30 April 2010
Psalm 40, 54; Exod. 34:18-35; 1 Thess. 3:1-13; Matt. 5:27-37
Moses is given some of the particulars of the law including some of the festivals that must be kept when they get to the Promised Land and how to keep them. At the same time, the Ten Commandments are again given to replace the tablets Moses had broken when he came down to find the people reveling over the golden calves. As he descends Moses is unaware of his face shining from being in the presence of the Lord. The reflected glory of the Lord was shining. As he spent time away from the Lord, leading the people, the glory would fade, only to be renewed by time with the Lord again. We should bear the mark of having spent time in the presence of God in prayer and study, it should change us in appearance and attitude. Moses’ change of appearance was obvious to those who saw him, is yours?
Jesus takes on adultery and bearing false witness and again defines them in such ways that surely no one among them could plead innocence. Lust in the heart, even though not acted upon, is defined as adultery and swearing at all is deemed unnecessary if we are simply people of our word. What enhances our truth telling about swearing on something else? Our history of truth telling should be testimony enough but often isn’t. These teachings in the Sermon on the Mount were not designed to have the listeners walk away feeling good about themselves, believing they were good enough to get into heaven based on their righteousness. We need a savior would be the take-away from this teaching,
While Paul was prepared for persecution and even prison, he could not bear the thought that his missionary work would be either in vain because of a failure of the faith of those he evangelized or that it would be discredited by his situation. Imagine his joy when Timothy returned with a good report from Thessalonica where he had experienced great opposition when he had preached there. (see Acts 17.1-9) Paul surely felt the vulnerability of the churches he established as he knew that there would come those after him whose intentions were to destroy and discredit the work and the message. His prayer was for the church to love one another and also to grow in holiness, something we tend to think little about outside of legalism. We need to earnestly pray for true holiness in our lives that we might show forth His glory in our lives.
I will tell the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I will not restrain my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I will not hide your deliverance within my heart;
I will speak of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I will not conceal your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
29 April 2010
Psalm 50; Exod. 34:1-17; 1 Thess. 2:13-20; Matt. 5:21-26
It was important not that Moses see God but that he know God. It is important to know that He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” It is also important to know that sin matters, He doesn’t clear the guilty. Christians have tended to focus on one of these aspects of God and more or less forget the other. Either we are legalists who forget the mercy, grace and love of God or we are so enamored of that we become convinced that He approves anything we do. Moses understood that both aspects were a part of the whole, quickly bowing to worship but asking for forgiveness for the egregious sin that had just happened with the golden calves. We must always keep these things in the proper tension in our thoughts, teaching and lives. Sin is still that which separates us from a holy God and deserves judgment, He is also willing to forgive those who confess their sins and intend to lead a new life no longer characterized by sin.
Jesus raises the bar on the definition of sin with respect to murder. We must be careful what we say of one another lest we put them to death in our hearts. The commandment comes to mean something like if you fail to love one another you are in danger of judgment. We are not to approach the altar if we know we have wronged our brother or sister without reconciling with them first. Loving one another is an important commandment, not an addendum to loving God. Reconciliation is important and we need to consider what is meant by the term and how we are to work through that process and what is the desired result. Does it mean tolerating one another and no longer speaking ill of one another or does it mean restoration of a former relationship? I believe it depends on the situation which of these is desired or possible.
Paul says that the word working within them to change them is proof that the Word is God’s Word. Unfortunately, the Christians in Thessalonica were opposed by the people of that place in the same way that the Christians in Judea were opposed by the Jews in that place. The Gospel always has opposition from those who reject it. Truth hurts and rejection of the truth must also call for the rejection of the one who proclaims it. Paul, however, sees the Thessalonians as his glory and his joy. Do we feel that way about other Christians? We need the fellowship of other believers to encourage us and give us hope and joy.
I praise you this day for you are The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, you keep steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.
Psalm 50; Exod. 34:1-17; 1 Thess. 2:13-20; Matt. 5:21-26
It was important not that Moses see God but that he know God. It is important to know that He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” It is also important to know that sin matters, He doesn’t clear the guilty. Christians have tended to focus on one of these aspects of God and more or less forget the other. Either we are legalists who forget the mercy, grace and love of God or we are so enamored of that we become convinced that He approves anything we do. Moses understood that both aspects were a part of the whole, quickly bowing to worship but asking for forgiveness for the egregious sin that had just happened with the golden calves. We must always keep these things in the proper tension in our thoughts, teaching and lives. Sin is still that which separates us from a holy God and deserves judgment, He is also willing to forgive those who confess their sins and intend to lead a new life no longer characterized by sin.
Jesus raises the bar on the definition of sin with respect to murder. We must be careful what we say of one another lest we put them to death in our hearts. The commandment comes to mean something like if you fail to love one another you are in danger of judgment. We are not to approach the altar if we know we have wronged our brother or sister without reconciling with them first. Loving one another is an important commandment, not an addendum to loving God. Reconciliation is important and we need to consider what is meant by the term and how we are to work through that process and what is the desired result. Does it mean tolerating one another and no longer speaking ill of one another or does it mean restoration of a former relationship? I believe it depends on the situation which of these is desired or possible.
Paul says that the word working within them to change them is proof that the Word is God’s Word. Unfortunately, the Christians in Thessalonica were opposed by the people of that place in the same way that the Christians in Judea were opposed by the Jews in that place. The Gospel always has opposition from those who reject it. Truth hurts and rejection of the truth must also call for the rejection of the one who proclaims it. Paul, however, sees the Thessalonians as his glory and his joy. Do we feel that way about other Christians? We need the fellowship of other believers to encourage us and give us hope and joy.
I praise you this day for you are The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, you keep steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
28 April 2010
Psalm 119:49-72; Exod. 33:1-23; 1 Thess. 2:1-12; Matt. 5:17-20
The Lord shows favor to Moses, clearly marking him out as the leader of the people. The time he spent with the Lord in the tent of meeting was necessary for the leader. It is important that we spend time alone with the Lord in order to wisely lead, drawing on the wisdom gained from this time. The people saw clearly that the presence of the Lord was in the tent and that Moses had gained favor with the Lord. Moses knows too that the presence of the Lord was necessary for the people if they were to go up to the land, what made them special in all the world wasn’t the promise of the land or the events in Egypt but this presence of God in their midst. Moses had intimacy with the Lord but he sought more in a glimpse of His face. That request was denied but the Lord granted him a special moment. Are we seeking more intimacy with the Lord or are we satisfied with our relationship?
This teaching of Jesus on righteousness had to be somewhat depressing to hear. The scribes and Pharisees defined righteousness under the law, their lives were built on the law and what they considered to be scrupulous observance of the law. To indicate that the real demands of the law were greater than these groups imagined or kept would have left no hope for most people. Jesus validates the law by saying that all of it will be fulfilled, by Him. That is indeed a bold claim and invites those who hear it to watch and inspect His manner of life to see if indeed He is righteous as He claims. Little did they know that He was fulfilling all righteousness on their behalf so that He could be the once and for all sacrifice acceptable to God for sin.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of several things here. First, his motives are pure, there was no trickery or deceit in his message, he is not motivated by people-pleasing but only to please God, he received no monetary benefits from his message, he make his own living among them. Second, his manner of life among them was pure, upright and blameless. Third, Paul describes his loving concern for them by comparing it with that of a nurse caring for her own children in gentleness and as a father with his children, urging, encouraging and pleading with them to grow up to be all they can be. Relationship matters in the leading of God’s people, we don’t lead from outside, we lead from within from love for the Lord as our motivation and love for His people as we catch the vision of mission.
You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
Psalm 119:49-72; Exod. 33:1-23; 1 Thess. 2:1-12; Matt. 5:17-20
The Lord shows favor to Moses, clearly marking him out as the leader of the people. The time he spent with the Lord in the tent of meeting was necessary for the leader. It is important that we spend time alone with the Lord in order to wisely lead, drawing on the wisdom gained from this time. The people saw clearly that the presence of the Lord was in the tent and that Moses had gained favor with the Lord. Moses knows too that the presence of the Lord was necessary for the people if they were to go up to the land, what made them special in all the world wasn’t the promise of the land or the events in Egypt but this presence of God in their midst. Moses had intimacy with the Lord but he sought more in a glimpse of His face. That request was denied but the Lord granted him a special moment. Are we seeking more intimacy with the Lord or are we satisfied with our relationship?
This teaching of Jesus on righteousness had to be somewhat depressing to hear. The scribes and Pharisees defined righteousness under the law, their lives were built on the law and what they considered to be scrupulous observance of the law. To indicate that the real demands of the law were greater than these groups imagined or kept would have left no hope for most people. Jesus validates the law by saying that all of it will be fulfilled, by Him. That is indeed a bold claim and invites those who hear it to watch and inspect His manner of life to see if indeed He is righteous as He claims. Little did they know that He was fulfilling all righteousness on their behalf so that He could be the once and for all sacrifice acceptable to God for sin.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of several things here. First, his motives are pure, there was no trickery or deceit in his message, he is not motivated by people-pleasing but only to please God, he received no monetary benefits from his message, he make his own living among them. Second, his manner of life among them was pure, upright and blameless. Third, Paul describes his loving concern for them by comparing it with that of a nurse caring for her own children in gentleness and as a father with his children, urging, encouraging and pleading with them to grow up to be all they can be. Relationship matters in the leading of God’s people, we don’t lead from outside, we lead from within from love for the Lord as our motivation and love for His people as we catch the vision of mission.
You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
27 April 2010
Psalm 45; Exod. 32:21-34; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 5:11-16
Aaron disappoints as a high priestly representative of the people, blaming them for his own sin and failure of leadership and then ultimately denying his complicity in the creation of the idols, “So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off ‘; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” Really, is that what happened? What actually happened was he took an engraving tool and fashioned these calves before throwing the gold into the fire, his guilt was as great as their own, his sins needed to be atoned for as well as theirs, he could not claim righteousness. Here, the Levites rise to the occasion, defending the honor of the Lord. It seems, based on the parenthetic in verse 25, that the Israelites conduct was seen by “their enemies.” They are to represent Him to the world and Moses knows that this is a serious transgression and the Levites rise to the defense of the Lord, even to the extent that they are willing to kill friends and brothers for the sake of the Name of the Lord. Moses makes intercession for the people but the judgment is sealed on those who have sinned and the Lord can no longer be among them.
Being reviled and persecuted on account of Jesus is not something that we experience day to day in America. There are regularly letters to the editor of our local newspaper bashing Christians but I don’t have to read them. No one has reviled me personally for my faith nor have I been persecuted. This, however, does happen all over the world, Christians are rejected and ostracized by their families and in some cases put to death for their faith. We need to pray daily for those whose faith puts them at risk of persecution, prison and death. We need also to recall that we are to be salt and light in our communities wherever we go, to the grocery store, the gym, restaurants, libraries, athletic competitions, etc. There is a distinctively Christian way of being, the way of love, and wherever Jesus went, people, often the worst sinners, were drawn to Him.
Here Paul tells the Thessalonians that this distinctive lifestyle was part of the Gospel he preached among them, they saw what sort of people he and his team were as they ministered among them. Paul encourages them in their imitation of him and his team and tells them that they then proved to be examples for others in the region. We are to stand up and stand out for Christ. Rodney Stark, a sociologist studying the growth of Christianity in the first centuries after the death of Jesus, has found that by their example of caring for others Christians showed a different way of being that was attractive to those around them and accounted for a major portion of the church’s growth. How could we do the same in our time and in our place? Who needs us to care for them in our communities and how can we as a community reach out to them?
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
Psalm 45; Exod. 32:21-34; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 5:11-16
Aaron disappoints as a high priestly representative of the people, blaming them for his own sin and failure of leadership and then ultimately denying his complicity in the creation of the idols, “So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off ‘; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” Really, is that what happened? What actually happened was he took an engraving tool and fashioned these calves before throwing the gold into the fire, his guilt was as great as their own, his sins needed to be atoned for as well as theirs, he could not claim righteousness. Here, the Levites rise to the occasion, defending the honor of the Lord. It seems, based on the parenthetic in verse 25, that the Israelites conduct was seen by “their enemies.” They are to represent Him to the world and Moses knows that this is a serious transgression and the Levites rise to the defense of the Lord, even to the extent that they are willing to kill friends and brothers for the sake of the Name of the Lord. Moses makes intercession for the people but the judgment is sealed on those who have sinned and the Lord can no longer be among them.
Being reviled and persecuted on account of Jesus is not something that we experience day to day in America. There are regularly letters to the editor of our local newspaper bashing Christians but I don’t have to read them. No one has reviled me personally for my faith nor have I been persecuted. This, however, does happen all over the world, Christians are rejected and ostracized by their families and in some cases put to death for their faith. We need to pray daily for those whose faith puts them at risk of persecution, prison and death. We need also to recall that we are to be salt and light in our communities wherever we go, to the grocery store, the gym, restaurants, libraries, athletic competitions, etc. There is a distinctively Christian way of being, the way of love, and wherever Jesus went, people, often the worst sinners, were drawn to Him.
Here Paul tells the Thessalonians that this distinctive lifestyle was part of the Gospel he preached among them, they saw what sort of people he and his team were as they ministered among them. Paul encourages them in their imitation of him and his team and tells them that they then proved to be examples for others in the region. We are to stand up and stand out for Christ. Rodney Stark, a sociologist studying the growth of Christianity in the first centuries after the death of Jesus, has found that by their example of caring for others Christians showed a different way of being that was attractive to those around them and accounted for a major portion of the church’s growth. How could we do the same in our time and in our place? Who needs us to care for them in our communities and how can we as a community reach out to them?
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
Monday, April 26, 2010
26 April 2010
Psalm 41,52; Exod. 32:1-20; Col 3:18-4:18; Matt. 5:1-10
As Moses delays coming down the mountain, the people get anxious. Has he died? Is he ever coming back? Has he forgotten them? Their confidence is gone and they set about the purpose of creating other gods to replace what seems to be lost. We need something in which to set our store and hopes for the future and so we are willing to create gods in spite of the reality that it is ridiculous to worship things we create or things created. They have also decided that it was Moses who delivered them and brought them up out of Egypt, not the Lord so it is fine to create these gods since Moses is really just a man after all. Moses’ time with the Lord on the mountain is interrupted by this scene and the Lord’s anger breaks out against His people. The survival of the nation is at stake as they have broken covenant with Him. It is a test of Moses’ leadership. Will he carry this people and intercede for them in spite of their sin? We must realize that we, like the Israelites, are awaiting a return and how we wait matters.
Jesus, here in the Sermon on the Mount, tells us how to live in the time of awaiting His coming again. The Beatitudes are a countercultural and almost counter-human way of life. They cut across our sinful desires and tell us of another way of living, not the way of the world, the way of revelry, but the way of mourning the way things are and hoping for what will be. The way of poverty of Spirit is the key to the riches of the kingdom now and in eternity. The way of mourning is the way of receiving comfort from the Lord, His presence. The way of meekness, not self-seeking, is the way to receiving from God. To recognize the deeper hunger and thirst of the soul is the key to satisfaction of the desires. Those who show mercy rather than seeking revenge will receive mercy from the Lord. The ones whose hearts are set on the Lord, and nothing else, will see Him. Those who seek peace are those who are truly God’s children, He seeks after peace as well. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are the ones who truly possess the kingdom of heaven which is based in righteousness, acting in accord with one’s beliefs or words.
Paul gives counsel on how to conduct ourselves rightly in primary relationships, spouses, children, and slaves to their employers and vice versa. Even in prison, Paul asks that they pray for him to have opportunities to share the Gospel. Our relationships with one another are a testimony to the Lord, and Paul reminds us that in all things we should remember that truth and conduct ourselves in all situations in ways that glorify Him. It is important that we wait well and bear fruit for Him. Yes, the waiting is the hardest part, but if we set our goal as bringing glory to Him, we make the best use of the time given to us.
I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.
Psalm 41,52; Exod. 32:1-20; Col 3:18-4:18; Matt. 5:1-10
As Moses delays coming down the mountain, the people get anxious. Has he died? Is he ever coming back? Has he forgotten them? Their confidence is gone and they set about the purpose of creating other gods to replace what seems to be lost. We need something in which to set our store and hopes for the future and so we are willing to create gods in spite of the reality that it is ridiculous to worship things we create or things created. They have also decided that it was Moses who delivered them and brought them up out of Egypt, not the Lord so it is fine to create these gods since Moses is really just a man after all. Moses’ time with the Lord on the mountain is interrupted by this scene and the Lord’s anger breaks out against His people. The survival of the nation is at stake as they have broken covenant with Him. It is a test of Moses’ leadership. Will he carry this people and intercede for them in spite of their sin? We must realize that we, like the Israelites, are awaiting a return and how we wait matters.
Jesus, here in the Sermon on the Mount, tells us how to live in the time of awaiting His coming again. The Beatitudes are a countercultural and almost counter-human way of life. They cut across our sinful desires and tell us of another way of living, not the way of the world, the way of revelry, but the way of mourning the way things are and hoping for what will be. The way of poverty of Spirit is the key to the riches of the kingdom now and in eternity. The way of mourning is the way of receiving comfort from the Lord, His presence. The way of meekness, not self-seeking, is the way to receiving from God. To recognize the deeper hunger and thirst of the soul is the key to satisfaction of the desires. Those who show mercy rather than seeking revenge will receive mercy from the Lord. The ones whose hearts are set on the Lord, and nothing else, will see Him. Those who seek peace are those who are truly God’s children, He seeks after peace as well. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are the ones who truly possess the kingdom of heaven which is based in righteousness, acting in accord with one’s beliefs or words.
Paul gives counsel on how to conduct ourselves rightly in primary relationships, spouses, children, and slaves to their employers and vice versa. Even in prison, Paul asks that they pray for him to have opportunities to share the Gospel. Our relationships with one another are a testimony to the Lord, and Paul reminds us that in all things we should remember that truth and conduct ourselves in all situations in ways that glorify Him. It is important that we wait well and bear fruit for Him. Yes, the waiting is the hardest part, but if we set our goal as bringing glory to Him, we make the best use of the time given to us.
I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
25 April 2010
Psalm 63,98; Exod. 28:1-4,30-38; 1 John 2:18-29; Mark 6:30-44
Moses is instructed in the garments Aaron and those who follow in the office of high priest will wear in the service of God. Here we see the “breastpiece of judgment” which was a pouch of sorts that had on its face twelve stones representing the twelve tribes, the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel. The pouch contained the Urim and Thummim and the truth is no one really knows what they looked like or how they were used in order to determine the will of God in crisis situations. The priest and the Lord were reminded that he represented all the nation when he performed his duties. The bells on the robe were so that all on the outside of the tent would know that he was still in the midst of his duties and had not died in the presence of the Lord, it was an assuring sign for the priest to live, not only for the priest but also for the people as he represented them in this service, not himself. The final piece on the headdress, the rosette, was a declaration to the Lord of the intentions of the people in this work, lest any of the preparations for ministry fail to please the Lord, this was the intention, holy to the Lord.
Jesus’ intention was to get away with the disciples yet the people wanted more and followed them to this “deserted place.” They have just been sent out on a mission of healing and proclamation and they are anxious to tell Jesus how it went and yet the mission was so successful that the people came with them. Jesus’ compassion for the people is great and so, even though it disrupted His plans, He teaches them until late in the day. Although the disciples have done great things on their mission, when Jesus suggests that they feed this multitude it never crosses anyone’s mind that they might be able to do so, suggesting they don’t have enough money and even if they did, where would they buy anything here. We tend to think the same way, even though God has done great things, in crisis we often doubt Him or never think He might have a plan as we consider our own alternatives.
It seems that Gnosticism has crept into the church here in this epistle. Gnosticism was/is a belief that salvation is from knowledge, a special revelation given to some that makes them the enlightened few. John assures his readers that they have knowledge and not just any knowledge, knowledge of truth. The content of that truth is plain and simple, Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God, and assures them that in this knowledge they, too, are anointed ones. We need not spend our time worrying about “the” antichrist, John says that what he means by that is those who deny the truth. Just as the high priest was to judge between the people in the Old Testament, so has John judged between people in the New Testament church, and judgment requires nothing more than the testimony of Jesus.
Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The LORD has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
Psalm 63,98; Exod. 28:1-4,30-38; 1 John 2:18-29; Mark 6:30-44
Moses is instructed in the garments Aaron and those who follow in the office of high priest will wear in the service of God. Here we see the “breastpiece of judgment” which was a pouch of sorts that had on its face twelve stones representing the twelve tribes, the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel. The pouch contained the Urim and Thummim and the truth is no one really knows what they looked like or how they were used in order to determine the will of God in crisis situations. The priest and the Lord were reminded that he represented all the nation when he performed his duties. The bells on the robe were so that all on the outside of the tent would know that he was still in the midst of his duties and had not died in the presence of the Lord, it was an assuring sign for the priest to live, not only for the priest but also for the people as he represented them in this service, not himself. The final piece on the headdress, the rosette, was a declaration to the Lord of the intentions of the people in this work, lest any of the preparations for ministry fail to please the Lord, this was the intention, holy to the Lord.
Jesus’ intention was to get away with the disciples yet the people wanted more and followed them to this “deserted place.” They have just been sent out on a mission of healing and proclamation and they are anxious to tell Jesus how it went and yet the mission was so successful that the people came with them. Jesus’ compassion for the people is great and so, even though it disrupted His plans, He teaches them until late in the day. Although the disciples have done great things on their mission, when Jesus suggests that they feed this multitude it never crosses anyone’s mind that they might be able to do so, suggesting they don’t have enough money and even if they did, where would they buy anything here. We tend to think the same way, even though God has done great things, in crisis we often doubt Him or never think He might have a plan as we consider our own alternatives.
It seems that Gnosticism has crept into the church here in this epistle. Gnosticism was/is a belief that salvation is from knowledge, a special revelation given to some that makes them the enlightened few. John assures his readers that they have knowledge and not just any knowledge, knowledge of truth. The content of that truth is plain and simple, Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God, and assures them that in this knowledge they, too, are anointed ones. We need not spend our time worrying about “the” antichrist, John says that what he means by that is those who deny the truth. Just as the high priest was to judge between the people in the Old Testament, so has John judged between people in the New Testament church, and judgment requires nothing more than the testimony of Jesus.
Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The LORD has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
24 April 2010
Psalm 30, 32; Exod. 25:1-22; Col. 3:1-17; Matt. 4:18-25
The purpose of the sanctuary is that God may dwell among His people and they are to make it according to his exact specifications. He provides the materials list and the precise instructions for how things are to be made, no detail is overlooked in these directions. The mercy seat, overshadowed by the cherubim, is the place where God will meet the representative of the people to give the commandments. In the mercy seat are to be placed initially the commandments, and the commands are sealed by the lid. The judgments of God are covered by the mercy of God, a requirement of dealing with sinful humanity if there is to be a covenant.
Things begin moving quickly as Jesus calls disciples to follow and they respond in obedience to His call and then the healings and miraculous signs begin. It didn’t take long for Jesus to attract a crowd based on His works among them. John’s work of preparing the people to receive Messiah had not been in vain, his message had been heard, received and believed. The people were prepared for the coming of the one of whom John spoke. Jesus’ works convinced them that He was the One and they were willing to follow. (At least for the time being.)
As John prepared the people for the coming of God in the Messiah, so is Paul preparing people for the coming of God by imploring them to look towards the heavenly things. The call is to live as those whose lives are no longer set on earthly passions and desires but to be set upon the things above. Ultimately what Paul is saying is love God, love your neighbor and then gives us the sense of those commands, how to live them out practically by putting to death the desires of the flesh by setting our minds on Christ, loving God with all that is within us, and by clothing ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” and bearing with one another and forgiving one another. We are to show what it means for a people to live as much as we are able according to God’s command and reveal what His kingdom looks like. That injunction should make us a people of prayer and be thankful for the Holy Spirit who makes it possible for such a life to even be a possibility.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
Psalm 30, 32; Exod. 25:1-22; Col. 3:1-17; Matt. 4:18-25
The purpose of the sanctuary is that God may dwell among His people and they are to make it according to his exact specifications. He provides the materials list and the precise instructions for how things are to be made, no detail is overlooked in these directions. The mercy seat, overshadowed by the cherubim, is the place where God will meet the representative of the people to give the commandments. In the mercy seat are to be placed initially the commandments, and the commands are sealed by the lid. The judgments of God are covered by the mercy of God, a requirement of dealing with sinful humanity if there is to be a covenant.
Things begin moving quickly as Jesus calls disciples to follow and they respond in obedience to His call and then the healings and miraculous signs begin. It didn’t take long for Jesus to attract a crowd based on His works among them. John’s work of preparing the people to receive Messiah had not been in vain, his message had been heard, received and believed. The people were prepared for the coming of the one of whom John spoke. Jesus’ works convinced them that He was the One and they were willing to follow. (At least for the time being.)
As John prepared the people for the coming of God in the Messiah, so is Paul preparing people for the coming of God by imploring them to look towards the heavenly things. The call is to live as those whose lives are no longer set on earthly passions and desires but to be set upon the things above. Ultimately what Paul is saying is love God, love your neighbor and then gives us the sense of those commands, how to live them out practically by putting to death the desires of the flesh by setting our minds on Christ, loving God with all that is within us, and by clothing ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” and bearing with one another and forgiving one another. We are to show what it means for a people to live as much as we are able according to God’s command and reveal what His kingdom looks like. That injunction should make us a people of prayer and be thankful for the Holy Spirit who makes it possible for such a life to even be a possibility.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
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