13 December 2009
Psalm 63, 98; Amos 9:11-15; 2 Thess. 2:1-3,13-17; John 5:30-47

The promise of the Lord is that the judgment is not a final judgment on the people. They are not entirely rejected. They will be restored to their former status and they will again possess the land and it will produce in abundance. If the Lord had said, “It’s over” the people would not have returned to Him. The prophet does not leave them without hope. As bad as it will be, there will be a time when they are restored. We live for the hope of the coming of the Lord and the establishment of an eternal kingdom of righteousness and justice.

Jesus comes speaking truth to the people and they will not hear it or receive it. He has just healed the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda but He has done so on the Sabbath and so he is doubted. In many of Jesus’ miracles there is a place where the religious leaders can find fault, typically because He dared to do something on the Sabbath when no work was to be done. They would rather have religion and righteousness on their own terms, be in control. Jesus points to the testimony of John, the Father, the Spirit, the works He is doing, the Scriptures and to Moses as at one concerning Him. The charge, you prefer receiving glory from one another than from God. The call, lay down that desire and walk humbly before God and receive the One who has been sent by God.

Paul speaks prophetically to the people of Thessalonica concerning what will come, lawlessness and rebellion. They are told that Jesus has not come back yet, no matter what they have heard or what anyone has said in Paul’s name. The promise is that He will come again and in order to receive glory from Jesus requires them to stand fast in the belief in the truth and holding to the “traditions” Paul and his companions taught them. God’s people have always been required to stand for truth against the world in order to receive the promised glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.