As we talked about last week, there really is no shortcut to feeding on His Word every single day and being prepared, at any given moment, to speak those words to others. I wonder if we read like that — with such utter urgency, dependence, and expectancy?
If I were to say it succinctly: Our words will fail us, His words will not.
To that end, I was recently encouraged to form a daily practice of writing down one verse a day from my Bible reading, along with a few notes of devotion or application — to ensure I was feasting as I ate and not just picking at the edges of such a grand buffet.
“Feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you. So I ate.” (Ezekiel 3:3)
Below you’ll find my daily entries. I will continue to add new verses to the top as I go, so check back often. My hope is that by sharing my exercise, you’ll be inspired to “feed your belly and fill your stomach” from the Word every day as well.
Repenting and rejoicing,
Derek
P.S. I’m still publishing my longer-form letters only in print, so join the list if you’d like to receive those (about one a month). I’ve also made PDF copies available online if you’d prefer to print them out yourselves.
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“He delivered me because He delighted in me.” 2 Sam. 22:20, Ps. 18:19
Such a wonderful truth that it becomes quite challenging to consistently accept and embrace it.
Spurgeon’s words on this verse are worth reading, “ Free grace lies at the foundation. Rest assured, if we go deep enough, sovereign grace is the truth which lies at the bottom of every well of mercy. Deep sea fisheries in the ocean of divine bounty always bring the pearls of electing, discriminating love to light. Why Jehovah should delight in us, is an answerless question, and a mystery which angels cannot solve. But that he does delight in his beloved is certain, and is the fruitful root of favors as numerous as they are precious.
Believer, sit down, and inwardly digest the instructive sentence now before us, and learn to view the uncaused love of God as the cause of all the loving-kindness of which we are the partakers.”
“If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both [the ark] and His dwelling place. But if He says thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” 2 Sam. 15:25-26
We may call this trust put to the test, trust not dependent on favor, nor even the result. Trust in the hands of One who may slay him. Trust that rises up from a confession that He is worthy of it, and all our praises, at all times, and in every season. He is good, as are His ways, therefore, “let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” May this likewise be our confession.
“And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more.” 2 Sam. 12:8
May we make our requests directly to the Lord, who is generous, and not take matters into our own hands, which leads to greed, vengeance, covetousness, and all manner of evil. Have we exhausted the Lord’s supply, or found the edges of His compassion? Then why all the warring and fighting, lusting for what you do not have instead of asking? Let us search our hearts on this matter.
“And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” 2 Sam. 10:12
In the preparation may we be precise. In the day of battle, may we not draw back. In the task at hand, may we have a right heart, flowing out in right action — service to others, courage for God, and a working to provide for our household, as unto the Lord. Let all these things be so, diligently, and let none of these sit undone, neglected, scorned for lack of interest, laziness, or an abundance of pride. Prayer is not meant to excuse such behavior.
Rather, having done all to stand, stand therefore in the armor of God, clothed in the splendor of His might, which is His will poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants. And in such standing, we may say kneeling as well as we bend our will to His, we bow our preferences, and align our satisfaction to that which comes from His hand, “May the Lord do what is good in His sight.”
Our valor is our duty, yet it in no way, “binds Him to prosper us, but that He may do as He pleases, yet hoping for His salvation in His own way and time.” (Matthew Henry)
“She has done what she could.” Mark 14:8
The desired tombstone inscription of a woman named Gladys who I read about in the book, ‘Kingdoms of Conflict.’ May it also be said of each one of us, not from our own mouths, but through the witness of another, “He has done what he could,” “She has done what she could.” It may not have been much in comparison, but let it be all that we have, and thus very costly. Reckless and wasteful to come observers. Yet necessary in our offering (2 Sam. 24:24) and precious in the sight of the Lord, upon whose feet we pour it out, even upon the least of these. (Matt. 25:40)
“So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” 2 Sam. 5:12
May we also operate with such fear, certainty, and submission to both the will and timing of God. David could look back and say the Lord had done this work, not me, and not even for me, but for His glory and the good of His people, Israel. May we not raise a complaining, impatient voice, nor a defiant hand against fleshly opposition, but instead, quietly wait for the sure hope of the Lord to come to pass, for He will bring it to bear at exactly the right time.
“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Sail grew weaker and weaker.” 2 Sam. 3:1
There are hints of an end times reference in this verse. The anointed had been done, the death blow to Saul had been struck, yet still a long war until all enemies put under David’s feet. Regardless of the delay, do not fear, for the house of David grows stronger and the house of Saul weaker.
“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Sam. 30:6
Personally greatly distressed. The souls of all the people grieved. None even had power left to weep. Some suggested lashing out in despair, an act of violence towards the one they held responsible. With his own life at risk, and physical energy exhausted, David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Notice the possessive pronoun. Notice the nearness it implies. He had no confidence in an idea or entity, but in his God, One whom he knew and loved, and was known and loved and seen by, especially in this darkest moment.
“For the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand…because you did not obey…nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek.” 1 Sam. 28:17-18
Such a sentence for a single sin, and no room left for repentance or mercy? Such a judgment may seem harsh in our eyes, but only because we do not grasp the severity of sin nor the holiness of God. As well, a single sin does not float on the wind, appearing from nowhere to strike. Instead, it grows, on the inside, in dark places, where the light of truth does not shine, nor do we want it to shine. There sin grows strong and eventually bears fruit. First, a heart of disobedience, “you did not obey.” Next comes blatant rebellion, “nor execute.”
“Now the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was one full year and four months.” 1 Sam. 27:7
Anointed by God through the prophet. Loved by both the common and the royal. Feared by his enemies. And still he waits — one full year and four months. Can any of us be in a hurry for the exact right timing of the Lord? Who of us has more claim to a speedier answer than this man? Let us not demand a right that is not ours to demand, but instead learn obedience and Godly fear through the patient endurance of a trusting soul.
“And everyone who was in distress…in debt…and discontented gathered to him.” 1 Sam. 22:2
And who will Christ gather unto Himself? Not many wise, mighty, or noble are called. Not those who love their money, the world, or the things of the world. For these have no need of a Savior. They want and then take. Desire and go and possess. These have their reward in this life. Yet no so with others. The weak, foolish, and base ones. Those who labor and are heavy laden, called babes, infants, little children. When the mighty guests cordially decline the invitation, asking to be excused, the master, being angry, sends his servants out to “bring in here the poor, and the maimed, and the lame and the blind.” (Luke 11:21)
Of these distressed, indebted, and discontented ones, it is said David, “became captain over them.” Despised by the world, finding a place of glory next to the Lord’s anointed. May we be so blessed.
Now, to us gathered, He says, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” (John 6:12) For, “Still there is room,” and still the call goes out to any who would be distressed, indebted, and discontented enough to leave all else behind, not loving their lives unto death, to follow a better Captain. Therefore, “Go…and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 11:22-23)
“And the Philistine said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” 1 Samuel 17:10
Under the leadership of a man who viewed life through the lens of external appearance and physical resources, the Israelites once again (see 1 Sam. 13:6) found themselves, “dismayed and greatly afraid.” (v. 11) Therefore, this new, better King, could not live according to the same principles, nor certainly be chosen by these criteria, “for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)
Now we have David, anointed and full of the Spirit of the Lord, surveying the battlefield with eyes opened to understand. No longer numbering or strategizing, for this no physical altercation. This was spiritual, played out in the flesh. One who defied, cursed, and taunted with sword and spear. And another, weaker in stature, unimpressive in comparison, who refused to trust in his own strength, saying instead, “The Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (v. 47)
Thus God was vindicated, and thus all the earth knew that there is a God in Israel. We are no David, and the true Goliath has already been defeated, but still let us imitate the fight, the method, and the faith.
How have we picked our champion? Where does our help come from? Which weapons do we perfect in order to wield them skillfully? Whose name do we go out with? What is our cause? The source of our offense?
When do we find ourselves trembling, dismayed, and when does our confidence remain unshaken? And lastly, our boast. What is its subject, where is our trust, who deserves the praise, and where have we felt the pride of deserved accolades and past successes well up within us?
All Israel gathered in the valley for battle under the name of the Lord. They all had the show of religion. Only one fought as if it were God Himself who would take the field, show forth His strength, and take off the head and boast of the enemy. Let us likewise fight in this manner.
“Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel.”
1 Samuel 13:19
None skilled in the craft of forging a fire and sharpening their own blade, whether for fighting or farming. Instead, they paid others to do the work, and even enemies at that. And perhaps in a time of peace this went unnoticed — a time saver, division of labor, plenty to go around — but not in the time of war, “so it came about, on the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of many of the people.”
The enemy strategically created this gap, putting an arm’s length between the tool and the sharpening of that tool, therefore, while they still held fork and plow and axe, none knew how to sharpen for the day of battle, none could wield. On the surface, Israel presented as a numerous army, yet in the day of testing, the lack of proper weaponry and preparation led to to trembling, fainting, and hiding “in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits.” (v. 6)
Let us pray, “Teach our hands to make war, so that our arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Sam. 22:35) That we may be ready in the day of battle and that it may never be said of our land in our time, there was no blacksmith to be found.
“that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9
Our union with Christ is far more real than we realize.
“…holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people….” 2 Timothy 3:1-9
It is quite evident when there is godliness absent of power. It is all form and no substance, the hollowness shows through. For strength, they turn to love, yet the objects of affection are all imitation — self, money, pleasure. All of these they love in the name of God, without actually being lovers of God Himself.
This shell of godliness can only go so far — they will not make any further progress because emptiness catches up to them, and in time their foolishness will be clear to all. Avoid these people.
Hard times led them here, and they bring hard times wherever they go. Foolishness holds them captive, and they take captive the gullible, those who would rather be deceived than set free. At every turn, they resist the truth, and thus can never take hold of the truth. We, instead, have been taken hold of by the truth, and thus we love the truth more than the lie.
One is all form, ours is all power. What fellowship can light have with darkness? Therefore, avoid these people.
“You will eat but not be satisfied, for there will be hunger within you.” Micah 6:4
We may be thankful for the bread at our evening meal, but what of the abatement of hunger at the eating of that bread? In a very real sense, our stomach ached, we felt strength begin to wane, and then, upon eating, the pain left and energy returned. We are able to say, “I ate and I was satisfied.” And then we may add, “because He has allowed and ordained it to be so. Praise God for His mercy.”
Now, do not stop there. For the same One who designed you to eat and be satisfied, though your physical hunger returns day after day, also beckons, “Eat and be satisfied, drink and be filled, that you may once and for all deal with the hunger within you.”
The hunger within? Yes, the emptiness, the humiliation, the drive for more combined with never enough. No earthly bread can touch this hunger, though men certainly try, not realizing this is the judgment, “I have begun to strike you severely,” and, “You will eat but not be satisfied.” Why? They have loved darkness rather than light, the created things (food and drink even) more than the Creator. He stands, “Come, eat of My body, drink of My blood, never hunger or thirst again.” They reply, “I would rather labor for the food that perishes.” And so, perish they will, down to the place where eternally they will eat but not be satisfied, for there will be a hunger within them.
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2
1/ Our God is a god of mystery and secrets. To Him belongs the deep and hidden things.
2/ So much so, that anything we know about Him, He has had to reveal to us. We would know nothing if He did not choose to disclose it. Thus it is the glory of God to conceal a matter.
3/ Certain things are hidden, not to be disclosed in this life. These belong solely to God and to explore those depths is to tread where no man should go. Other things are hidden in order to be found. These are the matters of which it is said, “It is the glory of kinds to search,” them out.
4/ Search is described in the Scriptures as seeking, inquiring, asking, buying, etc.
5/ And in many cases, these types of searching are accompanied by descriptors implying totality, desperation, persistence, and with all we have, as in, “You will search for Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
6/ This searching can at times feel endless and exhausting, and we may grow tempted to despair. Therefore, alongside the call to seek must also continually be put God’s promises of finding, “And I will be found by You, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:14
Thus, it is truly, “The glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
“Pay attention, and listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge.” Proverbs 22:17
It is no great mystery about how to grow in your knowledge of God through the Scriptures, and yet so many would have you believe otherwise. For our purpose today, though I could, I am not speaking of false teachers, puffed up in their own knowledge, claiming access to the secret realm. Instead, I am addressing the individual, the one who professes to believe and yet cannot find the time, nor the interest to read, beyond a handful of scurried minutes here, and a passing glance at a religious object there (be it a spiritually themed TV show, short sermon snippet, inspirational quote, or any other already digested tidbit that happens across their path). These “here and there” believers all wear the banner of Christ, without ever developing an appetite for His words. And when pressed on the matter, there is little apology, instead a defensive, “I’m no good at reading and even when I do read, it doesn’t make sense.”
I wonder how many have chosen to make their bed here? Far too many, I am certain. Here is the remedy to such a condition. It is a universal cure, good for all men, at all times, in all places. Do you desire to know God, that you may love and trust Him more? Then here is what you must do:
Pay attention — incline your ear. Stop looking elsewhere, do not allow your mind to wander. Put all your focus in this one place.
Listen to the words of the wise — that is the Scriptures. They are your food and your life and “it is pleasant to keep them deep within you, to have them ready on your lips.” Yet the words do no good lying on the ground in pieces or crumpled and thrown into the corner. They must be listened to in such a way that they are heard. Pray for your eyes, ears, heart, and mind to be opened to this more pleasant way.
Apply your heart to my knowledge — that is to say Christ, for He is the embodiment of wisdom, and in Him all the fullness of the godhead bodily dwells. Here is a vast reservoir of knowledge, without bottom or shore. Apply your heart to it. Do not keep it in your head only, nor at a distance, telling it to come this close, but no closer. Instead, tie it to your heart and fix the other end around the horns of the altar as you offer the best of you and the whole of you to Him as a living sacrifice. Here is a prayer and posture the Lord will not despise.
Be cold no longer, nor distant. Instead, “pay attention, listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge…so that your confidence may [once and for all] be in the Lord.”
“When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.’” Mark 9:25
What good is a departed spirit, if it simply returns seven times stronger? You’ve been delivered? Very good, but have you been set free? “Never…again!”
“Righteousness guards people of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.” Proverbs 13:6
The sinner demands control and freedom in order to pursue the way that seems most right to them. Yet their desires betray them. What they pictured for good, actually leads to harm. Where they dared venture to go, took them farther than they ever intended. Wickedness is its own master, loyal to no one else, and while it may act as your fellow companion for a certain portion of the journey, its partnership was always self-serving, and in the end, the sinner will be overthrown.
This is not to excuse the sinner, nor to paint them as victim in this scenario, it is simply to call attention to the fact that the wounds from a lifestyle of wickedness are self-inflicted, brought upon yourself, and all too often, extended to those around you whom you claim to love. Therefore, be warned by wisdom — wickedness undermines the sinner, while righteousness guards people of integrity.
“The LORD says, ‘Peace, peace to the one who is far or near, and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its water churns up mire and muck.’
‘There is no peace for the wicked,’ says my God.” Is. 57:19-21
There is a ‘Peace, Peace,’ that bids us come, no matter our condition, the choices we’ve made, our economic state, or how far or near we may feel to our Creator, come and be healed. We may call this the offer of true peace.
Then there is a false “Peace, peace,” that promises what it cannot deliver and sends away with a warm feeling, all while leaving the underlying disease untreated. True peace calls us to come and die to be healed. False peace assures there’s no need for that. All will be well, no change is required, go on your way and look no more into this matter.
True peace comes from the Lord through Christ, who came to save, heal, and set free all who come to Him for life. False peace comes from the imagination of the human heart and the deception of the evil one, therefore it cannot heal and all who drink of its poison are like the storm-tossed sea, unable to be still, as its water churns up mire and muck. Thus we may confidently say — there is no peace for the wicked.
There is peace for the righteous, that is to say, whoever comes and drinks freely of the water of Christ shall have life more abundantly and joy forevermore.
“I will make each of My mountains a road, and My highways shall be elevated.” Is. 49:11
Every obstacle not only laid low but also formed and fashioned into a pathway. No longer a finding my own way through, instead He is calling to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves!” (49:9) Now, to the liberated, to those healed and set free, He says, ‘This is the way, walk in it.”
And as you travel My pathway, it shall be as a highway to you, elevated from the cares of the world, separated unto Myself, and free from the anxious distractions that so easily ensnare. This higher way will be seen from every corner of the earth — they “will come from far away, from the north and from the west,” (49:12) to travel the King’s Highway, not turning to the “right hand or the left hand until they have passed through.” (Num. 20:17) The highway is exalted and thus those who walk it eventually find themselves exalted as well.
Therefore, “Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.” (49:13)
Matthew 24:16, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:21 “Flee to the mountains.”
“Flee to the mountains.” What is it a call to and for? Who should it be heeded by and when? If insisted that this command was both specifically directed to those living at the time it was written, while also remaining as an ongoing applicable warning (as I do), then what lessons can be drawn for our day?
First, there are times to fight and times to flee. To insist on making a stand, when the call is to flee, is not faith, but rather disobedience and a tempting of God. Second, while fleeing is sometimes our duty, yet it does not excuse us from further duty along the way, while there, and in the future. The duty is always there, wherever we find ourselves, whatever our hands find to do, work with all your heart as unto the Lord. There will be work to do upon your mountaintop. It is a refuge, and not an excuse for laziness or to take up our ease.
Third, we must conclude there is wisdom in the command. It comes from God and therefore is wise, even as it may challenge our perceptions of success, influence, strength, bravery, duty, and the like. Fourth, the danger must be great, beyond our ability, and to take any other course of action is to our own ruin. We are prone to overconfidence, whether in the name of faith or an exaggeration of our power. Yet this foe that we flee from is beyond us, the situation beyond redemption, the deception too tempting and persuasive. We may think ourselves beyond the reach of false christs and false gospels, and while this is true in God’s commitment to our preservation, it also depends on our reliance on the means He has ordained for our preservation, namely, obedience in faith. And in this case, obedience (and thus God’s means for our preservation) looks like — fleeing to the mountains.
Fifth, great discernment is required, lest we flee prematurely and be found in service not to God but to our own sins — fear, worry, anxiety, speculation, personal preference, and the like. Those who tend towards extremism or who prefer solitude to society are especially at risk here. Yet, the promise remains, we are not ignorant to the schemes of the devil and we are able to discern the will of God, and both of these only because He has granted us the Spirit to help, lead, guide, and comfort.
Sixth, forget not that even in these moments, God’s sovereign plans and purposes are coming to pass and thus, even in fleeing to the mountains, it is for our good and His glory and by His intricate, wonderful, and eternal design. Be it to refine our faith, expose hypocrisy, sift the wheat from the chaff, leave even more without excuse, or show forth His ability to preserve even in the direst of circumstances, we dare not presume to know the mind of God perfectly, but we can trust Him completely. This is not beyond Him and in fact, He has meant it for good.
Seventh, wrath is no longer intended for the children of God, that vengeful punishment being borne and swallowed whole, drunk to the dregs by Christ on our behalf (to Him be all the praise and glory). Yet, wrath is what you may bring upon yourself if you align with those who are found opposing God. As said previously, do not think yourself beyond deception, nor take lightly the wrath of God coming upon the sons of disobedience — for, unexpectedly and perhaps you will say unintentionally, you may yield submission to the gospel, shipwreck your faith, fall away beyond recovery, and thus face the terrible wrath without mediator or hope of relief (for there is no other sacrifice for sins). Therefore, let us carefully heed the warning and keep watch for the signs, that immediately, and without delay (for delay signifies a secret love for the world) we may make haste to flee to the mountains.
James 1:3 “The testing of your faith produces endurance.”
You have need of endurance? Of course you do, because it is only the one who endures to the end who will be saved. To gain something so precious then, why do you complain about the cost or the means? Instead, “count it all joy,” knowing that this testing produces endurance. And this testing, along with joyful reaction, is not foreign to the Scriptures, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” “blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake,” “so they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were county worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Matt. 5:10, Luke 6:22, Acts 5:41) In fact, suffering and poor treatment are so central that we must call them a requirement for those who truly believe, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe, but also to suffer for His sake.” (Phil. 1:29) “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12) Therefore we can count it all joy knowing not only what it produces, but also what it implies — our heavenly adoption and citizenship.
Isaiah 14:24 “The LORD of Armies has sworn: As I have purposed, so it will be; As I have planned it, so it will happen.”
Evildoers, flee! But where will you go that is away from the LORD’s reach? Is there cave deep enough to hide or mountain high so as to escape? What if you took on wings and flew, never again setting your feet on the ground? Still He is there. Still He sees. Still He has sworn and still His word holds true and will not be moved. “As I have purposed, so it will be. As I have planned, so it will happen.” Evildoer, where can you find safety? Take notice of the righteous — for in time of trouble, they flee to His arms. In plenty or poverty, they run to Him. In every season, they are His, held by Him who called to them. As He has purposed and planned so it will happen, and of these righteous it is said, He, “will Himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.” And to this, the righteous reply, “To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11) So let the wicked, the lawless, the sinner, the lost, the evildoer resist no longer, for as He has purposed, so it will be. Instead, notice the righteous, see the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth, and as they look to Jesus, so must you look. As they run to Him, so must you run. As they hear Him when He calls, so you, if you hear His voice today, do not harden your heart, but call back to Him, “Have mercy on me!” For there is no other name by which men are saved and whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
1 Peter 4:15 “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.”
Let none of you be found with hate in your heart towards another, or taking whatever you want by whatever means seem best to you in the moment, or living according to lawlessness, casting off the restraint of God’s commands, and/or the rules of the land you find yourself in. (Though you are in Christ, you are not above the law) Lastly, do not spend your precious days, words, and thoughts, getting involved as a busybody in other people’s matters. These matters do not concern you and in fact, to meddle is to cause great harm to yourself and others. For all of these things, if you do partake in them, you will bring suffering upon yourself, but not the sufferings of Christ, nothing joyful, glorious, or blessed by the Spirit of glory and God resting on you. Instead, it is suffering according to the lusts of men and the will of the Gentiles — those who remain as “a beast before You,” knowing only the blind following of human desire, but nothing of the will of God. (Ps. 73:22) Let us not suffer in such a way.
Titus 2:15 “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.”
First, we have a command to speak, not stay silent. Second, our speaking must be of two types: exhortation and rebuke. Exhortation — to encourage, but not from a place of distant superiority, rather it’s a call to our side, to join us where we are, imitating Christ, with comforting instruction. Rebuke — through confrontation, to expose fault to the light, and, if necessary, to bring correction and/or punishment, yet always with the purpose of “gaining your brother” and rescuing them from the snare of sin and the lies of the deceivers, “whose mouths must be stopped.”
Third, we are to speak with all authority. Not of our own, nor even from the position we’ve been given. Not drawing on our strength, nor wielding a weapon of retaliation. Instead, there is only one authority that gives us sufficient ground to speak with all authority, Jesus Christ, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mat. 28:18) Go therefore, speak therefore, teach therefore, etc. In this way then, our authority is conditional. It is not, “since we have all authority and that right is irrevocably ours, speak, exhort, rebuke! And let no one despise us for it either!” No, it must be more accurately stated as such, “Speak these things that are written, God’s very words, for the words have power. These words are irrevocably true. Do and teach only what is written. For these words carry all authority. Let no one despise us for speaking them.”
Fourth, a question, what are these things and do we still speak them? It begins here, Jesus Christ, “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14) And this giving of Himself for such a specific purpose is, “the grace of God that brings salvation to all men.” (2:11) Not salvation at some point, not a ticket into heaven when we die, not a teaching that informs the mind but never impacts the heart, body, or soul. This salvation sets us free to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.” (2:12) Therefore, we have all authority to encourage such holy behavior as this — be reverent, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in patience. Therefore, we likewise have all authority to rebuke unholy conduct — slanderers, slaves to much wine, ungodliness, and worldly lusts. You bristle at this demand to purity? Then we must ask, do you despise this salvation? Treating it as just another trinket to carry along during your short stay on this earth. “One of many interesting things I’ve found along the way,” you proclaim.
If this is your perspective, you are sorely mistaken, “for the redemption of their souls is costly,” and, “none can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him.” (Ps. 49:7-8) How costly is this redemption? “The life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the alter to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” (Lev. 17:11) This perfect, sinless blood of Jesus was shed, “one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Heb. 9:26) The Psalmist laments, “none can by any means redeem his brother.” Christ, speaking through this same Psalmist a few verses later declares, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.” (Ps. 49:15) That Jesus might be “the firstborn among many brethren,” and redeem us, His brethren, “from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
Let us never stop speaking these things!
2 Timothy 1:8 “…according to the power of God,”
According to the power of God, share with me in the sufferings for the gospel. According to the power of God, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. For this message we proclaim, as heralds of the good news, has always been foolishness carried about in “earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Cor. 4:7) Do not let shame (as so many these days shy away from the clear teaching of Scripture because it is offensive, or they realize, they ‘can no longer defend the God of the Old Testament,’ etc.) or the desire to avoid sufferings cause you to proclaim a different message or to change your methods so as to carry it about in something more fashionable, impressive, or predictable (there are few things the flesh loves more than to devise a strategy, count the growth, and take the credit). Remember, this is the gospel according to the power of God, and not of men, lest anyone should boast.
1 Timothy 6:11-12, 14-15 “Flee…pursue…fight…take hold…until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in His own time.”
Notice two things: the emphasis and the extremely active verbs. First, the emphasis. Paul begins, “But you, man of God,” and then proceeds with his list, “Flee, pursue, fight, take hold.” As for you, man, here is what you are to focus on. These are the things that concern you and which should occupy your time, attention, energy, and focus. Don’t neglect any of them! And then he switches — I’ve told you, man, what to observe, and now, as for the appearing of Jesus, “God will bring this about in His own time.” God takes care of this. It is His focus, His realm, His area of concern, and He does not share this task with anyone else. Where is the emphasis placed then? As it relates to the timing of Christ’s return — God. On pursuing godliness without fault or failure until He returns — man. Oh how the urge to speculate, to argue over times and seasons, and to fall in love with quarrels seems to take over the emphasis for some. They develop an obsession with disputes and arguments over words and with such an unhealthy interest in irreverent and empty speech their minds are said to be depraved and deprived of the truth. Where do you place your emphasis, friend? On the tantalizing mental exercise of when, where, and in what order? Or on the unrelenting, non-glamorous work of perfecting godliness with contentment?
Second, the extremely active verbs. You are convinced now of the emphasis to be placed on godliness? Excellent. Yet, you must be warned, this is no passive affair, nor certainly a place for the casual observer. While some would imagine Christianity as an arena, with the court reserved for the professionals, and the stage for the performers, while the rest take a comfortable seat in the stands, elbowing each other to ensure they have the best view of the proceedings, Paul paints an entirely different picture. Faith is a fight! You must flee from evil, run with all your might away from dangers that carry eternal consequences — chief among them, the love of money. Flee quickly, don’t linger, don’t dabble, don’t assume yourself able to pull back at the last minute, no, get out of there now! But we must not run simply to hide, rather let us pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Pursue these in such a way as to compete, to win a prize, and to overtake them, even as “Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite,” for he would not yield, saying, “‘Whatever happens, let me run.’” (2 Samuel 18:23) Run to obtain these precious gifts and to take hold of eternal life. True, you were called by God, and yes, you’ve made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses, but place no supreme confidence in these to hold you fast. For it is written, only the one who endures to the end will be saved. So, as for you, man or woman of God, flee, pursue, fight, and take hold!
1 Timothy 5:21 “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice.”
Paul solemnly charges Timothy to observe these things without prejudice, that is, to be careful to do them as the Scriptures outline — not conforming to popular opinion nor yielding to the obstinate who insist on their preferred standard, refusing to give in to the vocal critics or the passionately gifted who seek an exception, and certainly not bowing at the feet of the god of pragmatism, the altar where adjustments are made and preference is given to the practical, palatable, and reasonable. “Hold fast, keep this charge!” he seems to be saying, “for God and the Lord Jesus and even the elect angels will be watching should you ever compromise, be it for the reasons already mentioned, or for the sake of something so temporary and trivial as money, looking past an offense simply because it was committed by the rich and well-connected. Guard yourself, lest, whatever the underlying motivation, you grow so ashamed of the true commands that you no longer teach or practice them.”
These words may seem to describe an extreme situation, but where could we go today to see a people governed by elders, good leaders worthy of double honor, who command, “If anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”? Or who keep a careful eye on who is and who is not supported financially by the church, knowing some widows are genuinely in need and others we must refuse to enroll — because if care is provided for a widow who should have been refused, it actually gives the adversary an opportunity to accuse, creates a risk of condemnation, and ultimately burdens the church. Where could we go today to witness such things being carefully observed, not just in word, but also in deed?
Why does all of this matter so much? Because sin crouches at the congregation’s door, seeking whom it may devour. For some, it has already found a home and now shows its fruit in obvious ways. These, we are told to, “rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” For others, the sin already crept in remains momentarily unnoticed by the rest. Observing these commands, conforming to the Scriptures without prejudice or partiality, will draw these secret sins out so that, as they surface, they can be promptly rebuked, repented of, and run from. So that forgiveness, cleansing, and purity will reign in the body, rather than rampant disobedience. So that times of refreshing can once again come from the presence of the Lord.
Now, two questions must be addressed, first, who would willingly give themselves to such a fellowship — knowing the trust that would be required and the potential for abuse? Only those who have tasted the fear of the Lord and the importance of authority, and who recognize that in many ways, to submit to God’s established and appointed order is akin to submitting to Christ Himself. And second, how few would desire to lead with such responsibility? — being keenly aware at all hours of the watch, this is no easy job, no regular career, not a profession to be entered into lightly, instead, “let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1) We must pray for such humble, sober-minded, and reverent laborers to be called, raised up, and sent out into the harvest through the non-hasty laying on of hands.
Seeing such a great (some would say impossible) task in front of us, let us remind ourselves, therefore, lest we stumble down the hill of reasonableness. The Church is no mere belief system, community group, or social club we enter into, it is The Way to New Life. Membership is only obtained through exchange — mine for Thine. And the gathering together, in love and unity, of these ransomed ones now stands as the pillar and foundation of The Truth in the midst of a wicked and rebellious generation. Will the God of the word defend and honor His word? Yes, but will we take Him at His word, believing as we pray, waiting for His supernatural intervention? Is He who promised still able to perform? Certainly, but do we still judge Him faithful who had promised?
Let us never forget the solemn charge to observe these things.
1 Timothy 4:15 “Meditate on these things…”
While some modern translations use the word practice instead of meditate — in order to emphasize action over contemplation — the Greek word here is meletaō, “to take care of (by implication) revolve in the mind; imagine, (pre-)meditate.” (Strong’s) There is a strong connection between mind and body, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” yet the link is not always clear, nor in right order.
1. Not clear. Why do you do the things you do — giving preference to, saying yes and making time in certain areas, but not to others? You may have never thought so deeply about your motives and where they come from — the thoughts and beliefs (let’s call them meditations) that drive your actions. You may profess to be a person of independence and yet upon closer inspection, you see you are in fact controlled. Controlled by these meditations, it’s just never been clear to you until now.
2. Nor in right order. These are those whose deepest thoughts come after the fact. They react, living spontaneously in each moment, driven by emotion, logic, reason, though we can lump all of these into one overarching category — the flesh. Their, “god is their belly,” and they, “set their mind on earthly things.” (Phil. 3:19)
Paul encourages us to avoid both such mistakes. How? First, by setting our mind to ponder, mull over, and give complete attention to these things, taking great pains and going to great lengths to meditate upon them. Second, and in this order as well, by giving ourselves entirely to them. Don’t stop at wonder, rather exercise mind, body, soul, and spirit to these truths and to this faith. It must be fully lived. He is saying, “be glad, Timothy, to ‘spend and be spent,’ for their souls and for this gospel.” Third, lest we deceive ourselves with a perceived internal spirituality (for it is all too possible to think ourselves one thing when in fact we are another completely), we must meditate and give ourselves entirely, “so that your progress will be evident to all.” Not just the close inspectors, or the ones who truly know us best, but to all. And it must be more than an initial evidence of holiness or a sprinkling of sporadic Christian fruit. It must be evident as progress.
Finally, let us look at what is meant by progress and the things we are to progress in. Progress is advancement, a climbing trajectory, an increase over time, and a positive return on our labors. It is a growth in grace, knowledge (which is far different than intellect), faith, hope, and love, not to mention such practical areas as speech, conduct, and purity. Has your current spirituality led to this kind of progress? And are you diligent in your meditation and your giving yourself entirely, so that this kind of progress could be seen by all? So that all who observe might be strengthened, challenged, encouraged, saved? Truly then, with so much at stake, let us meditate on these things.
1 Timothy 3:1 “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.”
It does not say, if anyone obtains the office, simply if they aspire to it. Where is the nobility? In the aspiration. Here is our first examination then: Do we view nobility in the same way — placing it not just on those who hold the office, but also on those who aspire to it? Now let us look more closely at our word aspire, for while in English it may mean little more than wishes and dreams, in Greek the picture is profound, “To stretch one’s self out in order to touch or grasp something.” (Strong’s) One who is stretched out finds themselves in a vulnerable position, fully extended, forsaking safety for the chance to touch or grasp their prize. To stretch out is to be all in, holding nothing back, driven and determined by the goal, knowing it may come at a great cost. Putting it back in context, the one who aspires to be an overseer, stretches themselves out just for the chance to one day touch or grasp this sacred office.
This same picture is used in two other places in the Scripture. First, those with faith are said to stretch themselves out as, “they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” (Heb. 11:16) And conversely, those who have “strayed from the faith,” stretch themselves out in greediness and covetousness, always aspiring to touch that which they do not have — a work leading to many sorrows, “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10) Here is our second examination: where do we find ourselves stretching out? What is that object which we must have above all others and for which we will sell all we have just for the chance to one day touch or grasp it? And for young men especially, those full of drive, grit, and ambition, do you aspire to feed, care, and clothe God’s sheep, in order to prepare them for the time of His visitation? If so, you desire a noble work.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 “Now may the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”
How can we pray, teach, or shepherd with confidence and endurance, neither growing weary of doing good nor resorting to methods of man to ensure our results? If, as some would have us believe, the human will is too strong for the will of God to overcome, the devil’s temptations too enticing to resist, and the ways of the world too engrained into us — how can we hold certainty for any positive result? I submit that those who hold these dire, man-centered views cannot operate with any substantial amount of confidence, endurance, or hopeful joy. Oh, this is not to say you cannot have these for yourself, but as soon as you extend to those around you, the flock, your family, and those who remain fallen, confidence vanishes. And in its place? A wide spectrum of emotions driven by the flesh — cautious optimism, fear, anxiety and worry, systems of control, formulaic approaches to growth, passivity, despair, a focus on being taken out of this awful world, etc.
What is the antidote then? Paul gives it to us in verses 3-5, “the LORD is faithful,” he will, “establish and guard you from the evil one,” so much will he do this, that “we have confidence in the LORD concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.” The LORD is and the LORD will, that was Paul’s confidence and armed with such enduring hope, he could say in definite conclusion, “Now may the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” The LORD is and the LORD will — truly, who can overcome, resist, or thwart such confidence as this?
Colossians 3:5 “Greed, which is idolatry.”
Greed, or covetousness, is idolatry, and a bowing down before the god of “more and more.” (Eph. 4:19) It is a setting your face to the ground to plead, “just this one more thing, please, I’m begging you, I must have it and then I know peace will come.” Yet peace never arrives, because while the god of more and more may in fact give you more, it will always be accompanied by the gnawing ache of not enough. Some of you know this feeling, don’t you?
Therefore, while it may seem counterintuitive, the remedy for greed is not generosity, as is often taught. Instead, the cure is contentment in Christ (He is enough for me) and a return to the simple obedience of the first command, as it is given in both the Old, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” and the New Testament, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” (Exodus 20:3, Luke 10:27) This is why Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt. 6:24)
John 18:38 “What is truth?”
Oh, how often this cry still goes out, “What is truth? Tell us plainly and then we will believe.” It is no different than Thomas, “We don’t know where You are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5) Or Philip, “Show us the Father, and that is enough for us.” (John 14:8) I wonder how we would answer such pleas today? Because certainly these cries still go out — What is truth? Where is the way? There is only one response that will do, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (14:9)
It’s as if we ask, “What is truth?” thinking it is a thing. And Jesus answers instead, “Who is truth? I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (14:6)
I have recently met one such truth-seeker who admits, “Yes, Jesus is truth, but I cannot understand His truth without a guide. I must find men who will act as my intermediary to interpret rightly for me.”
“Son,” I would say, “have you not read, do you not remember, He has left you a guide — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father. He will guide you into all truth.” (John 15:26, 16:13)
Man’s old traditions have carved a deep and visible track into a tired earth. The plodders call out, “You seek truth? Join us in our plodding and take solace in the depth we have trod with our footsteps.” They plod, all while the person of Truth still waits, the Spirit of truth still guides, and the way to the Father remains open. Don’t settle for what is truth. Come instead and meet the who is truth. Jesus Christ.
John 15:7 “Ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.”
We’ve danced around the issue of prayer long enough, coming up with our defenses as we parry away the promise for yet another day. Some deflect in the name of reasonable excuses — the busyness of life, a restless nature, thoughts that refuse to quiet themselves. Others take a more sophisticated approach, justifying their lack of consistent tarrying before the throne of God, by talking about prayer, dissecting what could be meant by “ask whatever you want,” and speculating about how knowable the will of God actually is. Such are the type who pose lofty questions, “Does anything actually change when we pray, or is prayer only to change us?” This is nothing more than distinguished disobedience. Cut through the noise with a simple inquiry, “Have you taken the Lord at His word? Do you pray?”
Let us put an end to the defenses, excuses, and distinguished disobedience. He says, “Ask whatever you want,” so let us ask! He promises, “and it will be done for you,” so let us ask, believing, “without doubting.” (James 1:6)
What confidence can we have that He will honor His word — or, put another way, that when we ask it will actually be done for us? “You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain SO THAT whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.” (John 15:16) It is by His design that we are a people chosen and appointed to bear fruit SO THAT whatever we ask, it will be given to us. Again I inquire — Do you pray? Why not?
This [that is to say, asked and answered prayer] is His promise to us, it is by His design, and it is for God’s glory. “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, SO THAT the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) His promise, His design, His glory, and finally His power to bring it to pass, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)
Friends, we have so little to do with answered prayer. Our part is small, simple, basic — just ask, believing. This is it. Nothing grand, no formulas, not even a workshop to attend or course to complete. Just ask. Won’t you finally lay down your defenses and take Him at His word?
John 14:31 “So that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded Me.”
Just as our Lord Jesus, the One we claim to follow, so too us then? For in this chapter He gives us not only His own example, “I love, so I do,” but also His instruction three times over, “If you love Me, you will keep My commands,” (v.14) “the one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me,” (v.21) “if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” (v.23) Love and obedience are shown to be inseparable. And yet, perhaps you still object. On what grounds? You say, “true love requires nothing.” And apparently produces nothing as well. Or, “Love has set us free from the keeping of the law.” Love expressed through His obedience has fulfilled the law so that a people could be purchased, redeemed, and set free to obey from love rather than to obey to earn love, blessing, or even forgiveness. Because He loved Me first, I now love Him. Because I love Him, I obey. Obedience puts love on full display.
In other words, without a lifestyle of demonstrated, consistent obedience, we can have no confidence in the genuineness of our love for Him. For love without obedience, without a keeping of His commands, is no love for Him at all, and may ultimately be revealed to be nothing more than a love of self cloaked in the respectable guise of religious language — a going through the motions, a saying all the right things — but absent of love expressed through obedience. How is this obedience flowing from love made possible in us?
Look closer and see the promise attached to the command, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (v.23) Do you have the love of the Father? Have the Father and the Son made their home in you? Has the Father given you the gift of another Counselor [Advocate, Comforter, that is, the Holy Spirit] to be with you forever at the request of the Son? (v.16) This is not grit-your-teeth obedience in hopes you do enough to earn a pleasing glance in your direction every now and then from a mostly disinterested God. This is obedience produced from the love and make-our-home-with-him communion of a God who once again dwells with man — though not in a temple made with human hands, but rather in a heart made new.
Therefore, let us who have been made new rejoice, “I live to do Your will! I love to do Your will!”
John 12:47-48 “For I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects Me and doesn’t receive my sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”
An offer of salvation remains. The judgment on the last day looms.
If that is all you take away from this simple reading, then it will be enough. Enough to either pardon or condemn. A call goes out to all who are weary, sick, lost, and bound by sin’s chains (and you know what I speak of — to be a prisoner to your own worst desires). That call goes out, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.”
There is no other offer than this one, and though you may have heard and rejected it numerous times before, you should not presume to expect another. We are given it once, yea twice, “‘Come, let us settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are scarlet, they will be white as snow.’” (Is. 1:18) But we are not guaranteed it forever, nor even a third time. For while Christ’s first coming was to save, His second coming will be to judge. The last day looms.
The invitation of mercy is set to expire, even now, for you. Christ passes by, but then He will be gone. As we speak, the banquet hall is open, and messengers scour the streets, going as far as the highways and byways, “There’s room for more. Won’t you leave your cares, your pursuits, your ambitions behind and come with us to meet the Master?” But soon the messengers will be recalled and the doors to the feast shut tight. I say again — an offer of salvation remains. The judgment on the last day looms. Hurry, take hold! Jesus of Nazareth passes by!
Ephesians 6:24 “Grace be to all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In 1 Corinthians 13, we are told, “love never ceases.” To expand on this briefly—love never fails, fades, or fizzles out. There is never a time when it is irrelevant or unnecessary. Love never comes to an end. Yet, what of the object of our affection? Prophecy will end, as will tongues, once the need for them has been fulfilled. “The foundation of the earth and the heavens…will perish…they will all grow old like a garment, like a cloak you will change them.” (Ps. 102:26) Even our flesh and bones, this human body that the Bible calls a “tent,” must be “put off.” (2 Cor. 5:4, 2 Peter 1:14) Therefore, “do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,” that is to say, do not make such perishable things the object of your eternal affection, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19, 21)
Instead, love that never ceases demands an object to love who also does not cease, nor change. “But You are the same and Your years will have no end.” (Ps. 102:29) Grace, God’s undeserved favor, be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Or, as it can also be translated—all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption, sincerity, perpetuity, immortality, and unending existence. May we view the Eternal One as the only one worthy of our eternal love. And let us go forth from this day basking in God’s undeserved favor towards us, loving Him because He first loved us, as we fulfill the first and greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” (Eph. 2:4-5, 1 John 4:19, Mark 12:30) This is our eternal duty and delight.
Ephesians 5:32 “This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the Church.”
In the verses preceding this, we learn the husband is the head of the wife — she is to submit to him in everything as he loves her as his own flesh, for, in a sense, she is, as it is written in Genesis, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” How much is she, the wife, to submit to her husband? “Just as the Church is subject to Christ…in everything.” How much is he, the husband, to love his wife? “Just as Christ loved the Church.” And how much is he to provide and care for her? “Just as Christ does for the Church.” I wonder, if we were to examine Christ’s love, provision, and care for His Church, would we find any lack? Or if we were to explore the extent to which the Church is His, submitted to Him in all things, would we find reasons or places where it does not need to? Certainly not! Therefore, just as Christ and just as the Church, so shall your marriages be.
We are now caught up to our verse, “This mystery is profound.” Why is this here? One, because it is true. Two, because, without this truth stated clearly, we may be prone to an explanation that is less mysterious, more practical, and easier to comprehend. In a sense then, it is a warning: do not treat as common, that which God has ordained as holy, sacred, and profound. Therefore, you who teach, or you who reads to understand, remember — any explanation of this passage must lead to the conclusion: this mystery is profound.
Not mysterious as in unable to know for sure or somehow ambiguous as to how we are called to act, respond, and obey. Rather, mysterious in the sense of a union that is beyond our full comprehension at the moment. Christ and the Church, all one as members of the same body, joined together with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection, remembering and participating in this great and glorious union when we take communion, love one another, and of course, in the headship and submission of our marriages. You view your marriage in this light, don’t you? And not just in the highs, but also in the depths of disappointment and through the meanderings of day-in-day-out monotony? What a beautiful, great, and profound mystery! What a privilege!
John 10:14-15 “I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.”
Jesus says, “I know My sheep.” That is plain enough, but then He adds, “And they know Me.” And even more surprising, “How well do My sheep and I know each other? Just as the Father and I know each other.” Astounding! The eternally begotten Son and the Father, nothing between them, co-existing, co-equal, members of the Trinity — one of Christianity’s most sacred and beyond-us truths — and it is somehow this perfect relationship that is used as a viable comparison for the relationship between Jesus and His sheep.
This is not to declare man co-equal with the Son, nor to claim those who believe somehow have absolute and complete knowledge of God and His ways, rather to know and be known is most symbolic of a relationship, beginning with the recognition of something as personal as His voice, “the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” (10:4)
We know Him whom we are joined together with and as long as we remain connected, we will continue growing in our knowledge of each other. This is knowledge that “notes affection…illustrating the intimacy that is between Christ and believers.” (Matthew Henry) Thus, to know Him is to love Him and to give your heart to no other. To love Him is to know His voice and to follow no other. We may also include, to know and love Him is to be known and loved by Him first—as both the order of the passage tells us, and such verses as Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
We may be amazed, and rightly so, at this realization, but let us press on until we are truly staggered, for these comparisons continue. In chapters 15, “As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you,” and 17, “May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they be one in Us.” (15:9, 17:21) Just as the Father and Son know, love and are one in each other, let it be so with us. I wonder if any of us are still left standing at this point, under the weight of such glory?
Remember, the serpent tempted, and still tempts, with the proposition, “Be like God.” Let us resist, and endure in our resistance, with a heart drunk on the abundance of such just as blessings, and our hands lifted in praise to a God, “who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” (Romans 8:32)
Ephesians 4:16 “…by the proper working of each individual part.”
Here we must be very careful. For it is all too easy to glance at Scriptures such as these, but never peer and ponder. Observing just long enough to form cursory opinions based on what we thought we saw, and yet perceive prematurely, missing the true beauty found in the depths below the surface. Take this verse as an example. At a glance, we may read “proper working” and “each individual part” and thus conclude, “each part needs to do its part. And if you don’t know how to properly use your part, or you choose not to use it, the body as a whole won’t properly work”—placing heavy emphasis on necessary participation in order to motivate action. And this is so often how the passage is taught.
However, look closer, stop for a second, and you’ll see “proper working” in English is actually a greek word energeia that is, “used [throughout the NT] only of superhuman power, whether God or the devil.” (Thayer and Smith, Greek Lexicon) Peel back the layers even further as you begin to trace energeia through the New Testament.
“And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe according to the energeia (working) of His mighty power.” (Eph. 1:19)
Or, “Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the energeia (working) by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Phil. 3:21)
And finally, “To this end I also labor, striving according to His energeia (working) which works in me mightily.” (Col. 1:29)
So I ask now, as we are told the whole body grows by the energeia (proper working) of each individual part—who does the working? Is it not God’s supernatural power in us and through us and according to His grace and not our individual self-motivated efforts? And if it is God’s mighty power working in us who believe, how can it fail? And if my labor (for in practice it certainly is still my hands, feet, and body and thus it still must be called labor or work) is actually a striving with His strength working powerfully in me, then why should I ever think to oppose, resist, or delay that working, “lest we even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:39)
Friends, this is not a passage of reprimand, “you better do your part or we all suffer!” It is a tremendous encouragement, “How can you not?”
John 7:37 “Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”
“If anyone is…” begs the question, “Are you?” Let us not over-spiritualize the passage either. For in the natural, we know what it is to thirst—to ache for water—feeling the dryness and knowing the sudden relief a drink would bring. It is no different with Christ. Have you felt the thirst in your soul, the dryness, the deadness, the aching lack of satisfaction, and the longing for relief? Then come, drink freely.
Yet not all, “are roused by a conviction of their poverty to seek relief.” (John Calvin) Calvin continues in his commentary on the passage, it is not, “until the Spirit of God, by His own fire, kindles hunger and thirst in their hearts,” that they are, “affected by a perception of their emptiness.” Nevertheless, the promise remains—if anyone thirsts (could any language be more inclusive), let him come and drink, and he “will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” (John 7:38)
Ephesians 3:20-21 “—to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
God is real.
He created all things, including you and me.
Our conscious and inherited sin separated us from God.
Jesus, the Son of God, atoned for that sin.
Anyone who now believes in the Son and His atoning work will be saved.
To be saved is to be set free.
To be saved is to be brought near to God again, both now and forevermore.
Nearness means, “Always with you.”
Nearness also means adoption as God’s sons and daughters.
Adoption includes sharing in the inheritance.
The inheritance is incorruptible, reserved in heaven, and it is also here and now, lavishly poured out.
The inheritance reserved is eternal life and unveiled, unbroken, perfect communion with God Himself.
The inheritance poured out is the riches of God in Christ Jesus—love that surpasses knowledge, peace that passes understanding, joy inexpressable, the gift of His grace, power in your inner man through His Spirit, and everything you need for life and godliness.
As we wait for the fulfillment of these promised inheritances, we work, we witness, we walk worthy, and we worship.
To work is to obey God in all things—doing the good works He prepared ahead of time for us to do.
To witness is to boldly tell of what we have seen and heard.
To walk worthy is to walk never alone or down our own path, but always in Christ and with Christ for the building up of His one church, according to the will and eternal purposes of God.
To worship is to kiss the Son, letting our knowledge and love for God break out in (sometimes undignified) praise, reverence, and adoration.
Now we can truly and confidently say, with much rejoicing, “to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Luke 24:36 “As they were saying these things, He Himself stood in their midst.”
Here He sends no advocate, third party, or intermediary—instead, as the two early witnesses tell of what they’ve seen and heard, “He Himself stood in their midst.” Even as they were speaking, not waiting until they had finished—He Himself stood. Some say, “Will my message be sound, effective, and accompanied by power for salvation?” Let us instead ask, “Will He Himself stand in our midst?” For if so, what doubts could remain? See His hands, His feet, and hear His voice saying, '“Peace to you!” All of creation testifies, everything that was written, from Moses to the Prophets, and through the Psalms, foretells of His glory, and now here He Himself stands, even today, truly raised and in our midst.
Even today? Yes, for “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20) Here He still stands, ready to confirm the truth of His witnesses, as He Himself is the truth. Ready to show the way, for He Himself is the way. Ready, along with His Father, to pardon sinners and welcome with open arms, for He Himself bore our sins, that He Himself might be “the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” (Eph. 2:14)
So let us go into the whole world boldly, with this message then—not to make an introduction to our program, our ministry, or our vision—but more than anything, to make an introduction to He Himself. As the hymn goes:
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore, Jesus ready stands to save you, Full of pity, love, and pow’r.
I will arise and go to Jesus; He will embrace me in His arms. In the arms of my dear Savior, Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
(Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy, Joseph Hart, 1759)
Luke 23:50 “Now behold, there was a man named Joseph…”
What will be said about your life? Even now, what is the impression you leave? If another were to summarize you in a handful of statements, what would they say? Let us keep this question in mind as examine the description of a man named Joseph, written by Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Of his background, “he was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews.” By occupation, “a prominent council member,” “a rich man,” and by all accounts, “a good and just man,” evidenced especially by the fact, “he had not consented to their decision and deed” to arrest, torture, and crucify Christ. We are starting to get a picture of this Joseph of Arimathea, and perhaps, for many of us, we’d settle for a resume like his. A prestigious job, wealth, strong family ties, respect in the community, and being known for your good and just decision-making. Yet the passage continues with one last descriptor, and oh what a trait it is, “who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.” So many strive day after day, with no sight at all for the future, and thus their life could be written, “they busied themselves with many things.” Or, some do look ahead, to the day when they’ll finally have enough to, “take my ease, eat, drink, and be merry,” and thus they spend their days, “pulling down barns and building greater.”
And what of us? What do we busy ourselves with? In what, or with who, do we find our satisfaction? Joseph kept looking forward—to the kingdom. He waited, refusing to settle for anything secondary. He kept busy, certainly, but with his eyes ever fixed on entrance into that heavenly city, the true reward of his inheritance. And because he saw that which was invisible, he “went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus,” that Christ would no longer be held up with contempt, but rather taken down, wrapped in linen, and laid in a tomb where no one had ever lain before. Oh, let us too be so remembered!
Luke 22:39 “He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives.”
If we are not familiar with the Scriptures, we may hear the story of Jesus praying earnestly in the garden before His death and think it some special occurrence. We may have even said to ourselves, “He knew He had such an important task at hand, heading to the cross and all that, and so a one-off night of intense prayer was required.” Yet in this verse, we are told something quite different. “As usual,” is the descriptor, or in other translations, “as He was accustomed,” Jesus went to the Mount to pray. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes Gethsemane as, “situated on the Mount of Olives,” and as, “the garden where Jesus often went alone or with His disciples for prayer, rest, or fellowship.” Certainly, the cross marked a significant event in His earthly ministry, however, to get alone with God in this garden, on this mountain, was His habit, His custom, and the manner in which He lived. “Then each one went to his house. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.” (John 7:53-8:1) “During the day, he was teaching in the temple, but in the evening he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.” (Luke 21:37) He, as His way of being, often, “withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) Here is an opportunity then, not to bucket our days into big or small, exciting or routine, desperate or doable on our own—but rather as one communion with our Father, bleeding into the next communion, and into the next. Day after day, “as usual,” in the garden, on the mountain, with our Father.
Luke 21:14-15 “Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom.”
We may read hearts here as our internal resolve, the thoughts and intentions that we dwell on, our drive and motivation. Some would say the heart is only desperately wicked, and if that were the case, then we must flee from it. Instead, here we’re told to engage with and settle it, exercising control and in no way being overcome by something that has the potential for evil.
The word meditate implies preparation, planning, and the intent to execute on said course of action regardless of the situation. And certainly, we see some who practice evangelism in this way. Rehearsed speeches, gotcha traps to walk the audience into, and as such, it may as well just be a tape recorder that is set in their midst, with the play-on-repeat button taped down. “Do not do this!” is the command. Then why is it practiced?
Yet there is a better question to ask—what to do instead? “For I will give you…” Here there are no complex words to explain, simply a promise, the gift coming from God Himself—if and when you need it, and if you do not go on in your own wit, cleverness, and strength of the flesh, I will give you a mouth and wisdom. Matthew’s account of the same promise adds even more detail.
When will it be given? “In that hour.”
And how will it be given? By what means will it come to pass? “It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matt. 10:19-20)
Why do we worry? Why premeditate our defense? Opportunities to bear witness will come, and so too, in that very moment, a mouth and wisdom.
It should go without saying, one command and its accompanying promise do not invalidate the rest. I’m thinking of such clear instructions as, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) The wholly spontaneous life, perhaps justified by texts such as this one, does no honor to God, and instead acts to feed the flesh, keeping it undisciplined and fit for very little. Therefore, “these things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Luke 11:42)
Luke 20:18 “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will shatter him.”
Jesus is the stone that the builders rejected. This rejected stone has become the cornerstone as He was “manifested in the flesh,” and then, “vindicated in the Spirit.” (1 Tim. 3:16) This stone now lays a foundation in Zion, beckoning—enter into My house, whosoever believes, and I will give you rest. “He will be as a sanctuary,” to these who enter, but to those outside, the disobedient, the faithless, He is “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” (Is. 8:14) This picture of a stone who saves some and leaves others shamed, catches us up to the understanding we need for our passage today. “Whoever falls on that stone,” on one hand, and, “on whomever it falls,” on the other. Both will find the stone to be a painful experience—either to be broken or to be shattered. We could mince words and assert one condition to be worse than another—broken into pieces or ground into powder—but turn your attention instead to the willingness of the first and the stubbornness of the second. The first chooses to fall, laying themselves low, in a posture of complete submission. Knowing the cost and the breaking that is coming, they still “fall to the ground and die,” as it were. (John 12:24) To these broken ones will be extended the invitation—come and dine! The second never chooses, always rejects, runs, and rebels. There is no bowing of the knee, only pride and the exaltation of self. And yet the mills of God grind on, none will escape the Stone. Readers, still today Jesus stands ready and waiting to be fallen upon—do not delay! Know this as you fall, He will break you, even as He welcomes you with open arms to join Him at His table forevermore.
Luke 20:2 “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?”
Upon seeing a person teaching and proclaiming what they call the good news, we may have questions, especially if their message were accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders. As it catches our attention, we may then inquire—Is it true? Is this real?—thinking that reasonable answers around truth and reality are the grounds for our acceptance of their message. This basis for acceptance today runs rampant, ensnaring multitudes as the guru of the moment answers, “It is true, for me, and that makes it real.” Any examination on the basis of—Is it true? Is this real?—will be prone to error. This is why our text leads us down another path, “By what authority are you doing these things and who gave it to you?” It must now be said, we are by and large a people who do not understand the importance of authority. This is partially due to the current cultural encouragement to pursue self at all costs—its betterment, realization, discovery, etc. We say, “I believe,” rather than, “I serve.” We enter with, “I am…,” instead of, “I come in the name of…” I will not always have the proof you seek as you weigh Christ in your scales of truth and reality. I will always be a man under authority, judging no one and proclaiming nothing on my own, rather submitted to the One who now has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18) And under this authority, we can live and move and have our being rooted in unshakeable hope—nothing is too hard, no power too great, no opposition too well-entrenched to overcome. Convincing answers about truth and reality cannot give us or others this kind of hope. Submission to Christ’s authority, doing nothing in our own strength, can.
Luke 18:41 “‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘I want to see.’”
Chapter 18 begins with a parable of persistence, ending with a probing question, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” And as the chapter closes, persistence is once more on full display—yet no longer as a parable. Here this real blind man, sitting along an actual road begging, persists in calling out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Stopped by the man’s persistence, a command from the Messiah brought the blind man near, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Friends, even as we persist in seeking, we must also be ready and clear in our asking. For I have seen the tragedy before—Christ draws near to a burdened sinner or a sickly saint (whatever the ailment may be), and as Jesus comes closer, He asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And in that moment, no answer comes. Desperate pleadings and faith-filled requests give way to insecurities, sensibilities, other priorities, a love for sin, an attachment to the disease, an unwillingness to let go of the comforts of life, or whatever we may fear will be the cost of His answer. He stands ready, we won’t/don’t speak. Our blind man was saved by his faith working through persistent seeking and ready and clear asking. What of you in your situation? How will you respond? Hurry, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by!
Luke 17:4 “And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
In certain places, the Scriptures seem ripe for abuse. “Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.” (Luke 6:30) Or, “As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well.” (Matt. 5:40) And our passage today is another such verse, “You must forgive him.” If followed blindly, with no exercise of discernment, you can reasonably expect to be abused—expect to be taken advantage of, betrayed, exploited, and even to pick up the pieces within the household of God of the damage left behind. Repair will most likely be needed. As an alternative, I submit four sides, held equally in tension and undergirded always with love. First, simple obedience to potentially exploitable commands (knowing we will at times be taken advantage of). Second, great and deep compassion and mercy for others, never forgetting what great debt has been forgiven us. Third, the constant use and exercise of discernment through the Spirit that provides supernatural wisdom and clarity. And finally, the reminder that at times our command is not to help (see 1 Tim. 5:3-16 as an example), or to cast out the scoffer, the truly unrepentant, and the “divisive man after the first and second warning” for the fear, preservation, and health of the rest of the body. (Titus 3:10)
Luke 12:32 “Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.”
He counts every hair on your head and you’re worth more than the birds and many sparrows. (v.7) You cannot add a single moment more to your life, this is true, but worry not. Instead, “cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) You who are anxious for tomorrow—cast your cares. You who busies yourself with many things—cast your cares and seek His kingdom. Yet you say in reply, “How could one find such a kingdom? Surely it is kept well hidden.” True, hidden from “the wise and prudent”—those who may think themselves deserving of entrance by their great merit, wit, or intelligence—yet revealed to babes, little children, and infants. (Matt. 11:25) What do they know except what their father tells them (I’m speaking in human terms now)? What can they do except obey in simplicity and singularity of thought? As it is with your earthly father, so too with your heavenly. Don’t be afraid little flock, your Father delights to give you the kingdom—to take your hand, carrying if need be, into the green pastures of His presence forevermore. Looking out upon the fields, you exclaim, “The wildflowers! How beautifully they are adorned.” “How much more so you, dear child,” is His reply." As the words from Isaiah ring through your soul, “For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.” (61:10)
Luke 9:62 “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”
There is soil and there is seed. Some good, bearing useful fruit for those who cultivate it, and some bad, bearing thorns and thistles, worthless and fit for nothing except to be cursed, thrown out, and “at the end will be burned.” (Heb. 6:7) We are each soil and seed. Some are of the seed of Abraham, an inheritance that is passed down not by birthright but by the righteousness of faith (by grace you have been saved). Some are of the seed of “your father, the devil,” (John 8:44) a lineage marked by looking back, second-guessing, scorn, and contempt. Who then is fit for the kingdom of God? Those who cleanse themselves from such iniquity (the blood of Christ is the only remedy here), so that “he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Tim. 2:21) “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Heb. 6:12) These are those who “do not waver at the promise of God through faith,” by taking their hand off of the plow and looking back, and thus disqualifying themselves. (Rom 4:20, 1 Cor. 9:27, Titus 1:16) Rather, they press on, working the ground, reaping the harvest at due time, not growing weary in doing good, and never looking back. These are certainly fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 7:4,6 “‘He is worthy’…‘I am not worthy.’”
The Jewish elders begged Jesus to come and grant healing to the centurion’s servant — appealing to the man’s worth, “He loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” Yet the centurion himself knew that, despite all his good works, he was not deserving, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” Instead, he appealed to Christ’s authority, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Here was a man of whom it is later said, “Jesus was amazed at him.” And why? Because, in the centurion’s words, “I too am a man placed under authority.” “So great a faith,” as this requires an understanding of and a submission to authority.
Luke 6:37, 43-44, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged…A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit.”
I judge no one. (John 8:15) Instead, a tree is known by its fruit. (Luke 6:44) And if I do judge, it is not I alone who judge, but the Father and I. Therefore, “the Lord rebuke you,” for, “as it is written…” (Jude 1:9, Matt. 4:4)
Here is the model displayed for us, and in reviewing it, truly we can say — the flesh profits nothing, especially in matters pertaining to judgment. “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) For, we will not judge each other, rather, “He who judges me [who judges all of us], is the Lord.” (1 Cor. 4:4) And when He judges, He will judge with righteous judgment — a judgment that requires position and truth. Position because of the need for authority. And truth because of the need for a just weighing of the evidence. Have any of us position (we may read this as authority) and truth? If yes, then let us judge righteously. If not, we judge no one. For judgment leads to verdict — either pardon or condemnation. And, “woe to those who call evild good and good evil.” (Is. 5:20)
Luke 5:16 “Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.”
Could there be a statement more scandalous to our modern-day sensibilities? Here was One clearly filled with power from on high, walking with authority to forgive sins, cast out demons, and heal disease. The news about Him was spreading, large crowds were gathering, pressing in just to hear Him, get a touch, be healed. Yet, in this environment, and possessing so much worth sharing, He often withdrew into the wilderness, to deserted places. To do what? He prayed. Where we now say, “What good is a message from heaven if we can’t share it with as many people as possible?” He was the message sent down from heaven, and He often withdrew, not fearing the cost of isolation. And here, alone with His Father, He prayed.
Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the LORD’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders, I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.”
So often throughout the Scriptures, we are instructed to remember His works — to hear of them, be in awe, and then ask Him to renew, revive, and do them again in our day. “Lord, I have heard the report about You; Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath remember mercy!” (Hab. 3:2)
Luke 1:72-73 “[He has] remembered His holy covenant — the oath that He swore to our father Abraham. He has given us the privilege.”
God has been pleased to show mercy and remember His covenant, the oath sworn to Abraham and reaffirmed throughout the years to his descendants, “I will make you a great nation, I will bless you, and not only you but also your countless offspring, who will be more numerous than the stars in the sky or the dust on the earth.” (see Genesis 12, 13, 15, 17, 26, 28, 32, 35, 46, 50) To these offspring by birth are “the adoption, the glory, the covenant, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises.” (Rom. 9:4) These, who “have been rescued from the hand of our enemies,” were also given the privilege “to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days.” (Luke 1:74-75) Yet, while God remembered so holy a covenant, they forgot, neglecting so great a salvation. And still, from these unfaithful ancestors, by physical descent came the Christ — the One whom “through death…might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Heb. 2:14) So that, “having been set free from sin,” we who now believe might also partake of the privileges, the covenants, the promises, the adoption, that “having become slaves of God,” we would “have our fruit to holiness,” and to the end, “everlasting life” — that is to say, to dwell, “in His presence all our days.” (Romans 6:18, 22, Luke 1:75) Truly, in light of all this, we cannot neglect something so great. Let us remember and never forget.
Mark 15:34 “And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni? ‘ which is translated, ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’”
The whole Sanhedrin tied Jesus up, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. (v.1) The crowd shouted all the more, ‘Crucify Him!’ (v.14) The soldiers called their whole company together to dress Him up and mock Him, hitting Him on the head with a stick and spitting on Him. (vv.16-20) Once on the cross, those who passed by yelled insults at Him, shaking their heads. (v.29) In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him, saying, ‘He saved others, but he cannot save himself.’ (v.31) Even those who were crucified with Him taunted Him. (v.32) Here we have One mocked, blasphemed, taunted, despised, rejected, and forsaken by all. And yet, like a lamb led to the slaughter He did not open His mouth to save Himself, instead, ‘As a sheep before its shearers is silent,"‘ so was He. (Is. 53:7) Utterly, ‘scorned by mankind and despised by people,’ and then ultimately forsaken by God Himself, ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’ (Ps. 22:1,6, Mark 15:34) See this Man, Jesus — He is your Savior, bearing the sin of many and interceding for rebels. (Is. 53:12) There is none like Him.
Mark 14:64 “They all condemned Him as deserving death.”
“What is your decision?” Or in other words, “What do you think about this Jesus?” Could there be a more important question to bring before a man? And while few of us convene councils to pronounce a verdict such as the one in this passage — we will all, at some point in our lives, provide an answer. “What do I think? I condemn Him as a fairy tale, an elaboration, lacking concrete evidence as to His existence.” Or, “I condemn Him as no different than any other so-called god.” Perhaps, “I condemn Him not worthy to be followed, loved, or bowed down before. I’ve heard enough, and I judge against this man Jesus. Put Him to death, leave me alone.” Yet, friends, the true answer is right here, “‘Are you the Messiah?’ ‘I am,’ said Jesus, ‘and you will see.’” (14:61-62) Judge righteously then, lest it be you condemned to “die in your sins.” (John 8:24)
Galatians 2:10 “They asked only that we would remember the poor, which I had made every effort to do.”
Lest we begin to think the agenda of the Church above meeting simple material needs — Peter, James, and John remind us, as they speak to Paul, “Remember the poor.” So, “let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10) And let us never forget, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
Mark 12:44 “For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had — all she had to live on.”
Immediately after warning of the scribes who, “devour widow’s houses,” Jesus praises a poor widow after watching her contributions from where He sat. While others have large sums from their abundance, she “dropped in two tiny coins worth very little” — amounting to everything she had to live on. From here I could warn you of the harsher judgment coming to those who devour widows, that is those who are weak, vulnerable, and easy to take advantage of. Or I could compel you with the promise of heavenly rewards to come for those who do such generous deeds, as this widow did. At which point the choice would be easy — punishment or reward? Therefore give, don’t take. But I won’t do that, instead, let me remind us of another truth. Jesus still sits and watches, now from the right hand of the Father who sees what you have need of before you ask. Here is the Lord, whose eyes “run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect [fully] toward Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9) Therefore, everything we have, all we have to live on — it’s not much, for great is our poverty — but here it is, fully yours.
Galatians 1:8 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!”
And certainly many have come and made such claims, saying such things like — the Lord or one of his angels appeared to me and spoke divine revelations — and almost certainly their new heavenly message consists of — the other preachers got it wrong, here’s the true gospel. These are cults, marked by an awe for their special messenger, “We’re so lucky to have him!” And as the obsession for the man increases, the grace of Christ and the gospel of Christ takes a secondary position. This is no light matter — false gospels lead to great condemnation. For Paul here even repeats himself in verse nine, “I now say again…a curse be on him!” Accursed, anathema, let him be condemned to hell, doomed to destruction, without hope of being redeemed. These are the ideas contained in this phrase — a curse be on him. We must therefore be on our guard and cling so tightly to the pure gospel of Christ that we leave no room for the twisted arms of another.
Mark 10:48 “Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, ‘Have mercy on me, Son of David!’”
To cry out, ‘Son of David!’ was to appeal to Jesus as the promised coming Messiah, the Savior and Deliverer, and the One whose throne God would establish forever. (2 Samuel 7:13) To cry out, ‘Rabboni!’ as he does three verses later is to submit to Jesus as Lord. Here was Bartimaeus, blind, yet gifted with the sight of faith, a beggar, yet rich toward God. While many warned him to keep quiet, he had seen too much — Christ as both Lord and Savior, his own desperate need for healing, and a way to follow that would lead to possessing all things. (2 Cor. 6:10) Who could possibly silence a man such as this? Oh for all of us to see Jesus as clearly as blind Bartimaeus.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’”
And a few chapters earlier Paul tells us, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (7:7) Earthen vessels are frail, for everything made of the dust is perishing, “the man was from the earth, a man of dust.” Thanks be to God then, that, “the second man is from heaven.” (1 Cor. 15:47) “And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust [corruption, dishonor, weakness] we will also bear the image of the man of heaven,” (15:49) Therefore, be steadfast and immovable (15:58), for though, in the natural, we face weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the sake of Christ (2 Cor. 12:10) we can take pleasure in them, knowing, what has been sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power. (1 Cor. 15:43) Let us take comfort then — when I am weak, I am strong for His grace is sufficient.
Mark 8:38 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Contained in this broader passage (vv. 34-38), we have the same command that is repeated in all four gospels, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Matt. 10:39, 16:25, Luke 9:24, 17:33, John 12:25) It is a foundational principle, a starting point for all who desire to follow Christ — leave all you know and follow Me. This separation that Christ demands (calling it a necessity, let no one tell you otherwise, Luke 14:33) is a cleaving from self and a clinging to Christ, yet it is no instant rescue or escape. We leave all, but also stay right where we are. And thus, we have the miracle of the new birth — that God could take a sinful man, regenerate him, then place him back in the midst of an adulterous, sinful, “crooked and perverse,” “evil,” and “faithless” generation, and keep him holy, preserving this born again man for His heavenly kingdom, and an unashamed response to Christ’s return in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Phil. 2:15, Matt. 17:17, Luke 11:29, 2 Tim. 4:8, 1 John 2:28)
Mark 7:20-21a “And He said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.’”
In many ways, it would be more comforting if the opposite were true — the evil is outside of you, therefore keep your distance — don’t taste, don’t touch, don’t handle. Yet, we’re told the evil is in the heart, a place where ceremonial washings could never reach. As the author of Hebrews teaches, “Let us go on…not laying again the foundation…of the doctrine of baptisms [washings].” (Hebrews 6:2, see also 9:10) The same word baptisms is translated here in Mark 7, “the washing of pitchers and cups.” The call to wash in the Mosaic law was never about total cleansing, but rather to reveal that no matter how rigorously we scrub, we can’t clean the spot that really matters — our heart. Washings were a shadow; the substance is Christ. (Col. 2:17, see also Col. 2:16-3:11) What matters is not the outside condition of a man, but the inside — his heart. And there is only One way to wash that stain clean.
Mark 6:3 “Isn’t this the carpenter…and so they were offended by Him.”
In the previous verse, we read that Jesus’ teaching astonished them, and they marveled at the wisdom He possessed — a wisdom that had so clearly been given to Him from somewhere. They even testified to the miracles being performed by His hands. And yet, a stumbling stone stood in their way — human reasoning. For they were quite certain that yes, this was just the carpenter, and look, over there are his mother, brothers, and sisters. Sitting back then, and feeling quite justified in their logical conclusions, they refused to submit to His authority as the Son of God, and thus, “They were offended,” and thus, “He was not able to do a miracle there…and He was amazed at their unbelief.”
Mark 5:19 “Jesus did not let him [remain with Him] but told him, ‘Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.’ So he went out…”
We may have grand dreams of an impact felt around the world, yet it so often starts much smaller, “Go home to your own people.” A mission easily despised, viewed as insignificant, or simply a stepping stone to the greater work we feel we’re truly meant for. Here, however, was one who had experienced mercy, underserved forgiveness, and so, without hesitation, he went out. Likewise, we may be those vessels by which the word has gone forth in power, as lives are set free, delivered, and saved. Our response to this must never be — you now owe me your lifetime service — as we begin to hinder and criticize all attempts to “go out” rather than remain. Instead, that this gospel might go out to all the nations, let us say — we bless you, wherever the Lord commands you to go, go and report how much He has done for you.
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
The grace of God pours out an abundance unlike anything our works could ever produce. One is always all sufficiency in all things, the other is the sorrowful toil of never enough for all eternity.
Mark 4:3 “Listen! Consider…”
Harken and behold! In this command, we have three requirements for obedience contained: a message to hear, ears to listen, and a mind to understand what has been heard. In the first, we see God’s mercy, to send His Word forth, scattering the Seed of Truth far and wide, that it might be said, the sound of this message, “has gone out through all the earth.” (Ps. 19:4) In the second, we see man’s responsibility to use what has been given to him — namely, giving attention to the Word, tuning his ears to it, seeking out, rather than turning from its proclamation. In the third, we see the sovereign grace of God, that while the message has gone out to all, and all will be held to account for their response to the word, still, “to you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,” so that, “hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn from their sins and be forgiven.” (Mark 4:11-12) Therefore, harken! Behold! And, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” (Mark 4:9)
Mark 3:13 “Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those He wanted, and they came to Him.”
As it reads in another translation, “Called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came.” Notice the call and the certain response. See Jesus’ desire for possession (a desire flowing from the will of the Father) and the fulfillment of that desire, as, “Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37) Oh to be part of “the nations for Your inheritance,” and of “the earth for Your possession.” Oh to be summoned to His side, eternally, sent out for good works, “which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) No greater honor could be given.
Mark 2 and Psalm 103 — a selection of verses from both chapters
Four objections raised, and four answers given:
“Why does He speak like this?” (v. 7) Because I have “authority on earth to forgive sins.” (v. 10) “Why does He eat with sinners?” (v. 16) Because I came to save sinners. (v. 17) “Why don’t Your disciples fast?” (v. 18) Because I am with them now. (vv. 19-22) “Why are Your disciples doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” (v. 24) Because “I am Lord, even of the Sabbath.” (v.28) Each objection asked and then calmly and clearly answered. Let it never be said that God is quick to wrath, rather, He is, “slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” It is He who “forgives all our iniquities,” “heals all our diseases,” “redeems our life from destruction,” “crowns us with lovingkindness,” and “who satisfies our mouths with good things.” Yet, “He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.” Therefore, bring your objections and raise them, certainly, but then humble yourself, lay down low before His wisdom, and accept His answer as truth, for “great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.”
Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there He was praying.”
He got up, waking Himself from the comfort of sleep. He went out, separating Himself from others for God. He made His way, taking steps to seek out the company of God’s presence. Waking, separating, seeking — and then it could be said, from that place, He prayed. Have we likewise woken, separated, and sought out such a secret place with our Father? Do we pray?
Matthew 28:9 “Just then Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshipped Him.”
An angel had already told them, “He is risen.” The evidence of His resurrection was all around — a violent earthquake, the stone rolled away, and an angelic invitation to, “Come and see the place where He lay.” Yet, even in all this, the clearer picture of salvation came next — Jesus met them. And once they could see Him and hear His voice, they took hold and worshipped. We must never grow so consumed by presenting the facts and figures that we forget the most important part — an introduction to Jesus Himself.
Matthew 27:64 “And the last deception will be worse than the first.”
I am reminded of the unclean spirit who goes out of a man, finds no rest, and so returns from where he came to discover his home empty, swept, and put in order. Taking seven other spirits with him to dwell there, it is said of this man, “the last state is worse than the first.” (Matt. 12:45) Let us be careful then, to never be those who call truth, deception, and deception, truth — for we may find that in that worse state we will eternally remain.
Matthew 26:75 “And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Peter’s weeping, although bitter, compares nothing to the weeping that will be done by those outside the heavenly city, God’s new Jerusalem, for all of eternity. (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28 — I reference all of these so you know the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” is no rare description, but rather a common teaching of Jesus. And even more terrifying, these eternal weeping ones do not go outside the city under their own strength, as Peter was able to do, but rather are cast out, appointed, assigned, thrust out, and sent away.) Therefore, it is better to weep now, even bitterly, if it leads you to repentence and the love of Christ, as it did for Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes Lord, you know that I love You.” (John 21:16)
Matthew 26:64 “In the future, you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
“In the future,” says Jesus, and yet the prophet Daniel foresaw it, “His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14) This kingdom was not established by force, swords, or persuasive speech. Instead, it was ushered in by obedience to the Father’s will, offering prayers with loud cries and tears, in reverence, that what was written might be fulfilled. Now, this silent, suffering One, has been given a kingdom and an everlasting dominion (sovereignty and control) and glory. And now (not in the future), will we, in like manner, turn and obey Him as He obeyed His Father?
Matthew 25:10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived, and those who were ready went it with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.”
The door, the opportunity for reconciliation, the hope of eternal life, will not always remain open. It will close and, even prior to this, entry through the door requires an invitation, “Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him!” (Matt. 25:6) Therefore, be wise, ready, alert — respond immediately to the call when it is heard. Why delay? For you don’t know the hour when the door will close and the time for hope will cease.
Matthew 24:12 “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.”
Whenever there is a gap between work and reward or sin and punishment — the hands of evildoers are strengthened. “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Eccl. 8:11) How do you fare during the delay? Do you let patience have its perfect work — thereby enduring to the end to be saved? Or do you let your love grow cold?
Matthew 23:25-26 “You clean the outside…but inside they are full of greed, violence, self-indulgence…First, clean the inside…so that the outside may also be clean.”
Cleaning the outside seems like the obvious, responsible next step for anyone looking to reform their life and improve their habits. Yet, it is a cleansing of the inside first that will lead to a clean outside. First, deal with the stain of sin in your heart. Then, the cleanliness of your life and habits will certainly follow.
Matthew 22:40 “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophet.”
“To hang up, suspend, used of one hanging on a cross.” (outline of Biblical usage) Everything is hung up, suspended by Christ — the Law and Prophets pointed to Him, and all continues to depend on Him. “So by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)