John 8:56-59 - The Incarnate I Am

John 8:56-59

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

Message: The Incarnate I Am

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 speak and the Jews and those around him continue to listen and things remain tense. Jesus is proclaiming who He is to these people, sharing He is sent by God and believing in Him is the same as believing in God. People are missing the point, His point. He is offering them freedom, but they say they are not enslaved (v. 32-33). They are claiming allegiance to Abraham as their father, but because they do not see that Jesus is indeed the work of Abraham-- Jesus therefore says their allegiance is to Satan, the father of lies (v.44) (conclusion: if you don't accept Jesus you are living by Satan's ways).  Jesus states He is greater than Abraham, greater than the prophets. They died, but he infers that he will not die. And now he mentions that Abraham knew also that Jesus would be here, at this time. And then Jesus exclaims that before Abraham was born, "I am." And immediately the Jews knew this to be blasphemy and took up stones to throw at him.  

Verse 56 could be referring to the belief that Abraham died in faith, looking forward to the deliverance of the Messiah, the complete fulfillment of God's promises -- Hebrews 11:13 - "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." But there was probably also among the rabbi's and religious leaders that the secrets of the Messiah had been revealed to Abraham. Clearly Jesus knows more of the story than even these leaders. This is the point that he continues to make over and over. He is to be believed in and He is to be seen as coming from the Father and equal with God. 

This is the culmination of the past 2 chapters. That Jesus is proclaiming that before Abraham existed that He existed. Sent from the Father. Equal to the Father. I Am. 

Summary: Jesus culminates His deity now by announcing that before Abraham was born, I am, igniting the leaders to stone him for blasphemy. 

Promise: Christianity and Jesus' claim that He is God incarnate separates itself from all other world religions. We are to declare it. 

Prayer: Lord, it has taken me a while to get through this text after getting sick last week and struggling to concentrate myself on Your Words. Thank you for bringing me through that and then we spent Thanksgiving time in Atlanta with Sherry and Aron and once again, out of my element, I also struggled to make the time to be with You, and one day turns into two and three and more. You are there. You are present. Your Word is alive. Thank you for the conversations that I could have, namely with Aron and his desire to help out those that are in need that I know. Thank you for this message that You continue to put forth that people everywhere are to accept You as I am and sent from the Father. Lord, help us all to make you known. Thank you for repairing things with Pamela and Sherry yesterday morning and help my wife to be confident in herself. Help Derek now to stop smoking and be encouraged to not do this to help his stomach be normal. Lord, give me strength this week as I get back into the swing of things. Direct my path. Thank you for health and being able to feel well again. Give me compassion on those who are struggling. Please help Harris to find work that will sustain him and his future. Give me wisdom on how to encourage him. I praise You Lord and I do want to make your name known. 

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

John 8:21-30 - How Not to Die in Sin

John 8:21-30

21 He said therefore again to them, "I go away, and you shall seek Me, and shall die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." 22 Therefore, the Jews were saying, "Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come?' 23 And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." 25 And so they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him; these I speak to the world." 27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus therefore said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. 

Message: How Not to Die in Sin

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

What the Lord is Saying: This section is called, "The Light of the World" through the end of the chapter. He has said he is the light of the world. And then he mentions how he states He is true based upon the witness of two, "The Father who sent Me bears witness." And so, "If you know true the Father, then you will know also the Son." 

Then, Jesus records words I don't recall before from John as he states he will go away one day (verse 21). And He mentions people dying in their sin. He is from above, not of this world. And people will die in their sins unless you believe. There is a contrast here that he speaks of once again. Those who die in their sin and those that do not by believing, "I am." That He has authority. The I am phrase is the same phrase used in the Greek translations of Exodus 3:14 and Isaiah 40-55 where God refers to Himself. He has been sent by God. He is living water, bread of life, light of the World. Or do not believe in this and you will die in your sin. There is a contrast in beliefs. There is mere belief that Jesus is the Christ, but there is belief that goes beyond that, to acceptance of all Jesus said He is. This is growing more clear as we read more and more. 

See, Jesus has so much to say to them. It is another reason why his time has not yet come for him to go. He will go away one day. But now is not the time. 

And Jesus continues to speak from the Father. They often did not believe Him but maybe as He speaks from the Father, people will believe. 

And after speaking these words, John proclaims to us that many came to believe in Him. 

Summary: Jesus says he will be going away and to be with him one must believe in Him or die in their sin. He is I am and is sent by the Father. 

Promise: If we die in our sins, our end will be Judgment, but if we die in faith, in believing in Jesus and who He said He is, we will live with Christ forever. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in love and power. Your ways are different. You are from the Father. I trust You and believe in You. 

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

John 6:22-59 - The Lord's Supper and Feeding on Christ

John 6:22-59 

54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

Message: The Lord's Supper and Feeding on Christ

Time: Throughout church history, Christians have consistently attributed this gospel to Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee. John was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing he was to confirm the belief that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus repeatedly in this passage speaks, "I am the bread of life." In verse 51 he says, "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh." These are strong words Jesus is proclaiming. Immediately I think of that Islam man I spoke to and how they only accept the book of Matthew. Naturally, they don't accept this text because it is so clear that we must surrender to Jesus and He is the only means to eternal life. 

These words Jesus is speaking were probably before any mention of the Lord's Supper. I would think there may be different interpretations of this text and its full meaning. 

Today's passage speaks of rather striking verses from Jesus. He says we are to eat His Flesh and drink His blood. Roman Catholics and Lutherans believe the bread and cup become the actual flesh of Jesus while Reformers do not believe Jesus' body can be present in more than one place at a time. 

So for me in reading this passage, I do believe Jesus is using these words to help us understand in a more physical and tangible manner the meaning of being joined with Him. As I read the Old Testament, there is much mention on duty. I know God wans His followers to trust Him and be surrendered before Him, but Jesus seems to take it a step further and speaks of a union with Christ we are to have. Jesus comes to earth all God. And he wants us to fully embrace Him with all of us. It is more than outward obedience but inner obedience and a complete life of surrender. God is not someone we simply hang on the wall, but we take Him in. He makes it clear to us, "I am the bread of life."  I am not simply a part of life for you, but I am what you need at every moment of each day. 

Bread and drink is something we need to survive. Jesus is saying you need Him to survive. True life is found in Him. And yes perhaps latter when he institutes the Lord's Supper this passage will bring greater meaning to us. So that as we take the bread and cup we are reminded of Him redeeming us and that we need Jesus not simply at a moment in our life but at every moment. We need Him throughout the day. As my body cramps and looks forward to food. I am to look forward to my time with Jesus. I am to desire that time with Him. He is my sustenance. 

I will be honest in saying I do not think I comprehend this yet. I do enjoy my moments with Him as I do enjoy my moments with my kids, friends, and Pamela so much. May I yearn for Him in an even greater way. Like the man sitting down on the floor as I walked in Heights as a young boy going to Potluck dinner and he was there looking at his Bible and singing with Joy in his Soul. He has always stuck in my mind for maybe for the first time I saw someone completely surrendered and in love with Jesus. And it struck me. 

Summary: Jesus is the Bread of Life. Like bread and wine (drink) I need to want him every moment of every day and I need Him to nourish me. 

Promise: When we take the supper in faith, we are communing with Christ and marked as those who will inherit eternal life. 

Prayer: O God, you are great. I thank you for these words from John and the great meaning of You being our sustenance and for me to be the same as food that I need each day many times during the day. You are my food and my bread and my drink. You have bore my sin and secured me with you forever in eternity. May I keep remembering this and as I take the Lord's Supper may it be an extra bit of joy and time of celebration as to what You have done for me. 

Isaiah 45:7 - Sovereign over Evil

Isaiah 45:7
The One forming light and creating darkness,
Causing well-being and creating calamity;
I am the Lord who does all these.

Message: Sovereign over Evil

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Previously, I concluded in saying that God controls all things, this does not mean then that God does all things which would mean then that God does evil. God is over all. But man still has free will, free choices. But we are not to be deceived into thinking that God s evil for only good gifts from God, the father of lights. The light is only light and there is no darkness in it at all.

Again, what has been recorded and known is God controls all things, but does not do all things. But, to take this a step further, God is still sovereign over evil. While God is not the one doing the evil, like men condemning Jesus to death on a cross; Jesus and his death on the cross was necessary. Crucifixion was necessary for all men to be free. Jesus knew he would die before He actually died. He also knew he would rise from the dead before it happened. In good, only God is the author and for good God receives all the credit. But, for evil, only man receives all the credit. Thus, theologians have come up with the doctrine of concurrence to describe the concurrence or two events happening at the same time and those two events are God's sovereignty and man's free will. Man chooses to do right or wrong, but God controls all that occurs. God allows free will, thus choices, thus bad choices, thus evil -- and in the end controls all things. This would mean then that God is sovereign over evil.

Outcomes can be the same but the intent of getting to those outcomes can be different. God and Joseph's brothers wanted Joseph to go to Egypt, but Joseph's brothers wanted him there for evil purposes while God wanted him there for good purposes.

God is no less in charge of good as he is in charge of evil. Isaiah 45:7 says - The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these. Thus, the idea here is that God does ordain good and He does ordain evil, but He is not responsible for the evil but rather man is responsible. Adam and Eve choosing to eat from the tree of knowledge and good evil was inevitable or ordained by God, but Adam and Eve are the one's that bear the responsibility. Thus, it is good that evil exists as good needs evil. By saying that the Lord created darkness and created calamity does not also say that he chooses darkness in people and chooses calamity. Man is still responsible for his/her choices. God created evil but man committed sin.

Promise: God is not pleased with evil in and of itself, but He does govern it so as to bring about greater good.

Prayer: Lord God you are over all. Your ways are not my ways. You only do good but You watch over all of life and take control. Lord, continue to help me to know You and trust You no matter what. I want to lean on You. Define my days. Thank you for love and what it means to love one another. Thank you for truth and thank you for being everything I need. Lord, as evil enters my life I ask that I continue to trust in You and not give into it.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Mark 14:61-62 - The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

Mark 14:61-62
61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

Message: The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

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 appeared before the Sanhedrin court after being seized under the cover of darkness by the elders, priests, and scribes. Witnesses have been brought to the court as they seek evidence against Jesus. The only item mentioned is Jesus stating that the temple will come down in 3 days, though this was referring to His body, the temple and not a literal temple. Throughout all of this He (Jesus) kept silent and did not answer. Silence was actually a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). Peter and John have followed him to the courts to watch, after initially fleeing from the scene when Jesus was arrested.

The court scene is continuing to occur. Again the high priest was questioning Him. Up to now Jesus had been silent. There was no reason to speak for he was completely innocent of everything. But the high priest continues to question Jesus, which is what the high priest(s) have been doing often over the last 3 years. The high priest was saying to Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" The question presented is whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark doesn't use the name God but instead refers to God as the Blessed One, which was common at this time because the name of God should not be mentioned or the Jewish people often wouldn't use the name of God.

Jesus responds now for the first time with "I am" affirming that what has been said is correct. He didn't respond when things were said to Him that were not true. But now he responds with a quote from the Old Testament as was often the way Jesus responded to questions. Jesus says and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” He uses the name Son of Man which was the most common way that he addressed himself. But the Son of Man that he is quoting from Daniel is also referring to God incarnate so He is claiming Himself to be God. Daniel 7:13 says, "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him." Psalm 110:1 also says, "A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." So there is a combination of these verses and the sentiment from Jesus of the prophecy of himself.

Jesus uses words from the Old Testament that are clearly prophecies of the Messiah and His position before God and how He will come in the future. He is stating that He is the Messiah and aligning Himself with God.

Summary - Jesus responds to the answer from the chief priest, most likely Caiaphas about whether Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus responds for the first time with the affirmative because what is asked of him is a valid question with an affirmative response.

Promise: Jesus affirms his deity, his purpose and that he is the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for confirming who you are, the Son of Man, the son of God, the Messiah as predicted. Help me Lord to always proclaim You as such. It saddens me to see how you are put forth and projected in our world today. Forgive me for sitting there and laughing along with it. Be praised God. I do want to praise Your name.

Mark 13:5-8 - False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

Mark 13:5-8
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Message: False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been in Jerusalem speaking to the disciples following his time at the temple. Upon exiting the temple area, some of the disciples remark that the temple structure is huge and impressive. Jesus has just spoken to them about how we often stare at people's large giving or wealth and think what they do is more impressive than a poor person, yet the poor widow gave everything she had as an offering. Jesus responds that the temple will one day be destroyed and no stone will be left. The disciples ask the question of wanting to know when this will occur.

In response to the question that the disciples asked in verse 4 - Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am!’ and will mislead many. Many people will come disguised as authority, with the idea that they speak for Jesus. Jesus' response here in 5-8 has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse and has been a challenge for many to interpret.

Jesus in these words is wanting to provide some discernment to the events of the future, but also give the disciples some comfort. The idea that Jesus understands the future and will take of things is a comfort to the disciples and present day followers. Jesus first says that they need to be careful as many will try to mislead them. They need to be careful because it will happen - people will try to mislead you for personal power or pride or gain. And these that come will have success. They will mislead many. I can't help here to think of Joseph Smith, someone that came with the same sort of authority of Jesus or even Muhammad -- and in the process many have been misled. Many will say that Jesus was a man or even God but they will also want to come alongside Him and have the same authority as Him and this is something the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Islam appears to have done. Those adherents have been misled.

Jesus then says - When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. The warning again is to be careful because wars and rumors of war will occur and take place. It is not as if they may or may not happen, but they will happen. But, our response to these will probably be different from how others respond. Jesus tells us to not be frightened. People often think that wars and rumors of them should not be occurring if we have a God of love. Obviously, they don't understand his purposes and also don't understand sin. We need to remain firm in our faith during these crazy times.

Our country is experience shootings in an alarming rate currently. In the last week there has been a shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh in which a man walked in and opened fire, killing 11 people. Last night there was a shooting at Yoga studio in Tallahassee. These shootings are becoming a weekly phenomenon. People seem angry and want their way over others. People seem to be quick to place blame on others rather than looking within. We have built a culture of toleration and yet complete toleration is somewhat impossible. Our media is quick to show us controversy and take sides among leaders. We have a culture that is often angry and doesn't know how to deal with that anger. Again, Jesus says, do not be frightened. 

He remarks then that nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. As time marches on we have more countries and nations than ever before. It is somewhat amazing to me that we still only have 50 states in the US and places haven't tried to divide themselves further. The rest of the world continues to do this. In the last 100 years the total number has gone from about 80 to about 190 now. So it is growing.

There will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. The number of natural disasters is increasing. But we are not to be frightened or misled or bothered by the earthquakes and famines which occur. We need to keep our focus on the Lord. Unfortunately, more trouble is on the way.

Summary - Jesus is probably still at the Mount of Olives, outside of Jerusalem. He is responding to some of the disciples saying that temple structures are large, but then Jesus says they will be destroyed and then the disciples ask when and Jesus provides a response to be careful to not be misled or frightened. Natural disasters, wars, and deceptions will occur, but we can take solace in the promise of God and continue to Trust Him.

Promise: We do not know when Christ's final return will be. There will be signs. What we know is we are to trust God and not be frightened and wait for His time.

Prayer: Lord, I am always thankful for the clarity of Your Words. You know the future and you know men's hearts. Help me to keep reminded of this and keep my eyes focused on Your truths. Thank you for your great love. I believe in You.

Mark 12:35-37 - David's Prophecy of Christ

Mark 12:35-37
35 And Jesus began to say, as He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself said in the Holy Spirit,
'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,

"SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET."

37 David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son?” And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him.

Message: David's Prophecy of Christ

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been speaking to the religious leaders of the day and answering their questions. One of the scribes came to Jesus to ask him about the greatest commandment and Jesus responds by giving him the message of Loving God and Loving your neighbor. The scribe agrees and restates those words to Jesus. Jesus remarks that he is not far from the kingdom of God. Thus, agreeing with Jesus on that point was not all that was needed. There was more. But, at this moment, the scribes and others were finished asking questions. 

Now Jesus turns to the large crowd that is gathered to listen to Him and Jesus begins to ask questions. While the questioning of him is finished Jesus still has more to say, as He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?" I must remember that Jesus speaks as a religious leader as well. He uses language that would signify something else. In this question, Jesus is saying, "How is it that the scribes say the Christ is only a man or only a son of David?" This was the common complaint of the day or the expectation that the people had of the Messiah. The Jews expected a Messiah that was merely human, thinking he would be a great man but also only a man. 

See there is more that Jesus wants to say that the scribes and religious leaders are not asking. While they are asking about Jesus' understanding of God, they are not directly asking about Him - Jesus - and who He is. 

Jesus quotes the words of David recorded in Psalm 110. This text is cited multiple times in the New Testament. In the Psalm David makes reference to two Lords: the first "Lord" translates the Hebrew word Yahweh, God's covenant name and the second "Lord" translates the Hebrew word Adonai, a title given to Yahweh in the Old Testament. In these verses Jesus shows, through the words of David, the Trinity: (1) David said in the Holy Spirit, (2) The Lord (Yahweh) says to (3) My lord (Adonai).

Thus, Jesus is saying that the Christ, the Messiah is much more that only a man. David himself said in the Holy Spirit, thus David speaks in the power and words of God - THE LORD (YAHWEH) SAYS TO MY LORD (ADONAI) - SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET. And Jesus goes on to further clarify this passage by saying - David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son? Thus Lord, my Lord is Him, the Christ, the Messiah, so the Christ is not his son, but the Lord. He brings together the message that the Lord that David uses in Psalm 110 also speaks of Jesus. Psalm 110 is mentioned more in the NT than any other ancient scripture (Acts 2:34-35; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 7:17; Hebrews 7:21).Jesus is Lord.

Saint Augustine of Hippo who lived from 354 AD to 430 AD, stated:

Christ is both David's Son, and David's Lord: David's Lord always, David's Son in time: David's Lord, born of the substance of His Father, David's Son, born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Ghost...Unless our Lord Jesus Christ has vouchsafed to become man, man had perished. He was made that which He made, that what He made might not perish. Very Man, Very God; God and man, the whole Christ." 

Wow, what a wonderful passage that, frankly, I am just now discovering. Jesus himself is speaking clearly that he is God. And Hippo's phrase "The Whole Christ" reminds me I got a book of that title and didn't read it. Now I know what I think it is speaking about. I think it is so exciting discovering this phrase where Jesus states that He is the Messiah that He is the second Person of the Godhead.

The Pulpit Commentary concludes it well:

From this verse (Psalm 110.) our Lord shows that the Messiah, such as he was, was not a mere man, as the Pharisees thought, but that he was God, and therefore David's Lord. The meaning, therefore, is this, "The Lord God said to my Lord," that is, Christ, "Sit thou at my right hand," that is, when, after his cross, his death, and his resurrection, he will exalt him far above all principality and power, and place him next to him in heaven, that he may reign with supreme happiness and power and glory over all creatures. These words show that this is a Divine decree, fixed and irrevocable. Till I make thine enemies thy footstool (ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου); literally, the footstool of thy feet; that is, reign with me in glory until the day of judgment, when I will make the wicked, all opposing powers, subject to thee. The word "till" does not imply that Christ will then cease to reign. "Of his kingdom there shall be no end." But he will then formally deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, only that he may receive it again as the second Person of the Godhead.

Summary - The scribes and chief priests had been asking Jesus multiple questions and he had been responding. Most of the time they didn't seem to like what He said, but He spoke. But after answering the scribe that came to him his question on the greatest commandment no one would ask him anything again. But He had more to say and the first thing he brings up is that he is not simply the son of David, but He is Lord. A rather remarkable statement from Jesus. What a wonderful declaration.

Promise: Jesus proclaimed His humanity and deity. The whole Christ is the message of His true manhood and His true deity. Because He is man, He could atone for the sins of mankind. Because He is God, this atonement can cover all of our sins past, present, and future.

Prayer: O Lord, discovering this passage, in some ways for the first time, has enlightened me. It puts to silence critics who say you speaking yourself as Lord and God and Messiah is never present. It is here. Thank you for helping me walk through your scripture and see it, in some ways for the first time. Help me now to secure this message in my life and pass it on. I pray that people would rediscover You as I have. Continue to help me to see and know the significance of this message. Thank  you God for revealing Yourself to me. I am forever a changed man. 

Mark 12:28-31 - The Greatest Commandments

Mark 12:28-31
28 One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; 30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ 31 The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”


Message: The Greatest Commandments

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 answered his critics questions. Most recently the question was about the resurrection and what it would like to us upon resurrection in the way of marriage. We will not be married. We will have everything that we need in Christ. For God is the God of the living not the dead. His ways are always the same. He is the God of the now, not simply then. He says, "I AM" not "I was." Jesus is in Jerusalem on his way to die and then be resurrected as he has predicted 3 times.

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing - I believe they were discussing, not necessarily arguing. This one scribe comes to Jesus with a reasonable question. This scribe recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him. So this scribe is different from the others, accepting the words of Jesus. When Jesus answers the scribes question What commandment is the foremost of all? his response is actually not real different from anything he has said previously. In fact, when He and the disciples walked back into Jerusalem and Peter saw the fig tree and that it was withered Jesus responds with a two-fold response of Have Faith in God or believe me, believe me what I say and then soon after tells them to forgive their neighbors. The message is a little different but the focus is on God, then neighbor.

This is what Jesus mentions again now in the 2 greatest commandments - Love God, Love Neighbor. That is easily the central message of our lives that really stands in contrast with any other message of this day from any religious body or group: Love God, Love Neighbor. Have Faith in God and Forgive. This is what needs to motivate my life each day. This is it.

I love that message. HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; 30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. It is interesting here. RC Sproul comments that we love God in 4 ways - with our heart, with our soul, with our mind, with our strength.

The second commandment is somehow simpler. There is a contrast in the type of love we have for God and the type of love we have for neighbor. It is a given that we love ourselves. We don't simply love our neighbor, but we do it AS YOURSELF. This is very true. We love ourselves. And this love gets greater when we realize who we are in Christ and that God loves us so much.

I was listening to a message yesterday from Tom Nelson of Denton Bible Church, an older message maybe from 10 years ago he did in Matthew and it reminded me of how rules based we are in our lives and how heart-based God is. God is most concerned about our hearts. And this message of loving God and loving neighbors begins in the heart. It can't simply be a rule will follow. But rather it is a condition of our heart. I often struggle to understand or communicate to people what living for Jesus is really about and somehow I think it is this notion that God wants to change our heart, not just change how we do a few things in our lives.

Sometimes i have difficult figuring out what sin I have broken. I get to this point at times where I don't think I've done anything bad but at its core I don't really love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And I definitely don't love my neighbor as I do myself. What I want is often what is most important.

Summary - Jesus responds to the question from one of the scribes, a scribe that believed Jesus had responded well to the the Sadducees question. He asks for the greatest commandment and Jesus gives two commandments, thus though there are 2 they are together. We cannot truly love God without loving our neighbor and we cannot truly love our neighbor without loving God.

Promise: Love for God on account of who He is in Himself is the highest form of love that creatures can show. It is love God with all of the power that we can muster; with our mind it is studying His ways and His character as revealed in His Word; with our soul it is means loving Him passionately; with our heart it means loving God from the very root of our being.

Prayer: Lord, first of all, forgive me God for the way in which I have loved you. Each day I seek out first ways to please myself or love myself rather than loving You. Yesterday was church and I find that church is only good if it pleases me, but you remind me that it is about loving You with all that is in my being. So forgive me for thinking that I know better. I want to be in that place to Love you with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I admit I don't know what that looks like much of the time. Help me to know how to communicate this with others. And I want to love others the way I love myself. It's easy to have this love for my wife, but sometimes not as easy with even my kids and then those that I would call neighbors. I should be sacrificing more of myself for them. You are Savior and Lord. You are king. You are Lord of All. I want to praise You.

Mark 12:25-27 - The God of the Living

Mark 12:25-27
25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB’? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.”

Message: The God of the Living

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is in Jerusalem. He has been questioned by the Sadducees on marriage after the resurrection. Though the people do not believe in the resurrection they are eager to see him apply one of the Mosaic laws about a brother's responsibility to marry a deceased brother who was not able to sire an heir. It is probably about the 3rd or 4th day of Jesus being in Jerusalem. Thus far, he has mostly answered questions from those of different belief systems. In the process, he has cursed the chief priests and scribes that uphold the Scriptures and yet did not uphold their intended purpose. Jesus will be the chief cornerstone, but his rejection by them is also necessary at this time. For others it was about our responsibility to God and government when it comes to taxes. These leaders wanted to catch Jesus probably in hypocrisy. But each time he brought them back to the Scripture and God's message. The central message is have faith in God and love your neighbor. Be focused on God and others.

Here is the continued response by Jesus to the Sadducees question. Jesus will answer the question as well as the belief of no resurrection from the Sadducees. For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. The first response is marriage is not an institution in heaven. This can be hard to fathom especially if you are someone like me and marriage on earth has been the greatest of human relationships and even has been greater than I could ever imaging. I love my wife and the closeness I have with her and the love I have for her is something so great and also something that I can't see ending. We have been married 27 years next week and each day seems still like a new experience with her. She gains in beauty and she gains in remaining captivating. I thank God for this picture of Him. For in Christ, he is new every morning. I read and enjoy the scriptures more and more each day and knowing Him is greater and greater each day. So in the way I experience my wife I see the same thing in my relationship with Him. But I also see the promise of being with him forever in paradise and if my relationship with Him is anything like my relationship with my wife then Yes, I can understand there being no marriage in heaven because I will have everything that I need in Him. Today, I need these human relationships.

Jesus says that I will be like angels. Angels simply surround God and bring praise to Him.

One of the reasons that the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection is the assumption that life now here on earth will be the same in heaven. And if it is the same, then a woman cannot have multiple husbands. One would be true followed by the others being an example of adultery. And since adultery would not be right, then resurrection would not be right.

In addition, God shows that He keeps His promises. And His promises are not just for a specific time. His covenant ways continue. Here he quotes from Exodus 3 where God said to Moses, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. It is not that Jesus was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but he is. He states, "I am." It is a current tense not a past tense. Thus, it implies that they live on to worship Him. For he is their God all at the same time. Thus, they live together with Him in paradise. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 

Summary - Jesus answers the Sadducees question. Perhaps it is not what they want to hear, so perhaps because of this they will not believe what he has said and accept it. There is no marriage in heaven and God is the God of the living not the dead. This is the way God has spoken to His people. He says, "I am" and that phrase has most often been talking about his authority but it also speaks of his current and present state. It is not "I was" but "I am." He is the God of the Now.  

Purpose: God is the God of the living. God's relationship with His people does not end at their death, for they live on to worship Him in heaven. Because of this, we know that all His promises to us will be kept either now or in the world to come.

Prayer: O Jesus you are so clear on Your ways. Help our unbelief and our short-sighted thinking. We get too caught up in what we want instead of submitting to You for what you are. Help us to always trust in You even when it does not necessarily agree with what we want or desire on this earth. We get too wrapped up in today and we forget your promises for tomorrow. Keep our eyes focused on You always.

Jesus Calling: December 5

Let My Presence override everything you experience. Like a luminous veil of Light, I hover over you and everything around you. I am training you to stay conscious of Me in each situation you encounter.
     When the patriarch Jacob ran away from his enraged brother, he went to sleep on a stone pillow in a land that seemed desolate. But after dreaming about heaven and angels and promises of My Presence, he awoke and exclaimed, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." His discovery was not only for him but for all who seek Me. Whenever you feel distant from Me, say, "Surely the Lord is in this place!" Then, ask Me to give you awareness of My Presence. This is a prayer that I delight to answer.

Psalm 31:20
English Standard Version
In the cover of your presence you hide them
    from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
    from the strife of tongues.
 
Genesis 28:11-16
English Standard Version
¹¹ And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! ¹³ And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. ¹⁴ Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”


My Prayer
Be in me God. Overwhelm me. You are present with me. Remind me during the day that your Light is there, over me. Your Spirit is near, prompting me and showing me how You are relevant to every situation of my life. There are times I don't think You are near, but you remind me, like you reminded Jacob that You are present. Surely the Lord is in this place. Help me to remember Lord that with you near, the events of my life take on a different meaning and I can rest in your providence, abiding love, and confidence.

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

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: December 4

My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who I AM when you spent time with Me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe -- any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!
     Though I am vastly higher and greater than you, I am training you to think My thoughts. As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. My Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes He brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes He enables you to hear Me "speak" directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life-path. Take time to listen to My voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, I bless you for more than you dare to ask. 

Isaiah 55:8-9
English Standard Version

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
 
Psalm 116:17
English Standard Version
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
    and call on the name of the Lord.

My Prayer
Lord, you are higher than the highest, thus higher than my ways and higher than my thoughts. I thank you for your continual hand of providence. I remain your vessel, wanting to listen to You and Your spirit as you speak to me, through your word, through people, through prayer. Help me Jesus. Help me to be ever mindful of you.  

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

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: November 8

Learn to appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything. This knowledge is comprised of three parts: your relationship with Me, promises in the Bible and past experiences of coping successfully during hard times.
     Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days. If you are tempted to think, "Yes, but that was then, and this is now," remember who I AM! Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity. This is the basis of your confidence. In My Presence you live and move and have your being. 

Isaiah 41:10

English Standard Version

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 102:27
English Standard Version
but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Acts 17:28
English Standard Version
for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are indeed his offspring.’

My Prayer
I am so accustomed to thinking that good days are the only type of days I should have. Yes, it is what I want, but Lord, help me to appreciate difficult days and what I can learn from them. Granted, I know that I'm able to accept 1 or 2 in the midst of many good days, but it could be there is a tough journey you would like me to be on. Help me take my refuge in You always. I don't need to fear. You will help me. Give me strength Lord for I can be weak.


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

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: October 30

I AM with you. I am with you. I am with you. Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My Presence. Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me. Others hear those bells only once or twice in their lifetimes, in rare moments of seeking Me above all else. My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever-present Shepherd. 
     Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, straining to hear those glorious bells: I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. 

Jeremiah 29:12-13
English Standard Version
¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.


John 10:14, 27-28
English Standard Version 
¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me
²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

My Prayer
Help me to not get too big for my own britches and continually see that I am but a sheep and I need a shepherd daily to guide me. 

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


Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Psalm 100 - Rejoicing Unto the Lord

Psalm 100
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.


Message: Rejoicing Unto the Lord

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

What the Lord is Saying:

The sermon (message) this past Sunday was about the heart and whether we have really experienced a change in our heart. That's the key. Change My Heart, O God. Lately, as I sit in service, I've been thinking about some of the songs. I've just been thinking about the words and how so many of them are simply, straightforward songs of thankfulness and praise to God. Not that this is bad, but I have just been thinking about those words. Maybe I've been wondering how much praise I really have in my heart. People hold their hands up. I look over at the pastor and they have this fervor in their being to really praise God. It's interesting. I just don't know if I have that same passion or fervor. I find myself enthralled often by the simple observation of people, looking at them, wanting to meet them, and understand their story or journey of faith.

So, now I come to this Psalm. Psalm 100. And the title of this lesson, "Rejoicing Unto the Lord." And I wonder, is this my heart speaking? Is this my heart really praising God? Do I have it in me?

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Shout, speak loudly, to the Lord, with joy.

Serve the Lord with gladness
It is about Him when I serve, not about me. I am serving Him.

Come before Him with joyful singing.
Here it is, my singing is to be joyful, not mournful, but joyful. I do savor the worship now at church. It is wonderful.

Know that the Lord Himself is God.
The Lord is God. God is God. Honor and respect Him. The Lord of Israel is not just Lord over a specific people, but over all people.

It is He who has made us, not ourselves.
He is my creator. 

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
He has chosen us to be His.  

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
Come to Him with thanksgiving. Come before Him with a thankful heart, not a needing heart. Come before Him with thanksgiving. 

And His courts with praise.
Enter his area with praise. Again, I come to Him to praise Him not with open requests. 

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
My focus is thanking Him, blessing His name. 

For the Lord is good;
For the Lord is good. His ways are good. 

His lovingkindness is everlasting
His love never changes. It is always present. It is enduring. It is unconditional. 

And His faithfulness to all generations.
He is faithful to all people, in all times. He never changes. 

Promise: It is a great thing to serve the Lord with gladness.

Jesus Calling: February 18

    I AM with you. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go. Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted on let you down. Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help. You recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory. This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope of heaven. 

Zephaniah 3:17
English Standard Version
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalm 73:23-26
English Standard Version
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Thoughts
The Lord is with me. He is beside me. He is in my midst. He thinks the best of me, rejoicing over me with gladness. He calms me in the mist of the turmoil of my day, month, year. He will sing over me. He holds my hand. He guides me. And He has a future for me. I am His favorite. He is the strength in my life and with me forever.

My Prayer
Lord, it is always a challenge to realize you are close, beside me, near me. But, show me this is true and continue to confirm yourself in me, each day. Truth and theology and promises are easy to read, but knowing you are near is tough for me. Be my comfort. Thank you for giving us the Word and the differences of the writers and speaking through those words in unique ways. I praise You. Thank you for being with me.

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

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Ezekiel 40-43

Message: These 3 chapters present Ezekiel's New Temple. And yet this was a temple that was never built and it is thought that there never was an intention for it to be built.

Time: April 28, 25th year of Captivity, 14 years after the fall of Jerusalem, A vision came from the Lord to Ezekiel to show him the Temple Area in a vision so that he could pass it on to the people of Israel what he has been shown.

What the Lord is Saying: Ezekiel first sees the East Gateway and its measurements are given in all its details. In these verses is a description of also where the sacrifices will be washed. There are 30 rooms including rooms for priests.

The beginning of Chapter 43 Ezekiel beholds the Glory of the Lord and a description of this is where the Lord lives. 

But the Lord is also clear that no idols are welcome among the people and this should be a reminder to them continually that idolatry is not something the Lord tolerates.

Chapter 43 also gives specifics and regulations regarding the sacrifices including how often the sacrifice will be performed.

http://www.sonstoglory.com/ThirdTempleEzekielsMillennialTemple.htm







Promise: The temple is a picture of contrast. One, it is a place for people to realize their sin and how their sin must be addressed. Second, it is a place to witness the holiness of God.

Ezekiel 39

Message: The prophecy against Gog and his hordes continues and just like Ezekiel 38 there is also a word about the restoration for God's people

Time: A message from the Sovereign Lord

What the Lord is Saying:
Gog, you are an enemy of God. It was Gog who in the last chapter attacked Israel and now Gog, as an (appointed) enemy of God will receive what enemies receive. They will be left helpless. You will be food to the vultures and wild animals in the mountains. And through this you and your allies will know that "I am the Lord."

The name of the Lord will not be shamed among the people of Israel.  Again, people will know that "I am the Lord."

There will be a graveyard for God and his hordes. 7 months it will take to bury the bodies. Bones will be buried. And the land will be clean. And then the Lord speaks of a sacrificial feast upon the bodies, but the feast is for the birds and wild animals.

The people of Israel were sent into exile. They were punished for their sin. They were unfaithful. Their enemies destroyed them and God's face was turned. But the Lord also will restore them to their land. He will bring them back to their land not so that they will be well thought of, but so that people will see the glory of the Lord.

Promise: The Lord is Holy. The Lord will not leave any of His people behind.

Ezekiel 38

Message: A message for Gog

Time: From the Lord.

What the Lord is Saying: This a prophetic message to Gog, land of Magog, a prince ruling over Meschech and Tubal (what is now Northern part of Turkey, places below the Black Sea).

From the Lord to Gog: I am your enemy. A war or battle will erupt with the help of Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer's armies and Beth-togarmah. And the war will be on the people of God, Israel. These enemies will work at the hand of God. And the Lord prescribes the thoughts which will be on these nations:

• evil thoughts will be on your mind
• you will devise a wicked scheme
• you will see Israel as unprotected land
• marching against those with confidence 
• though they feel rich and confident, they will be siezed

Promise: And through this all nations will know that "I am the Lord." People will quake at the presence of the Lord. All nations will know my greatness and holiness. All nations will know that "I am the Lord."

Ezekiel 36

Message: A beautiful and rich message to Israel regarding the Grace of God.

Time: Ezekiel is given a message by the Lord.

What the Lord is Saying:

Israel had received attacking words, possibly what was spoken of in the last chapter as coming from Mount Seir (Edom). And now the Lord gives Israel encouragement. They are told that the Lord will take care of those that speak wrongly against them. He is aware of the shame they have suffered and the Lord lets them know he cares for them. They will have abundant crops. Your animals will increase as well and your prosperity will increase. Once again, you will know that "I am the Lord."

It is interesting, this is the first time I have seen the phrase "I am the Lord" used in regards to a blessing or something good that will happen to people versus something bad.

And you will not be mocked or insulted. God will not allow it.

This does not mean the Israelite's are not sinners. In fact, the Lord reviews their transgressions. Their conduct and evil was like a woman's menstrual cloth (unclean). Their was murder and idolatry in the land and their were consequences for their actions. As I scattered them to other lands, they did not bring glory to the name of the Lord.

But, the people were brought back to their holy land by the Lord, not because they did good deeds but because the Lord must protect His name. "Nations will know that I am the Lord." This is the key. The focus is that the Lord is the Lord. The focus is not on the good deeds of his people.

The Lord will give you:

• a new heart (clean water)
• a new spirit
• your sins (filth) will be washed away
• you will no longer worship idols
• the Lord will give you a tender, responsive heart 
• He will place the Spirit within you 
• Your stony, stubborn heart will be taken out. 
• My Spirit in you will have you follow my decrees and you will be careful
• You will live in the land I promised you and your ancestors
• You will be My people. I will be Your God
• Your filthy behavior will be no more
• You will good crops of grain
• I will send no more famines on the Land
• The surrounding nations will no longer think you are in a bad situation
• You will have great harvests from your fruit trees and fields
• You will repent and not want to sin anymore
• You will be numerous again
• Their will be celebrations
• Prayers will be answered

But, remember, I'm not doing this because you deserve it. I am doing this so people will know that "I am the Lord." 

Promise: To Israel, "I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to perfect my holy name."


-- Words from Tabletalk reading of October 3, "Salvation for God's sake." -- "We do not get a new heart as a consequence of faith but faith is a consequence of us have been given a new heart."

Ezekiel 35

Message: Prophecy against Mount Seir (southeast border of Edom)

Time: The word of the Lord to Ezekiel to speak a prophecy against Edom, Mount Seir.

What the Lord is Saying: After reading this chapter one time, two things stand out. One, the phrase "I am the Lord" is used 4 times, and this is a short chapter (15 verses). Second, the word "desolate" (in the NLT) is used 5 times (4 times in the ESV) to describe the condition of Edom or Mount Seir.

The reason that bad times were coming to this people or region was the way they treated Israel during the time at which they were suffering calamity. Rather than being gracious with them, they took advantage of them. And they mocked the Lord. They will be judged in kind.

Promise: Don't mess with God's people.