Psalm 97 - Perfect Hatred

Psalm 97

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (verse 10)

Message: Perfect Hatred

What the Lord is Saying: I was going through my mom's papers recently. She kept a lot of papers and was devoted to God in an intense way that I am still discovering. Her time dwelling in God's presence is significant. A couple of weeks ago I sat at her desk. She had a chair in the living room that I often saw her at when I came up the stairs in the morning to get my breakfast and get ready for school. She was in that chair in the early morning hour, praying and studying. But in the den area now, where there was a pool table when I grew up, is another round table which scripture cards on it, a basket with a prayer book devotion and also another one of Mom's bibles. She had multiple Bible's and all had many markings in them. She had multiple devotions. There was a lot of variation. I guess I am the same way. But she had many different devotionals where I have been using the same one for years - Tabletalk - though inching my way through it. As of right now, I am still focused on the 2019 issues. 

The paper I came across this time was a page taken out of the devotional book, "Our Daily Bread." There are two sides or two entries to the paper, so I am not sure which devotional my mom had saved this piece of paper. Haddon Robinson wrote the devotional and I think wrote many of the devotions for Our Daily Bread. She had me listen to a sermon or teaching that he had done one time. I also don't know when this came out, but the entry says, "October 21, Friday." Prior to my mom's death that date occurred in 2016. 

I don't find this particular devotion online anywhere. The devotion ends with a prayer. My mom prayed a lot and she often had prayer books. She gave me one for my birthday on September 4, 1988 when I turned 21, that she did in calligraphy from some prayers by Tozer. In one of this books, each chapter ended with a prayer. Well, each of these entries ends with a prayer. 

I suppose I am trying here to better understand my mom. I admired her and she helped me know God. And in her I saw someone that I wanted to be like. I think I am like her. There are truths here that she saw and that made an impact on her. There are remnants of this throughout the house. She encourages me. And helps me to know God better. 

The prayer reads: 

Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Amen. 

Simple. Direct. 

On the drive in yesterday I was thinking about me and my struggle to pray. And I thought of my mom and wondered if she had the same struggle. And even at times the same struggle to read the Bible and depend on it. I think she might have because she had so many 'help's' in her life to get her knowing God and knowing His truth.  

The lesson from this devotional is in loving the Lord I am to hate evil. 

Looking at this text - Psalm 97 - I refer to one of my books by Phillips, "Exploring the Psalms." I also take a moment to look on BibleHub at the summary stated of this chapter. The chapter begins with "The Lord Reigns." 

Phillips says this Psalm looks forward to a time when the Righteous One, the Beloved will return to Reign on this earth. It is a Psalm of Prophecy, looking forward in the future to the Millennial reign. He sees the first 9 verses as speaking of Jesus the Reigning One and those verses describe him ruling nature and ruling nations. The earth and with the clouds and darkness about Him, rolled away, and there is fire, burning up His enemies, lightning enlightens the world and the hills melt in His presence. This earth responds to His reign and surrenders to Him. And then in verses 6-9 the peoples respond to Him. All those with idols will see them as worthless. Instead "Worship Him." Zion or the Jewish people have often persisted in unbelief of Jesus but they will see that God is exalted and the Lord is most high. And then in verse 10-12 the lives of the people will be seen because the Lord not only reigns but is Righteous. And it is here the people are told to hate evil. Evil is in society but we are on the side of hating it at every turn. And we are delivered from its hand. There is light and gladness and we give thanks for His holy name. 

BibleHub isn't specific in its summary of this being prophetic but it is prophetic in that it showcases God's sovereign and just rule over all of the earth and all people at any time - past, present, and future. There is opposition of the Lord at times such as idols and enemies but there will be a point when these are no more. And the people of God are always to be about hating evil. Because we are those who love the Lord. So maybe this text is speaking about a future time when these situations which right now are ideal but not true because there are opposing forces, but one day there will be a earth that is only about God. So that is the hope. Right now, we are to be a people that hates evil, but right now we are back and forth in that regard. We are selfish and self-serving and defensive and not always only about good. I am to hate evil at every turn, but right now I don't and let it in at times. 

So I return to the prayer of this passage which I am thinking for my mom is found in this passage and Haddon Robinson also mentions Amos 5:15, "hate evil, love good." 

Prayer: I read the prayer again God - Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Help me God to only be about You. Don't let my personal feelings impact what you hate. I pray that I can read Your word each day and understand it and not read into it. Let me accept it and read it for what it is. God, I want to be that person that hates evil. I don't want to go along with it simply because others do. I want to stand up and be strong. O God, help me to truly be that person. I am to hate what you hate, but I admit a struggle with this so often and knowing what it is. Truth is hard for me often to come by. 

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

I Chronicles 21:1-6 - David's Census

I Chronicles 21:1-6

1 Then Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me word so that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the Lord add to His people a hundred times as many as they are! My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord seek this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?” 4 Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 5 Then Joab gave the number of the census of the people to David. Israel was 1,100,000 men in all who drew the sword; and Judah was 470,000 men who drew the sword. 6 But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, because the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

Message: David's Census

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

What the Lord is Saying: In the last 2 issues of Tabletalk, I have been skipping these passages from I Chronicles. Maybe it is because I am so far behind and I am just trying to get through 1 and 2 Samuel now and through these passages. But today I thought I would try and do it. 

In this passage, David is being influenced by Satan. It is rare in Scripture that Satan is named. Satan opposes God and any reliance on him. In this instance the reliance is on man's understanding of how many people are available for an army. The danger reported here is a reliance on human strength. It seems interesting because I don't think many would object to what David is doing. 

David solicited the help of Joab, but Joab thought it a bad idea. Up to this point I haven't thought Joab to always be a man of integrity. He is one that seems to want to be in control. Granted, he has confidence in himself. He defeated and killed Amasa when David started to put him in charge of the army. And he has been responsible for other deaths as well, such as Absalom, David's son. But here Joab sees the spiritual consequences David is potentially bringing upon himself. 

But he did not prevail and went through the land and made a count, though he would not go along and include Levi among the counts. 

This action is paralleled in 2 Samuel 24:1 though there God is mentioned as inciting David to perform the census. Though in that verse the anger of God is mentioned and with the explanation that, "God can use even the actions of adversaries to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 50:20 - "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"). Ephesians 1:11 says, "He works all things after the counsel of his will." Everything is under God's sovereign will, even the incitement to not rely on God. But though the outcome of this is under God's will, the act itself is the responsibility of David and Satan. As Tabletalk records, "God ordained this sin but He did so without committing sin Himself."

That's a hard idea to wrap oneself around. And I imagine there are many opponents of this idea in our world. God cannot sin, but God allows sin to achieve His good purposes. 

There is a purpose here. This sin would eventually lead to the building of the temple. 

Summary: Under God's sovereign will, Satan incites David to count his people to prepare his army. Joab objects but this counting will result eventually in the building of the temple. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "the Lord can use anything—even sin—to accomplish His holy purposes."

Prayer: Lord, in these texts is your will revealed though it is carried out in ways that oppose your perfect plan. You can use any circumstance and you can work all things together for good. I take this to mean that even when I disobey you, though I am accountable and responsible for this and will many times bear consequences, those consequences and results are a part of your means to work things out for good. Lord, I am a child of God now for almost 42 years and this is still hard for me to comprehend its complete meaning. There is no excuse for sin and still I must stand against it but no sin is greater than your plan and you can use it still to accomplish your good purposes. I praise you God for making this work and forgive even my words that often maybe do not frame this correctly. 

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

2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 - Ahithophel’s Counsel Defeated

2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to foil the good advice of Ahithophel, in order for the Lord to bring disaster on Absalom. (17:14)

Message: Ahithophel’s Counsel Defeated

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I left off with David not necessarily a popular guy and yet submitting to the Lord and waiting to see how God will work out the situation. 

He is near Jerusalem having received the ire of Shimei. Absalom, his 3rd son seems interested in the throne and had been in Geshur, but now is back in Jerusalem, this time accompanied by Ahithophel, a counselor of David and man of wisdom that now seems to be with Absalom. Hushai is also present, a spy for David. Hushai greets Absalom with “Long live the king” directed towards Absalom it would seem to give Absalom the idea he is supporting him and yet those words are strategic deception. 

Absalom's response to Hushai is one of non-belief. He doesn’t believe what Hushai is speaking because he knows he’s a friend of David but Husbai again gives the idea that he was there for Saul and he will be there for Absalom as well. So Absalom asks him advice and he tells him to sleep with David's concubines, a military act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, taking possession of a king's concubines was a declaration of taking over his throne and authority. And so it was done and in the process fulfill a prophecy from David after his sin with Bathsheba. It occurred probably on the same rooftop where Bathsheba and David had done their act. 

And in chapter 17 Ahithophel gives Absalom further advice on how to attack David. Do it while he is weary and weak. Hushai’s advice is sought as well. But Hushai says the advice is not good as David is a smart fighter and will foil this plan. 

Instead Hushai encourages to being together all of the men of Israel and with so many men he will not have a chance. But in verse 14 it says, “the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” Proverbs 19:21, which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." 

And thus Hushai shares the information with Zadok and Abiathar the two priests so that they will tell David and he will know the plan that has been set forth. The information is communicated to David in a clever and secretive way through the sons of the priests - Jonathan and Ahimaaz and by way of a servant girl who could move freely about without any suspicion of anyone. Once done the words of Ahithophel are found out by David and he knows the King knows of his betrayal and Ahithophel hangs himself. 

Summary: Ahithophel betrays David siding with Absalom in a coup to make Absalom king. But Hushai gets the information communicated to David. 

Promise: God may allow the enemies of His people to succeed for a time, but eventually He will bring them down. 

Prayer: You are sovereign. This book reveals that your plans are always clear and present in this world. You order our land. You order our ways. As You intervened in the days of King David to turn the wise counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, I ask that You frustrate every demonic plan, evil counsel, and conspiracy against your people in this world today. Lord, I trust in Your ability to turn the hearts of those against me, even when I am weak and weary, to make their strategies fail. Please surround me with divine helpers like Hushai, who can bring truth and sound wisdom in times of crisis. I thank You that You are my refuge and my deliverer.

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

2 Samuel 16:1-14 - David on the Run

2 Samuel 16:1-14

Perhaps the Lord will look on my misery and return good to me instead of his cursing this day. (verse 12)

Message: David on the Run

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Back in 2 Samuel 9, David gave the land of Saul over to Mephibosheth. This chapter begins where that chapter began with David speaking to Mephibosheth's servant Ziba. In the last chapter Absalom is in the middle of leaving Jerusalem, in Hebron, getting the people behind him with the purpose of making a claim for the throne. He's rebelling against David, making a claim that he should be king. It states in verse 1 that David has left Jerusalem and "gone on a little beyond the summit" with the idea that he has gone to the Mount of Olives possibly for a retreat. Ziba sees him and for some reason it highlights that he gave him provisions - donkeys and 200 loaves of bread - meaning an abundant amount. Also he gives him raisins which is sustenance for anyone traveling, summer fruits in season currently, and wine jug which is a familiar drink for refreshment and medicinal purposes. 

David wonders why Ziba has brought these and he explains the meaning of each - provisions for David and his young men and servants. David asks where Mephibosheth is at and Ziba claims he is awaiting the restoration of the kingdom to Saul and therefore to possibly Mephibosheth or someone in Saul's family. Ziba gives the idea that he is instead showing his allegiance to David. Hard to say what is going on here, if Ziba is being righteous or has something else up his sleeve. David has bestowed much on Mephibosheth so not sure if now this cripple man desires to get back something or if Ziba has other selfish desires here. 

In verse 5, David is now coming upon Bahurim. Bahurim was a village in the territory of Benjamin, near the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And a man of the house of Saul, Shimei comes out cursing at David. And follows that up with throwing stones at David. And wants David to leave. He calls David a "man of bloodshed and worthless." After throwing stones and cursing him, these words seem consistent with a tone of utter resentment those of the kingdom of Saul have toward David. As I remember, Saul had this same feeling toward David and yet David had sadness upon hearing of the death of Saul. These folks make it clear that David is not welcome. 

Then appears Abishai, a prominent military leader and nephew of King David and comes to the aid of David thinking this man, Shimei, of the house of Saul stating these curses toward David should have his head cut off. Basically, a tit for tat or retributive justice as Shimei has cursed David and thrown stones at him, which were instruments of execution. But David responds in submission to God. He voices that perhaps the curses are from God. He mentions that Absalom wants his life and Shimei as well. It almost seems like David believes the cursing to be valid and maybe wonders if Absalom wanting to usurp David's authority is a consequence of his sin. 

David surrenders to God and puts his hope and confidence in God. He seems to submit to God's sovereignty and wonders here if perhaps all this is happening for God's good reason, but also he hopes that "the Lord will look on my misery and return good to me instead of cursing this day." Abishai was ready to repay the evil with evil, to get justice. But David responds with a trust in God. 

David speaks to the idea that God ordains all, judgments even possibly toward His people. 

Summary: David leaves Jerusalem, encounters Ziba and Shimei who both seems to want something ill of David and David responds not by dismissing them but with a trust in God for whatever He wills. 

Promise: Keep following God even with curses come my way. 

Prayer: Lord, this lesson is a hard one for it communicates a hard word that perhaps the cursing and throwing of stones we might receive in life are warranted. But I am thankful for the confirmation here that David believes God is sovereign over all and so life is about what God thinks is best for us and not the other way around, meaning what I think is best for me. 

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

2 Samuel 2 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul

2 Samuel 2

However, he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. (verse 23)

Message: War Between the Houses of David and Saul

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous chapter David mourned the loss of Saul and Jonathan and now as chapter 2 begins he asks the Lord if he should "go up to one of the cities of Judah." The Lord told him to go. David asked where and the Lord said, "Hebron." He had been living in Ziklag but now he goes to Hebron, the place of burial for Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. And upon arrival, the men of Judah anointed him King there. They stated to him there, "let your hands be strong and be valiant" (verse 7). 

However, the commander of Saul's army installed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. Verse 10 "The house of Judah, however, followed David." Ish-bosheth was king for 2 years. Interesting how this occurred. Abner knew that David was the rightful new king, but he did this anyway, creating a conflict. 

In verse 12-17 Abner and the servants of Ish-bosheth meet up with Joab and the servants of David on opposite sides of a pool. Abner requests a contest with 12 from each group. Each one grabbed an opponent and thrust the spear into the opponent's side. This was a severe battle with David's servants prevailing. 

Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah pursued Abner with Abner then telling him to take some of the spoil. But Asahel was not willing. Abner struck him in the belly and he died on the spot. (verse 18-23)

The other two sons pursued Abner but then Abner wondered how much longer and Joab and others "halted and pursued Israel no longer." The servants of David ended up conquering 360 men. Asahel was buried. Abner refused to obey God's will and many died in the process. 

Summary: Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army. 

Promise: Let us have courage to not resist the truth, but uphold it, even if it at the beginning is not what we want. 

Prayer: God, your word in Proverbs tells me to trust in You and do not lean on my own understanding. When there is conflict or division or uncertainty, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan, believing that You are working things out according to Your best for people. Help me to be kind and wait upon your timing to establish Your kingdom. I pray that righteousness would be upheld always.  

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

I Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul Again

I Samuel 26

David also said, "As the Lord lives, surely the Lord will strike him, or this day will that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head and the jug of water, and let us go." (Verse 10-11)

Message: David Spares Saul Again

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

What the Lord is Saying: Times have changed. Instead of David being the fugitive, now it feels like it has shifted over to Saul. And yet, as it looked like David had been reprieved of Saul attacking him, once again, here, at the beginning of this chapter Saul seems to be pursuing David again. 

Saul learns that David is in the wilderness of Ziph. "David sent out spies, and he knew that Saul was definitely coming" (verse 4). David approaches the place where Saul has camped. Abishai goes down with David to the camp. Abishai lets David know that David the Lord (maybe) has delivered Saul into his hand and Abishai is ready to strike, just say the word. But David once again says he is not to "stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed." If he does, "surely the Lord wills strike him" that does that.

Once again, God provides. His sovereign hand is at work here, as it has been. So many times did David escape Saul's wrath and yet now at this moment, David listens to God and Saul is spared. David knows better. He knows that in due time Saul will die but David is not going to be the one to force this. There is a lesson here to learn. I need to wait on God and he will carry out the outcome on people's lives. No matter how I might believe that person is worthy of death, we are to wait on Him. This life is really short in comparison to eternity. 

David then confronts Abner, Saul's commander leader letting him now that Saul was left unguarded and if not him, someone else could have taken Saul. David not only spares Saul but ensures that he is protected. 

Saul recognizes David's voice. Saul is concerned that David is coming against him. Saul says, "I have sinned. Return, my son David for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day." (v. 21).  David went on his way and Saul remained at his place. 

Summary: Saul begins to pursued David again, but God allows David to come upon Saul sleeping and David spares Saul's life, trusting instead in God to take care of Saul in his time. Saul and David part ways.

Promise: God is always working for our good. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are sovereign over all in this world and my world. You make things to work out for your glory. You weave this world in the palm of your hand and I can trust in You. I will trust You. I will surrender to You and trust You continually. I will wait and pray and ask You to have mercy on people's live and lean further on You throughout my days here on this earth. My hope is in you and I thank you for rooting that hope in me. Lord, at times, I know I can get swayed by other people and their thoughts, even as I converse with folks online about different beliefs. I am now challenged at times. I pray for strength, for Your strength to be rooted in me always. 

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

I Samuel 4:1-11 - The Ark of the Covenant Captured

I Samuel 4:1-11

When the people came into the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies." (verse 3)

Message: The Ark of the Covenant Captured

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

What the Lord is Saying: The Philistines and Israel are in battle at Aphek. 4,000 Israelites lost their lives on the battlefield (v. 2). The elders of Israel wonder why the Lord has allowed Israel to be defeated by the Philistines (v. 3). The respond by taking the ark of the covenant from Shiloh thinking it will help them defeat their enemies (v. 3). Hophni and Phinehas were there with the ark and the people went there to get it and bring it back (v. 4). 

Arriving back at the camp, all the people shouted when the ark arrived (v. 5). The Philistines wondered what the noise meant, but then they realized the ark had arrived (v. 6). Now the Philistines were afraid thinking God had arrived in the camp (v. 7). They spoke "Woe to us!" And they spoke as if this represented gods because multiple gods is all they knew and guessed the ark represented multiple gods (v. 8). And then the Philistines encourage one another to defeat the Hebrews lest they become slaves to them (v. 9). Interesting how the writer of this book extolls the behavior somewhat of these Philistines, helping the reader understand the victory or mindset of the Philistines. It says 30,000 foot soldiers of Israel now perished and the ark of the covenant was taken and Hophni and Phinehas died (v. 10-11).  

This is an interesting passage that does not record victory by the Israel but instead successive defeats, even after the people bring the ark into their midst. 

In verse 3, the Israelites believe that God has allowed Philistines to defeat Israel. God is sovereign meaning to me that he works all things out according to the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11). But in response to this, the people believe they can take the ark, bring it to them and they will be safe. In Joshua 6, the ark is used in leading up to the battle at Jericho, but at the direction of the Lord. Here, Israel simply thinks they can grab the ark, bring it to them and they will be safe. But it doesn't work out like that. 

Life is not as easy as 1-2-3 and going with the formula and all works out. And yet we try. We hate to suffer and hate when bad things happen. I was speaking to a friend who is having trouble meeting his living expenses and made the comment - "I want to know how to pray to break the hindrance to receive money." He is looking for the formula with God. He sees that God is the way but he is discouraged because he thinks he needs to simply find the way to make things work out the way he needs them to work out. Tabletalk remarks today that Israel did not have the right heart. I wonder. Could it be that no matter what we do we can't force God's hand? Could it be that we can try to do the right things but ultimately we must trust God. All I know is it is hard. We hate to struggle. My friend seems like he is on the brink of homelessness if he doesn't start making money. 

In this lesson, I learn that God is sovereign, but that sovereignty does not always mean our lives are without complication. In this passage, it mentions 34,000 Israelites that died. That's an easy number to write, but a hard idea to accept. Any loss of life is difficult to understand. 

Summary: Israelites and Philistines are in battle with the Philistines as the aggressor. The Philistines win, twice, with Israel false believing that securing the ark of the covenant will make them victorious. 

Promise: God's ways are not our ways. We cannot simply do things to earn his favor, we surrender to Him and learn to accept what He provides. 

Prayer: Father God, this passage is difficult. It is hard I suppose to see the outcome of this war and the loss of life, though the losing army are the only numbers mentioned. Lord, we are a people that hates hard times and we obviously only want good things to occur. When they don't, we think we can come up with possibly the right formula to make things work out right. Sometimes I think we do this, simply to make things work out the way we want. I suppose it is normal. This passage of scripture is interesting, for I am not sure there is a big application other than you have purposes we do not see or understand. All I can continue to do is trust in You. And thank you for the eternal home I have with You. Teach me this. I keep trusting. I keep believing. I keep praying. 

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

John 19:12-16 - Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death

John 19:12-16

12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out [to be] a king opposes Caesar." 13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!" 15 They therefore cried out, "Away with [Him], away with [Him], crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 So he then delivered Him to them to be crucified. 

Message: Pilate Sentences Jesus to 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: It remains interesting in this act of Jesus going to the cross as to how it was all orchestrated. It was not simply God making a statement from heaven for him to go to the cross, as a perfect man, without sin, and bear the punishment for sin. I know that idea and message is coming in a study future I would think I would have - the atonement - for it is the crux it seems for the Christian faith. 

But overall these verses in chapter 18 and 19 which tell of Jesus and what led to Him being crucified show that He was viewed as a criminal and therefore subject to consequences and in this case, that consequence was to be crucified. 

The Jewish officials knew that they had to present to Pilate an accusation of Jesus that Pilate would find worthy of crucifixion. Pilate struggled to see the application but the Jewish officials remained persistent and today in verse 12 is the accusation that as King, even though the claim was only of the Jews, as King, Jesus then opposed Caesar. In other words, it is clear, nothing was going to prevent Jesus from being found guilty. The Jewish people were going to try at all costs to get him crucified. The desire for his demise was too great. And yet, it had to be in order to save us sinners eventually from eternal separation from God. 

Then in verse 15, Pilate asks, "Shall I crucify your King?" and the Jewish people answer that Caesar is their king. And so what takes place is the mocking moniker on Jesus that He is King of the Jews. Jesus had to die. I suppose what is interesting is we don't need to be mad at anyone. God used the events of the world to send His Son to the cross to then die for our sins. 

Other Verses
Genesis 50:20 - As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. - Interesting verse that is quoted often. People are responsible for their actions but God still uses the good and bad actions of people alike to still accomplish his purposes. 

Mark 15:6-15 - In these verses we have a similar retelling of Jesus crucifixion and Pilate presenting Jesus to the Jewish officials but with the words, "what evil has He done?” Pilate makes the case but not to the degree that he will enforce it. He still gives into the demands of the Jewish contingent. 

Summary: Jesus is presented as King of the Jews in order to show He is somewhat equal to Caesar as King and incite in Pilate to crucify Him which the Jews continue to want. 

Promise: The crucifixion of Jesus is the supreme example that God is working in all things for the good of His people. 

Prayer: O God, You are sovereign which means that you orchestrate the events of life for Your good, allowing the choices of man to bring about your good. You are in control and by this prayer I acknowledge that You are in control and yet I plea, I beg, I request that You work and that Your will be done. Thank you for giving us the answer that You want this of us and we are involved with You in Your works. Continue to teach me about prayer. Thank you for the salvation gift of Jesus that I don't deserve. You are in control. 

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

John 19:6-11 - The Source of Pilate's Authority

John 19:6-11 

6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”

8 Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Message: The Source of Pilate's Authority

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 details of Jesus' arrest, interrogation, and verdict are interesting. In the end, He is given up to be crucified. I now see from the reading of my lesson today in Tabletalk that in the last passage, that Pilate tried to appease the Roman officials by going forward with a light flogging (scourging and crown of thorns), but then presented him to the officials as a man, "Behold, the man." Pilate was in a way trying his best to allow Jesus to be innocent as there wasn't a crime Jesus was committing from only Pilate's perspective that would result in Jesus needing to be crucified. But the Jewish leaders still wanted Him crucified. 

Pilate gave him over to the leaders in verse 6, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” However, once again the leaders pronounced another accusation and that is Jesus is being made out to be the Son of God. Previously in verse 3, He was said to be, "Hail, King of the Jews" and now the accusation is expanded to be that He proclaims to be the Son of God, meaning He claims to be God. This would violate Leviticus 24:16 according to Jewish law, "Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death." 

Pilate still didn't have a reason for carrying out the sentence of crucifixion, but at the same time didn't want his authority usurped and as an official he was charged with carrying out the local laws. And so the Jewish leaders want Pilate to know that he has a responsibility to enforce the breaking of their laws. He asked Jesus of His identity, to defend Himself and yet He also knew that His crucifixion was necessary. Pilate's position of authority was a gift from God. A reminder that our rulers are in their position for a reason. Sometimes this is a hard thing to see and realize given the acts of many leaders. 

Other verses:

Daniel 2:20-21 - Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." Thus, in God's sovereign will He is over the rulers of our land. But His reasons are not readily apparent and these rulers remain accountable for their actions. I think often of Proverbs 16:33, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." What seems random to us is not random with God and yet we remain accountable for our actions. He controls everything and He does it for our good. 

Mark 14:21 - "For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." To me, this identifies that God is in control and yet here Judas, his actions are still accountable before God. 

Romans 13:1-7 - 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. - Our response to rulers is obedience. We are to do good. We are to pay taxes. Rulers are servants of God. Render to them what is due. And yet we are not to go along with evil. 

James 4:17 - Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. This is a tough verse. Do right, and if you don't, you have done wrong. Another great reminder of the sinners that we are. For we are not perfect, however hard we try to be. We will make mistakes. Be true to yourself. Live with integrity. Do the right thing always. Yet, this works the other way as well in that we must stop sin which is the right thing to do. 

Summary: Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, but the Jewish leaders up the ante to include Jesus proclaiming to be Son of God. Pilate feels obligated to enforce Jewish laws as well and Pilate receives his authority from God. 

Promise: If we fail to stop sin when and where we can, we are guilty of sin.

Prayer: Lord God, at times your ways are a mystery to me. And yet there is purpose in Your ways. I know this. Ultimately, you knew I needed a way to be made whole and accepted by You and this was through sacrifice and atonement for sin. History always looked to you for this answer. You are sovereign and in control and I continue to discover the meaning of those words. And yet through all of your crucifixion - arrest, interrogation, and verdict -- you remained innocent and made it clear that those accusing you were the guilty one's. It reminds me of the evil intent of some people and their desire to be god, to be judge and jury. Each of us wants justice served. I want justice in my life and see this often in the work I do on the job, thinking I know the best way to do things and struggling to submit to authority. It is hard to be a leader. We all do what we think is best. We may be right or wrong, but we still have the responsibility to do what we think is right. Help me to always support good and when I see evil, to come against it. Give me the strength to do this. I want to be the best person I can be in all situations. It is hard though and I need your strength to make that happen. Help me to do the right things at work and not engage in activity that is not honoring to You. Thank you for your sacrifice. You took it on willingly but it still came at a cost and you still suffered. You still experienced crazy pain for me. O how we hate pain. I fear death to the point that the taking of my life will result in some sort of pain - like a heart attack or cancer. Life taking from me will result in pain and that is a cause for concern. My dad fears it as well. I know. But, help me to not be paralyzed by that pain and know that Your grace will be sufficient. There is something waiting for me at the other side of the pain and discomfort. O God, give me patience and endurance. I need it now. Calm me. I need your strength always. 

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

TABLETALK - October 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit
• October 2018 (May 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024) John 16:25 - John 17:26 - Seeing Christ as our Intercessor, even on the night He was betrayed, Jesus will pray for His disciple; High Priestly Prayer

Chapter 16

The Love of the Father (John 16:25-28) - After Jesus departs, people will understand completely that Jesus has been sent by the Father and they will ask in Jesus' name and the Father will hear their prayers. 

Jesus Predicts His Desertion (John 16:29-32) - The disciples state that they now believe Jesus came from God. Jesus lets them know that they will soon scatter to their own areas and He will have the Father with Him, never alone. 

Overcoming the World in Christ (John 16:33) - Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort. 

Chapter 17

Jesus Prays that He Might Glorify the Father (John 17:1-3) - 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. 

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified (John 17:4-5) - 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. 

The Father's Gift to Christ (John 17:6) - Jesus prays thanking God for the disciples called out of this world, as gifts to Him, guardians of the Word.

What the Disciples Knew (John 17:7-8) - The disciples, as voiced by Jesus in this prayer, hear and receive, understand and believe - Jesus is from the Father and receives everything.

The Focused Prayers of Christ (John 17:9) - Jesus continues to pray for that have heard and believed, those are the one's he addresses here as those God gives to Jesus.

The Efficacious Prayers of Christ (John 17:10-13) - 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. 

Staying in the World (John 17:14-16) - Jesus says in this prayer we will be hated by the world, but we are to stay in the world and he prays that we (disciples) will be kept from the evil one. 

God's Means of Sanctification (John 17:17-19) - Jesus will offer himself for people, in obedience to God, so that we will be sanctified in truth to be set apart for Him and offer this truth to those in the world. 

Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20-21) - Jesus prays that the all those hearing the testimony of the disciples will be One in truth for the benefit of the world believing. 

Loved by the Father in the Son (John 17:22-23) - Jesus has come to declare God's glory - the truth of Who He Is and we are to be united, One, so that all we know God loves them.

Christ's Desire for Us (John 17:24) - Jesus desires through this prayer for us to be with Him, where He is at and to experience His glory, given by the Father to Him. 

Making Known the Father's Name (John 17:25-26) - Contrary to the world, we who have been sent to Jesus by God, know Him and Jesus will continue to make God's name known so Christ will be in us and know God's love. 

Various Scriptures - Prayer

The Illusion of Control - Mistakes don't feel good. We don't want to make them and so we fear them. This can lead to shame or the painful feeling that I simply did something wrong to I am wrong as a person. Inside, we know we did wrong and so we try to hide our shame, like when Adam and Eve hid after sinning; or we rebel, as when Cain killed Abel. The prodigal son started out rebelling and returned home repenting while his brother sought for perfectionism - striving in our own strength to make everything right so that our shame is concealed; thinking Rhe had measured up. There is nothing wrong with striving to do well, like practicing something over and over and the Bible calls for this (Col. 3:23). But we preserve ourselves against shame by trying to be in control. Yet things always go awry. In farming, as was the way of the country originally, with people living in rural areas, sustaining their needs and also exporting product, there was a dependence on the seasons of the year. Through the advance of technology - electricity and refrigeration throughout our cities to help food last longer, through freezing and canning - we in turn control of our environment. We can keep in communication with our phones and we are educated to take care of diseases. But also in this process we learn control. But this is false control, because just when we think we are in control, we see that we are not. Our children don't act the way we teach them to act. Or a traffic jam or accident comes upon us on our way to work making us late. Or we get disappointed by someone in our life and their actions or words. We aren't perfect. Life is in disarray. We don't control the seasons or when we live or die. Yet, we can trust that "God is in control." He makes straight our paths (Prov. 3:6). He set the measurements of us (Psalm 139:14)  and the earth (Job 38:4). And He has taken our shame - that idea that we are bad. He has rescued us from this and declares to the Father that we are good. And nothing can change this. Jesus has made us new. We don't need to hide, we are not afraid, instead we trust the One in control. 

God's Control and Our Responsibility - Author remember RC Sproul and his mission to speak of the Goodness of God. Scripture speaks regularly that God is sovereign and he acts in a sovereign way. Yet, we still have responsibility for our actions. We are told to repent (Acts 17:30), to believe (16:31), to obey (Matt. 28:20), to work out our salvation (Phil 2:12), to do good (Gal. 6:9), to set our mind on things above (Gal. 3:2), to pray at all times (I Thess. 5:27) and to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18). Our thoughts, words, deeds matter. These work together he believes by looking at what is revealed - God's hidden will and God's revealed will, as compared to primary and secondary causation. 

Planning for the Future while Trusting God's Provision - God, you are sovereign. And I am responsible for living according to Your will. I live between the call to trust You and the Call to act. Lord, I admit a struggle at times on when to do which and the temptation to be imbalanced -- thinking I am responsible solely. I over plan at times. I am tempted toward anxiety, fear, over-control, over-responsibility, perfectionism and anger - because often I feel it is all on me to make things happen. And yet on the other side, I can be tempted the direction towards laziness, passivity, stoicism, fatalism, and indecision - when I drift towards thinking it is all up to You. [Note: stoicism - the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint; fatalism - the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.] I know God you encourage me through Your Word to be wise and prayerful in my planning recognizing that You are responsible and I am responsible, too. God, from the beginning you show me that You planted the garden of Eden but tasked Adam to "work it and keep it" (Gen. 2:8, 15), thus showing me your provision and my responsibility. You provide instructions, such as working six days, working enough each day to provide for my needs, and then resting on the 7th day, trusting You that I can rest, that you will providentially provide. Work is a part of living, and with my ability to work I am not to be a burden to others and yet can help others in need (Eph. 4:28). There are limits and I can only accomplish what you enable (Ps. 127:1-2). Remind me to be generous with what You have given me and yet not to the point that I tempt others to not work or provide for themselves. Give me plans for the money You provide, not simply hoarding it with no purpose. And yet this could mean at times you taking all that is mind for your purposes, even if I don't see those purposes clearly, but in this I can still submit to your loving and good purposes. Keep me walking close to You God in prayer, devotion, learning, guidance, direction - reminding me that my work matters and it is all according to Your purpose and will. 

Pursuing Perfection with Sober Realism - O God, what keeps me going in the life You have given me is that there is always room for improvement. I have been created God in your image. You charged me to have dominion over the earth and to improve it, creating a desire for excellence in all things. I strive for perfection, to glorify You in all I do and say, and yet I recognize perfection is not possible as I continually see that I fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). I fight against sin all to often, though I know that one day sin shall be no more. You have made me a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), uniting me by my faith to the risen and exalted Lord. You God have shone your light in me, completely overhauling me as a new creation, giving me a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. 36:26-27) to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). My old life of godless, self-centered, fleshly living has been crucified. Lord, continue to work Your Spirit in me pressing me to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness; and put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscure talk from my mouth; remove my lying lips toward others, putting on that new self, renewed in knowledge after the image of You Jesus (Col. 3:5-10). Help me to take a personal inventory often to see what needs to be put to death, killing what is identified. Lord, I praise you for the radiant colors of Christlikeness that are displayed even in my life. Place on me a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other as you God have forgiven me; dress me with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3:12-14). It is my aim God to please you (2 Cor. 5:9). Amen. 

The Place of Godly Ambition - Lord, as I think about ambition, I ask what role it should have in my life and whether you promote ambition. James condemns those with selfish ambition (James 3:14) while Paul makes it his ambition to preach the gospel (Romans 15:20). God, ambition seems to be a strong desire that leads to a willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve a particular end. I know God that sin results in desires (lust, cravings, passions) that are self-seeking and pursue things not pleasing to You and my desire is often not for things that matter, but instead for things that are trivial and don't really matter. Train me God to value what You value and hate what You hate, to love what You love. Also, in achieving good things in my life that honor You, let me make sure my course for achieving them is honoring to You and glorifying You. Train me daily God, discipline me so that I am overcoming laziness, doing the right things, growing in godliness. There are times I may not feel like practicing discipline, so help me to continue in this, practicing delight in what You delight God. I am a child of You God, my creator, praying that Your Kingdom comes on this earth. I am called by You to be fruitful and multiply. Thank you for the gift of marriage with my wife and the wonderful children You have given me. My job is a part of Your plan for me and give me the strength and courage daily to do it well. As a church member, help me daily to do things that You have called me to do there. Thank you for people trusting me and valuing me. Keep helping me to know when I need to step up and do more without compromising the other roles and callings you have on my life.  

Ordering the Home without Being Controlling - Father, my life often wallows between trying to be You, placing myself on the throne of my life, controlling my life, and me determining what is best for me rather than trusting You and living in submission to Your will and rule for my life. As a parent, learning to give up control was at times hard, but You moved my children to independence and I am thankful and encouraged as to how they are living their lives. Continue to give them wisdom and help them to honor You and see their lives always as coming from You and also the ability to live lives that reflect Your will. You Christ rule all things, and work all things for good and bring believers to being conformed to the image of Christ. Thank you for life God and the meaning and purpose found in everything we face. Thank you for the enjoyment of life and placing things around us to enjoy. Thank you for working in me and my daily circumstances to change me, conform me to your image, designing me for who I am to be. You love me and have my long-term best in mind so help me to keep trusting you even as momentary happiness is placed aside. Thank you for molding me and helping me be a better husband and person to live with. You are with me God. Thank you. 

Embracing God's Sovereignty in Salvation and Our Role as His Heralds - Lord, thank you for speaking through this writer and helping me see that deep down my desire for people to know Christ is often colliding with my desire for people to like me. I am trying to manage both instead of choosing and trusting you for the outcome - and making knowing Christ most important. Yes, God, help me to know or how to know when to "lose" a relationship potentially and speak more frank to people about faith. Yes, I want there to be outcomes like the author shares in people coming to know You after I have taken the attitude of losing the relationship, but Lord, I know also I can't make that a formula. Heavenly Father, if I lose this relationship because I spoke about You, as hard as that loss would be for me, I would be OK with that. Free me up to venture and view relationships as a steward, not control it as if it were my possession. You are the Sovereign Master. Have Your way. Lord, I pray that I would be a faithful steward to You in all things. Help me to not believe the objection that because of Your sovereignty I do not have to make any effort. You are good. You are wise. 

Trusting the Good and Sovereign God at Every Age - Favorite verse of Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good for my life, for all of our lives can only happen if God is sovereign. This begins with being "knitted together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-15)." We are given aptitudes, talents, natural gifts but also deficiencies for His glory. Even a child with Downs syndrome or learning disabilities is part of His good for all of our lives. Individual decisions and plans, often when we are young and starting out, often give us these clear glimpses of seeing God's sovereign plan - major decisions of where we will go to college, who we marry, where we work coming about through open and closed doors helps us see the plan for our lives. As we age, we can look back and see the direction of our lives more clearly. As we age, some to long life while others have lives that seem to be cut short, yet we still believe or try to believe or try to have the confidence that this is His plan being worked out. In 2000, James Montgomery Boice diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and in his last sermon re-confirmed that God is sovereign indeed and yet He is not indifferent or not caring, but instead He is also good and everything He does is good. And so we accept or learn to accept the things that happen in our lives. In this is comfort in life and death - he fully paid for my sins with his blood, He preserves me and works all things together for my salvation, assuring me of eternal life and also to live for Him. 

Prepare to Teach - Ezra is a neglected book of the Bible. Ezra lived between the eras of Solomon and John. Ezra instituted religious reforms. Ezra 7:10 remarks of the Bible teacher Ezra, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." Ezra wanted to learn scripture deeply. And Ezra wanted to do the law of God. Be a teacher and do what you teach. May we all do the same. 

The Love You Had At First - Letter to Ephesus in Revelation 2 is to a hard working church, not lazy or passive, active in learning, diligent and eager to help and serve. They stood for God's truth. They treasured it. They saw the false teacher. And this church, despite the persecution and assault continued to confess Jesus as Lord. And yet Jesus still had something against them. They did not possess a deep love for God. They were great in works but they were missing that devotion or love for God. I am to love God with all my heart, soul, and all my mind (Matt. 22:37). 

Rhythms of Piety - Thank you God for the rhythms of life, the 24 hour day, the 7 day week, labor, rest. Rest is hard Lord. The expectations now to spend Sunday's serving my dad often, and yet Lord there still can be rest in service. Give me wisdom and guidance in this. Keep me intertwined in these rhythms. 

Peace in Marriage - A Christian marriage should be peaceful, yet there can still be difference of opinions, serious questions, iron sharpening iron, serious discussions, confrontation, freedom to disagree, but also expectation to resolve. Our aim in marriage should always be to be reconciled to God through Christ's atonement which will provide peace with God. 

Communing with God in Scripture - Lord, it is in your Word, reading, studying it, that I really find my ultimate peace. It is the mark of my life, meeting with You, learning from You. I am so grateful to be living in this time when access to Your book and lessons form other teachers and speakers from ages past are so easily accessible. Help me to encourage this in others and to praise others as it occurs. 

Forgiveness and Restoration to Ministry - When a pastor falls, restore him. There should be evidence of genuine sorrow, and then forgiveness should be granted (2 Cor. 2). 

Design Matters - Design. God first placed humanity in a garden, a designed place. God planted a place of exquisite beauty, a place of profound usefulness, but not all of its design is good. What is our role in the design of a church? The building should support its aim. Soaring cathedrals lift the eyes of congregants heavenward. But then Puritans focused us on the pulpit. Design is important in these current times as people in our world expect good design. We are to be careful in our design both with fellow believers and the world around us. 

Twenty-Five Years Later

John 14:29-31 - Sovereign over Satan

John 14:29-31

29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it comes to pass, you may believe. 30 I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing to Me; 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Message: Sovereign over Satan

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 my study, I have continued to see a summary of the Christian life and even the gospel: (1) Believe, (2) Ask/Pray, (3) Obey, (4) Help. 

(1) I think Jesus is asking us to believe in Him, believe in the Gospel which is about repenting or turning from your sin. (2) This is followed by asking or praying to God continually in our lives, asking him for help, calling on His name. (3) At the same time we are to obey the commandments He has given us - though I don't right now have what I would call a list of those, but I think this is more of a general statement of the obedience we need to exemplify in our lives. (4) Throughout this process He sends to us a Helper. We have help through the Spirit of Truth to make all of this happen. The Spirit draws us to faith and also sustains our faith and is constantly speaking to us the truth of Jesus and His Words. It is God working in us that makes him willing to come to Christ. John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice." 

Yet the story throughout these verses of 14 is Jesus asking his disciples to trust Him. He is going away. He will return again, but He is going away. 

Jesus also tells them of events that will happen. He predicts Judas' betrayal. He predicts Peter's denial. He predicts His own death. In these predictions He reminds us that this is for their benefit, so that they will further believe. Just as when Lazarus rose again, it was to confirm faith in the disciples/followers (11:15). 

Verse 29 Jesus says He has spoken these things to us, letting us know about the future and what will occur. He has given prophecy - future information about future events. As we witness those events coming to pass - we may continue to believe. He asks us to believe and in the process of us seeing Him work, we continue to believe. God's work in our lives causes us continually to believe in Him. 

Verse 30 acknowledges the ruler of the world coming. In this gospel, the ruler of the world I don't think has been mentioned much. But the ruler of the world would have much to say to God's people, to tempt them - to seek to pull people away from the truth of Jesus' words - from God the Father. Satan would get a hold of Judas and even Peter for a moment and even Jesus' followers and enemies for a moment in helping send Him to His death. Though the decree of God would remain through all of this. Jesus says this, "he has nothing to Me." Though the ruler of the world is coming and will be present and will work to thwart His work, Jesus makes it clear - Satan has no claim on Jesus. 

Jesus wants this to be clear, because as He is subdued, beaten, shamed, ridiculed, crucified - the appearance will be that He has lost and that Satan has won - but Jesus reminds His people that Satan has no claim on Him. 

Verse 31 feels like a summary of what He has been saying or voicing since 13:31 - "that the world may know that I love the Father." Interesting. In this book of John I continue to see the themes of "believe" "for eternal life" "I am sent by the Father" and now "I love the Father." His love for the Father has been apparent but maybe not explicitly talked about but present, but now He speaks it. And possibly what He is saying is his impending death on the cross, though it looks like Satan will be the victor in this, in fact, His death will prove once again His Love of the Father. All we know in His crucifixion His Love for the Father. Luke 23:46 says upon his last breath, "Father, INTO THY HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." His death is for God's glory. 

Jesus does commandment and this commandment is singular. Interesting. He does the commandment. I don't think this commandment is necessarily the same as the commandments He mentioned in 13:34 or 14:21. I think the commandment the Father gives to Jesus is more specific to Him and His purpose. This is Jesus' purpose and that is to redeem all of mankind, once and for all, through his death, burial and resurrection.  

To his disciples and followers He says now, "Arise, let us go from here." Perhaps this is simply Jesus telling His disciple to arise or leave the supper room which started his discourse in John 13:2. The entire time of John 13 and 14 has been teaching speaking and teaching at the Table, at the meal. All His disciples have been present for this, even Judas. 

Summary: Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Promise: God is sovereign over even the devil, the prince of the world. There may be times that we think the power has shifted, but it is clear Jesus remains the victor and Satan has no claim on Him. 

Prayer: Lord God, what a Joy it is continually to read and study Your word. How wonderful it is to know that this book of history includes me and includes your love for me. Even for the disciples at this time it may have looked confusing and scary, but you remind them and me of the importance of listening to You and trusting Your words. You are sovereign over all and You know the future and You know me.  I will follow You wherever You go, Wherever, Lord, You lead me, I surrender my will for the love of Thee.  

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

John 12:36b-41 - The Glory Isaiah Saw

John 12:36b-41

36b These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them. 37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?" 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM. ” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.

Message: The Glory Isaiah Saw

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 John 12, the rejection of Jesus has been prominent. At the beginning of the chapter, Judas questioned the use of perfume by Mary. In verse 10, the chief priests were seeking to put Lazarus to death as many Jews were believing in Jesus on account of what Jesus had done for Lazarus. All of this commotion for Jesus was not welcomed by the religious leaders. The Pharisees mention this further in verse 19. And then also in verse 34 is continued wonder about Jesus and why He should be lifted up. And so John concludes now in verse 37, despite the signs that were being performed by Jesus, "they were not believing in Him." 

John then speaks of a quote from Isaiah when he says, "This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet." - That phrase alone is a common phrase recorded in other places in John and Matthew as a means to record that Jesus was in fact a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. And yet what is being fulfilled here is similar to what occurred in Isaiah when Isaiah was rejected for speaking his message, the message of the Gospel. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is the prophecy of Jesus by Isaiah or the Messiah's Atonement prophecy. 

But there is something more here and this is people are not believing what they see. John first quotes from Isaiah 53:1 which says, "Who has believed our message? And to whom (among the Jews) has the arm (or power) of the Lord been revealed?" Let's start by focusing on the idea of the arm or power of the Lord as this has been a recurring message of John in this gospel as he repeatedly has mentioned the calling on Jesus' life being from the Authority of God the Father. John 3:16-17 speaks of Jesus being sent by God out of God's love for the World. Jesus' words to the woman at the well were a gift of God in John 4:10. Jesus equates the work of God with His work in John 5:17. In John 5:19, the Son is only able to work by what the Father is doing. John 5:30 Jesus says he can do nothing on his own initiative. 5:43 speaks of Jesus coming in "My Father's name." John 6:29 we are told to believe in Jesus because God has sent Him. John 6:37, "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me." John 6:40, "Everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life." He mentions in verse 40 that the only way to come to Jesus is if it has been granted by the Father. John 8:18 speaks for the Father bearing witness of Jesus. John 8:42 speaks of God must be our Father and if this happens then we love Jesus.

And so one hand the "Arm of the Lord" or power of God in sending Jesus and that authority that Jesus has from God on the earth is something that people are not believing.  

Beyond that, there is something more. The idea that the Lord is revealed to people and yet I think as a human we prefer the notion that people simply choose not to believe. Why? Because the onus then is on man and his free will. And yet these words from John are saying something different. Previously Jesus said in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." And now in verse 39, is the statement, "They could not believe." They could not, almost like they were incapable.

Verse 40 - HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM. Now going back to the quoted text in Isaiah 6:9-10 is some different words. It says, "9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.”

Hmm. John has, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe put forth a more pronounced word of Isaiah 6:9-10. It is interesting because this message from John is that their eyes have been blinded and their hearts hardened. "So that they would not see...and perceive...and be converted." I mean, the words of Isaiah 6:9-10 are a little different, but I guess the same meaning. It is significant that these words from Isaiah were quoted both by the Christ (Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12), by St. John (John 12:40), and by St. Paul (Acts 28:26-27). So these are words held by distinctive people. 

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) sums up this passage in Isaiah 6:9-10 in a great way:

God sends Isaiah to foretell the ruin of his people. Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it. But no humble inquirer after Christ, need to fear this awful doom, which is a spiritual judgment on those who will still hold fast their sins. Let every one pray for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit, that he may perceive how precious are the Divine mercies, by which alone we are secured against this dreadful danger. Yet the Lord would preserve a remnant, like the tenth, holy to him. And blessed be God, he still preserves his church; however professors or visible churches may be lopped off as unfruitful, the holy seed will shoot forth, from whom all the numerous branches of righteousness shall arise.

I love that summary. And again, as I have studied and saw in John 3, it is the Spirit which awakens man to an understanding of Divine mercies. In Romans 1 is the great treatise on men who abandon God and so Paul says He gave them over. And Henry speaks of this here that there "is a spiritual judgment on those who still hold fast their sins." I wonder, is the way the writers of Scripture see it, as they are writing and seeing people reject the complete evidence given. And in the process they are hardened to the work of God, almost refusing to see the truth before them. And the only awakening they have is the Spirit. 

This passage is titled "The Glory Isaiah Saw" by Tabletalk. As one goes back to Isaiah 6, there is potentially a prophecy Isaiah sees of the Glory of Christ, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." These words have longed thought to ascribe to Christ. And so this message now from these verses is Isaiah seeing the great strength of God ("Arm of the Lord") and Him being revealed (to some) and hardened (to others). As John records in verse 41, "These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him."

Summary: While Jesus previously appeals to the multitude to believe in Him now, John takes us back to Isaiah to show us that some who refuse are hardened toward believing. 

Promise: God used the hard hearts of Jesus' opponents to fulfill his salvific purposes. He can use what others mean for evil for our good. 

Prayer: O Father God, thank you for saving me, first and foremost. You are a gracious God and awoke me to a desire to know you and see you for the answers to life. Continue to awaken hearts, helping people to know You as Savior and Lord. Thank you for these truths, though they are hard at times, they make sense. Give me wisdom about sharing them with others. Give me patience and understanding with others. 

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

Psalm 8 - The Sovereign Glory of God

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is Your name in all the earth,

Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength

Because of Your adversaries,

To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

4 What is man that You take thought of him,

And the son of man that You care for him?

5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,

And You crown him with glory and majesty!

6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;

You have put all things under his feet,

7 All sheep and oxen,

And also the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,

Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Message: The Sovereign Glory of God

Time: Psalms, a collection of lyrical poems, with multiple authors. David wrote 73 Psalms, though for 50 or so the author is unknown. Psalms means songs of praise. The writings span 1,000 years. They encourage us to praise God, illuminate the greatness of God, affirm His faithfulness in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His word. 

What the Lord is Saying: Post tenebras lux is a latin phrase taken from Job17:11-13 which means, "After darkness, light." It was one of the rallying cries of the Reformed Church, the Church body that came about from the Protestant Reformation in 1517. One of the chief tenets of the church was the belief that the Reformers recovered the true gospel from those that had, to that point, brought in man-made doctrines and practices that made human beings responsible for meriting their own salvation or made them a part of the practice of salvation. 

But it can also be looked at as a rediscovery of the glory of God. When salvation shifts from being a shared conversion, perhaps it diminishes the focus on God. I know in my life, more recently, I am discovering more about the Glory of God and life being about Him. All of the gifts people have are the result of Him. God alone is worthy of our praise. God alone. This means man does not get our praise. 

Today's passage from Psalm 8 begins with "Lord, Lord, How Majestic is your name in all the earth." His name is supreme. We sang this song often in church in the 80s when I was growing up. It is a modern day hymn, written in 1981 by Michael W. Smith, one of the pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music. Tabletalk mentions that in this verse, Scripture associates divine sovereignty with divine glory when it says, "You have set your glory above the heavens (ESV Verse 1)." NAS that I read says, "Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!" His Splendor, His Glory. God establishes His glory, His Splendor above the heavens. God establishes Himself. Sovereignty conveys the idea that God is directing all things or God is controlling all things in His creation. Prayer testifies of God's sovereignty because we are acknowledge God is in control. It is the idea that God works out history for His glory. God is the active agent in our lives. 

In the rest of this chapter, God's sovereign continues to be explained as he explains making Man and the role man has in this life - "to rule over the works of Your hands." 

Some other verses that testify of Divine Sovereignty:

I Chronicles 29:11 - Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. - everything in heaven and earth (his creation) is under God's control.

I Thessalonians 2:12 - ...so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. - God calls His people into His kingdom and His glory. 

I Timothy 1:17 - Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. - God receives glory forever. There are man-made kings, but God is the eternal King. The only God. 

Summary: God, in his control, establishes Himself and thereby His glory over everything in heaven and earth (His creation). 

Promise: God is most glorified by us when we ascribe to Him full control over all things, even our salvation. 

Prayer: O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is your name in all of the earth. O Lord, I praise your name.

O Lord, I magnify your name: Prince of Peace, mighty God; O Lord God Almighty. You are over all God. You are supreme. You order and establish our world and everything we see. There is no one but You that reigns. I pray that in all my learning and doing and understanding, this remains at the forefront, that you God are in control. Keep bringing this understanding to me. Help me focus more on You and what You are doing. Thank you for your great love and being over all in our lives.