verse 19-23 speaks to the idea that God is evident in each person for God made this to be and though God is clearly seen through His creation, many people do not give thanks to Him and they exchange the glory or worship of God for something else. It is a reminder that worship is a part of every person. If a person rejects God, they do not cease to worship, instead they worship something else. 

The 7th day of creation and the Sabbath day are a day to set aside work and set aside the day as Holy. Genesis 2:3 says, "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it..."  The Sabbath day is a day to recall what God has done and remembering what God has done is a part of worship. In Exodus 3:18, the passage highlighted today, the Lord told Moses to go to Pharaoh and command the king to free the Israelites so that they could sacrifice to God or worship Him. 

I am reminded of the Song - We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise written in 1980 in which the first 2 lines echo Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, "Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting"; and of those who bring a thank offering into the house of the Lord. 

Summary: We are people that are meant to glorify God, to worship the Lord. 

Promise: Worship is not incidental -- it is the reason for our existence. In praising the God who made you, you are fulfilling your purpose for existence.

Prayer: As always God, I am marveled by your Word and thankful for the reminder that Life is about giving glory to You. This is why you made me. You have provided so much for me and I am to remember this and thank you for this continually. Thank you for the Westminster Confession and rising up these leaders to express truths that carry on today and speak to the truths of your Word. What a great joy there is in uncovering and rediscovering these truths. Thank you now for this new study I embark on regarding Worship and give me an open mind and heart to what you want to teach me. Help me God to have worship a part of my life. I thank You for the joy in music and the people you have gifted to share music with me that often helps me worship You and remember what You have done for me. 

Exodus 20:3 - The One and Only God

October 20

Exodus 20:3 - “You shall have no other gods before Me."

Message: The One and Only God

Time: Most likely this book was penned by Moses. The book covers a period of approximately eighty years, from shortly before Moses’s birth (c. 1526 BC) to the events that occurred at Mount Sinai in 1446 BC. The Bible's message of redemption appears in Exodus as well: though the children of Israel were enslaved in a foreign land, God miraculously and dramatically delivered them to freedom, provided the Law, established the system of sacrifice, and gave instructions on building of His tabernacle. God began to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

What the Lord is Saying: 

The idea of no other gods could be thought of that there are rival gods to our Lord God and God simply rises above them all. However, I think it is more apt to say that since God is omnipresent there are no other gods that are truly God. What we have is pretenders. What we have are people or things that we sometimes think are gods. 

Jeremiah 23:24

“Can a man hide himself in hiding places
So I do not see him?” declares the Lord.
“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord.

Thus, we are directed throughout scripture to worship only God. And we see that God disciplined Israel when they worshipped other Gods. 

Judges 2:11-15

11 Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals, 12 and they forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them; thus they provoked the Lord to anger. 13 So they forsook the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtaroth. 14 The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He gave them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies around them, so that they could no longer stand before their enemies. 15 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken and as the Lord had sworn to them, so that they were severely distressed.

I was speaking to a friend that lives in Kenya and had asked her about her daughter who is 15 and she mentioned that her daughter is not working hard in school and is instead spending much time watching movies and then remarked that because of this she now has ulcers. It was interesting how she so clearly connected these ulcers with her behavior. I have another friend that remarks about this at times when he experiences pain in his life. 

I wonder why in our culture we distant ourselves sometimes from this sort of thinking. But Scripture does paint this picture. And that is that bad things can be the result of His anger against us? 

October 21

So we must focus and look forward to the day when our minds and lives are completely focused on God and loving Him. 

Revelation 7:9-12

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Wayne Watson has a song called "No Other Gods" in which he talks about other gods in his life that he is giving air time to and getting him off track and he can't sleep. Daily I need to renew my mind. 

Summary: It is good to me and my family and life when God is the only that I worship. 

Promise: Tabletalk states -- "We break the first commandment every time we seek our ultimate satisfaction in a source other than God. We keep it whenever we seek to love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength."

Prayer: O Father God, you are holy. I am not. But you have transformed me by saving me and making me your Child forever. Each day I have a choice of where I give my allegiance. Lately, stress has been at the forefront. I've been letting my work commitments get the best of me. I still want you to be number one in my life but Lord I need to act like it every moment of every day. Give me your peace. Thank you for good friends and times of fellowship. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to you God forever and ever. Help me God to not get distracted and to keep You at the forefront of my life. I want to have the strength to do things after my work hours. 

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 July is about the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God. 

Bringing me to Christ

The Restraint of the Law - the law is given for lawless, unholy, disobedient people, to restrain us from acting on our sinful thoughts. Restraint and Guilt - the law is meant to restrain Christians and non-Christians alike; so that others may see Christ. The Law's Revelation of Sin - The Law reveals sin, at times making it more desirable, and show the sin which people commit and the complete standard it expects. The Law and Our Powerlessness - We are powerless over the Law and Sin revealed. It is in Christ that we receive forgiveness and the power to resist sin. The Law our Guardian - The law is not a tool of justifying me, but rather it is an instrument to bring me to Christ and show me my need for Him. 

Guiding our Lives

The Guidance of the Law - The Law is a guide in our lives for what pleases God and what it looks like to walk in holiness. The Antinomian Error - We were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to obedience and righteousness. Judaizing Legalism - The error of Judaizing Legalism is the idea that obedience brings about God's acceptance of us for salvation. The Deadliest Form of Legalism - This legalism is that one would get too focused on external practices instead of focusing on the heart.

The Law is our Guide

The Centrality of Love - Love and the law go hand in hand. We do not belong to God unless we love our neighbor, and we cannot love our neighbor without knowing and doing God‘s law and loving him. Finding Guidance in the Law - God's Word, all if it, is a guide to my life and I am to meditate on it continually.