The Temple was finished! Solomon brought in all the furnishings and all the treasures that David had collected to be stored in the Temple. For the final, glorious touch, the ark was brought into the Temple. One can imagine every eye locked in place and every tongue speechless as the very presence of the Lord was ushered into the house of God. When everything was in place, the people erupted in praise. The singers and musicians led a great chorus of worship. They sang, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
As the worship continues, Solomon prays a prayer of blessing upon the people and then prays a prayer of dedication. Solomon beseeches the Lord to keep watch over the people and hear them when they pray. The Lord responds to the time of dedication with fire and glory! The people then respond to the Lord in worship and sing, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
The joy of God’s presence among his people resulted in an eight-day worship assembly of making offerings and feasting before the Lord. And the people gave thanks saying, “for his steadfast love endures forever.”
As you can tell, a central theme was present throughout this joyous occasion. The people knew where all of these blessings came. Worship was centered on the goodness and faithfulness of God!
We would do well to look around our lives of blessing and to flavor our worship services with praise to the Lord - For He is good! For His steadfast love endures forever.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Solomon's Order of Worship - 2 Chron 1-4
2 Chronicles opens in a marvelous way - a corporate worship service led by Solomon! We could learn a few things from this special time that Solomon and Israel spent with the Lord!
First, Solomon and Israel assembled at the tent of meeting. In other words, there was a designated place for gathering to worship the Lord. Yes, one can worship God anywhere and any time. But God’s people have always had a desire to worship God together on certain days at specific places!
Second, when they arrived, they offered 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord! Can you imagine how long that took? I don’t think people were looking at their watches wondering when the preacher would finally hush! They were there to worship, and so they came with offerings, lots of offerings! Is this the way we come before the Lord today? Do we come with offerings? Offering ourselves before the Lord, offering our families and children to the Lord, offering our gifts and talents, offering significant monetary gifts, offering our lives - may we come with 1,000 offerings when we come to worship!
Third, that evening, God appeared to Solomon! Isn’t that what we long for when we worship? We long for God to move upon his people! Solomon offered 1,000 offerings; God offered Solomon any request!
Fourth, Solomon asked God for wisdom! Solomon knew how dependent he was upon God and therefore asked for God’s wisdom.
This was an incredible day of worship!
First, Solomon and Israel assembled at the tent of meeting. In other words, there was a designated place for gathering to worship the Lord. Yes, one can worship God anywhere and any time. But God’s people have always had a desire to worship God together on certain days at specific places!
Second, when they arrived, they offered 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord! Can you imagine how long that took? I don’t think people were looking at their watches wondering when the preacher would finally hush! They were there to worship, and so they came with offerings, lots of offerings! Is this the way we come before the Lord today? Do we come with offerings? Offering ourselves before the Lord, offering our families and children to the Lord, offering our gifts and talents, offering significant monetary gifts, offering our lives - may we come with 1,000 offerings when we come to worship!
Third, that evening, God appeared to Solomon! Isn’t that what we long for when we worship? We long for God to move upon his people! Solomon offered 1,000 offerings; God offered Solomon any request!
Fourth, Solomon asked God for wisdom! Solomon knew how dependent he was upon God and therefore asked for God’s wisdom.
This was an incredible day of worship!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Message of Philippians - Phil 1-4
Philippians is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, encouraging epistles of the NT! One is hard pressed to read this little letter and walk away NOT uplifted in spirit! Many of our well-known verses of inspiration and encouragement are found right here in Philippians. For example, 1:21 – “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” and 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (cf 2:5, 4:8) In addition, there is the large theme of joy that runs throughout the book. Paul speaks of joy 16 times in 4 chapters! Of course, one cannot leave out of this list the great Christ Hymn in 2:5-11.
With so many golden nuggets packed into this brief letter, it can be difficult to see Paul’s purpose in writing. Many readers conclude that Paul’s main idea behind this letter is joy since he speaks so often of it. However, it may be surprising to find that unity in the church is the underlying motivation!
Paul is urging the Philippians to strive for unity because there are dangers within and without. They are in a time of suffering (1:29). If unity is not their goal, selfishness and divisiveness will soon set it. Therefore, Paul pleads for them to be of “one mind.” In order to achieve this, they each must be humble, and there is no better example of humility for them than Christ (2:5-11). Also, they must resist disunity for the sake of their witness (2:12-28), and Paul has sent them two living examples of humble believers (2:19-30). False teaching will also eat away at their unity, and they must denounce it (ch 3). Finally, Paul calls out two women within the church, by name, who must put their differences aside for the sake of unity!
So how does joy fit? Joy abounds where unity is present!
With so many golden nuggets packed into this brief letter, it can be difficult to see Paul’s purpose in writing. Many readers conclude that Paul’s main idea behind this letter is joy since he speaks so often of it. However, it may be surprising to find that unity in the church is the underlying motivation!
Paul is urging the Philippians to strive for unity because there are dangers within and without. They are in a time of suffering (1:29). If unity is not their goal, selfishness and divisiveness will soon set it. Therefore, Paul pleads for them to be of “one mind.” In order to achieve this, they each must be humble, and there is no better example of humility for them than Christ (2:5-11). Also, they must resist disunity for the sake of their witness (2:12-28), and Paul has sent them two living examples of humble believers (2:19-30). False teaching will also eat away at their unity, and they must denounce it (ch 3). Finally, Paul calls out two women within the church, by name, who must put their differences aside for the sake of unity!
So how does joy fit? Joy abounds where unity is present!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Theology Makes a Difference - Eph 5-6
In terms of theological richness and depth, Ephesians 1-4 is among the most challenging and enriching chapters of all Scripture. Ephesians 1-2 address salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Ephesians 2-3 address salvation as the same for all who are in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 4 addresses the unity of the Body of Christ, the Church. These are amazing, astounding spiritual truths that dwell among the deep things of God. Paul brings them to the surface for us to know and cherish. But for more than that too.
Theology makes a difference. The knowledge of these things are the basis for how we will react and live in light of knowing these truths. The indicatives of God precede the imperatives of God! The Bible tells us things, glorious things, about God, salvation, Christ, the Gospel, etc. Then, the Bible commands us as believers to certain actions, behaviors, and attitudes based on those glorious truths. The reason is that the power and motivation to live for God comes from knowing these things about God! Theology makes a difference, and big theology like what is found in Ephesians, makes a big difference in our lives!
Just look at the areas of life Paul addresses in Ephesians 5-6. Paul speaks to a believer’s walk of sanctification, making it clear that one who lives in sin is NOT a believer. Paul addresses the home, specifically the proper roles for husband and wife in relation to the Gospel. Paul addresses children, parenting, employment relations, and spiritual warfare. Those are huge, and they will largely be missed and ignored if chapters 1-4 are skipped! But if one plunges the depths of grace in Christ in 1-4, then the commands in 5-6 are welcome friends instead of tolerated neighbors!
Theology makes a difference. The knowledge of these things are the basis for how we will react and live in light of knowing these truths. The indicatives of God precede the imperatives of God! The Bible tells us things, glorious things, about God, salvation, Christ, the Gospel, etc. Then, the Bible commands us as believers to certain actions, behaviors, and attitudes based on those glorious truths. The reason is that the power and motivation to live for God comes from knowing these things about God! Theology makes a difference, and big theology like what is found in Ephesians, makes a big difference in our lives!
Just look at the areas of life Paul addresses in Ephesians 5-6. Paul speaks to a believer’s walk of sanctification, making it clear that one who lives in sin is NOT a believer. Paul addresses the home, specifically the proper roles for husband and wife in relation to the Gospel. Paul addresses children, parenting, employment relations, and spiritual warfare. Those are huge, and they will largely be missed and ignored if chapters 1-4 are skipped! But if one plunges the depths of grace in Christ in 1-4, then the commands in 5-6 are welcome friends instead of tolerated neighbors!
The Mystery of the Gospel - Eph 3-4
The big mystery of NT times is not so much mysterious in our day, but then again, we are some 2,000 years later after the mystery was revealed!
There was major tension, major conflict, major discussion around one issue when the Gospel first exploded on the scene post-pentecost. The stirring question of the day was this: Are Gentiles included in God’s plan of salvation or is this just for the Jewish people?
Paul answers the question and puts an end to this mystery. Eph 3:6 – “The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” In Paul’s day, those were explosive words that sent vibrations throughout the Christian community! Just to prove how provocative this revelation was, the very first Church Council (Acts 15) met for the sole purpose of reaching a conclusion on “the Gentile question.”
Thankfully, the council followed the evidence of the Spirit’s work and not tradition or prejudice (as so often we do!). The mystery is this: the Gospel message of salvation is not tied to one ethnic group but is for every ethnic group on the planet! This is how God will bless all nations through Abraham! The Gospel will sprout from the Jewish people, the Messiah will be a Jewish man, and from the Jewish people, this message of redemption will travel to the ends of the earth! Again, not so much mysterious for us today, but Oh isn’t it glorious! Imagine if the Gospel were only for the Jews! How hopeless we would be! But thanks be to God, it was his plan from the beginning to save Jew and Gentile! The scope of the Gospel has never been a mystery to God, and is no longer a mystery for the Church!
There was major tension, major conflict, major discussion around one issue when the Gospel first exploded on the scene post-pentecost. The stirring question of the day was this: Are Gentiles included in God’s plan of salvation or is this just for the Jewish people?
Paul answers the question and puts an end to this mystery. Eph 3:6 – “The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” In Paul’s day, those were explosive words that sent vibrations throughout the Christian community! Just to prove how provocative this revelation was, the very first Church Council (Acts 15) met for the sole purpose of reaching a conclusion on “the Gentile question.”
Thankfully, the council followed the evidence of the Spirit’s work and not tradition or prejudice (as so often we do!). The mystery is this: the Gospel message of salvation is not tied to one ethnic group but is for every ethnic group on the planet! This is how God will bless all nations through Abraham! The Gospel will sprout from the Jewish people, the Messiah will be a Jewish man, and from the Jewish people, this message of redemption will travel to the ends of the earth! Again, not so much mysterious for us today, but Oh isn’t it glorious! Imagine if the Gospel were only for the Jews! How hopeless we would be! But thanks be to God, it was his plan from the beginning to save Jew and Gentile! The scope of the Gospel has never been a mystery to God, and is no longer a mystery for the Church!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Walking Dead - Eph 1-2
How do you know if you are a spiritually dead person? It’s not as easy to perceive as one might think because most people would affirm their spirituality or spiritual nature. People are religious, emotional, ans walking around busy with everyday life, and therefore believe they are spiritually alive. Little do they know, these have nothing to do with spiritual life!
Those who are dead spiritually are captive to sin. They walk in their sins, that is, they live from moment to moment, day to day, to continue their sinful lifestyle. Their way of thinking about sin and living in sin is the acceptable norm of society. What once was labeled sin and of Satan is now just “old fashioned.” These are all traits of those who are spiritually dead. The main trait however is that the spiritually dead are driven by the desires of their flesh. They do not make choices based on logic, principle, or the good of others. Their decisions are based on one factor; what they want to do determines what they will do! And what they want to do is sin.
The end of the spiritually dead is the wrath of God. A life of sin and rebellion against God will stand in judgment before God and will be held accountable.
Now we will never understand mercy and grace until understand that all of us were once spiritually dead! We loved sin. We ignored God except to think of him as approving our sin. We were dead in our sin, but thought we were ok. We were destined to God’s wrath, and rightfully so. And mercy fell upon us! God MADE US ALIVE IN CHRIST BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN HIM! Now, we are finally spiritually ALIVE!
Those who are dead spiritually are captive to sin. They walk in their sins, that is, they live from moment to moment, day to day, to continue their sinful lifestyle. Their way of thinking about sin and living in sin is the acceptable norm of society. What once was labeled sin and of Satan is now just “old fashioned.” These are all traits of those who are spiritually dead. The main trait however is that the spiritually dead are driven by the desires of their flesh. They do not make choices based on logic, principle, or the good of others. Their decisions are based on one factor; what they want to do determines what they will do! And what they want to do is sin.
The end of the spiritually dead is the wrath of God. A life of sin and rebellion against God will stand in judgment before God and will be held accountable.
Now we will never understand mercy and grace until understand that all of us were once spiritually dead! We loved sin. We ignored God except to think of him as approving our sin. We were dead in our sin, but thought we were ok. We were destined to God’s wrath, and rightfully so. And mercy fell upon us! God MADE US ALIVE IN CHRIST BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN HIM! Now, we are finally spiritually ALIVE!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Spirit and the Flesh - Gal 5-6
The Spirit and the flesh are diametrically opposed to one another.
The Spirit of God works in our lives to conform us to Christ, which is our highest joy. The flesh refers to our natural, sinful nature. It constantly tempts us to gratify the flesh through selfish, sinful indulgence.
If you walk in the Spirit, that is, if you live life dependent on and obedient to the Spirit, you will resist the flesh. If you walk in the flesh, you will resist the Spirit.
The desires of the Spirit are entirely different than the desires of the flesh.
The works of the flesh are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, etc.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The one who lives in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The one who produces the fruit of the Spirit belongs to Christ.
The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are identifiers. The one in which you live reveals whether or not you truly believe in Christ. You cannot dwell in the flesh as a believer! That does not mean you will not sin as a believer. Paul knows that believers sin that is why he said, “if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” There is a difference though between a believer sinning and an unbeliever dwelling in a lifestyle of sin with no desire whatsoever to leave his sin! One who has the Spirit cannot and will not live that way!
The Spirit of God works in our lives to conform us to Christ, which is our highest joy. The flesh refers to our natural, sinful nature. It constantly tempts us to gratify the flesh through selfish, sinful indulgence.
If you walk in the Spirit, that is, if you live life dependent on and obedient to the Spirit, you will resist the flesh. If you walk in the flesh, you will resist the Spirit.
The desires of the Spirit are entirely different than the desires of the flesh.
The works of the flesh are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, etc.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The one who lives in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The one who produces the fruit of the Spirit belongs to Christ.
The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are identifiers. The one in which you live reveals whether or not you truly believe in Christ. You cannot dwell in the flesh as a believer! That does not mean you will not sin as a believer. Paul knows that believers sin that is why he said, “if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” There is a difference though between a believer sinning and an unbeliever dwelling in a lifestyle of sin with no desire whatsoever to leave his sin! One who has the Spirit cannot and will not live that way!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sons of Abraham - Gal 3-4
Paul’s letter to the Galatian believers is his attempt to demonstrate the fallacy of their recent theological shift, and he is quiet persuasive! After becoming believers, the Galatians have been convinced by others that their salvation is not complete unless they adopt the OT law. Now let’s be clear here, there is nothing wrong with a Christian adhering to the moral law, in fact, the NT commands us to be morally clean people. The problem occurs when one believes he must adhere to the law for salvation instead of to express his salvation.
Paul reminds them that their salvation began with faith, and therefore, it will continue by faith. This was the way salvation was for Abraham. He believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Therefore, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham” (3:7).
Paul then demonstrates the weakness of the law to save and the purpose of Christ to save. In order for the law to save, one must keep it in all points. No one is justified this way because all have broken the law. Christ, however, became our salvation by bearing the curse of the law for us.
So is the law useless? Certainly not. The law’s function was to reveal our sin and point us to Christ. The law points us away from works and to faith in Christ. In Christ, the promise to Abraham and “his offspring” of being a blessing to all nations is fulfilled, for salvation through faith is for all, Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female.
In Christ, we are sons of God. In Christ, by faith, we are sons of Abraham. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!
Paul reminds them that their salvation began with faith, and therefore, it will continue by faith. This was the way salvation was for Abraham. He believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Therefore, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham” (3:7).
Paul then demonstrates the weakness of the law to save and the purpose of Christ to save. In order for the law to save, one must keep it in all points. No one is justified this way because all have broken the law. Christ, however, became our salvation by bearing the curse of the law for us.
So is the law useless? Certainly not. The law’s function was to reveal our sin and point us to Christ. The law points us away from works and to faith in Christ. In Christ, the promise to Abraham and “his offspring” of being a blessing to all nations is fulfilled, for salvation through faith is for all, Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female.
In Christ, we are sons of God. In Christ, by faith, we are sons of Abraham. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Easy, False Gospel - Gal 1-2
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is addressing the issue of “a different gospel.” That is, a different message of salvation, whereas in actuality there is only one true message of salvation. The Galatians had received Paul’s message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Shortly thereafter, others had persuaded them that keeping the Law was essential to salvation in addition to belief in Christ. They must become Jews by being circumcised, then they will be saved. The Galatians were easily persuaded.
A works-based gospel is always easy to embrace because it is appealing to our flesh. Our flesh is so corrupted that we can hardly imagine salvation any other way apart from our achievement. We cannot comprehend a salvation by grace but we readily adopt a salvation by merit or approval. Surely, we must be the final, ultimate determiner in our salvation! That is exactly what EVERY false religion and false gospel teaches!
Paul identifies two soul-destroying implications of embracing a works-based salvation (cf 2:21). One, if justification comes through keeping the OT Law, then there is no need for grace! Grace is what you need when there is absolutely no way for you to save yourself. But if you can pull yourself together, morally reform, and perfectly keep the Law in your own strength, then there’s no need for grace. Two, if justification comes through keeping the OT Law, then there is no need for Christ! Why would God give his only Son if salvation could be obtained another way?
The false gospel of works is easy to embrace by the flesh but must be rejected. The only soul-saving gospel is the one by grace through faith in Christ!
A works-based gospel is always easy to embrace because it is appealing to our flesh. Our flesh is so corrupted that we can hardly imagine salvation any other way apart from our achievement. We cannot comprehend a salvation by grace but we readily adopt a salvation by merit or approval. Surely, we must be the final, ultimate determiner in our salvation! That is exactly what EVERY false religion and false gospel teaches!
Paul identifies two soul-destroying implications of embracing a works-based salvation (cf 2:21). One, if justification comes through keeping the OT Law, then there is no need for grace! Grace is what you need when there is absolutely no way for you to save yourself. But if you can pull yourself together, morally reform, and perfectly keep the Law in your own strength, then there’s no need for grace. Two, if justification comes through keeping the OT Law, then there is no need for Christ! Why would God give his only Son if salvation could be obtained another way?
The false gospel of works is easy to embrace by the flesh but must be rejected. The only soul-saving gospel is the one by grace through faith in Christ!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Source of Our Offerings - 1 Chron 25-29
After David had gathered as many materials as he could to build the Temple, he assembled his leaders and requested that they give a freewill offering too in order to complete the need. They responded with much gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Then, they worshipped the Lord! (Giving sacrificially always produces joy and worship!) David leads the worship in prayer, and he emphasizes a significant point so that we don’t miss it. He prays, “And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you” (1 Chron 29:13-14). (cf. v16)
The enormous offering that had just been collected prompted these words from David. David realizes two things. First, God owns everything! Second, even the good desires behind our good deeds are a gift from God! Notice he said, “all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” Our offerings are from God’s stockpile! When we give to God, we are essentially handing back to him what he has handed to us. So when we say, “our offerings,” we must qualify “our” heavily. It is not as though we are the source of our wealth or possessions. The source is God. He is the primary owner of it all.
Also, notice David says, “that we should be able thus to offer willingly?” In other words, the offering was so generous, it had to come from God. God put the desire in the people to give generously, and they did. The result: glory to God and joy among the people. “Praise your glorious name” 29:13 and “And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great gladness” 29:22. Cheerful, sacrificial offerings always end in these ways!
The enormous offering that had just been collected prompted these words from David. David realizes two things. First, God owns everything! Second, even the good desires behind our good deeds are a gift from God! Notice he said, “all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” Our offerings are from God’s stockpile! When we give to God, we are essentially handing back to him what he has handed to us. So when we say, “our offerings,” we must qualify “our” heavily. It is not as though we are the source of our wealth or possessions. The source is God. He is the primary owner of it all.
Also, notice David says, “that we should be able thus to offer willingly?” In other words, the offering was so generous, it had to come from God. God put the desire in the people to give generously, and they did. The result: glory to God and joy among the people. “Praise your glorious name” 29:13 and “And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great gladness” 29:22. Cheerful, sacrificial offerings always end in these ways!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Fatherly Wisdom and Advice - 1 Chron 21-24
David sure had his share of sin, consequences, and trouble in his latter days. Bathsheba, Uriah, Absalom, and then there is the whole census issue. All of these resulted in a heavy burden for David in his latter years. But there is still much to learn from King David. (we can learn from his sins too)
One area that David stands as an example for us as an older man is in his care and fathering of Solomon. First, David knew what Solomon was to do as king, and therefore, he set about to prepare him for it. Solomon would do what David desired to do but could not. Solomon would build the Temple. So David began gathering the materials for the Temple during his life. He equipped his son to carry out the task. Then David instructed Solomon and charged him with this task.
Parents today would cringe at such a notion of parenting! Children are to find their own way - right? Actually, children are to be guided by their parents! That’s what parenting is. Think about the privilege of equipping your children for their course of life and instructing them before they face it!
By far, however, David’s advice to Solomon was his best contribution to Solomon’s life. David tells him in 1 Chron 22:19, “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” As parents, our chief responsibility is not directing and equipping our children for their life’s vocation, but rather pointing them to Christ for their soul’s salvation! There are many things in David’s life we do not wish to follow, but his fatherly wisdom and advice are among his greatest achievements!
One area that David stands as an example for us as an older man is in his care and fathering of Solomon. First, David knew what Solomon was to do as king, and therefore, he set about to prepare him for it. Solomon would do what David desired to do but could not. Solomon would build the Temple. So David began gathering the materials for the Temple during his life. He equipped his son to carry out the task. Then David instructed Solomon and charged him with this task.
Parents today would cringe at such a notion of parenting! Children are to find their own way - right? Actually, children are to be guided by their parents! That’s what parenting is. Think about the privilege of equipping your children for their course of life and instructing them before they face it!
By far, however, David’s advice to Solomon was his best contribution to Solomon’s life. David tells him in 1 Chron 22:19, “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” As parents, our chief responsibility is not directing and equipping our children for their life’s vocation, but rather pointing them to Christ for their soul’s salvation! There are many things in David’s life we do not wish to follow, but his fatherly wisdom and advice are among his greatest achievements!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Who Am I? 1 Chron 17-20
In the Davidic covenant the Lord reveals to David that David will not build the Lord a house (building) but that the Lord is going to build David’s house (kingdom). David will have a son, and that son will also be son to the Lord! His throne will be established forever because his house and his kingdom will be the house and kingdom of God!
David realizes that these words from God to him are far beyond him! He replies in prayer, “Who am I?” “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” David’s response to God’s blessing and promise and grace is a good one, and one that we should pattern our prayers after.
David didn’t respond to the Lord’s promise by finding reason for grace within himself. David didn’t think, “The Lord must be doing all of this for me because I killed the giant, I am leading Israel, or I am a mighty warrior.” He didn’t even say “because I am a man after his own heart.” David took no credit whatsoever for being lavished with God’s favor. Indeed, with all of his credentials, David still wondered why! “Who am I?”
David knew two extremely critical and crucial lessons. Number one, even with all his credentials, he was still a sinner deserving nothing! Number two, the Lord’s grace is rooted in his glory and is always for our good. 17:24 – “your name will be established and magnified forever.” 17:27 – “you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant.” The Davidic covenant wasn’t about David, it was about God, and David enjoyed the benefits! The same is true for us in the new Covenant. It’s about God, and we enjoy the benefits! Bless his holy name!
David realizes that these words from God to him are far beyond him! He replies in prayer, “Who am I?” “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” David’s response to God’s blessing and promise and grace is a good one, and one that we should pattern our prayers after.
David didn’t respond to the Lord’s promise by finding reason for grace within himself. David didn’t think, “The Lord must be doing all of this for me because I killed the giant, I am leading Israel, or I am a mighty warrior.” He didn’t even say “because I am a man after his own heart.” David took no credit whatsoever for being lavished with God’s favor. Indeed, with all of his credentials, David still wondered why! “Who am I?”
David knew two extremely critical and crucial lessons. Number one, even with all his credentials, he was still a sinner deserving nothing! Number two, the Lord’s grace is rooted in his glory and is always for our good. 17:24 – “your name will be established and magnified forever.” 17:27 – “you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant.” The Davidic covenant wasn’t about David, it was about God, and David enjoyed the benefits! The same is true for us in the new Covenant. It’s about God, and we enjoy the benefits! Bless his holy name!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Is God Too Harsh? 1 Chron 13-16
When we read the story of Uzzah, we often walk away scratching our heads. We reason something like this, “I know Uzzah was not supposed to touch the ark because it was holy and all, but he was just trying to support it. Seems like God overreacts here. Why so harsh?” Let’s take a closer look because God does not overreact, but we are missing something here.
Remember that the ark is Israel’s holiest possession because it represents the very presence of God Himself. Wherever the ark was, there the presence of God dwelt. We must get the magnitude of that in our mind. Now we can ask some questions of the Israelites about their actions instead of questioning God about his.
Why would the Israelites transport the ark of God by pagan means instead of following God’s instructions? (1 Sam 6, 1 Chron 15:13) Was the violation simply breaking God’s instructions or was it replacing God’s way with a new, innovative way that seemed easier, better? Or even more provoking, had it become acceptable to go with the flow when it came to the things of God? If it was true that the presence of Almighty God was located with the ark, why in the world would Uzzah even be near it? Much less touch it? Could it be that Israel had lost sight of who God is, and therefore, showed less respect and honor? Had God become a friendly chum instead of the holy God who deserves all praise?
Was God too harsh or was Israel too comfortable, casual, and flippant with God? It is not the case that God reacts in a manner too harsh. It is the case that we, like the Israelites, often forget how immeasurably holy is the Lord. Should we ever grasp his infinite holiness, the “harsh” questions will vanish!
Remember that the ark is Israel’s holiest possession because it represents the very presence of God Himself. Wherever the ark was, there the presence of God dwelt. We must get the magnitude of that in our mind. Now we can ask some questions of the Israelites about their actions instead of questioning God about his.
Why would the Israelites transport the ark of God by pagan means instead of following God’s instructions? (1 Sam 6, 1 Chron 15:13) Was the violation simply breaking God’s instructions or was it replacing God’s way with a new, innovative way that seemed easier, better? Or even more provoking, had it become acceptable to go with the flow when it came to the things of God? If it was true that the presence of Almighty God was located with the ark, why in the world would Uzzah even be near it? Much less touch it? Could it be that Israel had lost sight of who God is, and therefore, showed less respect and honor? Had God become a friendly chum instead of the holy God who deserves all praise?
Was God too harsh or was Israel too comfortable, casual, and flippant with God? It is not the case that God reacts in a manner too harsh. It is the case that we, like the Israelites, often forget how immeasurably holy is the Lord. Should we ever grasp his infinite holiness, the “harsh” questions will vanish!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
There Was Joy - 1 Chron 9-12
What a wide gulf exists between 1 Chronicles 9 and 1 Chronicles 12! 1 Chronicles 9 lists the genealogies of those who returned from Exile. Exile?!? That’s right. Israel and Judah turned from Lord, refused to listen to the prophets, refused to repent, and judgment fell. Only the poorest of the poor were left in the land. All others were sent packing to foreign lands where they were strangers. Once again, however, God was gracious and during Ezra and Nehemiah’s time, many were allowed to return to their homeland and even rebuild. The days of judgment, fall, and exile were the most miserable days in Israel’s history.
Then, the Chronicler hits the rewind button and takes us to a time when Israel enjoyed the blessings of God! We move quickly through Saul’s reign and then slow down for a good look at how events transpired that resulted in David reigning as king. Under David’s reign, enemies were defeated, the army was built up with loyal, dedicated warriors, Jerusalem was established as the city of David, and most importantly, David was recognized as God’s chosen leader. The result – joy! 1 Chronicles 12:40 – “for there was joy in Israel.”
Exile in 1 Chronicles 9; joy in 1 Chronicles 12. What a difference! What a lesson!
It is so easy to lose perspective and forget where our true joy is found, namely, only in the Lord! We are prone to forsake our chief source of joy for false joys that in the end only lead us to destruction! Let us remain at the Fountain of Life, the Fountain of Joy. May we live in 1 Chronicles 12 so as not to end up in 1 Chronicles 9!
Then, the Chronicler hits the rewind button and takes us to a time when Israel enjoyed the blessings of God! We move quickly through Saul’s reign and then slow down for a good look at how events transpired that resulted in David reigning as king. Under David’s reign, enemies were defeated, the army was built up with loyal, dedicated warriors, Jerusalem was established as the city of David, and most importantly, David was recognized as God’s chosen leader. The result – joy! 1 Chronicles 12:40 – “for there was joy in Israel.”
Exile in 1 Chronicles 9; joy in 1 Chronicles 12. What a difference! What a lesson!
It is so easy to lose perspective and forget where our true joy is found, namely, only in the Lord! We are prone to forsake our chief source of joy for false joys that in the end only lead us to destruction! Let us remain at the Fountain of Life, the Fountain of Joy. May we live in 1 Chronicles 12 so as not to end up in 1 Chronicles 9!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Poised for Greatness - 1 Chron 5-8
1 Chronicles 5-8 lists descendants according to the tribes of Israel. When reading through these pages, one thing becomes clear, namely, they were poised for greatness. They had multiplied abundantly. They had settled into rich lands with pastures and vineyards. They had settled into large fortified cities. They had built their army of mighty warriors. They were strong in number, wealthy in possession, and mighty in homeland defense. They were poised for greatness. But greatness would not be their destiny.
As already known from 1 and 2 Kings, while they were prospering in the above areas, they were horribly digressing in their walk with the Lord! In fact, they digressed so far as to become in total rebellion against the Lord. From one perspective, they were poised for greatness. From another, they were poised for destruction. As we all know, they fell.
The lesson for us is that true greatness is not to be found, nor will be achieved, in the collection of lands, possessions, and power. True greatness comes from living in joyful relation to the only Great God! It matters not what else you may have on your side if you do not have God on your side! Being poised for greatness can be immeasurably valuable if you live in abundance with God as chief of your life. However, being poised for greatness means nothing at all when your heart is against the Lord!
Let us hold near to our hearts in times of abundance what Israel forgot in their season of prosperity. Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Poised for greatness is loving the Lord with all our hearts no matter what our material circumstances may be!
As already known from 1 and 2 Kings, while they were prospering in the above areas, they were horribly digressing in their walk with the Lord! In fact, they digressed so far as to become in total rebellion against the Lord. From one perspective, they were poised for greatness. From another, they were poised for destruction. As we all know, they fell.
The lesson for us is that true greatness is not to be found, nor will be achieved, in the collection of lands, possessions, and power. True greatness comes from living in joyful relation to the only Great God! It matters not what else you may have on your side if you do not have God on your side! Being poised for greatness can be immeasurably valuable if you live in abundance with God as chief of your life. However, being poised for greatness means nothing at all when your heart is against the Lord!
Let us hold near to our hearts in times of abundance what Israel forgot in their season of prosperity. Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Poised for greatness is loving the Lord with all our hearts no matter what our material circumstances may be!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Chronicles of Scripture - 1 Chron 1-4
Chronicles is a commentary on the OT history. After providing genealogies, it concentrates on the historical events starting with David and ending with the Fall of Jerusalem. It is not an exact repeat of 1 and 2 Kings but has its own place and purpose in Scripture.
Chronicles is very detailed, especially regarding the exact precision of the genealogical records. However, the very pinpointed accuracy of these records indicate a couple of things about the Scripture itself. First, it is reliable. Think of the labor behind the book of Chronicles! There was no ancestry.com in those days! The writers of Scripture did the painstaking task of careful research and paid close attention to detail, which means for us, the Scriptures are reliable in their detailed information. Second, it is unique. These kinds of exhaustive detailed records within the Scripture set it apart from every other religious book! You will not find this depth of historical accuracy in any other religious documents. Scripture stands alone, as should be expected, being the only God-breathed revelation.
Chronicles is also an interpretive guide, much like Deuteronomy is for the first four books of the Bible. Chronicles will add detail here and delete detail there because it means to communicate the big picture to the reader. Chronicles is actually the last book of the Hebrew Bible. It is not Malachi that the reader is left with until Messiah comes, it is Chronicles. Therefore, the view of history and eschatology (future) that Chronicles reveals becomes increasingly important. These were the last words read before 400 years of silence! Read carefully. Remember the importance of the details. Watch for the slight variances. Chronicles is a book of fact, but also a book of promise.
Chronicles is very detailed, especially regarding the exact precision of the genealogical records. However, the very pinpointed accuracy of these records indicate a couple of things about the Scripture itself. First, it is reliable. Think of the labor behind the book of Chronicles! There was no ancestry.com in those days! The writers of Scripture did the painstaking task of careful research and paid close attention to detail, which means for us, the Scriptures are reliable in their detailed information. Second, it is unique. These kinds of exhaustive detailed records within the Scripture set it apart from every other religious book! You will not find this depth of historical accuracy in any other religious documents. Scripture stands alone, as should be expected, being the only God-breathed revelation.
Chronicles is also an interpretive guide, much like Deuteronomy is for the first four books of the Bible. Chronicles will add detail here and delete detail there because it means to communicate the big picture to the reader. Chronicles is actually the last book of the Hebrew Bible. It is not Malachi that the reader is left with until Messiah comes, it is Chronicles. Therefore, the view of history and eschatology (future) that Chronicles reveals becomes increasingly important. These were the last words read before 400 years of silence! Read carefully. Remember the importance of the details. Watch for the slight variances. Chronicles is a book of fact, but also a book of promise.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Great was the Fall - 2 Kings 25
Jerusalem. The city God had chosen. The place of David’s throne. The location of God’s Temple where the presence of God dwelt. Jerusalem surely would never fall into the hands of any foreign invader! At least that’s what the people of Judah believed! And that’s why they sinned so grievously against God! They believed they could live any way they wanted to just because they lived in the city of God! They were horribly wrong in their thinking and in their living. Association with the things of God is NOT salvation! God is not interested in temples and cities and thrones, he is interested in hearts and lives lived for his glory!
Nebuchadnezzar did what was thought to be the impossible. He laid siege to Jerusalem, captured the king, burned the Temple and every large home to the ground, carried away the Temple goods, and took Judah exile into Babylon! It was a devastating, gruesome scene. Great was the fall of Judah because so great was their sins against the Lord! Things would never be the same. The only hope is the promise of the Coming One!
It is a fearful thing to observe the same misplaced, false assurance among church attenders as was found among the people of Judah. Just as they, many people believe they will never face judgment because of their associations with God. They have prayed a prayer, they go to church, they participate in this or that church function, therefore they feel very secure. As a result, they conclude that a life of sin is no worry because they have God on their side. They are sadly mistaken! If they were truly God’s people, it would be reflected in their lives not just their Sunday morning routine! Judgment is quickly approaching them, and they will be shocked when it arrives!
Nebuchadnezzar did what was thought to be the impossible. He laid siege to Jerusalem, captured the king, burned the Temple and every large home to the ground, carried away the Temple goods, and took Judah exile into Babylon! It was a devastating, gruesome scene. Great was the fall of Judah because so great was their sins against the Lord! Things would never be the same. The only hope is the promise of the Coming One!
It is a fearful thing to observe the same misplaced, false assurance among church attenders as was found among the people of Judah. Just as they, many people believe they will never face judgment because of their associations with God. They have prayed a prayer, they go to church, they participate in this or that church function, therefore they feel very secure. As a result, they conclude that a life of sin is no worry because they have God on their side. They are sadly mistaken! If they were truly God’s people, it would be reflected in their lives not just their Sunday morning routine! Judgment is quickly approaching them, and they will be shocked when it arrives!
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Law and the Great Commandment - 2 Kings 21-24
King Josiah was a breath of fresh air in a kingdom run amuck! Sin never makes any sense, and a most nonsensical storyline is that Judah followed in Israel’s steps after Israel fell! Judah adopted Israel’s paganism and was quickly headed for the same disastrous consequences. Then 8 year old Josiah shows up as king!
He is a real picture of grace because both his father and grandfather were ultra pagans but he loved the Lord! Josiah began his leadership by repairing the Temple and a copy of God’s Law was soon discovered. Things would not be the same once he read the Law and read it to the people. He then set about to bring real reform to Judah. First he broke down every form of pagan worship, even so far as to enter Samaria and break down the high place Jeroboam had built! Second, he re-instituted the Passover feast. So under Josiah’s reign, the Word was made primary, the house of the Lord was restored, false religion was banished, and worship to the Lord resumed! Wow! What a glorious revival!
What was behind Josiah’s reforms? What drove Josiah to go in a radically different direction? What was it that made Josiah such a different, godly king? 2 Kings 23:25 says, “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” It’s the great commandment found in Deuteronomy 6:5! Josiah embraced not the Law, but the Lord behind the Law! As a result, he followed the Lord in his Law! May we follow Josiah and embrace the Lord of the commandments, for only then will we have the heart and strength to keep the commandments not for our salvation but for God’s glory!
He is a real picture of grace because both his father and grandfather were ultra pagans but he loved the Lord! Josiah began his leadership by repairing the Temple and a copy of God’s Law was soon discovered. Things would not be the same once he read the Law and read it to the people. He then set about to bring real reform to Judah. First he broke down every form of pagan worship, even so far as to enter Samaria and break down the high place Jeroboam had built! Second, he re-instituted the Passover feast. So under Josiah’s reign, the Word was made primary, the house of the Lord was restored, false religion was banished, and worship to the Lord resumed! Wow! What a glorious revival!
What was behind Josiah’s reforms? What drove Josiah to go in a radically different direction? What was it that made Josiah such a different, godly king? 2 Kings 23:25 says, “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” It’s the great commandment found in Deuteronomy 6:5! Josiah embraced not the Law, but the Lord behind the Law! As a result, he followed the Lord in his Law! May we follow Josiah and embrace the Lord of the commandments, for only then will we have the heart and strength to keep the commandments not for our salvation but for God’s glory!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Judgment Day - 2 Kings 17-20
Israel was determined to not repent. The Lord had been patient. The Lord sent his prophets to warn of judgment and call for repentance. The people made it clear that they were never going to turn from their vile ways. As they continued to sin, his wrath continued to build. Finally, it erupted. Assyria sent the people into exile and right out of history!
What were the people of Israel guilty of? 2 Kings 17 lists their offenses against God. (feared other gods, adopted the customs of other nations, secretly sinned against the Lord, built high places, set up pillars and Asherim, made offerings to other gods, did wicked things, served idols, ignored the prophets, did not believe in the Lord, despised the Lord’s statutes and covenant, went after false idols and became false, abandoned all the commandments of the Lord, made images of calves, made an Asherah, worshipped the host of heaven, served Baal, burned their children as offerings, used divination, followed omens, sold themselves to sin)
What was the judgment? 2 Kings 17:18 – “Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight.”
As horrible as Israel was, apart from Christ, we are just as vile and wicked! Like Israel, apart from Christ, we are children of wrath, who have incurred the wrath of God by sinning against his holiness, goodness, and grace. God is angry with us apart from Christ, and judgment day will come when God will remove from his sight all who are without Christ! But thanks be to God, he has sent his Son, and everyone who is in Christ is saved from God’s wrath against his sin, forgiven of his sin, and made a child of God! The answer for judgment day is Christ!
What were the people of Israel guilty of? 2 Kings 17 lists their offenses against God. (feared other gods, adopted the customs of other nations, secretly sinned against the Lord, built high places, set up pillars and Asherim, made offerings to other gods, did wicked things, served idols, ignored the prophets, did not believe in the Lord, despised the Lord’s statutes and covenant, went after false idols and became false, abandoned all the commandments of the Lord, made images of calves, made an Asherah, worshipped the host of heaven, served Baal, burned their children as offerings, used divination, followed omens, sold themselves to sin)
What was the judgment? 2 Kings 17:18 – “Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight.”
As horrible as Israel was, apart from Christ, we are just as vile and wicked! Like Israel, apart from Christ, we are children of wrath, who have incurred the wrath of God by sinning against his holiness, goodness, and grace. God is angry with us apart from Christ, and judgment day will come when God will remove from his sight all who are without Christ! But thanks be to God, he has sent his Son, and everyone who is in Christ is saved from God’s wrath against his sin, forgiven of his sin, and made a child of God! The answer for judgment day is Christ!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Kings - 2 Kings 13-16
All of the kings of Israel and Judah can get quiet confusing and everything starts to run together. Below is a list of the kings in 2 Kings 13-16.
Israel: Jehoahaz did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (13:2). Jehoash did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (13:11). Jeroboam II did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (14:24). Zechariah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:9). Shallum reigned only one month and was killed by Menahem (15:13). Menahem did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:18). Pekahiah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:24). Pekah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:28).
Judah: Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (14:3-4). Azariah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (15:3-4). Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (15:34-35). Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord but walked in the way of the kings of Israel (16:2-3).
A couple of things become painfully obvious. First, you know Israel will soon face the judgment of God because of her persistent rebellion and idolatry. Second, you know Judah will soon follow because she has just turned the corner. Also, the kings of Israel were said to walk in the way of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel. He pointed them in the wrong direction from the start, and they never recovered! Beginnings are very important! As far as the kings of Judah, they were so close but never fully trusting in the Lord alone. They always kept the high places operating, and soon enough, those high places took over! A little compromise goes a long way!
Israel: Jehoahaz did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (13:2). Jehoash did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (13:11). Jeroboam II did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (14:24). Zechariah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:9). Shallum reigned only one month and was killed by Menahem (15:13). Menahem did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:18). Pekahiah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:24). Pekah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (15:28).
Judah: Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (14:3-4). Azariah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (15:3-4). Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord except for the high places (15:34-35). Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord but walked in the way of the kings of Israel (16:2-3).
A couple of things become painfully obvious. First, you know Israel will soon face the judgment of God because of her persistent rebellion and idolatry. Second, you know Judah will soon follow because she has just turned the corner. Also, the kings of Israel were said to walk in the way of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel. He pointed them in the wrong direction from the start, and they never recovered! Beginnings are very important! As far as the kings of Judah, they were so close but never fully trusting in the Lord alone. They always kept the high places operating, and soon enough, those high places took over! A little compromise goes a long way!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Tale of Two Kings - 2 Kings 9-12
In a time when both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah had turned from the Lord, a brief revival occurs in both under the leadership of two kings.
Jehu was anointed by Elisha indirectly to become king of Israel. He would be the instrument to fulfill the prophetic words of judgment against Israel’s previous leaders. Jehu killed both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, executed Jezebel, the sinister woman who plotted evil from the time of Ahab, wiped out all of Ahab’s descendants, and in his final act of restoration, Jehu slaughtered every prophet of Baal along with many worshippers. All of this was done as judgment from God. The Lord was pleased and said to Jehu, “You have done well” (10:30).
Jehoash began to reign in Judah while Jehu was reigning in Israel. At just seven years of age, Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord because he listened to good counsel from a priest. Under his leadership, the people set about to repair the temple. As the people would give, the repairs would continue. It was certainly a time of excitement, unity, and return to the Lord.
However, Jehu and Jehoash would not finish as well as they started. Jehu failed to remove the golden calves made by Jeroboam, and Jehoash paid off Hazael, king of Syria, with all the sacred gifts and gold in the house of the Lord! Both kings led something of a renewal in their day. In the end, however, total faith in the Lord was lacking and therefore these revivals would be short-lived. In our prayer for revival, let us remember that a good thing needs a good finish as well as a good start!
Jehu was anointed by Elisha indirectly to become king of Israel. He would be the instrument to fulfill the prophetic words of judgment against Israel’s previous leaders. Jehu killed both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, executed Jezebel, the sinister woman who plotted evil from the time of Ahab, wiped out all of Ahab’s descendants, and in his final act of restoration, Jehu slaughtered every prophet of Baal along with many worshippers. All of this was done as judgment from God. The Lord was pleased and said to Jehu, “You have done well” (10:30).
Jehoash began to reign in Judah while Jehu was reigning in Israel. At just seven years of age, Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord because he listened to good counsel from a priest. Under his leadership, the people set about to repair the temple. As the people would give, the repairs would continue. It was certainly a time of excitement, unity, and return to the Lord.
However, Jehu and Jehoash would not finish as well as they started. Jehu failed to remove the golden calves made by Jeroboam, and Jehoash paid off Hazael, king of Syria, with all the sacred gifts and gold in the house of the Lord! Both kings led something of a renewal in their day. In the end, however, total faith in the Lord was lacking and therefore these revivals would be short-lived. In our prayer for revival, let us remember that a good thing needs a good finish as well as a good start!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Chariots of Fire - 2 Kings 5-8
This time Elisha had gone too far, and the king of Syria was ticked off! The king of Syria was warring against Israel. Multiple times Elisha gave Israel a heads-up and so they were able to escape the hands of the Syrians. The king knew someone on the inside was secretly handing this intel to Israel, and he was enraged. When it was revealed that is was the prophet Elisha, the Syrian king responded by sending horses, chariots, and a great army to get him. Imagine that! An entire army to capture one man! The king must have known, even in his rage, that he was in way over his head in going against Elisha!
When Elisha and his servant awoke one day, the army had surrounded the city. The servant was frightened and figured their days were numbered. Elisha knew differently! Elisha knew that to attack God’s man is to attack God! And so Elisha comforted his servant by saying, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). So here the two of them stand in front of an entire army and Elisha just said what? It is then Elisha prayed for the eyes of his servant to be opened. “So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (6:17).
Elisha and his servant were no match for the king’s army, but neither was the king’s army no match for the Lord’s army! Dear believer, you are never alone. You are never outnumbered! You are never outmatched! You are never the underdog! If God is for you, who can be against you? Let not the threats of the enemy paralyze your faith. Stand tall and stand strong because you never stand alone!
When Elisha and his servant awoke one day, the army had surrounded the city. The servant was frightened and figured their days were numbered. Elisha knew differently! Elisha knew that to attack God’s man is to attack God! And so Elisha comforted his servant by saying, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). So here the two of them stand in front of an entire army and Elisha just said what? It is then Elisha prayed for the eyes of his servant to be opened. “So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (6:17).
Elisha and his servant were no match for the king’s army, but neither was the king’s army no match for the Lord’s army! Dear believer, you are never alone. You are never outnumbered! You are never outmatched! You are never the underdog! If God is for you, who can be against you? Let not the threats of the enemy paralyze your faith. Stand tall and stand strong because you never stand alone!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Is There No God in Israel? 2 Kings 1-4
Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, became king of Israel after Ahab’s death. As Ahab had ignored the Lord and worshipped Baal, so Ahaziah did not even acknowledge the Lord’s existence but embraced Baal as his god. Ahaziah fell through the roof and was dying from the injuries he suffered. With no thought towards God at all, he sends for a word from Baal. His men meet up Elijah on the way, and Elijah sends them back with a penetrating inquiry. 2 Kings 1:3 – “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?” Of course, it was a rhetorical question.
There was no doubt that there was a God in Israel! Ahaziah had more proof than he needed, he had just chosen and insisted on worshipping another god. To begin with, there was Elijah, a prophet of God who demonstrated God’s presence continually. Also, Ahaziah would have observed the conflicts between his father and Elijah, which included Elijah’s power from God, conquering the prophets of Baal, and unfailing prophecies. Finally, there was the last confrontation between Elijah and Ahaziah’s men where Elijah called down fire from heaven twice and consumed them! Again, not the first time Elijah and fire from heaven were in cooperation!
Ahaziah, though, would not be moved! Why? If he were to acknowledge God, he would have to serve God. If he were to serve God, he would have to change his wicked ways. Evidently, he would rather die than let go of his sin! So after only two years of reigning as king, Ahaziah dies a painful death in rebellion against God. It was not because there was no God in Israel, it was because Ahaziah willfully, stubbornly rejected him!
There was no doubt that there was a God in Israel! Ahaziah had more proof than he needed, he had just chosen and insisted on worshipping another god. To begin with, there was Elijah, a prophet of God who demonstrated God’s presence continually. Also, Ahaziah would have observed the conflicts between his father and Elijah, which included Elijah’s power from God, conquering the prophets of Baal, and unfailing prophecies. Finally, there was the last confrontation between Elijah and Ahaziah’s men where Elijah called down fire from heaven twice and consumed them! Again, not the first time Elijah and fire from heaven were in cooperation!
Ahaziah, though, would not be moved! Why? If he were to acknowledge God, he would have to serve God. If he were to serve God, he would have to change his wicked ways. Evidently, he would rather die than let go of his sin! So after only two years of reigning as king, Ahaziah dies a painful death in rebellion against God. It was not because there was no God in Israel, it was because Ahaziah willfully, stubbornly rejected him!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
All-sufficient Grace - 2 Cor 9-13
“The Lord will never put more on you than you are able to bear!” Have you ever heard that saying? Its meant to convince you that things are not as tough as you imagine them to be. If you just pull it together, you can deal with this situation. God would never overload you. The problem with this thinking is that it is not biblical! In fact, as a believer, God probably WILL overload you! Why would he do such a thing?
We need to be reminded that we are not in control and self-sufficient! We usually walk around in a fantasy world where we are large and in charge and able to overcome anything that comes our way. Occasionally, the Lord will remind us of who is in charge and where the source of strength and victory abides.
God works through overwhelming circumstances to ward off the ever present temptation of pride and self righteousness. We so desire to take some credit. Some pains help us in our fight against our own pride.
Overbearing situations reveal our dependency upon Christ. It is in these times that we are called back to drink again from the Fountain of Life, to return to the true source of satisfaction.
Overbearing situations magnify the Gospel. When the strength to endure is not our strength but the strength that God supplies, then God gets the glory! When grace is confessed to be our only stability, our only help, our only strength, then the Gospel is magnified in our weakness!
2 Cor 12:8-9 – “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
We need to be reminded that we are not in control and self-sufficient! We usually walk around in a fantasy world where we are large and in charge and able to overcome anything that comes our way. Occasionally, the Lord will remind us of who is in charge and where the source of strength and victory abides.
God works through overwhelming circumstances to ward off the ever present temptation of pride and self righteousness. We so desire to take some credit. Some pains help us in our fight against our own pride.
Overbearing situations reveal our dependency upon Christ. It is in these times that we are called back to drink again from the Fountain of Life, to return to the true source of satisfaction.
Overbearing situations magnify the Gospel. When the strength to endure is not our strength but the strength that God supplies, then God gets the glory! When grace is confessed to be our only stability, our only help, our only strength, then the Gospel is magnified in our weakness!
2 Cor 12:8-9 – “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Friday, May 7, 2010
Salvation as Reconciliation - 2 Cor 5-8
Sin separates. Because we are born into sin, we begin this life in hostility toward God and inclined toward rebellion and sin. As soon as we are able to discern the difference between right and wrong, we head straight down the path to worship and please self, and we never look back! Sin separates us from our Creator, who has fashioned us in his image. We belong to God, and he will not allow our sinful, selfish, rebellious hearts to have the final say! Therefore, by divine grace God claims us for his own, works grace in our hearts, brings us to himself in repentance and faith in Christ, and thereby reconciles us to himself! It is then we realize how useless and vain was our previous life of sin!
Part of the joy of being reconciled to God is that he makes use of our reconciliation for his glory! One means that God uses to reconcile others to himself is our testimonies of reconciliation! We, who have been reconciled, now have a ministry of reconciliation. That is, we go about displaying a reconciled life and proclaiming God’s reconciliation through Christ to others. God uses our witness as a means to bring others to himself!
The question though is how God can perform reconciliation and remain holy and just and right. How can he receive sinners to himself and not count “their trespasses against them?” The answer is that the basis of reconciliation is found in the work of Christ on our behalf. 2 Cor 5:21 just may be the greatest verse in all Holy Writ! “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Our reconciliation with God is grounded in Christ. He took our sin and granted us his righteousness, and thereby opened the way for a holy, just God to reconcile us to himself!
Part of the joy of being reconciled to God is that he makes use of our reconciliation for his glory! One means that God uses to reconcile others to himself is our testimonies of reconciliation! We, who have been reconciled, now have a ministry of reconciliation. That is, we go about displaying a reconciled life and proclaiming God’s reconciliation through Christ to others. God uses our witness as a means to bring others to himself!
The question though is how God can perform reconciliation and remain holy and just and right. How can he receive sinners to himself and not count “their trespasses against them?” The answer is that the basis of reconciliation is found in the work of Christ on our behalf. 2 Cor 5:21 just may be the greatest verse in all Holy Writ! “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Our reconciliation with God is grounded in Christ. He took our sin and granted us his righteousness, and thereby opened the way for a holy, just God to reconcile us to himself!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Beholding Makes a Difference - 2 Cor 1-4
2 Cor 3:16-18 – “But when one turns the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Paul uses the veil that Moses wore to picture the veil that lies over every unbelieving heart. The veil is our sinful unbelief. The veil is the inability for an unbeliever to grasp spiritual truth. The veil is blindness to the glory of Christ and the Gospel. Repentance removes the veil! The result of conversion is that unbelief, inability to accept spiritual truth, and blindness to the beauty of Christ all are removed! When the veil is lifted, by grace, through the new birth, one really sees the glory of God for the first time!
Paul equates the removal of this veil with freedom because while under the veil we are enslaved to sin and darkness. However, once the veil is removed, we are truly free in the Lord! It is the Lord who brings this about. The Spirit of the Lord convicts us of sin, opens our eyes, removes the veil, and changes our hearts so that we can see with unveiled faces the beauty of the Gospel in Christ!
And that is not all! To behold the glory of God is to be changed by the glory of God! God not only frees us to look upon him, he also works within us so that we would reflect him, point to him, glorify him! It is the Spirit also who brings this change about. The more we gaze upon his glory, the more we mirror that glory! To truly see Christ is to be changed and continually changed by Christ! Beholding makes a difference!
Paul uses the veil that Moses wore to picture the veil that lies over every unbelieving heart. The veil is our sinful unbelief. The veil is the inability for an unbeliever to grasp spiritual truth. The veil is blindness to the glory of Christ and the Gospel. Repentance removes the veil! The result of conversion is that unbelief, inability to accept spiritual truth, and blindness to the beauty of Christ all are removed! When the veil is lifted, by grace, through the new birth, one really sees the glory of God for the first time!
Paul equates the removal of this veil with freedom because while under the veil we are enslaved to sin and darkness. However, once the veil is removed, we are truly free in the Lord! It is the Lord who brings this about. The Spirit of the Lord convicts us of sin, opens our eyes, removes the veil, and changes our hearts so that we can see with unveiled faces the beauty of the Gospel in Christ!
And that is not all! To behold the glory of God is to be changed by the glory of God! God not only frees us to look upon him, he also works within us so that we would reflect him, point to him, glorify him! It is the Spirit also who brings this change about. The more we gaze upon his glory, the more we mirror that glory! To truly see Christ is to be changed and continually changed by Christ! Beholding makes a difference!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Of First Importance - 1 Cor 13-16
What is primary in the life of a believer? What is the fundamental truth upon which a believer’s life is built? What is the foundation for the hope, peace, and joy that a believer possesses? What is of first importance? Paul leaves no doubt as to the answer in 1 Cor 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is of first importance for the believer!
The Gospel is not proclaiming Jesus’ death only but that Jesus died for our sins! There was something eternally unique and eternally saving about the death of Christ. His death was more than an example of love or the murder of an innocent man. His death was payment for sin, securing salvation for all who would believe in Him. His death was for us, to save us from God’s wrath toward our sin and to cleanse us from the guilt of our sin.
Paul includes the burial of Christ in this nutshell Gospel description. This is so significant because you don’t bury living people, you bury dead people. Jesus really, actually died! To remove any doubt, he remained in the tomb three days! Since he was actually dead, then he actually defeated death! Through him we have everlasting life!
The final component is Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection announces that everything Christ said is true, and everything the Scriptures declare of him is true! The resurrection is proof positive that Jesus Christ is Messiah, that Jesus Christ is Lord, that Jesus Christ is Savior! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is of first importance for all who believe!
The Gospel is not proclaiming Jesus’ death only but that Jesus died for our sins! There was something eternally unique and eternally saving about the death of Christ. His death was more than an example of love or the murder of an innocent man. His death was payment for sin, securing salvation for all who would believe in Him. His death was for us, to save us from God’s wrath toward our sin and to cleanse us from the guilt of our sin.
Paul includes the burial of Christ in this nutshell Gospel description. This is so significant because you don’t bury living people, you bury dead people. Jesus really, actually died! To remove any doubt, he remained in the tomb three days! Since he was actually dead, then he actually defeated death! Through him we have everlasting life!
The final component is Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection announces that everything Christ said is true, and everything the Scriptures declare of him is true! The resurrection is proof positive that Jesus Christ is Messiah, that Jesus Christ is Lord, that Jesus Christ is Savior! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is of first importance for all who believe!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Followers of Paul or Christ - 1 Cor 9-12
Paul has urged the Corinthian believers twice in his letter to imitate him. 1 Cor 4:16 – “I urge you, then, be imitators of me.” 1 Cor 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” The call of Christ in the Gospel was to follow him. What is Paul saying here? Is he preaching another gospel? Is he making himself equal with Christ? Is he encouraging idolatry? How can he say, “Imitate me,” when Christ has said, “Follow me?”
Actually, Paul is not out of step with the Gospel at all in these pleas. His call for the Corinthians to imitate him is not contrary to Christ’s call for them to follow, it is one and the same. Paul’s new life of faith is a life following Christ Jesus. Paul has become a living, breathing, walking, talking example of what it means to follow Christ. So what does it mean to follow Christ? What would that look like? The Corinthians can look at Paul to find an answer to those questions.
Paul is not calling for the rise of a cult, he is calling for discipleship. He is essentially saying that his life before them is a model of true belief in Christ. He is following Christ and therefore provides an example for others to follow. Should a Corinthian believer ask, “What does it mean to follow Christ?” Another might reply, “Remember how Paul prayed? Remember how Paul loved? Remember how Paul taught others? Remember how Paul practiced humility? That is what it means to follow Christ.”
We should thank the Lord for those who model sincere, dynamic, mature faith before us. We need them. We need living portraits of faith. We need to know what it looks like. They give us real-life examples to follow as we are seeking to follow Christ!
Actually, Paul is not out of step with the Gospel at all in these pleas. His call for the Corinthians to imitate him is not contrary to Christ’s call for them to follow, it is one and the same. Paul’s new life of faith is a life following Christ Jesus. Paul has become a living, breathing, walking, talking example of what it means to follow Christ. So what does it mean to follow Christ? What would that look like? The Corinthians can look at Paul to find an answer to those questions.
Paul is not calling for the rise of a cult, he is calling for discipleship. He is essentially saying that his life before them is a model of true belief in Christ. He is following Christ and therefore provides an example for others to follow. Should a Corinthian believer ask, “What does it mean to follow Christ?” Another might reply, “Remember how Paul prayed? Remember how Paul loved? Remember how Paul taught others? Remember how Paul practiced humility? That is what it means to follow Christ.”
We should thank the Lord for those who model sincere, dynamic, mature faith before us. We need them. We need living portraits of faith. We need to know what it looks like. They give us real-life examples to follow as we are seeking to follow Christ!
Monday, May 3, 2010
And Such Were Some of You - 1 Cor 5-8
Our day of relativism and pluralism will argue vehemently that there is no set moral standard in God’s kingdom. The love of God, as defined by relativists, is the ground of God’s actions toward men. Therefore, because of his love, that is, his willingness to ignore our indulgence of sinful, self-centered pleasure, we are free to engage in any lifestyle and still take comfort in his salvation!
Nothing could be farther from the truth according to God’s timeless, infallible word! Paul warns in 1 Cor 6:9-10, “ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” The truth is that God’s love, as defined by God, is not separate from God’s holiness, which is his central attribute. To embrace and indulge a life of sinful rebellion is to reject Christ as all-sufficient. Our definition of love may have changed in this present culture, but God’s holiness has not! He is still offended by our sins and our excuses for our sins and our misrepresentation of his character to endorse our sins!
The grace of God is not a ticket to continue a life of sinful indulgence. The grace of God is a life-changing gift that conforms us to Christ and separates us from the world. As Paul continues in 6:11, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” True belief in Christ results in a change from sinful living not a happy, convenient coexistence with it!
Nothing could be farther from the truth according to God’s timeless, infallible word! Paul warns in 1 Cor 6:9-10, “ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” The truth is that God’s love, as defined by God, is not separate from God’s holiness, which is his central attribute. To embrace and indulge a life of sinful rebellion is to reject Christ as all-sufficient. Our definition of love may have changed in this present culture, but God’s holiness has not! He is still offended by our sins and our excuses for our sins and our misrepresentation of his character to endorse our sins!
The grace of God is not a ticket to continue a life of sinful indulgence. The grace of God is a life-changing gift that conforms us to Christ and separates us from the world. As Paul continues in 6:11, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” True belief in Christ results in a change from sinful living not a happy, convenient coexistence with it!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
So That No Man Could Boast - 1 Cor 1-4
The salvation of man is an act of God’s grace that is meant for the glory of God. That is, the ultimate purpose, is that God be praised for his mercy and grace by those whom he has graciously saved! That fundamental purpose becomes apparent when one sees the “why” and the “how” of salvation.
Why did God save us? Paul says in 1 Cor 1:26-29, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” God saved us not based on any good, outstanding, charming quality in us, but rather for the lack of those things. It is not because of our ability to improve God’s kingdom that he saved us! Paul pulls the rug of pride right out from under us and discloses to us that God saved us precisely because we did not have anything to offer him so that being saved by him from sheer grace we would not boast in self but boast in God!
How did God save us? Paul answers that question in the next two verses, 30-31. “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” Our salvation is entirely achieved through the work of Christ Jesus from beginning to end leaving no room for us to claim one single accomplishment as our own! As a result, the Lord receives 100% of the glory! Our boast is in him not in ourselves! To God be the glory!
Why did God save us? Paul says in 1 Cor 1:26-29, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” God saved us not based on any good, outstanding, charming quality in us, but rather for the lack of those things. It is not because of our ability to improve God’s kingdom that he saved us! Paul pulls the rug of pride right out from under us and discloses to us that God saved us precisely because we did not have anything to offer him so that being saved by him from sheer grace we would not boast in self but boast in God!
How did God save us? Paul answers that question in the next two verses, 30-31. “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” Our salvation is entirely achieved through the work of Christ Jesus from beginning to end leaving no room for us to claim one single accomplishment as our own! As a result, the Lord receives 100% of the glory! Our boast is in him not in ourselves! To God be the glory!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Mercy and Justice - 1 Kings 20-22
The mercy of the Lord is great! God is far more merciful than we define mercy, far more patient in his mercy than we comprehend mercy, and extends his mercy far beyond all expectations. Take Ahab for example! The Bible emphatically states in two passages that Ahab is the most vile and wicked of the kings of Israel. Hear carefully 1 Kings 21:25-26, “There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols...” (cf 16:33) In one of his last acts of evil, Ahab takes Naboth’s property after Jezebel has him stoned to death.
Then in an unexpected, surprising turn of events, Ahab repents before the Lord for his evil deed. Even more surprising, after all his wickedness before the Lord, the Lord regards his repentance! The mercy of the Lord is great!
Mercy, however, does not override justice. God extends Ahab’s house for another generation, but he will not overlook the killing of an innocent man. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” As Ahab killed Naboth, so Ahab would soon be killed in battle.
The mercy of the Lord and the justice of the Lord function perfectly together. The mercy of the Lord shelters us from God’s full wrath against our sin. The justice of the Lord will not allow sin to reign unpunished. Mercy allows forgiveness. Justice does not allow one to sin and “get away with it!” Justice restrains us from further sin. Mercy catches us when we do sin. God is good, and God is right! His mercy is great and so is his justice.
Then in an unexpected, surprising turn of events, Ahab repents before the Lord for his evil deed. Even more surprising, after all his wickedness before the Lord, the Lord regards his repentance! The mercy of the Lord is great!
Mercy, however, does not override justice. God extends Ahab’s house for another generation, but he will not overlook the killing of an innocent man. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” As Ahab killed Naboth, so Ahab would soon be killed in battle.
The mercy of the Lord and the justice of the Lord function perfectly together. The mercy of the Lord shelters us from God’s full wrath against our sin. The justice of the Lord will not allow sin to reign unpunished. Mercy allows forgiveness. Justice does not allow one to sin and “get away with it!” Justice restrains us from further sin. Mercy catches us when we do sin. God is good, and God is right! His mercy is great and so is his justice.
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