Promised to barren parents by an angel of the Lord. Prophesied to be set apart for the Lord all the days of his life. Sent as a judge to save the Israelites from the hand of the Philistines. This was Samson. However, Samson had one fatal flaw all along – his lust drove him after forbidden women. This lingering sin proved to be his downfall!
The story of Samson and Delilah would not be too hard to comprehend if it were not preceded by the story of Samson and the woman from Timnah! Samson was determined to marry this woman even though she was a Philistine, a foreigner, a worshipper of false gods. Even though this was forbidden by the Lord and discouraged by his parents, he was determined. Why? He thought she was really attractive! 14:3, 7 – “she is right in my eyes . . . she was right in Samson’s eyes.” In the end, she was loyal to her people over her husband. However, instead of learning from this, it became a pattern for Samson’s life.
We would be wise to take two lessons from the life of Samson. First, loyalty is what holds a marriage together, not looks! Marriages built on allegiance to God and loyalty to one another will stand the test of time. If our hearts belong to idols or others, the marriage is over as soon as it begins! Give your heart to the Lord and faithfulness to your mate!
Second, let us beware of those lingering sins that we continue to justify and accommodate! They need to be slain not indulged! Catering to one sin in our lives leads to more sin (14:8-9). Eventually, the very thing we thought would make us happy, the very thing we thought we could control, the very thing we thought was so enjoyable, that very thing will bring us down!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Back to Idols !?! - Judges 8-10
The book of Judges is startling! It is astounding how quick the Israelites turn from God after he brings them victory and peace. No sooner than the present judge passes away the Israelites forsake the Lord and turn to foreign gods, which is exactly what got them into trouble to begin with! Have they no memory? And the answer is “yes!” They do have a memory of serving other gods, and they are fond of those memories! The problem with the Israelites is that they have no heart – no new heart for God! (I am speaking here about the majority of Israel. There were always within the majority a small believing minority.) After Gideon had defeated Midian, and Zeba and Zalmunna, he does a most outlandish, ridiculous thing. He collects gold and fashions an ephod, which ends up being an idol! Soon after Gideon dies, Israel turns back to Baal worship! God delivers them; they worship other gods! It makes no sense! It is astounding!
There is an equally startling reoccurrence in the book of Judges. No matter how many times the people turn from God, when they groan under judgment, he delivers them! That’s more amazing than their repeated idol worship – God repeatedly delivers them! He is faithful to His people, His covenant, His name!
Now here is the really amazing wonder of it all. When we read Judges, we are really looking into a mirror aren’t we? Let’s be gut level honest and just admit that hardly a day goes by that we do not prefer, adore, or worship something/someone other than the Lord! And let’s give him the glory because there is not a day that goes by in which he doesn’t not lavish us with undeserved grace! Thank God for His faithfulness to His covenant with His people for the glory of His name!
There is an equally startling reoccurrence in the book of Judges. No matter how many times the people turn from God, when they groan under judgment, he delivers them! That’s more amazing than their repeated idol worship – God repeatedly delivers them! He is faithful to His people, His covenant, His name!
Now here is the really amazing wonder of it all. When we read Judges, we are really looking into a mirror aren’t we? Let’s be gut level honest and just admit that hardly a day goes by that we do not prefer, adore, or worship something/someone other than the Lord! And let’s give him the glory because there is not a day that goes by in which he doesn’t not lavish us with undeserved grace! Thank God for His faithfulness to His covenant with His people for the glory of His name!
Monday, March 29, 2010
For the Lord and for Gideon - Judges 4-7
Each time I read the story of Gideon I remember the first time I heard this story in Sunday School. (Teachers, you really do make a long lasting impact on young minds!) I remember my teacher acting out the narrative and explaining the events. I also remember how she missed the point. (I’m not disrespecting her at all, and teachers, do not dare get discouraged. All teachers, including me, miss the point at times!!)
My teacher explained to us that the reason why the Lord selected the 300 men from the 10,000 was because the 300 were trained and alert. The reason why they cupped the water in the their hands and brought it to their mouths was so that they could keep looking around them for the enemy. The other men who laid down and drank the water were unaware of what was happening around them. So the 300 were the men for the job. That totally misses the point of the narrative. (To be fair, my teacher was just following the curriculum. They actually missed the point!)
The point of the narrative is that God will bring about this victory for Israel in such a way that only God can do. God will be glorified in this victory! That is the reason Gideon is chosen for job because he comes from the weakest clan and is the least in his father’s house (6:15). That is the reason God gives Gideon the sign of the fleece twice to prove that He is going to win this battle (6:36-40). That is the reason why the Lord reduces the army from 32,000 to 300 so that victory must be credited to God (7:2-8). That is the reason why an entire army of warriors fled when they heard breaking jars and trumpets (7:21)! 7:22 – “When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army.” The Lord fought this battle and won; that’s the point!
My teacher explained to us that the reason why the Lord selected the 300 men from the 10,000 was because the 300 were trained and alert. The reason why they cupped the water in the their hands and brought it to their mouths was so that they could keep looking around them for the enemy. The other men who laid down and drank the water were unaware of what was happening around them. So the 300 were the men for the job. That totally misses the point of the narrative. (To be fair, my teacher was just following the curriculum. They actually missed the point!)
The point of the narrative is that God will bring about this victory for Israel in such a way that only God can do. God will be glorified in this victory! That is the reason Gideon is chosen for job because he comes from the weakest clan and is the least in his father’s house (6:15). That is the reason God gives Gideon the sign of the fleece twice to prove that He is going to win this battle (6:36-40). That is the reason why the Lord reduces the army from 32,000 to 300 so that victory must be credited to God (7:2-8). That is the reason why an entire army of warriors fled when they heard breaking jars and trumpets (7:21)! 7:22 – “When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army.” The Lord fought this battle and won; that’s the point!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
What Went Wrong - Judges 1-3
The book of Judges is basically a history of how everything went wrong after Israel entered the Promised Land. It is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Israel turns from the Lord, the Lord judges them through their enemies, Israel groans for deliverance, the Lord hears and has mercy, the Lord sends them a deliverer, they serve the Lord during the days of the deliverer, and then the cycle begins again.
Why this endless cycle? Why do the Israelites time and time again turn from the Lord after he delivers them through a judge? There are two answers for their constant return to sin found in the opening chapters.
First, they never completely removed the foreigners from the land. As discovered in chapter one, most of the tribes stopped short of total conquest. Once they had the majority control of their territory, they would settle. They were tired of war and figured they could use some servants anyway. However, inevitably the Israelites would become infatuated with foreign gods and begin to serve them. This would not have happened, at least not as easily, if they would have removed all foreigners and false places of worship! They settled, and as a result, they turned from God!
Second, they neglected their God-given responsibility to train and teach their children about God. Family worship disappeared, and with it, so did faith in God! 2:10 – “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” Deut 6:7 is a clear mandate for parents to teach their children. No wonder Israel continued to turn from the Lord! They tolerated false gods and they neglected family worship! May we not do the same!
Why this endless cycle? Why do the Israelites time and time again turn from the Lord after he delivers them through a judge? There are two answers for their constant return to sin found in the opening chapters.
First, they never completely removed the foreigners from the land. As discovered in chapter one, most of the tribes stopped short of total conquest. Once they had the majority control of their territory, they would settle. They were tired of war and figured they could use some servants anyway. However, inevitably the Israelites would become infatuated with foreign gods and begin to serve them. This would not have happened, at least not as easily, if they would have removed all foreigners and false places of worship! They settled, and as a result, they turned from God!
Second, they neglected their God-given responsibility to train and teach their children about God. Family worship disappeared, and with it, so did faith in God! 2:10 – “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.” Deut 6:7 is a clear mandate for parents to teach their children. No wonder Israel continued to turn from the Lord! They tolerated false gods and they neglected family worship! May we not do the same!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Gospel Prevailing - Acts 17-20
Everywhere Paul went on his journeys, people came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul would enter into discussion with Jews in the synagogue or Gentiles in the marketplace. He would turn the conversation to Christ and the good news of salvation in Him. Many would marvel at hearing “strange things.” Many would oppose and argue and threaten. However, there were always some who would believe!
17:12 – “Many of them believed.” 17:34 – “But some men joined him and believed.” 18:8 – “Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord...many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed.” 19:20 – “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”
Again, none of this came without opposition. Paul was mocked in Athens and a riot occurred in Ephesus over the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Nevertheless, Paul continued going from place to place sharing the Gospel, and as a result, more people would believe.
Paul had a confidence in the word of the Lord that enabled him to continue ministry in the face of troubles and persecution. He witnessed firsthand how the Word would triumph over hard hearts. He also had a word from the Lord that the Gospel would be victorious. 18:10 – “for I have many in this city who are my people.” Paul also knew that faith was not dependent upon man’s reason but upon the grace of God. 18:27 – “who through grace had believed.” For these reasons, we can also take comfort and courage in sharing the Gospel! (1) The Gospel will awaken dead hearts. (2) The Lord is still saving people today. (3) As long as there is grace, there will be faith!
17:12 – “Many of them believed.” 17:34 – “But some men joined him and believed.” 18:8 – “Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord...many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed.” 19:20 – “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”
Again, none of this came without opposition. Paul was mocked in Athens and a riot occurred in Ephesus over the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Nevertheless, Paul continued going from place to place sharing the Gospel, and as a result, more people would believe.
Paul had a confidence in the word of the Lord that enabled him to continue ministry in the face of troubles and persecution. He witnessed firsthand how the Word would triumph over hard hearts. He also had a word from the Lord that the Gospel would be victorious. 18:10 – “for I have many in this city who are my people.” Paul also knew that faith was not dependent upon man’s reason but upon the grace of God. 18:27 – “who through grace had believed.” For these reasons, we can also take comfort and courage in sharing the Gospel! (1) The Gospel will awaken dead hearts. (2) The Lord is still saving people today. (3) As long as there is grace, there will be faith!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Paul's Tribulation View - Acts 13-16
No, I’m not thinking of end times, or eschatology, here. Paul understands firsthand that tribulation is not something reserved for the very last days, but rather tribulation is an experience that every believer will encounter to a degree. As the Gospel grows, so does its opposition! In Acts we find the Gospel literally exploding! 13:12 – “the proconsul believed...he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” 13:48 – “The Gentiles...began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” 14:1 – “...a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.” 16:5 – “the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” And of course, chapter 16 records the great conversions of Lydia and the Philippian jailor. Everywhere the Gospel went, conversions were occurring and the church was growing!
It is no surprise then that opposition grew rapidly as well! The enemy does not welcome the take-back of his occupation! In chapter 14, Paul is actually stoned! (In ch 16 he is beaten with rods!) Then he is left for dead because he appeared to be dead. By grace, he revived and guess what he did? This is really amazing – he went back into the town where he was just stoned and encouraged the church! His words of encouragement, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (v22). How was that encouraging? Because the church members were hearing these words from a man bloody and blue! They concluded, “If Paul can stand firm after being stoned, surely we can stand firm as well!” And so they did. Persecution never accomplishes the goal of its proponents. In fact, it accomplishes the very opposite. Instead of silencing Paul, his stoning served to greatly strengthen a huddled, probably frightened, group of new believers to live out their faith with courage!
It is no surprise then that opposition grew rapidly as well! The enemy does not welcome the take-back of his occupation! In chapter 14, Paul is actually stoned! (In ch 16 he is beaten with rods!) Then he is left for dead because he appeared to be dead. By grace, he revived and guess what he did? This is really amazing – he went back into the town where he was just stoned and encouraged the church! His words of encouragement, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (v22). How was that encouraging? Because the church members were hearing these words from a man bloody and blue! They concluded, “If Paul can stand firm after being stoned, surely we can stand firm as well!” And so they did. Persecution never accomplishes the goal of its proponents. In fact, it accomplishes the very opposite. Instead of silencing Paul, his stoning served to greatly strengthen a huddled, probably frightened, group of new believers to live out their faith with courage!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Repentance is a Gift - Acts 9-12
Repentance, along with faith, is required for the new birth. This is the message John the Baptist preached (Mark 1:4). This is the message Jesus preached (Mark 1:15). This is the message Peter preached at Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Surprisingly, there are some evangelicals who deny this even in the light of such texts as sighted above! It is nevertheless true though, when one comes to faith in Christ, he also necessarily repents.
Repentance means simply “to change the mind” and broadly “to change direction.” Repentance is a turning of one’s life from self and sin and false faith to total trust, reliance, and submission to Christ! Repentance is to let go of this world and cling to the Savior! This is exactly the kind of conversions that we witness in the book of Acts. 9:35 – “And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” 11:21 – “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Conversion involves belief in the Lord and a turning to the Lord!
How does this happen? How does one repent or turn from self to the Lord? The Bible teaches that repentance does not come from within ourselves based on our own decision or will, but rather repentance comes to us as a gift from God, as does our faith (Eph 2:8). 5:31 – “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” 11:18 – “And they glorified God saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” God gives and grants repentance! Now this is surely a blessed truth worthy of great praise to the Lord: the two things God requires for the new birth, he also gives to us! Bless his holy name!
Repentance means simply “to change the mind” and broadly “to change direction.” Repentance is a turning of one’s life from self and sin and false faith to total trust, reliance, and submission to Christ! Repentance is to let go of this world and cling to the Savior! This is exactly the kind of conversions that we witness in the book of Acts. 9:35 – “And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” 11:21 – “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Conversion involves belief in the Lord and a turning to the Lord!
How does this happen? How does one repent or turn from self to the Lord? The Bible teaches that repentance does not come from within ourselves based on our own decision or will, but rather repentance comes to us as a gift from God, as does our faith (Eph 2:8). 5:31 – “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” 11:18 – “And they glorified God saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” God gives and grants repentance! Now this is surely a blessed truth worthy of great praise to the Lord: the two things God requires for the new birth, he also gives to us! Bless his holy name!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Stephen, Moses, and Saul - Acts 5-8
Stephen was one of the men chosen in Acts 6 to oversee care for the widows so that the apostles could concentrate on the Word. It is widely agreed that these 7 men were the beginning of what would later become the office of deacon. Apart from being a great Chairman of Deacons, Stephen was one of the great leaders of the Early Church. He was full of grace and power and doing great wonders and signs among the people. It is interesting to note the many connections Stephen had with Moses.
First, Stephen was accused of speaking against Moses. Stephen was speaking of Jesus fulfilling the Law of Moses and salvation through Christ, not through keeping the Law. Second, Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s face as did Moses’ face! Just like Moses, Stephen was in close communion with the Father! Third, Stephen’s defense was a sermon basically on the life of Moses. Fourth, one of Stephen’s main points was that Jesus was the prophet like Moses. Fifth, just as Moses declared that the people would turn from the Lord, Stephen ended his message by denouncing the Jews as law-breakers!
As you know, Stephen’s daring sermon of truth got him killed! He was stoned to death, but as if in a peaceful state, the Bible says, “he fell asleep.” There happened that day to be another man who was a student of Moses’ Law standing against Stephen. He was a man of authority for it was he who gave approval for Stephen’s execution. That man was Saul. In just a few days from there, the Jesus who Stephen testified for and died for will confront Saul. Saul, who has given his life in defense of Mosaic law will lay his life down as Paul in defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That was the purpose of Moses all along!
First, Stephen was accused of speaking against Moses. Stephen was speaking of Jesus fulfilling the Law of Moses and salvation through Christ, not through keeping the Law. Second, Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s face as did Moses’ face! Just like Moses, Stephen was in close communion with the Father! Third, Stephen’s defense was a sermon basically on the life of Moses. Fourth, one of Stephen’s main points was that Jesus was the prophet like Moses. Fifth, just as Moses declared that the people would turn from the Lord, Stephen ended his message by denouncing the Jews as law-breakers!
As you know, Stephen’s daring sermon of truth got him killed! He was stoned to death, but as if in a peaceful state, the Bible says, “he fell asleep.” There happened that day to be another man who was a student of Moses’ Law standing against Stephen. He was a man of authority for it was he who gave approval for Stephen’s execution. That man was Saul. In just a few days from there, the Jesus who Stephen testified for and died for will confront Saul. Saul, who has given his life in defense of Mosaic law will lay his life down as Paul in defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That was the purpose of Moses all along!
Acts of the Apostles? Acts 1-4
The complete name of Acts is “The Acts of the Apostles.” The title of course refers to how this book demonstrates that Jesus’ ministry was handed down to the apostles who continued the spread of the Gospel and established the church. One can’t help but recognize, though, in reading this book that it is actually describing the Acts of God at work in the apostles! The Lord is definitely the central figure of Acts.
In chapter one, the Lord promises the coming Spirit and the coming witness to the end of the earth. In chapter two, the Spirit descends upon the apostles, Peter preaches the Gospel about Jesus’ death, and 3,000 receive the Word. As the church grows and the Gospel is lived and shared, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (2:47). In chapter three, Peter heals in the name of Jesus and preaches another message on how Jesus is the prophet like Moses. In chapter four, 5,000 believed in Jesus and Peter proclaimed, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12).
Acts is about the work of the Lord Jesus post-ascension. His work continues through the ministry of the Spirit. His work continues through the proclamation of the Word. His work continues through the growth of the Church. His work continues as the church lives out Gospel transformation in counter-cultural ways! Acts is about the Acts of the Lord in the lives of the apostles. The Lord is still at work today in his church! The Acts of the Lord will not cease until the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth! The Lord is at work in you as a believer and in your church. This story does not stop in chapter 28!
In chapter one, the Lord promises the coming Spirit and the coming witness to the end of the earth. In chapter two, the Spirit descends upon the apostles, Peter preaches the Gospel about Jesus’ death, and 3,000 receive the Word. As the church grows and the Gospel is lived and shared, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (2:47). In chapter three, Peter heals in the name of Jesus and preaches another message on how Jesus is the prophet like Moses. In chapter four, 5,000 believed in Jesus and Peter proclaimed, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12).
Acts is about the work of the Lord Jesus post-ascension. His work continues through the ministry of the Spirit. His work continues through the proclamation of the Word. His work continues through the growth of the Church. His work continues as the church lives out Gospel transformation in counter-cultural ways! Acts is about the Acts of the Lord in the lives of the apostles. The Lord is still at work today in his church! The Acts of the Lord will not cease until the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth! The Lord is at work in you as a believer and in your church. This story does not stop in chapter 28!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Does Your Pastor Love the Lord? John 20-21
There is familiar exchange that takes place between the Lord and Simon Peter after the Resurrection. Jesus meets up with the disciples on the shore and shares breakfast with them. During the meal, he asks Peter three times if Peter loves him. Each time Peter pledges his love to Jesus even though Peter knows the love of Jesus is perfect and the love of Peter is flawed!
What becomes interesting is how Jesus responds to Peter’s pledge of affection. All three times that Peter affirms his love for Christ, Jesus replies with a command. Jesus does not say something general like, “Well prove it then!” No, he gives Peter very specific instruction – the same specific instruction – “feed my sheep.”
That is how Peter would prove his love for Christ! He would care for the people of God by guiding them, shepherding them, nourishing them on the Word! It should not be surprising then that the key figure in the opening chapters of Acts is Peter! He is adhering to Jesus’ instructions because he absolutely does love the Lord.
This is the best litmus test for pastors today. If your pastor loves the Lord, he may fail at other tasks, but he will give his all in order to make sure he is feeding the flock of God! A pastor who loves the Lord, loves the people of the Lord. There is no better way to demonstrate that love than to constantly and consistently nurture them on the Word of God. Preaching Bible-based sermons and providing a steady nutrient-heavy meal for the sheep is the pastor’s way of saying, “I love the Lord, and I love you!”
What becomes interesting is how Jesus responds to Peter’s pledge of affection. All three times that Peter affirms his love for Christ, Jesus replies with a command. Jesus does not say something general like, “Well prove it then!” No, he gives Peter very specific instruction – the same specific instruction – “feed my sheep.”
That is how Peter would prove his love for Christ! He would care for the people of God by guiding them, shepherding them, nourishing them on the Word! It should not be surprising then that the key figure in the opening chapters of Acts is Peter! He is adhering to Jesus’ instructions because he absolutely does love the Lord.
This is the best litmus test for pastors today. If your pastor loves the Lord, he may fail at other tasks, but he will give his all in order to make sure he is feeding the flock of God! A pastor who loves the Lord, loves the people of the Lord. There is no better way to demonstrate that love than to constantly and consistently nurture them on the Word of God. Preaching Bible-based sermons and providing a steady nutrient-heavy meal for the sheep is the pastor’s way of saying, “I love the Lord, and I love you!”
Who was Barabbas? John 17-19
A custom had evolved as a means to keep some kind of stability and peace between the Jews and the Roman authorities. As a gesture of kindness, one Jewish prisoner would be released at the time of the Passover. During Jesus’ trial before Pilate, it just happened to be nearing Passover, and Pilate thought this may be his way out of dealing with Jesus.
His plan did not work though because the crowd insisted on crucifying Jesus and releasing Barabbas. Jesus was innocent, even Pilate knew this. Barabbas was guilty, and everyone knew this. He was a robber. So the guilty was released and the innocent was crucified! It should have been the other way around in terms of justice! Jesus should have been released, and Barabbas the robber and rioter should have been crucified. Not so, though, in terms of redemption, for that is the way substitutionary atonement takes place! In order for the guilty to be saved, one must step forward to take on his rightful judgment. This is exactly what took place with Jesus and Barabbas. Jesus took Barabbas’ place.
Who was Barabbas? I was Barabbas and you were Barabbas, if you are in Christ today. We were guilty before the Lord, and we knew it! We deserved death and punishment for our rebellion against a holy God and our continued self-worship. But when it came time for execution, someone stepped forward to take our place. It couldn’t just be anyone. It would have to be someone innocent, someone perfect who could lay down a perfect life to save a guilty soul. Now all those sacrifices in the OT begin to make sense. They foreshadowed the full salvation that was to come in Christ. He would be sacrificed on behalf of God’s people. He would be the substitute. He would take our place because we were Barabbas!
His plan did not work though because the crowd insisted on crucifying Jesus and releasing Barabbas. Jesus was innocent, even Pilate knew this. Barabbas was guilty, and everyone knew this. He was a robber. So the guilty was released and the innocent was crucified! It should have been the other way around in terms of justice! Jesus should have been released, and Barabbas the robber and rioter should have been crucified. Not so, though, in terms of redemption, for that is the way substitutionary atonement takes place! In order for the guilty to be saved, one must step forward to take on his rightful judgment. This is exactly what took place with Jesus and Barabbas. Jesus took Barabbas’ place.
Who was Barabbas? I was Barabbas and you were Barabbas, if you are in Christ today. We were guilty before the Lord, and we knew it! We deserved death and punishment for our rebellion against a holy God and our continued self-worship. But when it came time for execution, someone stepped forward to take our place. It couldn’t just be anyone. It would have to be someone innocent, someone perfect who could lay down a perfect life to save a guilty soul. Now all those sacrifices in the OT begin to make sense. They foreshadowed the full salvation that was to come in Christ. He would be sacrificed on behalf of God’s people. He would be the substitute. He would take our place because we were Barabbas!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Darker Days Ahead - Jos 22-24
Most commentators treat Joshua 24 as one of the more happier occasions of Israel’s history. This is hard to defend though when paying careful attention to the text, especially Joshua’s words. Joshua had called the people to choose which god they would serve, those of their forefathers or the Lord God. He firmly stood for the Lord and declared that he and his house would only serve the Lord! The people responded that they would follow the Lord as well. Joshua didn’t buy it!
He tells them they are not able to serve the Lord for he is holy and jealous! Now Joshua is telling them this because evidently they still have some infatuations with other gods (v15). Joshua further tells them that in fact they will indeed forsake the Lord soon and follow after other gods, which will bring about judgement from the Lord! This is not the first time they have heard this stinging rebuke because these were the last words of Moses as well (Deut 31:29). But they are not going to listen to Moses or Joshua and for a second time affirm their service to the Lord. Joshua replies this time that they have witnessed “against” themselves. That’s not a compliment! They accept this role because they are so sure of themselves. Joshua then commands them to put away the foreign gods and incline their hearts to the Lord! Instead of repenting, they still affirm their good nature and pledge to serve and obey the Lord!
Who was right, Joshua or the people? As we’ll soon discover in the book of Judges, Joshua was right! The theme of Judges is the continued rebellion of the people! This is because one cannot serve the Lord from self-determination. One must serve the Lord from a changed heart! And God is going to deliver new hearts in a New Covenant!
He tells them they are not able to serve the Lord for he is holy and jealous! Now Joshua is telling them this because evidently they still have some infatuations with other gods (v15). Joshua further tells them that in fact they will indeed forsake the Lord soon and follow after other gods, which will bring about judgement from the Lord! This is not the first time they have heard this stinging rebuke because these were the last words of Moses as well (Deut 31:29). But they are not going to listen to Moses or Joshua and for a second time affirm their service to the Lord. Joshua replies this time that they have witnessed “against” themselves. That’s not a compliment! They accept this role because they are so sure of themselves. Joshua then commands them to put away the foreign gods and incline their hearts to the Lord! Instead of repenting, they still affirm their good nature and pledge to serve and obey the Lord!
Who was right, Joshua or the people? As we’ll soon discover in the book of Judges, Joshua was right! The theme of Judges is the continued rebellion of the people! This is because one cannot serve the Lord from self-determination. One must serve the Lord from a changed heart! And God is going to deliver new hearts in a New Covenant!
Manslayers and Levites - Jos 18-21
Two particular designations of land are mentioned beyond the division of land according to tribe. First, cities of refuge were designated as safe havens for manslayers. A manslayer is someone who accidentally takes the life of another without any hatred toward that person or premeditation. For example, if someone was cutting down a tree and the ax head came apart striking the head of someone else. This was an accident and the manslayer deserves protection.
Second, cities and pasturelands were given to the Levites from each tribe’s allotment. In this way, throughout the land, the servants of the Lord would have a home among the people. God had promised land to Israel and to provide for the Levites. He made good on both!
These two final provisions signaled that in this new land there will be justice and there will be worship. Now, the people can settle in the land. Now, everything is complete and the promise of the Lord is fulfilled. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”
There are three lessons to cherish from this study. First, justice is the will of the Lord. Second, worship unto the Lord is the will of the Lord. Third, the Lord will always fulfill his promises! We can make application for all of these lessons. Concerning justice, let us do unto others as we would have done unto us. Concerning worship, let us love the Lord our God with all our hearts. Concerning God’s promises, let us rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our gracious God!
Second, cities and pasturelands were given to the Levites from each tribe’s allotment. In this way, throughout the land, the servants of the Lord would have a home among the people. God had promised land to Israel and to provide for the Levites. He made good on both!
These two final provisions signaled that in this new land there will be justice and there will be worship. Now, the people can settle in the land. Now, everything is complete and the promise of the Lord is fulfilled. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”
There are three lessons to cherish from this study. First, justice is the will of the Lord. Second, worship unto the Lord is the will of the Lord. Third, the Lord will always fulfill his promises! We can make application for all of these lessons. Concerning justice, let us do unto others as we would have done unto us. Concerning worship, let us love the Lord our God with all our hearts. Concerning God’s promises, let us rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our gracious God!
Finally Home - Jos 15-17
Chapter 15 is the beginning of allotting the land to the tribes. Now that most of the conquering is complete, it is time to divide! The land gets divided into portions according to the size of each tribe. The division of the land, where each tribe receives its geographical location, is the last of the major steps to take in order to possess the land! There are still some pockets of people that need to be cleared from the land, but as for the major opposition, all have been conquered.
In other words, Israel is finally home! They have wandered for forty years, fought for five years, and now they finally are settling into their new home. No more wandering. No more temporary dwelling. No more large confrontations. This land belongs to them now! They have a home! And not just any home. This is God’s promised provision for them! This is the Promised Land. It is no longer a thought, a dream, a prayer - it is a reality. It is now actually their home!
It is the same for us who are in Christ. We have journeyed for years in order to reach our final destination. We are like those Israelites. We are wandering around in this world because this world is not our home! We are out of place here. We are on our way to the Promised Land! God has a place of provision for us that we have yet to reach. There is much fighting before we enter the rest of God’s land. We battle the foes who do not want us to enter the Land. We battle our fleshly desires. We battle the enemy and the false charms of this world. We wander and we battle, and one day, we will rest! We too will finally be home. It is will no longer be a prayer, a wish, a longing. It will be reality!
In other words, Israel is finally home! They have wandered for forty years, fought for five years, and now they finally are settling into their new home. No more wandering. No more temporary dwelling. No more large confrontations. This land belongs to them now! They have a home! And not just any home. This is God’s promised provision for them! This is the Promised Land. It is no longer a thought, a dream, a prayer - it is a reality. It is now actually their home!
It is the same for us who are in Christ. We have journeyed for years in order to reach our final destination. We are like those Israelites. We are wandering around in this world because this world is not our home! We are out of place here. We are on our way to the Promised Land! God has a place of provision for us that we have yet to reach. There is much fighting before we enter the rest of God’s land. We battle the foes who do not want us to enter the Land. We battle our fleshly desires. We battle the enemy and the false charms of this world. We wander and we battle, and one day, we will rest! We too will finally be home. It is will no longer be a prayer, a wish, a longing. It will be reality!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Lives Well Spent - Jos 12-14
Joshua and Caleb are two of the most remarkable men in early Israelite history. They had conviction. They had faith. They had courage. They stood against the flow, even when it was their own people! These men lived out their days believing in God and living for him. They spent their lives well!
We find Joshua as an old man in Joshua 13. It’s been a long time since he and Caleb spied out the Promised Land! He has lived through the wilderness wanderings. He has been made leader after Moses. He has led the people on the daring conquest of most of the land. He is now an old man and “advanced in years.” But those have been good years! They were hard years, no doubt, but good years in the real sense that Joshua followed the Lord! He was a man of war. He was also a man of God.
Caleb is 85 years old in Joshua 14. He never forgot the day he begged the people to enter the land, and they refused from fear and lack of faith in God. 14:8 – “But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God.” Incredibly, Caleb declares that his strength has not wained a bit in 45 years! He is as strong at 85 as he was at 40.
If the Lord allows me to live a long life, I pray that I can say the same when I am 85! Not so much about how strong I am (even though that would be a blessing) but more importantly, I could honestly say, “I wholly followed the Lord my God.” When I am “old and advanced in years” as Joshua, I pray that I will have a similar testimony. He stood firm, led God’s people faithfully, and had given his life for the will of God. I pray to spend my life well!
We find Joshua as an old man in Joshua 13. It’s been a long time since he and Caleb spied out the Promised Land! He has lived through the wilderness wanderings. He has been made leader after Moses. He has led the people on the daring conquest of most of the land. He is now an old man and “advanced in years.” But those have been good years! They were hard years, no doubt, but good years in the real sense that Joshua followed the Lord! He was a man of war. He was also a man of God.
Caleb is 85 years old in Joshua 14. He never forgot the day he begged the people to enter the land, and they refused from fear and lack of faith in God. 14:8 – “But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God.” Incredibly, Caleb declares that his strength has not wained a bit in 45 years! He is as strong at 85 as he was at 40.
If the Lord allows me to live a long life, I pray that I can say the same when I am 85! Not so much about how strong I am (even though that would be a blessing) but more importantly, I could honestly say, “I wholly followed the Lord my God.” When I am “old and advanced in years” as Joshua, I pray that I will have a similar testimony. He stood firm, led God’s people faithfully, and had given his life for the will of God. I pray to spend my life well!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This is the Lord's Doing - Jos 8-11
The conquest of the Promised Land involved two opposite effects: the blessing of land to the Israelites and the destruction of its former inhabitants. The Lord was in control of both!
In Joshua 10:24-25, Joshua tells the men of Israel, “Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings...Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” The Lord was the primary warrior of Israel’s conquest! He put Joshua in command. He leveled the walls of Jericho. He sent hailstones. He caused the sun to stand still until complete victory. The Lord was causing the Israelites to inherit the land!
The Lord was also causing the destruction of the inhabitants of the land. Joshua 11:20 says, “For it was the Lord’s doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses.” So the Lord caused them to battle Israel so He could destroy them? Yes. There comes a time when mercy comes to an end! These people could have repented when they heard news of the Lord’s mighty acts as Rahab did. These people could have acted wisely like the Gibeonites. But no. These are the people who sacrifice their children to false gods. They live by their own rules. They will not have a foreign “god” telling them what to do. They have lived in luxury amidst their idolatry and immorality for years. They refuse to change now. These are the people who stood in defiance of the Lord; and he crushed them to pieces.
Both were God’s doing, the giving of the land and the cleansing of the land.
In Joshua 10:24-25, Joshua tells the men of Israel, “Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings...Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” The Lord was the primary warrior of Israel’s conquest! He put Joshua in command. He leveled the walls of Jericho. He sent hailstones. He caused the sun to stand still until complete victory. The Lord was causing the Israelites to inherit the land!
The Lord was also causing the destruction of the inhabitants of the land. Joshua 11:20 says, “For it was the Lord’s doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses.” So the Lord caused them to battle Israel so He could destroy them? Yes. There comes a time when mercy comes to an end! These people could have repented when they heard news of the Lord’s mighty acts as Rahab did. These people could have acted wisely like the Gibeonites. But no. These are the people who sacrifice their children to false gods. They live by their own rules. They will not have a foreign “god” telling them what to do. They have lived in luxury amidst their idolatry and immorality for years. They refuse to change now. These are the people who stood in defiance of the Lord; and he crushed them to pieces.
Both were God’s doing, the giving of the land and the cleansing of the land.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Difference Between Jericho and Ai - Jos 4-7
The people of Israel approached Jericho in complete faith. They followed Joshua’s command, marched around the city for six days, and then on the 7th day they blew trumpets and shouted to the Lord. The Lord gave them the city! This was certainly a bold and courageous move for Israel.
The next city to conquer was Ai. Ai was smaller and less intimidating than Jericho, so only 3,000 men were sent to defeat it. A much different outcome resulted! The men of Ai sent the 3,000 on the run and managed to kill 36 of them. What was to be an easier task turned out to be a sheer defeat! When Israel approached Jericho, the hearts of the kings melted because they had heard about the crossing of the Jordan (5:1). The hearts of the inhabitants of Jericho had melted because they heard about Israel’s defeat of Sihon and Og (2:11). Now, however, it is the hearts of Israel that are melting! The bold and courageous and conquering Israelites are now scared to death over little Ai (7:5)!
What’s the difference between Jericho and Ai? Sin! Achan had disobeyed the Lord when Jericho was conquered. Everything in Jericho was to be devoted to the Lord for destruction, but the beautiful clothes, gold, and silver were just too enticing for Achan! The anger of the Lord burned against Israel because of Achan’s sin. Not until he was judged did the Lord relent of his anger (7:26).
What do we learn from this? (1) Your sin affects everyone, not just you. (2) Sin is much more offensive to the holiness of God than we can imagine. God burned in anger. (3) Power doesn’t conquer foes. God does. (4) Confession of sin results in forgiveness, but consequences of sin remain.
The next city to conquer was Ai. Ai was smaller and less intimidating than Jericho, so only 3,000 men were sent to defeat it. A much different outcome resulted! The men of Ai sent the 3,000 on the run and managed to kill 36 of them. What was to be an easier task turned out to be a sheer defeat! When Israel approached Jericho, the hearts of the kings melted because they had heard about the crossing of the Jordan (5:1). The hearts of the inhabitants of Jericho had melted because they heard about Israel’s defeat of Sihon and Og (2:11). Now, however, it is the hearts of Israel that are melting! The bold and courageous and conquering Israelites are now scared to death over little Ai (7:5)!
What’s the difference between Jericho and Ai? Sin! Achan had disobeyed the Lord when Jericho was conquered. Everything in Jericho was to be devoted to the Lord for destruction, but the beautiful clothes, gold, and silver were just too enticing for Achan! The anger of the Lord burned against Israel because of Achan’s sin. Not until he was judged did the Lord relent of his anger (7:26).
What do we learn from this? (1) Your sin affects everyone, not just you. (2) Sin is much more offensive to the holiness of God than we can imagine. God burned in anger. (3) Power doesn’t conquer foes. God does. (4) Confession of sin results in forgiveness, but consequences of sin remain.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Book of the Law - Jos 1-3
Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
What is the Book of the Law that Joshua was to know and practice? The Book of the Law was written by Moses. Deut 31:24 – “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end.” The first five books of the Bible together form The Book of the Law. In Joshua’s day, this was the only Scripture available. Therefore, the principles of embracing Scripture and its provisions are still applicable for us in the OT and NT.
Joshua was to fill his day with Scripture, and rightly so because that is our primary means of knowing God, knowing His will, and following Him! Joshua was to know the law so that he could keep the law. It is the same for us today. It is through the study and meditation of the Word that we know how to live out our days to the glory of God.The Bible not only provides instruction for daily choices and situations in life, it also corrects our motivations and inclines our hearts to the Lord. The purpose of the Law, or the Scripture, is to change the heart not just the actions.
The ultimate reason that Joshua was to keep the Scripture was for his own prosperity and success. This is not health and wealth theology! Prosperity here is the accomplishing of God’s will. He will prosper in the conquering and settling of the Land. Success here means acting with wisdom. What is wisdom? To know and fear the Lord. Joshua was to fill his life with Scripture, and so should we!
What is the Book of the Law that Joshua was to know and practice? The Book of the Law was written by Moses. Deut 31:24 – “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end.” The first five books of the Bible together form The Book of the Law. In Joshua’s day, this was the only Scripture available. Therefore, the principles of embracing Scripture and its provisions are still applicable for us in the OT and NT.
Joshua was to fill his day with Scripture, and rightly so because that is our primary means of knowing God, knowing His will, and following Him! Joshua was to know the law so that he could keep the law. It is the same for us today. It is through the study and meditation of the Word that we know how to live out our days to the glory of God.The Bible not only provides instruction for daily choices and situations in life, it also corrects our motivations and inclines our hearts to the Lord. The purpose of the Law, or the Scripture, is to change the heart not just the actions.
The ultimate reason that Joshua was to keep the Scripture was for his own prosperity and success. This is not health and wealth theology! Prosperity here is the accomplishing of God’s will. He will prosper in the conquering and settling of the Land. Success here means acting with wisdom. What is wisdom? To know and fear the Lord. Joshua was to fill his life with Scripture, and so should we!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
More About the Coming Prophet - Deut 33-34
Earlier in Deuteronomy we learned that the prophet like Moses who was going to come had these two traits in common with Moses: he would come from among them and he would be a mediator. Christ fulfilled both of those prophecies. The Incarnation brought forth the Messiah in the likeness of man as a Jew. 1 Tim 2:5 describes Jesus as the one mediator between God and man. Deuteronomy ends with a further description of how the coming prophet would be like Moses in three ways. He would know the Lord face to face, he would perform signs and wonders, and he would display mighty power. Does Jesus meet these criteria as well? The answer would have to be “yes.”
If anyone knew the Father face to face, it would have to the Son! Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). The Gospel accounts are filled with eyewitness testimonies to the many signs and wonders that Jesus performed among the crowds such as healing all kinds of sicknesses and casting out many demons. Furthermore, just as Moses performed great acts of terror in the sight of Israel, Jesus displayed his power in many awesome ways before the disciples such as the stilling of the wind and waves!
These texts that speak of a coming prophet like Moses were understood by Israel to be messianic prophecies. They were looking for this coming prophet. None of the prophets who came before Jesus fit the description. Nor do any who came after Jesus and claimed to be a prophet! Jesus, though, fit the description perfectly. He came as a prophet like Moses. He is the Messiah. Deuteronomy ends with a longing for the Messiah. When the NT opens, we find him in a manger!
If anyone knew the Father face to face, it would have to the Son! Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). The Gospel accounts are filled with eyewitness testimonies to the many signs and wonders that Jesus performed among the crowds such as healing all kinds of sicknesses and casting out many demons. Furthermore, just as Moses performed great acts of terror in the sight of Israel, Jesus displayed his power in many awesome ways before the disciples such as the stilling of the wind and waves!
These texts that speak of a coming prophet like Moses were understood by Israel to be messianic prophecies. They were looking for this coming prophet. None of the prophets who came before Jesus fit the description. Nor do any who came after Jesus and claimed to be a prophet! Jesus, though, fit the description perfectly. He came as a prophet like Moses. He is the Messiah. Deuteronomy ends with a longing for the Messiah. When the NT opens, we find him in a manger!
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Most Dangerous Place to Be - Deut 31-32
Even though Moses had personally observed the rebellion and stubbornness of Israel for forty years, the main reason that he knew for sure they would turn from God is God told Moses that would happen! The people of Israel are going to turn from God. He is going to judge them, and he is also going to preserve a remnant of true followers who will one day return.
It is extremely relevant and important to note “when” God says Israel will turn from him. Deut 31:20 – “For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to give to their fathers, and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant.” It is not when food is short and times are tough that they will turn away; it is when they are living in the land of promise and abundant blessing!
The most dangerous place to be in terms of maintaining your walk with the Lord is in the land of plenty! When we are blessed and comfortable and all needs are supplied, we quickly lose track of the source of those provisions! What is even more frightening is that Israel will not only turn away but they will trade God for false gods and they will “despise” God! In other words, now that they have all they ever wanted, why keep serving God? They will conclude, “Let’s go get our own gods that allow us to live any way we wish!” Wealth, health, life void of tragedy, and abundance on all fronts are not bad in and of themselves – but they can be disastrous for us if we do not keep them in perspective! If you are living in the land of blessing today, recognize the danger and bless the Lord for his gracious blessings to you!
It is extremely relevant and important to note “when” God says Israel will turn from him. Deut 31:20 – “For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to give to their fathers, and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant.” It is not when food is short and times are tough that they will turn away; it is when they are living in the land of promise and abundant blessing!
The most dangerous place to be in terms of maintaining your walk with the Lord is in the land of plenty! When we are blessed and comfortable and all needs are supplied, we quickly lose track of the source of those provisions! What is even more frightening is that Israel will not only turn away but they will trade God for false gods and they will “despise” God! In other words, now that they have all they ever wanted, why keep serving God? They will conclude, “Let’s go get our own gods that allow us to live any way we wish!” Wealth, health, life void of tragedy, and abundance on all fronts are not bad in and of themselves – but they can be disastrous for us if we do not keep them in perspective! If you are living in the land of blessing today, recognize the danger and bless the Lord for his gracious blessings to you!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Heart for God - Deut 28-30
After listing the enormous blessings that God would provide for Israel if they follow him, Moses still doubts their faithfulness. Even after listing the horrifying curses that will come upon them should they turn and serve other gods, Moses has no confidence that Israel will remain true to the Lord. When one reads the blessings and curses, he is left wondering “Who wouldn’t be true to the Lord with so much to gain and so much to lose?”
The answer to that question is “Everybody!” No one will stay true to the Lord through mere promises or threats. That is not to say God’s words are not true; the promises and threats are true and hold true. However, sinful, fallen man needs more than promises and threats to live for the Lord; he needs a new heart!
Moses knew this was the case. Moses knew no amount of law or promise or threat or will power or blessing or curse would ever change these people. Moses knew they would enter the Promised Land and then turn away from God (30:1). Moses knew they needed grace! 29:4 – “But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.” However, Moses also knew that God was going to grace his people with a new heart! 30:6 – “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”
How do you get a heart for God that will love him and follow him? It doesn’t come through any external motivation. It doesn’t come through any internal determination. It only comes by way of grace. God gives us hearts that will love him and follow him. A heart for God comes from God!
The answer to that question is “Everybody!” No one will stay true to the Lord through mere promises or threats. That is not to say God’s words are not true; the promises and threats are true and hold true. However, sinful, fallen man needs more than promises and threats to live for the Lord; he needs a new heart!
Moses knew this was the case. Moses knew no amount of law or promise or threat or will power or blessing or curse would ever change these people. Moses knew they would enter the Promised Land and then turn away from God (30:1). Moses knew they needed grace! 29:4 – “But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.” However, Moses also knew that God was going to grace his people with a new heart! 30:6 – “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”
How do you get a heart for God that will love him and follow him? It doesn’t come through any external motivation. It doesn’t come through any internal determination. It only comes by way of grace. God gives us hearts that will love him and follow him. A heart for God comes from God!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Curse of the Law - Deut 25-27
Upon entering the Promised Land, the Levites were to proclaim to all the men of Israel twelve curses. Upon each pronouncement the people would say “Amen” indicating their agreement with and application of these curses. The final curse in Deut 27:26 reads, “Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.”
Everything depended on the keeping of the Law under the Old Covenant. Keeping of the Law brought life and blessing (5:33). Keeping of the Law earned righteousness before God (6:25). However, the breaking of the Law resulted in death (27:26). The curse was the curse of death. So you see, everything depended on the keeping of the Law!
Now this is not an outlandish demand from God upon his people! After all, the Lord of heaven and earth had chosen them, delivered them from Egypt, and was giving them a land of inheritance! Not only this, but he declared them to be his treasured possession, a people holy to the Lord! If you are going to be the people of the Lord who is holy, you must be a holy people.
This is how it must be. God’s people must be a holy, separate, righteous people! The problem is that we are by nature sinners! And no amount of threats or promises or self-determination will ever change our sinful, dead hearts. God knew that when he gave the Law! The Law was never meant to save. It was given to show us God’s standard so that we would realize we could never live up to it on our own! It was given to lead us to Christ! Only grace can change our hearts! Only in Christ can we be found righteous! Only in Christ can we escape eternal death and find life eternal! The answer to the curse of the Law is Christ Jesus our Lord!
Everything depended on the keeping of the Law under the Old Covenant. Keeping of the Law brought life and blessing (5:33). Keeping of the Law earned righteousness before God (6:25). However, the breaking of the Law resulted in death (27:26). The curse was the curse of death. So you see, everything depended on the keeping of the Law!
Now this is not an outlandish demand from God upon his people! After all, the Lord of heaven and earth had chosen them, delivered them from Egypt, and was giving them a land of inheritance! Not only this, but he declared them to be his treasured possession, a people holy to the Lord! If you are going to be the people of the Lord who is holy, you must be a holy people.
This is how it must be. God’s people must be a holy, separate, righteous people! The problem is that we are by nature sinners! And no amount of threats or promises or self-determination will ever change our sinful, dead hearts. God knew that when he gave the Law! The Law was never meant to save. It was given to show us God’s standard so that we would realize we could never live up to it on our own! It was given to lead us to Christ! Only grace can change our hearts! Only in Christ can we be found righteous! Only in Christ can we escape eternal death and find life eternal! The answer to the curse of the Law is Christ Jesus our Lord!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Paul's Theology of Discipline - Deut 21-24
In 1 Cor 5 Paul chastises the church for allowing one of its members to practice horrendous immorality. He writes in 5:1, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.” Paul questions why this gross sin does not cause them to weep! This sin cannot be tolerated. If it is continued to be overlooked, sin will spread throughout the church and cause its ruin (vv 6-8). The church has an obligation to preserve the purity of its witness. This man must be confronted (vv 9-12). Assuming that this man is not going to repent upon initial rebuke, Paul closes this discussion with the command “Purge the evil person from among you” (v 13).
Where does Paul derive his methodology? How does he reach the conclusion that sins such as this must not be tolerated at all within the church. Indeed, the person is to be removed, no questions asked. The purity of the church must take absolute priority! One might first think that Paul is reading Matthew’s instructions in Matthew 18:15-17. However, Paul has actually quoted another passage. Paul’s theology of church discipline comes from the book of Deuteronomy! Moses warns the people that certain sins are not to be tolerated at all, and his prescription for punishment is: “So you shall purge the evil from your midst” (17:7, 12; 21:9, 21; 22:21, 22, 24; 24:7). Under the Old Covenant, that meant death. Under the New Covenant, it means removal from church membership and considered to be an unbeliever.
It is a good reminder for us that church discipline is sometimes necessary for the church and has its roots way back in the days of the OT. God always calls upon his people to deal with sin!
Where does Paul derive his methodology? How does he reach the conclusion that sins such as this must not be tolerated at all within the church. Indeed, the person is to be removed, no questions asked. The purity of the church must take absolute priority! One might first think that Paul is reading Matthew’s instructions in Matthew 18:15-17. However, Paul has actually quoted another passage. Paul’s theology of church discipline comes from the book of Deuteronomy! Moses warns the people that certain sins are not to be tolerated at all, and his prescription for punishment is: “So you shall purge the evil from your midst” (17:7, 12; 21:9, 21; 22:21, 22, 24; 24:7). Under the Old Covenant, that meant death. Under the New Covenant, it means removal from church membership and considered to be an unbeliever.
It is a good reminder for us that church discipline is sometimes necessary for the church and has its roots way back in the days of the OT. God always calls upon his people to deal with sin!
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Prophet Like Moses - Deut 17-20
Moses delivers a promise to Israel in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. The Lord will raise up another prophet for Israel, a prophet like Moses. This prophet will be like Moses in at least two ways. First, he will come from among them as Moses did. He will be an Israelite. He will be flesh and blood, one of them.
Second, he will be a mediator between them and God. Since they cannot bear to hear the voice of God, the Lord will put his words in the prophet’s mouth just like he did with Moses. Just as Moses spoke the very words of God to Israel, so will this coming prophet. His words will be the words of God. Because his words will be the words of God, those who refuse to listen will stand accountable to God!
Jesus was the coming prophet like Moses. He came from glory, took on flesh, and was born an Israelite. He came from among them! John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” Romans 1:3 – “concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh” He also spoke the words of God. John 8:28 – Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.”
John 1:11-12 reveals the reactions to the prophet like Moses. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
What is your reaction to the prophet like Moses? Have you rejected the One who speaks the words of God? Or have you received him, have you believed in his name?”
Second, he will be a mediator between them and God. Since they cannot bear to hear the voice of God, the Lord will put his words in the prophet’s mouth just like he did with Moses. Just as Moses spoke the very words of God to Israel, so will this coming prophet. His words will be the words of God. Because his words will be the words of God, those who refuse to listen will stand accountable to God!
Jesus was the coming prophet like Moses. He came from glory, took on flesh, and was born an Israelite. He came from among them! John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” Romans 1:3 – “concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh” He also spoke the words of God. John 8:28 – Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.”
John 1:11-12 reveals the reactions to the prophet like Moses. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
What is your reaction to the prophet like Moses? Have you rejected the One who speaks the words of God? Or have you received him, have you believed in his name?”
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Blessing and Giving - Deut 13-16
Deut 16:15-17 “...because the Lord your God will bless you...so that you will be altogether joyful... . They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.”
Giving is based on blessing. Giving to the Lord is a testimony that one has received from the Lord. Giving to the Lord is a proclamation of his goodness and generosity towards his people. To not give to the Lord is a proclamation that God has not blessed, even though he has! It is a proclamation that God is not good or generous towards his people, even though he is!
God blesses his people for many reasons, but the one given in the text above should increase our praise of his name! God blesses his people so that we would be altogether joyful! The blessings of God are meant for the joy of his people! We are to enjoy the things God sends our way as blessings to us.
However, our joy is not to end in the blessing. We are then to return a portion of our blessings back to God as worship, as thanksgiving, as cheerful giving! In this way, our praise and satisfaction is not spent on the blessing but on the Blesser! If we come to God with nothing to give that means we have indulged all the blessing on self. We have turned God’s goodness to us on its head and made the blessing our treasure, or worse, our self as our treasure! On the other hand, when we give to God according as he has given to us, we announce that he is our joy and we worship him alone. He has blessed us for our joy, and we give to him joyfully!
Giving is based on blessing. Giving to the Lord is a testimony that one has received from the Lord. Giving to the Lord is a proclamation of his goodness and generosity towards his people. To not give to the Lord is a proclamation that God has not blessed, even though he has! It is a proclamation that God is not good or generous towards his people, even though he is!
God blesses his people for many reasons, but the one given in the text above should increase our praise of his name! God blesses his people so that we would be altogether joyful! The blessings of God are meant for the joy of his people! We are to enjoy the things God sends our way as blessings to us.
However, our joy is not to end in the blessing. We are then to return a portion of our blessings back to God as worship, as thanksgiving, as cheerful giving! In this way, our praise and satisfaction is not spent on the blessing but on the Blesser! If we come to God with nothing to give that means we have indulged all the blessing on self. We have turned God’s goodness to us on its head and made the blessing our treasure, or worse, our self as our treasure! On the other hand, when we give to God according as he has given to us, we announce that he is our joy and we worship him alone. He has blessed us for our joy, and we give to him joyfully!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
God's Glory is the End - John 13-16
The end of all things, or to say it another way, the ultimate purpose of all things is, the glory of God! Several examples of this fundamental truth are found in today’s reading assignment. First, the glory of God is the end of answered prayer. 14:13 – “Whatever you ask in my name, this will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” When we pray according to the will of God, in the name of Christ, the Lord answers that prayer. Our response is always to glorify God because only He could bring about the answer to our prayer! We get an answer; he gets the glory for the answer!
Second, the glory of God is the end of the Christian life. 15:8 – “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” What is the proof of being Jesus’ disciple? Fruit! A changed life! A changed life that follows Jesus and bears the fruit of the Spirit is a stark contrast to a life of the flesh! The noticeable, undeniable transformation of the Gospel glorifies the One who made the change in us!
Third, the Trinitarian cooperation in salvation glorifies God. 16:14 – “He [the Spirit] will glorify me [Christ], for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” Christ is glorified when the Spirit’s work is credited to the Son. We have already seen in John how Christ’s death glorified the Father and Christ’s resurrection is the Father’s means of glorifying the Son!
This is the central precious truth that connects all things. God will be glorified in all things and by all things! May we live in ways today that fulfills our very purpose and satisfies our deepest need. May we live to the glory of God!
Second, the glory of God is the end of the Christian life. 15:8 – “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” What is the proof of being Jesus’ disciple? Fruit! A changed life! A changed life that follows Jesus and bears the fruit of the Spirit is a stark contrast to a life of the flesh! The noticeable, undeniable transformation of the Gospel glorifies the One who made the change in us!
Third, the Trinitarian cooperation in salvation glorifies God. 16:14 – “He [the Spirit] will glorify me [Christ], for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” Christ is glorified when the Spirit’s work is credited to the Son. We have already seen in John how Christ’s death glorified the Father and Christ’s resurrection is the Father’s means of glorifying the Son!
This is the central precious truth that connects all things. God will be glorified in all things and by all things! May we live in ways today that fulfills our very purpose and satisfies our deepest need. May we live to the glory of God!
Friday, March 5, 2010
In Sickness and In Death - John 9-12
Jesus revealed a common thread uniting the blindness of a man in chapter nine, the death of Lazarus in chapter 11, and his own approaching death in chapter twelve – the purpose for each one was the glory of God! Listen to Jesus speak to each occasion. 9:3 – “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” 11:4 – “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 12:27-28 – “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
What a massive connection! The blind man of chapter 9 was born blind that he might serve as an eternal witness and testimony that Jesus is the Son of God! (9:30) We must hold fast to that truth in our hour of sickness or disability. While God may have many secondary purposes in mind, the fundamental purpose for all things God allows into our lives is that he might be glorified! Even in death, God receives glory. Jesus stayed behind for two days before he came to Lazarus. He meant for Lazarus’ resurrection to be undeniable in order that he might be undeniably the source of Life! (11:25) In his own death, his willing submission to the Father’s will, coupled with his qualified undertaking to save man from sin, will forever bring glory to God!
Let us take these things to heart. Let us live even in sickness and weakness in such ways that God is glorified through us. Let us live in such visible distinction from the world and in such hopeful peace in our dying moments that God is glorified in our deaths. To God be the glory – in our sickness and in our death!
What a massive connection! The blind man of chapter 9 was born blind that he might serve as an eternal witness and testimony that Jesus is the Son of God! (9:30) We must hold fast to that truth in our hour of sickness or disability. While God may have many secondary purposes in mind, the fundamental purpose for all things God allows into our lives is that he might be glorified! Even in death, God receives glory. Jesus stayed behind for two days before he came to Lazarus. He meant for Lazarus’ resurrection to be undeniable in order that he might be undeniably the source of Life! (11:25) In his own death, his willing submission to the Father’s will, coupled with his qualified undertaking to save man from sin, will forever bring glory to God!
Let us take these things to heart. Let us live even in sickness and weakness in such ways that God is glorified through us. Let us live in such visible distinction from the world and in such hopeful peace in our dying moments that God is glorified in our deaths. To God be the glory – in our sickness and in our death!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Do You Love Jesus? John 5-8
John 8 contains an exchange between Jesus and some folks who cannot accept he is the Son of God. This is due in part because of their own self-righteous pride. They already know all the answers and everything about the Christ – or so they think! Their attitude is easily detected when they ask “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?” or when they tout “Abraham is our father.”
The exchange really becomes heated when Jesus tells them that actually they do not have Abraham as their father, that is, their spiritual father. If Abraham was their spiritual father, they would do as Abraham did and rejoice in Christ! However, they do have a spiritual father, and they prove who it is by wanting to kill Jesus!
At this they now lash out at Jesus with a hateful, indirect accusation, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Basically, they are saying, “We’ve had enough of listening to you. You were born in sin. We are the ones who know God!”
Then Jesus replied in a stunning way that provides the benchmark of true faith. He said, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here.” Jesus installs a complete new litmus test here. His opposers had claimed ethnic rights as their salvation. That wasn’t right. They had claimed knowledge of God as their salvation. That wasn’t right. They had knowledge of the Scripture. That wasn’t right. The one final test that proves whether or not one is truly saved is this: Do you love Jesus? Abraham loved Jesus (8:56). So does every child who is born of God. Faith in Christ will always show itself as love for Christ (Deut 30:6)!
The exchange really becomes heated when Jesus tells them that actually they do not have Abraham as their father, that is, their spiritual father. If Abraham was their spiritual father, they would do as Abraham did and rejoice in Christ! However, they do have a spiritual father, and they prove who it is by wanting to kill Jesus!
At this they now lash out at Jesus with a hateful, indirect accusation, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Basically, they are saying, “We’ve had enough of listening to you. You were born in sin. We are the ones who know God!”
Then Jesus replied in a stunning way that provides the benchmark of true faith. He said, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here.” Jesus installs a complete new litmus test here. His opposers had claimed ethnic rights as their salvation. That wasn’t right. They had claimed knowledge of God as their salvation. That wasn’t right. They had knowledge of the Scripture. That wasn’t right. The one final test that proves whether or not one is truly saved is this: Do you love Jesus? Abraham loved Jesus (8:56). So does every child who is born of God. Faith in Christ will always show itself as love for Christ (Deut 30:6)!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Will of Man, the Grace of God - John 1-4
One of the most prominent realities of the Bible is the simultaneous upholding of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. The Bible often speaks of these two truths in close proximity offering no explanation of how they coexist, but simply presenting them as biblical reality.
Readers of the Scripture feel the tension and often fall into error by trying to resolve it. Some readers embrace the texts that describe man’s responsibility to the neglect or even flat denial of the plain texts which uphold God’s sovereignty. On the other side, some readers grab on to the texts describing God’s sovereignty in such a way as to strip away man’s responsibility. The hardest road to walk is the biblical path of holding both and learning to live with the tension! However, to do otherwise is to misinterpret and misapply the Scripture.
For example, John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Here is man’s responsibility. In order for one to become a child of God, he must receive Christ, that is, he must believe in Christ! When he does, whoever he is, God blesses faith in Christ’s name with adoption into His name! We must believe!
Then comes John 1:13, “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Here is God’s sovereignty. The Bible makes it clear that the source of man’s willingness or choice or decision to embrace Christ is NOT man! That is as far back in the new birth as we tend to go. The Bible says that’s no far enough. The move to receive Christ did not spring from man’s will; it springs from God’s grace!
Readers of the Scripture feel the tension and often fall into error by trying to resolve it. Some readers embrace the texts that describe man’s responsibility to the neglect or even flat denial of the plain texts which uphold God’s sovereignty. On the other side, some readers grab on to the texts describing God’s sovereignty in such a way as to strip away man’s responsibility. The hardest road to walk is the biblical path of holding both and learning to live with the tension! However, to do otherwise is to misinterpret and misapply the Scripture.
For example, John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Here is man’s responsibility. In order for one to become a child of God, he must receive Christ, that is, he must believe in Christ! When he does, whoever he is, God blesses faith in Christ’s name with adoption into His name! We must believe!
Then comes John 1:13, “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Here is God’s sovereignty. The Bible makes it clear that the source of man’s willingness or choice or decision to embrace Christ is NOT man! That is as far back in the new birth as we tend to go. The Bible says that’s no far enough. The move to receive Christ did not spring from man’s will; it springs from God’s grace!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
He Opened Their Minds - Luke 21-24
The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the epoch moment of the Christian faith and of the history of the world! But as it is even today, it was hard to believe it!
Jesus had told the disciples he would suffer, die, and rise again, but they didn’t understand what he was talking about. They thought he must be speaking figuratively or maybe another parable. He wasn’t. It was the literal truth. It was prophecy. It was the way it had to be for God to complete his redemptive plan. But it was hard to believe.
Even when the tomb was empty, it was hard to believe. Even when the ladies returned from the tomb with the report of seeing the angels, it was hard to believe. Even when Jesus appeared resurrected right in front of them, it was hard to believe. Luke 24:40-41 says, “And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling...” Even when he showed them his hands and feet, it was hard to believe. They were even joyful! But it was hard to believe!
They finally did believe when “he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures!” Evidence is not enough. Proof is not enough. Seeing is not always believing. Revelation and illumination is always needed! Faith comes by the word of Christ!
Let us pray daily for the Lord to open our minds to understand the Scriptures so that we will believe and believe more!
Jesus had told the disciples he would suffer, die, and rise again, but they didn’t understand what he was talking about. They thought he must be speaking figuratively or maybe another parable. He wasn’t. It was the literal truth. It was prophecy. It was the way it had to be for God to complete his redemptive plan. But it was hard to believe.
Even when the tomb was empty, it was hard to believe. Even when the ladies returned from the tomb with the report of seeing the angels, it was hard to believe. Even when Jesus appeared resurrected right in front of them, it was hard to believe. Luke 24:40-41 says, “And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling...” Even when he showed them his hands and feet, it was hard to believe. They were even joyful! But it was hard to believe!
They finally did believe when “he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures!” Evidence is not enough. Proof is not enough. Seeing is not always believing. Revelation and illumination is always needed! Faith comes by the word of Christ!
Let us pray daily for the Lord to open our minds to understand the Scriptures so that we will believe and believe more!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Broken or Crushed? Luke 17-20
After the parable of the wicked tenants, which was meant as an illustration of Israel’s rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, Jesus said, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
Christ is the cornerstone. The Kingdom of God is built upon the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever encounters the Living Lord will either fall into repentance and faith or fall into the judgment of God. Salvation or judgment. Broken or crushed.
Salvation involves being broken! Before embracing Christ as Lord, “self” is Lord! We are prideful, self-righteous, self-serving people who are convinced we are right with God and that God owes it to us to meet our every wish and keep us comfortable! When we truly come to Christ, it involves us understanding just how sinful and undeserving we truly are! We fall on Christ and are broken of our self-sufficiency and totally dependent upon his grace and mercy.
Judgment involves being crushed! The Lord will not allow you to always worship yourself! Christ will demonstrate to everyone either through salvation or through judgment that He is Lord! At the judgment, all who have defied Christ, rejected Christ, all who have been determined to enter into eternity their own way, all who are outside of Christ will be crushed! Arrogance will cease to exist at the judgment!
Have you been broken at the cross? Will you be crushed at the judgment?
Christ is the cornerstone. The Kingdom of God is built upon the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever encounters the Living Lord will either fall into repentance and faith or fall into the judgment of God. Salvation or judgment. Broken or crushed.
Salvation involves being broken! Before embracing Christ as Lord, “self” is Lord! We are prideful, self-righteous, self-serving people who are convinced we are right with God and that God owes it to us to meet our every wish and keep us comfortable! When we truly come to Christ, it involves us understanding just how sinful and undeserving we truly are! We fall on Christ and are broken of our self-sufficiency and totally dependent upon his grace and mercy.
Judgment involves being crushed! The Lord will not allow you to always worship yourself! Christ will demonstrate to everyone either through salvation or through judgment that He is Lord! At the judgment, all who have defied Christ, rejected Christ, all who have been determined to enter into eternity their own way, all who are outside of Christ will be crushed! Arrogance will cease to exist at the judgment!
Have you been broken at the cross? Will you be crushed at the judgment?
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