1 Corinthians 1:4-9
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way —in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Today I want to pray this prayer again, but this time for my husband Jeffrey.
Thank You so much for my husband LORD. Thank You that he has faith in You, that he loves You and earnestly seeks to follow You will. LORD, I thank You for calling him to be one of Your elect and chosen people, that he might live a life that is for Your glory rather than his own. I thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit in his heart, regenerating him and making him into a new creation, so that he would place his trust in You and build his life upon the foundation of this trust. I thank You for the people You have used in his life to teach him about You. I thank You for his mother and the biblical knowledge which she taught him. I thank You for the work of Neil, his pastor when he was a teenager, and the relationship he had with their family and which we continue to have despite living so far away. I thank You especially for Rob and Bev who ran that Alpha course. I thank You for Rob's life and I pray that he might receive a reward in heaven for the work he did in sharing the gospel of Your Son, Jesus Christ, with us.
LORD, I thank You for the amazing way in which You have transformed him more and more into Your likeness. I thank You especially for those people who have taught and edified Jeff so that he has come to a sound understanding of Who You have revealed Yourself to be in the Bible. I thank You for Rob and Bev again, that they were able to welcome us into their home following the Alpha course for regular Bible studies where we grew and were encouraged in our faith. I thank You for Rob's encouragement to Jeff to begin preaching at DBC and that You were faithful in gifting Jeff for this ministry. I thank You for the elders and other pastors at DBC who allowed Jeff this opportunity as well, and for the way the church there has faithfully given to us for the past three years so that we might have a little more to live on here in Perth. I praise Your name for the faithful, Biblically-sound and enthusiastic way we were taught by Your people, PH and Aimee, when they came to Darwin and were part of our Bible study small group there. I thank You for the way You used them to "make the way of Christ known more fully" by Jeffrey, especially in the matter of predestination and Your will to save the people You have chosen. I thank You for all of the lecturers at Trinity and I ask that You will bless them with rest and refreshment over the coming weeks before college begins again for another year. I thank You in particular for the close friends he has made at Trinity in the other students in his year. I pray that they will know where best they should minister in the coming year and after they graduate and I pray that You will give them enthusiasm for the task ahead rather than reticence or fear at the changes You have in store for them. I thank You for the work of Steve in Jeff's life, that he has walked alongside Jeff in all of his time at NUC and that he has agreed to continue to mentor and be an example to Jeff as he takes on the role of Pastor at BCC.
O wow LORD there are so many people You have used in Jeffrey's life to bring him closer to You and to shape him into the person You want him to be. I pray that You might also use me for this task: that I will always be honest in both my criticism and affirmation of his conduct and character, and that any comment I make will be based in my love for him and for You, so that I will not be swayed by selfish desires and complain or be bitter about things which I see as a problem but which You, who are omniscient, do not; which I want to change but which You, who are omnipotent, do not. LORD, make me a good wife for Jeffrey so that I might support and encourage him in his ministry and also join him in it in a way that will bring glory to Your holy name. May Your name be praised in both of our lives!
LORD, I thank You for the process of sanctification that You have worked in Jeff's heart and life. I thank You that You have refined his knowledge and understanding of You so that he has a much better, more Biblically-based knowledge of Who You are. I thank You for leading him to place his trust in You and for causing him to desire to serve You in the special ministry of pastor to a church congregation. LORD, I thank You for the determination You have placed in his heart to preach Your word faithfully, to tell the gospel to people here in Perth who do not know Who You are or what you have done for them in Christ Jesus. I praise You for giving Jeff a thirst for Your word and I ask that You will continue to draw him into the Bible so that he might never grow tired of meeting You in its pages. LORD, I pray that You might continue to enrich Jeffrey in his speaking, as he endeavours to teach others about how You would have them live their lives in response to Who You are and what You have done for them. Help him to be a good discipler of the people in his congregation, so that their relationship with You might be strengthened through his words in sermons and also on other occasions and in his very life as well. Keep him from becoming a hypocrite in anything, LORD. Keep him humble and accountable to You for the sins he commits, LORD and draw him into an ever-closer walk with You.
Thank You for making his life a testimony to Your grace and power in making his life new. LORD, I thank You for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Please make Jeffrey eager for Your return and help him to keep his sight on You LORD, the author and perfecter of his faith. LORD, keep him focussed on the goals You would have him give his attention to. Help him not to be distracted but to be holy, set apart for Your use and not his own worldly desires. Help him to seek Your will and help the elders of our church as they guide him and direct him as to where he should place his energies.
LORD, I pray that You will keep Jeffrey strong and sustain him through the coming weeks, months and years of ministry. Strengthen our marriage and help us both to submit to Your will rather than to disagree. LORD, keep us together for Your name's sake through the long haul and difficult and challenging years ahead of us. Strengthen us to do Your will in all parts of our lives, so that we may not become like the Pharisees who proclaimed You but did not acknowledge You when You came as a man. LORD, I pray that You will help Jeff to do Your will even and especially when it is hard. I pray that You will keep his back strong (and I thank You for the improvement there has been in his back over the past 8 years). I pray that You will help him to rest when he needs it. I pray that You will continue to sustain him as You have throughout his life, not just with food, water and shelter but also through Your love, whereby You care for him as a mother hen cares for her chicks. Keep him reading Your word in his Bible each day so that his faith will continue to grow. Keep him persevering to the end, so that on the Day of Judgement, when Your Son Christ Jesus is revealed to all people everywhere in His full glory and majesty, Jeff will be judged blameless in Your sight because of the faith You have given him in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
I give You praise because You are faithful. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You made all things and sustain them in Your hand. You are Lord over all creation because You made it and it belongs to You. You are my God and Jeffrey's God and we are Your people, chosen and made righteous by You. In all things, I give You honour and worship because You deserve it and there is no higher privilege than to worship You.
Thank You for the fellowship I have with Jeffrey because Jesus died for both our sins. Thank You for the way we can work together, as husband and helper, on the work You have given us. Please grant us faithfulness as we enter into closer fellowship with the congregation of BCC.
I give You honour for Jeff's life so far and I pray that You will continue to use him for Your purposes for Your glory in the future. Amen.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way —in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
This morning, I think I will pray this prayer for my dear friend Amy, whom I have never met but who upholds me with her prayers also.
Thank You God for Amy. Thank You for saving her. Thank You for the precious gift to her of the life of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who paid with His life the penalty for her sin, as well as mine. LORD, I thank You for saving her from the eternal punishment, where Jesus said "there is weeping and gnashing of teeth".
Thank You for also the enormous richness of blessings You have poured into her life since You called her to be one of Your own dear children. Thank You for the opportunity for her to grow up as a member of a Christian family. Thank You for the blessing of a good, godly, Bible-believing church in which she could grow up. Thank You for her being able to attend BSF classes all the way across the world from me, just as I go to BSF classes here in Perth. Thank You that her mother is a godly woman who sees the need to teach even young children from the Scriptures and that she is an example and support to Amy. Thank You for Amy's husband as well and for the many ways her ministers Your love in her life. LORD, I thank You for all those instances where You have continued to extend Your grace into Amy's life through the ministry of fellow believers, instances which I know nothing about but which have been formative in shaping her into the godly woman I know today, whose friendship I value.
I thank You for the way you have confirmed in her life the call that You have made to her, which Your Holy Spirit has enabled her to respond to with faith and thanksgiving. I thank You for the way she has been able to write her blog and through it, that we might meet online, even though we may never meet in person. I thank You that You have given her the confidence to confidently proclaim her faith in You and that she is so determined to work with her husband to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the LORD. I thank You for the way she has been able to talk with R about the way her life has enfolded and that through this, she has both encouraged R to a deeper faith in You and also edified me as a reader of their manuscript. LORD God, I ask that You will continue to provide Amy with opportunities to use her gifts in writing to build up the kingdom of God through sharing stories of how You have shown Yourself mighty in the lives of her family and others, that people might come to know that You can be relied upon in all things because You hold this world in the palm of Your hand, cherishing and nurturing all Creation.
LORD, I pray that Amy may lack no spiritual gift as she waits for the Lord Jesus Christ to return in His full and magnificent glory. I pray that You may deepen her faith in You in all Truth, that she may grow closer to You as she reads her Bible this morning because she is continually learning more of who You are as You show her the Truth through the Bible which You breathed out. LORD, I pray that she may be driven to seek Your face in prayer and that she might worship You and praise You in all the moments of her daily life as well as in the moments specifically set aside to pray and speak with You. LORD, I pray that she might grow in wisdom as she daily seeks to live a life that pleases You and brings You glory and joy. I pray that You might be given glory at the end time when Your Son is revealed and that Amy may be able to look forward to this day with eagerness, anticipating the time when she will no longer struggle with sin but be glorified in Christ Jesus, entering into the fullness of her relationship with You, the relationship which You determined was to be hers even in eternity past.
LORD, I pray that You will keep Amy strong to this end. I pray that You may enable her to persevere in her faith through the presence within her of Your Holy Spirit. LORD, I pray that on the Day of Judgement she will be proclaimed blameless in Your sight because of the work that Jesus Christ has done on her behalf - and mine - two thousand years ago as he hung on the cross and died, then conquered death forever when he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven to intercede for her and me and each and every one of Your saints.
LORD God, You are faithful and Your will will surely be done. There is no shadow of turning in You. You are a rock which cannot be moved, no matter how we may struggle against You. LORD, I thank You and give You praise for calling Amy into fellowship with Jesus Christ, Your Son. I thank You for this with all my heart and I am deeply grateful for Your also calling me into fellowship with her, as my fellow sister in Christ, because we are now both Your heirs. LORD God, thank You for choosing people of all nations and languages to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way —in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
This morning, I think I will pray this prayer for my dear friend Amy, whom I have never met but who upholds me with her prayers also.
Thank You God for Amy. Thank You for saving her. Thank You for the precious gift to her of the life of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who paid with His life the penalty for her sin, as well as mine. LORD, I thank You for saving her from the eternal punishment, where Jesus said "there is weeping and gnashing of teeth".
Thank You for also the enormous richness of blessings You have poured into her life since You called her to be one of Your own dear children. Thank You for the opportunity for her to grow up as a member of a Christian family. Thank You for the blessing of a good, godly, Bible-believing church in which she could grow up. Thank You for her being able to attend BSF classes all the way across the world from me, just as I go to BSF classes here in Perth. Thank You that her mother is a godly woman who sees the need to teach even young children from the Scriptures and that she is an example and support to Amy. Thank You for Amy's husband as well and for the many ways her ministers Your love in her life. LORD, I thank You for all those instances where You have continued to extend Your grace into Amy's life through the ministry of fellow believers, instances which I know nothing about but which have been formative in shaping her into the godly woman I know today, whose friendship I value.
I thank You for the way you have confirmed in her life the call that You have made to her, which Your Holy Spirit has enabled her to respond to with faith and thanksgiving. I thank You for the way she has been able to write her blog and through it, that we might meet online, even though we may never meet in person. I thank You that You have given her the confidence to confidently proclaim her faith in You and that she is so determined to work with her husband to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the LORD. I thank You for the way she has been able to talk with R about the way her life has enfolded and that through this, she has both encouraged R to a deeper faith in You and also edified me as a reader of their manuscript. LORD God, I ask that You will continue to provide Amy with opportunities to use her gifts in writing to build up the kingdom of God through sharing stories of how You have shown Yourself mighty in the lives of her family and others, that people might come to know that You can be relied upon in all things because You hold this world in the palm of Your hand, cherishing and nurturing all Creation.
LORD, I pray that Amy may lack no spiritual gift as she waits for the Lord Jesus Christ to return in His full and magnificent glory. I pray that You may deepen her faith in You in all Truth, that she may grow closer to You as she reads her Bible this morning because she is continually learning more of who You are as You show her the Truth through the Bible which You breathed out. LORD, I pray that she may be driven to seek Your face in prayer and that she might worship You and praise You in all the moments of her daily life as well as in the moments specifically set aside to pray and speak with You. LORD, I pray that she might grow in wisdom as she daily seeks to live a life that pleases You and brings You glory and joy. I pray that You might be given glory at the end time when Your Son is revealed and that Amy may be able to look forward to this day with eagerness, anticipating the time when she will no longer struggle with sin but be glorified in Christ Jesus, entering into the fullness of her relationship with You, the relationship which You determined was to be hers even in eternity past.
LORD, I pray that You will keep Amy strong to this end. I pray that You may enable her to persevere in her faith through the presence within her of Your Holy Spirit. LORD, I pray that on the Day of Judgement she will be proclaimed blameless in Your sight because of the work that Jesus Christ has done on her behalf - and mine - two thousand years ago as he hung on the cross and died, then conquered death forever when he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven to intercede for her and me and each and every one of Your saints.
LORD God, You are faithful and Your will will surely be done. There is no shadow of turning in You. You are a rock which cannot be moved, no matter how we may struggle against You. LORD, I thank You and give You praise for calling Amy into fellowship with Jesus Christ, Your Son. I thank You for this with all my heart and I am deeply grateful for Your also calling me into fellowship with her, as my fellow sister in Christ, because we are now both Your heirs. LORD God, thank You for choosing people of all nations and languages to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Romans 15:30-33
Romans 15:30-33
30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
LORD, This morning I want to pray for Steve, our minister at NUC. He has a really difficult position there in the Uniting denomination which is so liberal in so many ways. The focus is so much on loving Your world and the people of the world that they have forgotten why they should be doing that - out of love and reverence for You LORD. Many of the other ministers have jumped on some bandwagon of self-realisation and completely left behind the idea that it is You who holds everything together and makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus! They have exchanged the word of God for a lie that says the Bible is just a collection of out-dated and no longer culturally-relevant suggestions when in reality it is so much more than that. Your word is not merely some guide book, Your word is Truth!
LORD, I pray that you might shelter Steve from these unbelieving people who claim to be Christians and yet who hold to a definition of Christianity which is such a pale, pale reflection of what it really is. Continue to make Steve's service to the congregation at NUC acceptable in Your sight, LORD. Nourish him with milk and meat from Your word as he reads from His Bible each day and encourage and uplift him in his times of prayer with You.
Help the people of the congregation to see and understand what he is doing on their behalf in standing between them and the extremes of the denomination. Help them to value him for what he has done and to see how much he goes through for them. And please, if it is at all possible, I pray that You will either enable him to stay on longer at NUC after his latest contract there ends. Or LORD, please raise up people within Your kingdom to work with the Chinese congregation there as well as the 9:30am congregation. LORD, where will these people go if they cannot get sound teaching when Steve leaves? Please strengthen Steve for the task that he has in making You known to the people of that community. Continue to uphold him as You have done so faithfully for so long. Guard him from the undermining efforts of those in the congregation and the wider denomination who would rather see a person with a liberal understanding of the Scriptures take over from him. Please protect this congregation, LORD, and provide other church homes for these people to go to if this does happen. Open the eyes of the undiscerning people in the congregation to see what a difference it makes when the Minister has a firm faith in Your word, which shows that the only way to be saved is through the Person and Work of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ.
LORD, I pray for the situation in this denomination that we will now be leaving. I am so happy not to be staying within it, yet I know there are so many people who are still sitting on pews in the buildings of this denomination and waiting for more. They are like dry, rustling autumn leaves which need to be swept out of a back corner and set alight so they can burn brightly! Please lead other people who attend this denomination within Perth to NUC or to the few other Biblically-sound U churches in Perth. Or just get these people out of there, LORD, into churches where they will constantly be fed and nurtured by hearing Your word taught and preached every single Sunday for the rest of their earthly lives! Save these people from listening to foolish controversies, LORD. Make Your name known among these "churches" and make Your name great! Refresh these people in their faith in You, O LORD. Teach them the truth of what it means to be a Christian, that it is not charity that one does nor advice that one follows, but a life that is lived with one's face uplifted in worship towards You, the God, King and Father of all mankind.
Amen.
30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
LORD, This morning I want to pray for Steve, our minister at NUC. He has a really difficult position there in the Uniting denomination which is so liberal in so many ways. The focus is so much on loving Your world and the people of the world that they have forgotten why they should be doing that - out of love and reverence for You LORD. Many of the other ministers have jumped on some bandwagon of self-realisation and completely left behind the idea that it is You who holds everything together and makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus! They have exchanged the word of God for a lie that says the Bible is just a collection of out-dated and no longer culturally-relevant suggestions when in reality it is so much more than that. Your word is not merely some guide book, Your word is Truth!
LORD, I pray that you might shelter Steve from these unbelieving people who claim to be Christians and yet who hold to a definition of Christianity which is such a pale, pale reflection of what it really is. Continue to make Steve's service to the congregation at NUC acceptable in Your sight, LORD. Nourish him with milk and meat from Your word as he reads from His Bible each day and encourage and uplift him in his times of prayer with You.
Help the people of the congregation to see and understand what he is doing on their behalf in standing between them and the extremes of the denomination. Help them to value him for what he has done and to see how much he goes through for them. And please, if it is at all possible, I pray that You will either enable him to stay on longer at NUC after his latest contract there ends. Or LORD, please raise up people within Your kingdom to work with the Chinese congregation there as well as the 9:30am congregation. LORD, where will these people go if they cannot get sound teaching when Steve leaves? Please strengthen Steve for the task that he has in making You known to the people of that community. Continue to uphold him as You have done so faithfully for so long. Guard him from the undermining efforts of those in the congregation and the wider denomination who would rather see a person with a liberal understanding of the Scriptures take over from him. Please protect this congregation, LORD, and provide other church homes for these people to go to if this does happen. Open the eyes of the undiscerning people in the congregation to see what a difference it makes when the Minister has a firm faith in Your word, which shows that the only way to be saved is through the Person and Work of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ.
LORD, I pray for the situation in this denomination that we will now be leaving. I am so happy not to be staying within it, yet I know there are so many people who are still sitting on pews in the buildings of this denomination and waiting for more. They are like dry, rustling autumn leaves which need to be swept out of a back corner and set alight so they can burn brightly! Please lead other people who attend this denomination within Perth to NUC or to the few other Biblically-sound U churches in Perth. Or just get these people out of there, LORD, into churches where they will constantly be fed and nurtured by hearing Your word taught and preached every single Sunday for the rest of their earthly lives! Save these people from listening to foolish controversies, LORD. Make Your name known among these "churches" and make Your name great! Refresh these people in their faith in You, O LORD. Teach them the truth of what it means to be a Christian, that it is not charity that one does nor advice that one follows, but a life that is lived with one's face uplifted in worship towards You, the God, King and Father of all mankind.
Amen.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Romans 15:13
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Oh wow, I totally needed this prayer to kick start my day today, LORD!
I can't believe the next verse on the list I am praying through has the word "hope" in it twice and also mentions "joy" and "peace"!! Oh LORD, You amaze me sometimes at how You just reach down and speak to me right to where I am at at the moment.
I had a very restless night last night despite spending ages praying before I went to bed, late though it was. You know I am struggling with being able to trust You LORD over the situation of trying to find a house to rent. And so then at 3:47am I told You if I was still restless and awake at 5am, I'd get up and begin the day with a big long time in prayer to You my Father about this whole matter. Then I open my eyes, all of a sudden, aware that I've woken from a dream but not knowing what has woken me. And when I look at the clock, what does it say? 5:00 on the knocker. Couldn't have given me a more direct wake up call than that, LORD, could You? And yet I was still slow to get out of bed, preferring to lie there and talk to You somewhat randomly until 5:18.
Well, here I am, dressed and ready for the day and it's only 5:35. And what do I open my Bible to see? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope..." Thank You for those words, cutting right to my heart and showing me the path away from my own insecurities and into the security of hope in You.
LORD, I know that You are a God of hope. You are the one who has given my life purpose and meaning and filled me with a desire to do something for Your glory, towards the fulfilment of a plan far greater than any I could dream up: Your plan of salvation for You chosen ones. It is You who has given me a hope to set my heart on. This hope is founded in the faith that You have given me in the completed work of Jesus Christ upon the cross and His conquering, authoritative resurrection. He is there, seated by Your right hand in heaven and I know this. He is interceding for me, just as He took my place of punishment there on the cross. My hope is in Him and in what He has already done. My hope is that I may one day enter into a full communion with You, one day take my place among the saints as one who worships You in Spirit and in Truth throughout eternity. My hope is that You have made me a new creation, one who is not entangled by the bonds of sin; instead I am a slave to righteousness! My hope is that You will one day make all things new. Give me a deep, abiding joy in these things, LORD.
My hope is also steadfastly based upon the knowledge that, having called me as one of Your own and granted me salvation, I know that You have a plan for my life that includes me completing the good works which You have planned for me from eternity past. By Your Holy Spirit You will enable me to do what You want me to do, LORD. I know this! And Jeff becoming the Pastor of BCC is just one element of this plan that You have for my life. A Pastor's wife! Wow! How amazing and yet somehwat bizarre is that! O LORD, shape me and make me into the person You want me to be, placing my trust in You completely in all things.
If You want us to provide hospitality to the people of this congregation, I can trust You to provide the place for that to happen... If You want me to raise our children to be confident in sharing the gospel with our neighbours, then You will place us in a home where they have the opportunity to do so... If You want me to not go crazy, I can trust You not to make me live with shag pile carpeting under my dining room table any longer!!! If You want our children to be able to play away from Bible studies or "adult" conversations then You will provide space for that in our new house... but You might also want them right there in the thick of things, helping to keep us humble, mightn't You? Help me to be ready for that one, LORD! If You want us to be able to have people stay overnight, You'll provide us with a home where we will have room and toilets for them to stay... If You want us to be able to chat with our neighbours about Jesus, You'll provide a home where we aren't hidden from them behind a big fence or wall... Oh, LORD, I should have remembered that I can trust You in all of these things.
I just needed a kick in the pants to remember that the fullness of my joy and my peace should be found in You. In doing Your will and in pleasing You, not in the place where I might do that. I needed to remember that it is the "power of the Holy Spirit" which will enable me to find that joy and peace that I earnestly desire.
And, God, I also need to know the nitty gritty of how to place my trust in You, in order that I may "overflow with hope" - and yet still actually go about doing the practical, earthly stuff that is required, like checking out houses and talking to real estate agents. How do I place my trust in You and still do stuff to bring about that which I am trusting You to provide??? You know that I have struggled with this one before, LORD, particularly in the matter of Joshua's education. And it's coming up again, and I guess it will come up again in the future as You teach me to submit all of my life to Your Lordship. Show me how to do this in this situation, LORD. I can't work it out on my own, not without my insides twisting up in knots and my head whirring so much that I spend another night unable to sleep. LORD, please help me to trust You - but not forget that while You are Sovereign, You have also given me responsibility for the things I do in Your sight (which is everything, isn't it LORD?).
LORD, my Father in heaven, holy be Your name. May it be Your will which is done through the hands of Jeff and I as we look for and apply for a home to live in. (And God, You know that if what You have in mind is that we shall miraculously be provided with the means to buy a house - or even if this should happen through means which seem purely earthly, because right now looking back at where we've come, I'll see that as a miracle of Your incredible generosity to us - rather than live in a rented one, well, that's fine by me.) Just please please please either help me to be patient... or stop all this suspense!!
O LORD, I am so grateful that You are my Father and I can come to You with a prayer such as this, honest and from my heart directly to Your throne. Thank You for giving Your Son to die for me, so that I might have a close, loving relationship with You who are my Creator and Judge. LORD, I give You praise for the mystery of Your choice in calling me to be one of Your children. Thank You for making me one of Your chosen people, Your royal priesthood, Your holy nation; part of a people belonging to God. May I declare the praises of You, who have called me out of the darkness and into Your wonderful light, for the rest of my mortal days and into eternity, for Your glory. Thank You for making me one of the people of God. Thank You for Your mercy. Amen.
PS! LORD, I can't believe that the clock says 6:19. One hour You've had me here since You got me out of bed! And that's Abigail I can hear who has woken up right as I am finished praying, isn't it? Oh thank You my Father for waking me up to spend this time of prayer with You.
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Oh wow, I totally needed this prayer to kick start my day today, LORD!
I can't believe the next verse on the list I am praying through has the word "hope" in it twice and also mentions "joy" and "peace"!! Oh LORD, You amaze me sometimes at how You just reach down and speak to me right to where I am at at the moment.
I had a very restless night last night despite spending ages praying before I went to bed, late though it was. You know I am struggling with being able to trust You LORD over the situation of trying to find a house to rent. And so then at 3:47am I told You if I was still restless and awake at 5am, I'd get up and begin the day with a big long time in prayer to You my Father about this whole matter. Then I open my eyes, all of a sudden, aware that I've woken from a dream but not knowing what has woken me. And when I look at the clock, what does it say? 5:00 on the knocker. Couldn't have given me a more direct wake up call than that, LORD, could You? And yet I was still slow to get out of bed, preferring to lie there and talk to You somewhat randomly until 5:18.
Well, here I am, dressed and ready for the day and it's only 5:35. And what do I open my Bible to see? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope..." Thank You for those words, cutting right to my heart and showing me the path away from my own insecurities and into the security of hope in You.
LORD, I know that You are a God of hope. You are the one who has given my life purpose and meaning and filled me with a desire to do something for Your glory, towards the fulfilment of a plan far greater than any I could dream up: Your plan of salvation for You chosen ones. It is You who has given me a hope to set my heart on. This hope is founded in the faith that You have given me in the completed work of Jesus Christ upon the cross and His conquering, authoritative resurrection. He is there, seated by Your right hand in heaven and I know this. He is interceding for me, just as He took my place of punishment there on the cross. My hope is in Him and in what He has already done. My hope is that I may one day enter into a full communion with You, one day take my place among the saints as one who worships You in Spirit and in Truth throughout eternity. My hope is that You have made me a new creation, one who is not entangled by the bonds of sin; instead I am a slave to righteousness! My hope is that You will one day make all things new. Give me a deep, abiding joy in these things, LORD.
My hope is also steadfastly based upon the knowledge that, having called me as one of Your own and granted me salvation, I know that You have a plan for my life that includes me completing the good works which You have planned for me from eternity past. By Your Holy Spirit You will enable me to do what You want me to do, LORD. I know this! And Jeff becoming the Pastor of BCC is just one element of this plan that You have for my life. A Pastor's wife! Wow! How amazing and yet somehwat bizarre is that! O LORD, shape me and make me into the person You want me to be, placing my trust in You completely in all things.
If You want us to provide hospitality to the people of this congregation, I can trust You to provide the place for that to happen... If You want me to raise our children to be confident in sharing the gospel with our neighbours, then You will place us in a home where they have the opportunity to do so... If You want me to not go crazy, I can trust You not to make me live with shag pile carpeting under my dining room table any longer!!! If You want our children to be able to play away from Bible studies or "adult" conversations then You will provide space for that in our new house... but You might also want them right there in the thick of things, helping to keep us humble, mightn't You? Help me to be ready for that one, LORD! If You want us to be able to have people stay overnight, You'll provide us with a home where we will have room and toilets for them to stay... If You want us to be able to chat with our neighbours about Jesus, You'll provide a home where we aren't hidden from them behind a big fence or wall... Oh, LORD, I should have remembered that I can trust You in all of these things.
I just needed a kick in the pants to remember that the fullness of my joy and my peace should be found in You. In doing Your will and in pleasing You, not in the place where I might do that. I needed to remember that it is the "power of the Holy Spirit" which will enable me to find that joy and peace that I earnestly desire.
And, God, I also need to know the nitty gritty of how to place my trust in You, in order that I may "overflow with hope" - and yet still actually go about doing the practical, earthly stuff that is required, like checking out houses and talking to real estate agents. How do I place my trust in You and still do stuff to bring about that which I am trusting You to provide??? You know that I have struggled with this one before, LORD, particularly in the matter of Joshua's education. And it's coming up again, and I guess it will come up again in the future as You teach me to submit all of my life to Your Lordship. Show me how to do this in this situation, LORD. I can't work it out on my own, not without my insides twisting up in knots and my head whirring so much that I spend another night unable to sleep. LORD, please help me to trust You - but not forget that while You are Sovereign, You have also given me responsibility for the things I do in Your sight (which is everything, isn't it LORD?).
LORD, my Father in heaven, holy be Your name. May it be Your will which is done through the hands of Jeff and I as we look for and apply for a home to live in. (And God, You know that if what You have in mind is that we shall miraculously be provided with the means to buy a house - or even if this should happen through means which seem purely earthly, because right now looking back at where we've come, I'll see that as a miracle of Your incredible generosity to us - rather than live in a rented one, well, that's fine by me.) Just please please please either help me to be patient... or stop all this suspense!!
O LORD, I am so grateful that You are my Father and I can come to You with a prayer such as this, honest and from my heart directly to Your throne. Thank You for giving Your Son to die for me, so that I might have a close, loving relationship with You who are my Creator and Judge. LORD, I give You praise for the mystery of Your choice in calling me to be one of Your children. Thank You for making me one of Your chosen people, Your royal priesthood, Your holy nation; part of a people belonging to God. May I declare the praises of You, who have called me out of the darkness and into Your wonderful light, for the rest of my mortal days and into eternity, for Your glory. Thank You for making me one of the people of God. Thank You for Your mercy. Amen.
PS! LORD, I can't believe that the clock says 6:19. One hour You've had me here since You got me out of bed! And that's Abigail I can hear who has woken up right as I am finished praying, isn't it? Oh thank You my Father for waking me up to spend this time of prayer with You.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Romans 15:4-6
Romans 15:4-6
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 4 and 5 tell us that it is God who has given us the Scriptures, which were written in the past. They also tell us one of the purposes of the Scriptures: namely, that we will be encouraged as we find reason to hope from what we read in Scripture. It is also through the evidence of our own endurance in the Christian faith that we find another reason to hope. Paul asks in his prayer here (verses 5-6) for the Roman Christians, that God will add to their endurance and encouragement an attitude (spirit) of unity, togetherness, a common purpose - to glorify God as one.
My Father in heaven, You have enabled us to endure together through three years of Theological study for Jeff. And we have not only endured, by Your grace we have thrived. Our faith in You has grown stronger and we have both become a lot closer to You as we have been taught soundly and got to know You better. It is You who gave Jeff the desire to get His Masters, and You also helped me to deal with all of my hesitations and concerns over what that would entail. You helped me to endure the uprooting process as we left Darwin and You went before us here to Perth, helping us find suitable accommodation that we have been able to afford for the entire three years of study. You found friends for me and opened doors for me to meet people whom I would love and be loved by, such that I have learnt not to worry that this will not be the case as we now enter a new phase of our lives.
You have given me encouragement as well. Encouragement in the way You provided for us but also the deeper encouragement which comes from hearing godly counsel from Your word, and being taught the truth of Your nature: Your sovereignty, Your trustworthiness, Your grace and mercy and Your plan for the redemption of Your chosen ones. And You have given me confidence that Your plan includes a role for me, as well as for my husband. You have shown me that I can make a difference in the lives of those around me, teaching them about You and Your Son. You have encouraged me with visible fruit from my labours, and with the reminder from Your word that all of this will bring You glory eternally. Oh LORD, I am so thoroughly grateful for that!
LORD I pray that You will unite Jeff and I in our ministry to Your people. I pray that You will guide me in what ways You want me to support and help Jeff. LORD, I pray that You will give the pastor selection committee wisdom and discernment as they pray and discuss the possibility of Jeff's appointment. I pray that You will give them one heart to fulfil your will in the matter of this appointment, whether it is to be Jeff who is chosen or some other person. LORD, the interview seemed to go well but Jeff and I know that we cannot second-guess You, who Created us for Your purposes, with Your plan in mind, not to make us "happy" in the selfish and short-sighted way we tend to look at things. I pray that whatever the decision, You will make it one which will bring glory to Your name, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Lord over Jeff and I and over the congregation of Your saints at BCC.
And this is only one part of our lives, LORD. I pray that You will unify Jeff and I together with your church to bring You glory with all that we do, not only those things which we naturally think of as Christian Ministry. LORD, You are God and King over all of our lives, not simply some of the hours, or some of the days. Please make our lives a testimony to Your grace to us, and thus make our lives a source of glory and praise to Your name. May You be forever praised!!!
In the name of Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and who made me into a new creation so that I may serve Him, together with my husband, according to Your eternal purposes for me. Amen.
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 4 and 5 tell us that it is God who has given us the Scriptures, which were written in the past. They also tell us one of the purposes of the Scriptures: namely, that we will be encouraged as we find reason to hope from what we read in Scripture. It is also through the evidence of our own endurance in the Christian faith that we find another reason to hope. Paul asks in his prayer here (verses 5-6) for the Roman Christians, that God will add to their endurance and encouragement an attitude (spirit) of unity, togetherness, a common purpose - to glorify God as one.
My Father in heaven, You have enabled us to endure together through three years of Theological study for Jeff. And we have not only endured, by Your grace we have thrived. Our faith in You has grown stronger and we have both become a lot closer to You as we have been taught soundly and got to know You better. It is You who gave Jeff the desire to get His Masters, and You also helped me to deal with all of my hesitations and concerns over what that would entail. You helped me to endure the uprooting process as we left Darwin and You went before us here to Perth, helping us find suitable accommodation that we have been able to afford for the entire three years of study. You found friends for me and opened doors for me to meet people whom I would love and be loved by, such that I have learnt not to worry that this will not be the case as we now enter a new phase of our lives.
You have given me encouragement as well. Encouragement in the way You provided for us but also the deeper encouragement which comes from hearing godly counsel from Your word, and being taught the truth of Your nature: Your sovereignty, Your trustworthiness, Your grace and mercy and Your plan for the redemption of Your chosen ones. And You have given me confidence that Your plan includes a role for me, as well as for my husband. You have shown me that I can make a difference in the lives of those around me, teaching them about You and Your Son. You have encouraged me with visible fruit from my labours, and with the reminder from Your word that all of this will bring You glory eternally. Oh LORD, I am so thoroughly grateful for that!
LORD I pray that You will unite Jeff and I in our ministry to Your people. I pray that You will guide me in what ways You want me to support and help Jeff. LORD, I pray that You will give the pastor selection committee wisdom and discernment as they pray and discuss the possibility of Jeff's appointment. I pray that You will give them one heart to fulfil your will in the matter of this appointment, whether it is to be Jeff who is chosen or some other person. LORD, the interview seemed to go well but Jeff and I know that we cannot second-guess You, who Created us for Your purposes, with Your plan in mind, not to make us "happy" in the selfish and short-sighted way we tend to look at things. I pray that whatever the decision, You will make it one which will bring glory to Your name, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Lord over Jeff and I and over the congregation of Your saints at BCC.
And this is only one part of our lives, LORD. I pray that You will unify Jeff and I together with your church to bring You glory with all that we do, not only those things which we naturally think of as Christian Ministry. LORD, You are God and King over all of our lives, not simply some of the hours, or some of the days. Please make our lives a testimony to Your grace to us, and thus make our lives a source of glory and praise to Your name. May You be forever praised!!!
In the name of Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and who made me into a new creation so that I may serve Him, together with my husband, according to Your eternal purposes for me. Amen.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Romans 12:12
Romans 12:12
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
One of the things which has really been impressed upon me at BSF is what the word "hope" means in a Christian context. It refers to the hope that all Christians have: hope of a future, an eternal future, in the intimate presence of God, giving Him praise and bringing glory to Him. It refers to the hope believers have of an inheritance: that we, as co-heirs with Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, we are all God's children. It refers to what Paul called his "hope in the resurrection": the fact that Jesus was only the first to enter into eternal life and that we, who place our hope in Him and in His authority over sin as evidenced by His resurrection, will one day also be given new bodies and live in the new heavens and the new earth. That even now, we are a new creation because of what He has done.
The more I ponder these things, the more joy I find in them. How wonderful it will be to spend eternity with God, the Holy, Everlasting, Perfect One.
Paul's letters talk a lot about the purpose of trials and temptations. Jesus warned His followers that they were unavoidable. At the moment, I do not feel "afflicted" - but that could be a warning that trials are just around the corner, so to speak. These things are inevitable and so I need to take advantage of the blessedly peaceful life I have at this present moment to deepen the roots of my faith down through the word of God to the rock of my salvation: Jesus Christ. I must rely on Him now so that I will also remember to rely on Him then.
The more I ponder this, the more I am driven to read my Bible and pray, seeking a stronger, deeper relationship with the One Who is my God, the One True God.
Am I faithful in prayer? Oh, I earnestly desire that this be so. Yet I know that I often ignore the Holy Spirit's prompts to prayer. And I do this as a deliberate, wilful, consciously sinful act. For this I am so ashamed.
As I ponder this, I am driven to repent.
Oh LORD, please help me to be diligent and faithful in prayer. Help me to "pray until I pray", keeping on with our conversation until I finally am open and honest with You. Make me more aware that when I refuse to spend time in prayer, when I roll over and don't get out of bed when You have woken me up, or when I feel the urge to pray and yet ignore it, make me more aware that I am rejecting You and what I am doing is sinful. Please help me to value our time together more than I do at present. Teach me to feel Your presence all day, every day, so that I do not try to comnpartmentalise You out of bits of my life. Remind me that You are always near, always within me by Your Holy Spirit, and so I I have no option but to share my life with You! Teach me to do so willingly, to want to talk to You about important matters and insignificant ones. Make me like Your Son, who took time to pray when He needed Your strength and also when things were seemingly going magnificently well. LORD, remind me that You are my Father and we have a relationship. Help me to remember that relationships only grow when the people involved spend time together. Help me to spend time with You LORD, because I want a better relationship with You more than I want anything.
Amen.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
One of the things which has really been impressed upon me at BSF is what the word "hope" means in a Christian context. It refers to the hope that all Christians have: hope of a future, an eternal future, in the intimate presence of God, giving Him praise and bringing glory to Him. It refers to the hope believers have of an inheritance: that we, as co-heirs with Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, we are all God's children. It refers to what Paul called his "hope in the resurrection": the fact that Jesus was only the first to enter into eternal life and that we, who place our hope in Him and in His authority over sin as evidenced by His resurrection, will one day also be given new bodies and live in the new heavens and the new earth. That even now, we are a new creation because of what He has done.
The more I ponder these things, the more joy I find in them. How wonderful it will be to spend eternity with God, the Holy, Everlasting, Perfect One.
Paul's letters talk a lot about the purpose of trials and temptations. Jesus warned His followers that they were unavoidable. At the moment, I do not feel "afflicted" - but that could be a warning that trials are just around the corner, so to speak. These things are inevitable and so I need to take advantage of the blessedly peaceful life I have at this present moment to deepen the roots of my faith down through the word of God to the rock of my salvation: Jesus Christ. I must rely on Him now so that I will also remember to rely on Him then.
The more I ponder this, the more I am driven to read my Bible and pray, seeking a stronger, deeper relationship with the One Who is my God, the One True God.
Am I faithful in prayer? Oh, I earnestly desire that this be so. Yet I know that I often ignore the Holy Spirit's prompts to prayer. And I do this as a deliberate, wilful, consciously sinful act. For this I am so ashamed.
As I ponder this, I am driven to repent.
Oh LORD, please help me to be diligent and faithful in prayer. Help me to "pray until I pray", keeping on with our conversation until I finally am open and honest with You. Make me more aware that when I refuse to spend time in prayer, when I roll over and don't get out of bed when You have woken me up, or when I feel the urge to pray and yet ignore it, make me more aware that I am rejecting You and what I am doing is sinful. Please help me to value our time together more than I do at present. Teach me to feel Your presence all day, every day, so that I do not try to comnpartmentalise You out of bits of my life. Remind me that You are always near, always within me by Your Holy Spirit, and so I I have no option but to share my life with You! Teach me to do so willingly, to want to talk to You about important matters and insignificant ones. Make me like Your Son, who took time to pray when He needed Your strength and also when things were seemingly going magnificently well. LORD, remind me that You are my Father and we have a relationship. Help me to remember that relationships only grow when the people involved spend time together. Help me to spend time with You LORD, because I want a better relationship with You more than I want anything.
Amen.
Romans 10:1
Romans 10:1
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
LORD God, I am sorry that I do not yearn for the lost to be saved. LORD, I know I should feel pity and want them to be saved and yet it hardly ever passes through my mind, except for my children. LORD, I do know many people who are not saved and yet I do not sense the urgency that I should in praying for them or sharing the gospel with them. I am sorry for this and I do ask that, by Your Holy Spirit, You will prompt me to do these things. Please make me feel more keenly the urgency of the situation, that these people will be lost if they do not come to faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
LORD God, I am sorry that I do not yearn for the lost to be saved. LORD, I know I should feel pity and want them to be saved and yet it hardly ever passes through my mind, except for my children. LORD, I do know many people who are not saved and yet I do not sense the urgency that I should in praying for them or sharing the gospel with them. I am sorry for this and I do ask that, by Your Holy Spirit, You will prompt me to do these things. Please make me feel more keenly the urgency of the situation, that these people will be lost if they do not come to faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Romans 1:8-10
Romans 1:8-10
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
I thank You, my Lord and God, for the faith of my son Joshua. I thank You that he has placed his trust in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and that Joshua knows Jesus as his Saviour and also as his King. I thank You for the words that he has started to pray in recently, the way he talks to you and confidently declares, "You are my King... You are King over the whole world." I know this is true because I have read Matthew 28:18, where Jesus' words are recorded, "All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me." Yes, in resurrecting Jesus from the dead and in raising Him to heaven to the right hand of your throne, You have placed Him in authority over the earth as my King, Joshua's King, and indeed the King of the whole world, whether we recognise it or not. Please LORD, make Your name great and glorify Yourself in the heavens and on earth through the life and testimony of my son Joshua as well as through my life, Jeff's and our other children.
You know I was explaining again to the children today about what each of their names mean and I thank You for the reminder this gave me that Joshua's name means, "The LORD is salvation". I know this is true and I marvel at your Sovereign hand in guiding Jeff to choose that name for our firstborn son. HIs faith, at once so steadfast and yet also so naive, is a witness to me and to others of the salvation that comes only through Your One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. I am so glad that You are using his faith to bring glory and renown to Yourself, LORD. Use all of us, please!
Thank You for the grace which You have extended to Joshua, so that he might already be able to talk clearly and confidently about what he knows and faithfully believes to be true about Yourself. Please help Jeff and I to continue to teach him about You, to bring him up to know and love and serve You. And I ask this for each of our other children as well, LORD, even though my heart is focused on Joshua this evening.
LORD, please help me to remember to pray for those in my family and for my close friends. Help me to remember them "constantly", as Paul said of himself, so that I may pray "at all times" in accordance with your will for our lives. Dearest Father, I pray especially that you will keep S safe from harm and that you will be with EK and his daughters A, O and T. Help him to wake up easily from the coma and please guide the hands of the surgeons as they operate upon his heart. LORD I pray that you will keep his brain as well as his heart now safe from harm from the heart attack. LORD God I pray for healing in the body of this special man. You know what a wonderful heart he has to do Your will and how much he has given up and been willing to forgo to prioritise Your work in his life. You know how kind he and EK have been to our family and how godly their counsel to us has been. You know the ways in which he has cared for our family and gently guided Jeff as he looked for a church to work at and now as we have prayed together over this current opportunity. It sounds almost to me like as I type this I am trying to convince You that S is a man worthy of Your healing and yet that is not what I mean. I am just trying to express my sincere thankfulness to You for the grace You have poured out into the life of S such that he has earnestly desired to live a life which is pleasing to You. And LORD, because of this life he has lived, I and I am sure many others have come to respect him and to be thankful for his ministry and so I pray that you will restore him to health so that their ministry may continue and may keep on bringing You glory.
O LORD it seems so sudden (of course it is!) and yet I know that You have been preparing the circumstances so that, in some ways, what has happened has been much easier than it could have been already. In particular I thank you that O and A have finished their exams for the year and that EK was able to finish her tasks as TL for the year before this happened. It has been a dreadful thing in their lives and I pray that You will give them strength and courage, and faith in You, to bear up under the weight of what has happened. And I want to than You so much for giving us that precious time with their family last Sunday after church so that we were able to benefit from S's godly wisdom and insight as well as EK's joyful enthusiasm for Your work in all the places where Your name is proclaimed. LORD God I thank You for enabling that meeting to happen before S's heart attack so that we could benefit and even as I write this I am again reminded of my own selfishness in thinking this. I am sorry but I still want to thank You for that opportunity, which, without Your Sovereign guiding hand, would not have been able to take place.
I pray that "now at last by God's will the way will be opened" for Jeff to work in a congregation which is firmly founded in a high view of Scripture and a faithful understanding of Who You are and what You have done for our salvation through the person and work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. LORD I place my trust in You in this matter. You know that Jeff was not sure whether he should work for the UC and he gave it a good shot (notice, LORD, I don't say his best shot, but then I must be honest before You and I know that you chose to use his misunderstandings at that interview to close the door for service with them. LORD we have submitted to Your will in this with gratefulness that we shall not have to follow that hard route. And now, there is this new opportunity which, as You know, may also take us out of our comfort zone, but this time I think in a good way. LORD God, it is hard to look forward to something which is as yet so uncertain and so I thank You that things are moving forward steadily and so much quicker than they ever did with Jeff's UC application. LORD God I thank You for the positive response Jeff has had so far, and I give Your name praise above all the heavens when I think about how Joshua answered the phone the other night and how completely gracious M was when I apologised for Joshua's assumption that the phone call would be from Daddy. O LORD I thank You for the protection which You provided then but also I thank You for the reminder that we will have to be "real" in every dealing with our future congregation. If Jeff is to teach them then they must see that he is both a real person who struggles with sin and also, at the same time, a faithful Christian who is being sanctified by the mighty work of Your Holy Spirit in his life. And LORD please help me to remember this for myself as well! Help me to be honest (although not in a way which might lead others into temptation) and humble. Yes, LORD, especially humble! Wasn't that one of the biggest reasons You have blessed me with four children, that I might learn humility? And patience, and endurance, and loving kindness, and good works, and faith and faith and faith IN YOU! O LORD I do ask that You will help things to move smoothly as Jeff and I head into the interview on Sunday. Help us to speak clearly and without pride. Help us to know what to ask, and when not to ask. Help us to be honest and in all things to remain faithful to Your will for our lives. Please open the door for us to serve in ways which will bring You glory and give us further opportunity to grow more like Your Son Jesus so that even in our everyday lives we may bring You glory also.
Amen!
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
I thank You, my Lord and God, for the faith of my son Joshua. I thank You that he has placed his trust in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and that Joshua knows Jesus as his Saviour and also as his King. I thank You for the words that he has started to pray in recently, the way he talks to you and confidently declares, "You are my King... You are King over the whole world." I know this is true because I have read Matthew 28:18, where Jesus' words are recorded, "All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me." Yes, in resurrecting Jesus from the dead and in raising Him to heaven to the right hand of your throne, You have placed Him in authority over the earth as my King, Joshua's King, and indeed the King of the whole world, whether we recognise it or not. Please LORD, make Your name great and glorify Yourself in the heavens and on earth through the life and testimony of my son Joshua as well as through my life, Jeff's and our other children.
You know I was explaining again to the children today about what each of their names mean and I thank You for the reminder this gave me that Joshua's name means, "The LORD is salvation". I know this is true and I marvel at your Sovereign hand in guiding Jeff to choose that name for our firstborn son. HIs faith, at once so steadfast and yet also so naive, is a witness to me and to others of the salvation that comes only through Your One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. I am so glad that You are using his faith to bring glory and renown to Yourself, LORD. Use all of us, please!
Thank You for the grace which You have extended to Joshua, so that he might already be able to talk clearly and confidently about what he knows and faithfully believes to be true about Yourself. Please help Jeff and I to continue to teach him about You, to bring him up to know and love and serve You. And I ask this for each of our other children as well, LORD, even though my heart is focused on Joshua this evening.
LORD, please help me to remember to pray for those in my family and for my close friends. Help me to remember them "constantly", as Paul said of himself, so that I may pray "at all times" in accordance with your will for our lives. Dearest Father, I pray especially that you will keep S safe from harm and that you will be with EK and his daughters A, O and T. Help him to wake up easily from the coma and please guide the hands of the surgeons as they operate upon his heart. LORD I pray that you will keep his brain as well as his heart now safe from harm from the heart attack. LORD God I pray for healing in the body of this special man. You know what a wonderful heart he has to do Your will and how much he has given up and been willing to forgo to prioritise Your work in his life. You know how kind he and EK have been to our family and how godly their counsel to us has been. You know the ways in which he has cared for our family and gently guided Jeff as he looked for a church to work at and now as we have prayed together over this current opportunity. It sounds almost to me like as I type this I am trying to convince You that S is a man worthy of Your healing and yet that is not what I mean. I am just trying to express my sincere thankfulness to You for the grace You have poured out into the life of S such that he has earnestly desired to live a life which is pleasing to You. And LORD, because of this life he has lived, I and I am sure many others have come to respect him and to be thankful for his ministry and so I pray that you will restore him to health so that their ministry may continue and may keep on bringing You glory.
O LORD it seems so sudden (of course it is!) and yet I know that You have been preparing the circumstances so that, in some ways, what has happened has been much easier than it could have been already. In particular I thank you that O and A have finished their exams for the year and that EK was able to finish her tasks as TL for the year before this happened. It has been a dreadful thing in their lives and I pray that You will give them strength and courage, and faith in You, to bear up under the weight of what has happened. And I want to than You so much for giving us that precious time with their family last Sunday after church so that we were able to benefit from S's godly wisdom and insight as well as EK's joyful enthusiasm for Your work in all the places where Your name is proclaimed. LORD God I thank You for enabling that meeting to happen before S's heart attack so that we could benefit and even as I write this I am again reminded of my own selfishness in thinking this. I am sorry but I still want to thank You for that opportunity, which, without Your Sovereign guiding hand, would not have been able to take place.
I pray that "now at last by God's will the way will be opened" for Jeff to work in a congregation which is firmly founded in a high view of Scripture and a faithful understanding of Who You are and what You have done for our salvation through the person and work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. LORD I place my trust in You in this matter. You know that Jeff was not sure whether he should work for the UC and he gave it a good shot (notice, LORD, I don't say his best shot, but then I must be honest before You and I know that you chose to use his misunderstandings at that interview to close the door for service with them. LORD we have submitted to Your will in this with gratefulness that we shall not have to follow that hard route. And now, there is this new opportunity which, as You know, may also take us out of our comfort zone, but this time I think in a good way. LORD God, it is hard to look forward to something which is as yet so uncertain and so I thank You that things are moving forward steadily and so much quicker than they ever did with Jeff's UC application. LORD God I thank You for the positive response Jeff has had so far, and I give Your name praise above all the heavens when I think about how Joshua answered the phone the other night and how completely gracious M was when I apologised for Joshua's assumption that the phone call would be from Daddy. O LORD I thank You for the protection which You provided then but also I thank You for the reminder that we will have to be "real" in every dealing with our future congregation. If Jeff is to teach them then they must see that he is both a real person who struggles with sin and also, at the same time, a faithful Christian who is being sanctified by the mighty work of Your Holy Spirit in his life. And LORD please help me to remember this for myself as well! Help me to be honest (although not in a way which might lead others into temptation) and humble. Yes, LORD, especially humble! Wasn't that one of the biggest reasons You have blessed me with four children, that I might learn humility? And patience, and endurance, and loving kindness, and good works, and faith and faith and faith IN YOU! O LORD I do ask that You will help things to move smoothly as Jeff and I head into the interview on Sunday. Help us to speak clearly and without pride. Help us to know what to ask, and when not to ask. Help us to be honest and in all things to remain faithful to Your will for our lives. Please open the door for us to serve in ways which will bring You glory and give us further opportunity to grow more like Your Son Jesus so that even in our everyday lives we may bring You glory also.
Amen!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Betrayal and Trials of Jesus
The sovereignty of God has been on my mind a lot lately as we decided to send Joshua to private school next year and then Jeff's application to the Uniting Church to become a Minister of the Word was rejected.
This morning I went to BSF, my Bible Study class. This past week our class has been reading through the stories of the last supper, Jesus' prayer at Gethsemane, Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial of Jesus and the five trials Jesus went through (before Annas, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Herod and Pilate again). The thing that struck me the most with all these stories was Jesus' insistence that what had been prophesied and recorded in the Scriptures (ie, the Old Testament) must come to pass.
Below is just one example, although there are many throughout the "passion" narrative. I have woven this account together taking verses from both Matthew and John's gospels. None of the gospel accounts includes every detail of this time, but together they provide a picture which is as complete and sufficient for our needs as God wanted it to be. The words of Jesus are in red, to help you keep track of who is speaking because it is not always apparent from the snippets.
---
Matt26:1-2 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, "As you know, the Passover is two days away - and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
Matt 26:4-5 ... they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. "But not during the feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Matt 26:16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
John 13:18 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "
Matt 26:23,25 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me."
... Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
"What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him.
John 18:1-3 When he had finished praying Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
Matt 26:46-47 "Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent fromt he chief priests and the elders of the people.
John 18:4-6 Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said , "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Matt 26:48-50 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Matt 27:1-2 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and he elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
John 18:28-29 Then the Jews led Jesus to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"
Matt 27:22,24-26 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
---
Can you see how Jesus guided the events so that His crucifixion occurred at the very time which God had planned for it - the Passover, the annual Jewish celebration of their deliverance by God? The people involved eagerly desired Jesus' blood yet they did not want to cause a stir at the Passover time, when so many Jews were present in Jerusalem. Despite this, at Jesus' urging Judas betrayed Him at a time which ensured Jesus would indeed be crucified at the Passover.
And yet, Jesus' instigation of the timing of the event does not change the fact that Judas is held accountable by God for his premeditated betrayal of Jesus. When Judas saw what he had done, he felt remorse, but no true repentance. This was demonstrated by the way he went to the chief priests and elders to ask them to undo what he had done - but he never went to Jesus to ask forgiveness. If he had, he might have been at the foot of the cross later that day when Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 24:34). Instead, filled with regret and shame, he committed suicide. We each need to remember that while God is sovereign and in control, He is also our Judge with authority over us and He will hold us accountable for all our decisions and actions, big and small.
Consider what Peter had to say about this later, when he spoke to the crowds at Pentecost:
Acts 2:23 "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."
Peter and John prayed this after they were released by the Sanhedrin (religious council):
Acts 4:27-28 "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."
Jesus' crucifixion was all part of God's eternal plan for salvation. He brought it about according to His own sovereign will. But it was our sin, yours and mine, which required that it should come to pass.
[This post was also posted at Equip Academy here.]
This morning I went to BSF, my Bible Study class. This past week our class has been reading through the stories of the last supper, Jesus' prayer at Gethsemane, Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial of Jesus and the five trials Jesus went through (before Annas, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Herod and Pilate again). The thing that struck me the most with all these stories was Jesus' insistence that what had been prophesied and recorded in the Scriptures (ie, the Old Testament) must come to pass.
Below is just one example, although there are many throughout the "passion" narrative. I have woven this account together taking verses from both Matthew and John's gospels. None of the gospel accounts includes every detail of this time, but together they provide a picture which is as complete and sufficient for our needs as God wanted it to be. The words of Jesus are in red, to help you keep track of who is speaking because it is not always apparent from the snippets.
---
Matt26:1-2 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, "As you know, the Passover is two days away - and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
Matt 26:4-5 ... they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. "But not during the feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Matt 26:16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
John 13:18 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "
Matt 26:23,25 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me."
... Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
"What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him.
John 18:1-3 When he had finished praying Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
Matt 26:46-47 "Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent fromt he chief priests and the elders of the people.
John 18:4-6 Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said , "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Matt 26:48-50 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Matt 27:1-2 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and he elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
John 18:28-29 Then the Jews led Jesus to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"
Matt 27:22,24-26 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
---
Can you see how Jesus guided the events so that His crucifixion occurred at the very time which God had planned for it - the Passover, the annual Jewish celebration of their deliverance by God? The people involved eagerly desired Jesus' blood yet they did not want to cause a stir at the Passover time, when so many Jews were present in Jerusalem. Despite this, at Jesus' urging Judas betrayed Him at a time which ensured Jesus would indeed be crucified at the Passover.
And yet, Jesus' instigation of the timing of the event does not change the fact that Judas is held accountable by God for his premeditated betrayal of Jesus. When Judas saw what he had done, he felt remorse, but no true repentance. This was demonstrated by the way he went to the chief priests and elders to ask them to undo what he had done - but he never went to Jesus to ask forgiveness. If he had, he might have been at the foot of the cross later that day when Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 24:34). Instead, filled with regret and shame, he committed suicide. We each need to remember that while God is sovereign and in control, He is also our Judge with authority over us and He will hold us accountable for all our decisions and actions, big and small.
Consider what Peter had to say about this later, when he spoke to the crowds at Pentecost:
Acts 2:23 "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."
Peter and John prayed this after they were released by the Sanhedrin (religious council):
Acts 4:27-28 "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."
Jesus' crucifixion was all part of God's eternal plan for salvation. He brought it about according to His own sovereign will. But it was our sin, yours and mine, which required that it should come to pass.
[This post was also posted at Equip Academy here.]
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
John the Baptist and Messiah's Baptism
From the readings and questions this week:
Hebrews 5:7 stood out this week:
"During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission."
Through His baptism, Jesus aligned himself with those among God's people who truly, humbly desired to do God's will. He was acknowledging publicly God's justice and the He also received annointing from God as the promised Messiah.
1. Matthew 3:1-6 Jesus and John the Baptist
c29AD.
> Jesus is with us through all our trials.
> He will help us to obey God's requirements.
> We need to ask Him for help.
> He will empathise with us.
Locusts food for the poor. Dessert place of spirituality, finding God (cf Joshua before the taking of Jericho). John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, confronting corruption.
: Jesus is the source of our salvation because of His obedience.
> We are called to obey Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Q Do my actions and words demonstrate obedience to Jesus Christ?
Q Am I able to point others to Jesus as a result of my actions?
> We need to let others know what Jesus Christ means to us.
2. Matthew 3:7-12 John the Baptist’s message
John preached repentance: a change in one’s heart and mind leading to a change in one’s life and actions. There needed to be evidence of this repentance in the lives of the baptisee. John also warned that judgement was imminent. John’s baptism prepared the nation of Israel for the coming king and made the king known to Israel.
: Repentance involved changed thinking and a changed life.
> Baptism today publicly acknowledges repentance and faith.
3. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus is baptised by John
Jesus the Lamb of God did not come to John remorseful and repentant but submissive and obedient. Jesus Christ had no sin to confess! The Father was pleased with Jesus, even at this early point in His ministry.
One reason was to give approval to John’s ministry in baptising for repentance, acknowledging that He was indeed the One whom John had made the way straight for.
: Just as the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus Christ for His ministry, the Holy Spirit anoints believers for service today.
> The Holy Spirit is working in us to prepare us for heaven, for the new heavens and new earth.
Summary
Even though we sin and fail we are a new person in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:3-5 tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Hebrews 5:7 stood out this week:
"During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission."
Through His baptism, Jesus aligned himself with those among God's people who truly, humbly desired to do God's will. He was acknowledging publicly God's justice and the He also received annointing from God as the promised Messiah.
1. Matthew 3:1-6 Jesus and John the Baptist
c29AD.
> Jesus is with us through all our trials.
> He will help us to obey God's requirements.
> We need to ask Him for help.
> He will empathise with us.
Locusts food for the poor. Dessert place of spirituality, finding God (cf Joshua before the taking of Jericho). John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, confronting corruption.
: Jesus is the source of our salvation because of His obedience.
> We are called to obey Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Q Do my actions and words demonstrate obedience to Jesus Christ?
Q Am I able to point others to Jesus as a result of my actions?
> We need to let others know what Jesus Christ means to us.
2. Matthew 3:7-12 John the Baptist’s message
John preached repentance: a change in one’s heart and mind leading to a change in one’s life and actions. There needed to be evidence of this repentance in the lives of the baptisee. John also warned that judgement was imminent. John’s baptism prepared the nation of Israel for the coming king and made the king known to Israel.
: Repentance involved changed thinking and a changed life.
> Baptism today publicly acknowledges repentance and faith.
3. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus is baptised by John
Jesus the Lamb of God did not come to John remorseful and repentant but submissive and obedient. Jesus Christ had no sin to confess! The Father was pleased with Jesus, even at this early point in His ministry.
One reason was to give approval to John’s ministry in baptising for repentance, acknowledging that He was indeed the One whom John had made the way straight for.
: Just as the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus Christ for His ministry, the Holy Spirit anoints believers for service today.
> The Holy Spirit is working in us to prepare us for heaven, for the new heavens and new earth.
Summary
Even though we sin and fail we are a new person in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:3-5 tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Infancy of Messiah
From the readings and questions this week:
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge—
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
The antagonism shown to Jesus in Matthew 2 was repeated throughout His life, but God kept Him safe through all this persecution until the time came for Him to bear the punishment for all of us sinners. This same persecution was promised by Jesus Christ to all who follow Him, but He made sure we would know that He would bless us and keep us (eternally) safe with Him.
1. Matthew 2:1-8: Jerusalem
The majority of people who heard of Jesus' birth were vaguely disturbed. Herod had a hatred for Jesus. The Scribes and Priests knew the Word and used it for power and control, but at this stage ignored Jesus. Only the Magi, who had the least knowledge, joyfully followed the star.
: Knowledge of Jesus demands a response.
Q What is mine? To follow the star (metaphorically speaking) by reading God's Word in the Bible and seeking to know Jesus better.
Q Do I believe other biblical prophecies of Jesus' imminent return? How do I live in light of this?
Yes - At the heart of it this is why I am supporting Jeff in his studies to be a minister in a church and bringing up our children to know God through His Son and His written Word, so that we might share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others and see them grow as disciples of Jesus.
2. Matthew 2:9-12 Bethlehem
There are records from historical Chinese documents of a comet observed in 5BC. [Comparison from The Annals of the World calculates Jesus born in 5BC.]
Gold signifies the riches of a king. Incence was used in temple worship and signifies Jesus' deity and/or priesthood. Myrhh was used in embalming the dead and signifies suffering.
: Discovering Jesus Christ in worship brings joy to us.
Q Who or what do I worship? In what way?
Well I'd have to say God, whom I worship with both word (eg prayer and song) and deed (obedience, right action) but I'm pretty sure that there are other things that I worship as well, such as knowledge, which I seek after intently (which could be a form of idolatry if I seek that in the place of my relationship with God).
Q Does this bring joy to my life?
Well, definitely a sense of purpose and fulfilment. A sense of satisfaction and rightness.
3. Matthew 2:13-18: Egypt
Egypt was a place of bondage for the Israelites, not a place where they could be free.
Herod exemplifies enmity to Jesus.
Jesus was delivered from the hand of his enemy by God's warning and Joseph's obedience.
: God protects and cares for His own.
> We can protect others - especially our own children - by telling them the good news of Jesus Christ.
> God looks out for us in every situation.
4. Matthew 2:19-23 Nazareth
From Josephus, King Herod died in 4BC.
Nazareth in Galilee was Joseph's hometown.
:God gives grace to the humble.
Summary:
Q Do I worship God in my heart?
Q Do I experience Him protecting me?
Today we want to hear God's voice (just as the Magi saw His star) and worship Him, to bring glory to him through our lives.
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge—
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
The antagonism shown to Jesus in Matthew 2 was repeated throughout His life, but God kept Him safe through all this persecution until the time came for Him to bear the punishment for all of us sinners. This same persecution was promised by Jesus Christ to all who follow Him, but He made sure we would know that He would bless us and keep us (eternally) safe with Him.
1. Matthew 2:1-8: Jerusalem
The majority of people who heard of Jesus' birth were vaguely disturbed. Herod had a hatred for Jesus. The Scribes and Priests knew the Word and used it for power and control, but at this stage ignored Jesus. Only the Magi, who had the least knowledge, joyfully followed the star.
: Knowledge of Jesus demands a response.
Q What is mine? To follow the star (metaphorically speaking) by reading God's Word in the Bible and seeking to know Jesus better.
Q Do I believe other biblical prophecies of Jesus' imminent return? How do I live in light of this?
Yes - At the heart of it this is why I am supporting Jeff in his studies to be a minister in a church and bringing up our children to know God through His Son and His written Word, so that we might share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others and see them grow as disciples of Jesus.
2. Matthew 2:9-12 Bethlehem
There are records from historical Chinese documents of a comet observed in 5BC. [Comparison from The Annals of the World calculates Jesus born in 5BC.]
Gold signifies the riches of a king. Incence was used in temple worship and signifies Jesus' deity and/or priesthood. Myrhh was used in embalming the dead and signifies suffering.
: Discovering Jesus Christ in worship brings joy to us.
Q Who or what do I worship? In what way?
Well I'd have to say God, whom I worship with both word (eg prayer and song) and deed (obedience, right action) but I'm pretty sure that there are other things that I worship as well, such as knowledge, which I seek after intently (which could be a form of idolatry if I seek that in the place of my relationship with God).
Q Does this bring joy to my life?
Well, definitely a sense of purpose and fulfilment. A sense of satisfaction and rightness.
3. Matthew 2:13-18: Egypt
Egypt was a place of bondage for the Israelites, not a place where they could be free.
Herod exemplifies enmity to Jesus.
Jesus was delivered from the hand of his enemy by God's warning and Joseph's obedience.
: God protects and cares for His own.
> We can protect others - especially our own children - by telling them the good news of Jesus Christ.
> God looks out for us in every situation.
4. Matthew 2:19-23 Nazareth
From Josephus, King Herod died in 4BC.
Nazareth in Galilee was Joseph's hometown.
:God gives grace to the humble.
Summary:
Q Do I worship God in my heart?
Q Do I experience Him protecting me?
Today we want to hear God's voice (just as the Magi saw His star) and worship Him, to bring glory to him through our lives.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Genealogy and Birth of Christ
From the readings and questions this week
While reading through the genealogy of Jesus, I also read through some of the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Uriah's wife (Bathsheba), the four OT women who are mentioned by Matthew in the legal ancestry of Jesus. Their expressins of faith in action were a challenge to me. I can list a few big events in my life when I acted in faith in God, but do I really show faith in the little actions and decisions? I suppose I do in the things I talk about with my kids, the truths that I know about God. But what about my actions? I think I should be looking out for opportunities to act faithfully over the coming days and weeks.
1. Matt 1:1-17: Born to be King
Genealogies, which showed a person's lineage or pedigree, were crucial in Jesus' time to establish a person's right to the status they claimed within the Jewish people (eg priests descended from Aaron). Matthew organised the genealogy into three sections to help his readers remember and understand it. It is not a complete record but his audience would have considered it to be valid. Of the five women mentioned, the first four would ordinarily have been considered to be ineligible for membership of God's people, eg Ruth was a Moabitess and Bathsheba was married to a Hittite. Mary, in contrast, was a Jewess of impeccable heritage, descended from Nathan, one of Solomon's brothers.
: God chooses unlikely people for His purposes.
Q How has God brought me to this place?
> Recognise and thank Him for His love, grace and mercy.
> He will give faith, strength and power to do His will.
2. Matt 1:18-20: Miracle birth
God's choice of Mary as the mother of the Son of God was a privelege, but it cannot have been easy.
:God often uses difficult circumstances to accomplish His will.
> His will for my life is to make me more like Christ. He wants me to let others know about God's Son. He wants to show me His love and grace.
3. Matt 1:21-25 What's in a name?
Names are special. In the Bible, we read of God revealing Himself with each new name that He shares or that is ascribed to Him. The names of Jesus are also important.
Jesus = His human name.
Christ = His religious title.
Immanuel = Who He is: God with us; God in the world, with His people.
From the names given to Him we see that
: Jesus is all I need.
> In the face of eternity we will rejoice in this.
Q Do I thank God every day for His revelation of Jesus Christ as King? Not as often as I ought.
Q Do I let Him be with me?
Summary:
Jesus is qualified to be King of my life by His ancestry, birth and identity.
While reading through the genealogy of Jesus, I also read through some of the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Uriah's wife (Bathsheba), the four OT women who are mentioned by Matthew in the legal ancestry of Jesus. Their expressins of faith in action were a challenge to me. I can list a few big events in my life when I acted in faith in God, but do I really show faith in the little actions and decisions? I suppose I do in the things I talk about with my kids, the truths that I know about God. But what about my actions? I think I should be looking out for opportunities to act faithfully over the coming days and weeks.
1. Matt 1:1-17: Born to be King
Genealogies, which showed a person's lineage or pedigree, were crucial in Jesus' time to establish a person's right to the status they claimed within the Jewish people (eg priests descended from Aaron). Matthew organised the genealogy into three sections to help his readers remember and understand it. It is not a complete record but his audience would have considered it to be valid. Of the five women mentioned, the first four would ordinarily have been considered to be ineligible for membership of God's people, eg Ruth was a Moabitess and Bathsheba was married to a Hittite. Mary, in contrast, was a Jewess of impeccable heritage, descended from Nathan, one of Solomon's brothers.
: God chooses unlikely people for His purposes.
Q How has God brought me to this place?
> Recognise and thank Him for His love, grace and mercy.
> He will give faith, strength and power to do His will.
2. Matt 1:18-20: Miracle birth
God's choice of Mary as the mother of the Son of God was a privelege, but it cannot have been easy.
:God often uses difficult circumstances to accomplish His will.
> His will for my life is to make me more like Christ. He wants me to let others know about God's Son. He wants to show me His love and grace.
3. Matt 1:21-25 What's in a name?
Names are special. In the Bible, we read of God revealing Himself with each new name that He shares or that is ascribed to Him. The names of Jesus are also important.
Jesus = His human name.
Christ = His religious title.
Immanuel = Who He is: God with us; God in the world, with His people.
From the names given to Him we see that
: Jesus is all I need.
> In the face of eternity we will rejoice in this.
Q Do I thank God every day for His revelation of Jesus Christ as King? Not as often as I ought.
Q Do I let Him be with me?
Summary:
Jesus is qualified to be King of my life by His ancestry, birth and identity.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Responding to Jesus
Preacher:
Jeff J****** (Ministry Intern, and my husband)
Passage:
John 9:1-41
Message:
Jeff spoke of three responses to Jesus which are exhibited in the record of the healing of the man blind from birth and subsequent events.
(1) Preconceived ideas of who God is and how He acts blinded the Pharisees to the evidence of Jesus' actions. They focussed on the areas of scripture that they were comfortable with and rejected or ignored those that didn't fit with their culture, which Jesus quoted against them. No miracle or argument was going to change their minds.
(2) The second group was willing to let the facts speak for themselves and draw conclusions based on their knowledge of God from the Scriptures. They accepted that Jesus was from God because only God could perform miracles such as this. However, these people still allowed themselves to be persuaded to remain silent. They held convictions but not the courage to stand up for them, which counted for nothing in the end.
(3) The man who was healed at first saw Jesus as just a man who could do something for him, and called him by his first name, "Jesus". After He healed Him, Jesus revealed that He is the Son of Man (the figure of God coming to judge the world in the book of Daniel). The ex-blind man worshipped Jesus - which means that he acknowledged Jesus was God, because worship is only fitting for God. Jesus didn't rebuke the man for idolatry, either: Jesus accepted the man's worship as fitting.
Jeff asked whether we trust Scripture, or whether we find ourselves thinking things like "that doesn't seem right to me" when we read it. If we do, this is a sign that we are worshipping an idol (a made-up god), rather than the true God. We live in a society that says many untrue things about God, and often we accept these along with the rest of our culture. Instead, we need to look to the Bible, God's special revelation, to understand who God is, rather than allowing other sinful people to form our understanding for us. We have to continually look to the Bible to see what God is like and what He has done.
Comment:
Jeff J****** (Ministry Intern, and my husband)
Passage:
John 9:1-41
Message:
Jeff spoke of three responses to Jesus which are exhibited in the record of the healing of the man blind from birth and subsequent events.
(1) Preconceived ideas of who God is and how He acts blinded the Pharisees to the evidence of Jesus' actions. They focussed on the areas of scripture that they were comfortable with and rejected or ignored those that didn't fit with their culture, which Jesus quoted against them. No miracle or argument was going to change their minds.
(2) The second group was willing to let the facts speak for themselves and draw conclusions based on their knowledge of God from the Scriptures. They accepted that Jesus was from God because only God could perform miracles such as this. However, these people still allowed themselves to be persuaded to remain silent. They held convictions but not the courage to stand up for them, which counted for nothing in the end.
(3) The man who was healed at first saw Jesus as just a man who could do something for him, and called him by his first name, "Jesus". After He healed Him, Jesus revealed that He is the Son of Man (the figure of God coming to judge the world in the book of Daniel). The ex-blind man worshipped Jesus - which means that he acknowledged Jesus was God, because worship is only fitting for God. Jesus didn't rebuke the man for idolatry, either: Jesus accepted the man's worship as fitting.
Jeff asked whether we trust Scripture, or whether we find ourselves thinking things like "that doesn't seem right to me" when we read it. If we do, this is a sign that we are worshipping an idol (a made-up god), rather than the true God. We live in a society that says many untrue things about God, and often we accept these along with the rest of our culture. Instead, we need to look to the Bible, God's special revelation, to understand who God is, rather than allowing other sinful people to form our understanding for us. We have to continually look to the Bible to see what God is like and what He has done.
Comment:
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Purpose and Plan in Matthew's Gospel
This week the BSF questions required me to read through the entire book of Matthew so I haven't had time to keep up with 2 Kings, however I have learnt a lot about Matthew's gospel. I have decided that during BSF terms I will just blog my summary of the Wednesday BSF lecture, my Sunday sermon summary and Westminster Shorter Catechism thoughts. I'll get back to 2 Kings during the BSF holidays.
From the readings and questions this week
I was struck with Matthew's emphasis on the role of people's faith in Jesus' ministry, which fits snugly with his multiple mentions of the prophetic writings being fulfilled through Jesus' life and actions. From the lecture:
1. Matt 1-4: Birth and preparation of Jesus the King
Felicity explained that these four chapters show Jesus' qualitifications and preparations for His ministry. The last element of this preparation was Jesus' temptation in the desert, where He was tested for our sake and overcame Satan's temptations with the same weapon that we may use ourselves: the word of God.
: Jesus fulfilled the OT prophesies referring to Him
> We must understand that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and we can trust that Jesus is God's promised Messiah.
For every prophecy in the Bible of Jesus' first coming, there are two prophecies of His return.
> Look forward with eagerness to this time!
2. Matt 5-25: Message and Ministry of Jesus the King
Records of Jesus' public ministry start in Matt 4:12. Jesus' teaching shows us the standard of righteousness God calls us to. Jesus' miracles and teaching demonstrate His authority and power, showing His concern for the salvation of sinners.
Q When His word is sown in my heart, how do I respond? I am trying to build my entire life on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
Q Am I bearing a spiritual harvest? Yes. I see this in my children's lives when they mention spiritual truths in their play and singing. Like Joshua singing the other day, "Jesus is the King, Jesus is the Lord, come and pray to Him!" This is not from any song we know but made up from his own knowledge of the truths of God. Anna sings similar songs of praise to God, which comes from her own childlike trust in what Jeff and I and her Bible teachers have taught her.
: The kingly claims of Jesus Christ demand a response.
3. Matt 26-28: Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus the King
Jesus responded to hatred and torture with quiet endurance; He had come to save others, not Himself.
: King Jesus has the right to direct my life.
God doesn't make mistakes. He loves me and has sealed me into His people with His Holy Spirit.
> I can trust Him.
Q is Christ the solid rock on which I stand? Yes! I want Him to be!
Summary:
Matthew was inspired by God to write this account of Jesus. Matthew purposed to follow Jesus and so accomplished a great thing.
From the readings and questions this week
I was struck with Matthew's emphasis on the role of people's faith in Jesus' ministry, which fits snugly with his multiple mentions of the prophetic writings being fulfilled through Jesus' life and actions. From the lecture:
1. Matt 1-4: Birth and preparation of Jesus the King
Felicity explained that these four chapters show Jesus' qualitifications and preparations for His ministry. The last element of this preparation was Jesus' temptation in the desert, where He was tested for our sake and overcame Satan's temptations with the same weapon that we may use ourselves: the word of God.
: Jesus fulfilled the OT prophesies referring to Him
> We must understand that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and we can trust that Jesus is God's promised Messiah.
For every prophecy in the Bible of Jesus' first coming, there are two prophecies of His return.
> Look forward with eagerness to this time!
2. Matt 5-25: Message and Ministry of Jesus the King
Records of Jesus' public ministry start in Matt 4:12. Jesus' teaching shows us the standard of righteousness God calls us to. Jesus' miracles and teaching demonstrate His authority and power, showing His concern for the salvation of sinners.
Q When His word is sown in my heart, how do I respond? I am trying to build my entire life on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
Q Am I bearing a spiritual harvest? Yes. I see this in my children's lives when they mention spiritual truths in their play and singing. Like Joshua singing the other day, "Jesus is the King, Jesus is the Lord, come and pray to Him!" This is not from any song we know but made up from his own knowledge of the truths of God. Anna sings similar songs of praise to God, which comes from her own childlike trust in what Jeff and I and her Bible teachers have taught her.
: The kingly claims of Jesus Christ demand a response.
3. Matt 26-28: Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus the King
Jesus responded to hatred and torture with quiet endurance; He had come to save others, not Himself.
: King Jesus has the right to direct my life.
God doesn't make mistakes. He loves me and has sealed me into His people with His Holy Spirit.
> I can trust Him.
Q is Christ the solid rock on which I stand? Yes! I want Him to be!
Summary:
Matthew was inspired by God to write this account of Jesus. Matthew purposed to follow Jesus and so accomplished a great thing.
Monday, February 25, 2008
2 Kings 4
What is this passage all about?
This chapter records four miracles of Elisha the man of God; two are similar to miracles of Elijah and several prefigure miracles of Christ.
What can I learn from it?
This chapter, together with the end of chapter 2, produces confirmation that Elisha inherited Elijah's powerful prophetic spirit. Elisha provided for the prophet's widow through a miraculous multiplication of her oil, in order that her needs were supplied. Then, when a woman provided hospitality for Elisha, he repaid her kindness with the blessing of a child. The child, however, died suddenly and the woman sought out Elisha at Mt Carmel and brought him back to her house where he prayed to the LORD and the boy was brought back to life. Both of these miracles are very similar to those of Elijah's early prophetic ministry during the drought which he proclaimed over Israel. The second is also similar to some of Jesus' miracles, in particular Jairus's daughter (Matt 9:18-19,23-25; Mark 5:22-24,35-43; Luke 8:41-42,49-56), who was thought to be dead but of whom Jesus said, "The girl is not dead but asleep." Also the raising of the widow's son (Luke 7:11-17) and the raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:1-44). All four of the gospel accounts contain at least one recount of Jesus raising someone else to life. Of course, it was by Jesus' own power - the power of God - that He was raised to life three days after his death on the cross. Each of the earlier raisings by Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus himself therefore prefigure and lead up to the raising of Jesus from death to life, by which conquering of death we all may have access to eternal life.
The third miracle recounted in this chapter is that of Elisha making some poisonous stew edible for a company of men.
Elisha also miraculously fed a large number of people in the fourth miracle. Elisha ordered that 100 men (possibly more people, the account uses the non-specific "people" although their number is 100 men) be fed from 20 loaves of barley bread and some new grain still on the head. This miracle provides the second half of the replica of Elijah's provision during the drought for his hostess and her son through the unending supply of oil and flour. It also prefigures Jesus' feeding of the 5000 (recorded in all four gospels - Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) and of the 4000 (Matt 15:29-38; Mark 8:1-13).
How does this help me worship God?
God is powerful and He doesn't always do things according to the usual, every-day processes. He has the power of life, and is able to give life to the dead, but frankly it's a miracle that each time He allows a sperm to fertilize an ova and create a new life that way, even if it is done in some self-congratulatory scientist's petri dish. Life is precious, and it is a gift from God, to be enjoyed, and to bring Him thanks, praise and glory. So to is the provision of our needs, such as food, shelter and love. God is the source of all comfort.
This chapter records four miracles of Elisha the man of God; two are similar to miracles of Elijah and several prefigure miracles of Christ.
What can I learn from it?
This chapter, together with the end of chapter 2, produces confirmation that Elisha inherited Elijah's powerful prophetic spirit. Elisha provided for the prophet's widow through a miraculous multiplication of her oil, in order that her needs were supplied. Then, when a woman provided hospitality for Elisha, he repaid her kindness with the blessing of a child. The child, however, died suddenly and the woman sought out Elisha at Mt Carmel and brought him back to her house where he prayed to the LORD and the boy was brought back to life. Both of these miracles are very similar to those of Elijah's early prophetic ministry during the drought which he proclaimed over Israel. The second is also similar to some of Jesus' miracles, in particular Jairus's daughter (Matt 9:18-19,23-25; Mark 5:22-24,35-43; Luke 8:41-42,49-56), who was thought to be dead but of whom Jesus said, "The girl is not dead but asleep." Also the raising of the widow's son (Luke 7:11-17) and the raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:1-44). All four of the gospel accounts contain at least one recount of Jesus raising someone else to life. Of course, it was by Jesus' own power - the power of God - that He was raised to life three days after his death on the cross. Each of the earlier raisings by Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus himself therefore prefigure and lead up to the raising of Jesus from death to life, by which conquering of death we all may have access to eternal life.
The third miracle recounted in this chapter is that of Elisha making some poisonous stew edible for a company of men.
Elisha also miraculously fed a large number of people in the fourth miracle. Elisha ordered that 100 men (possibly more people, the account uses the non-specific "people" although their number is 100 men) be fed from 20 loaves of barley bread and some new grain still on the head. This miracle provides the second half of the replica of Elijah's provision during the drought for his hostess and her son through the unending supply of oil and flour. It also prefigures Jesus' feeding of the 5000 (recorded in all four gospels - Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) and of the 4000 (Matt 15:29-38; Mark 8:1-13).
How does this help me worship God?
God is powerful and He doesn't always do things according to the usual, every-day processes. He has the power of life, and is able to give life to the dead, but frankly it's a miracle that each time He allows a sperm to fertilize an ova and create a new life that way, even if it is done in some self-congratulatory scientist's petri dish. Life is precious, and it is a gift from God, to be enjoyed, and to bring Him thanks, praise and glory. So to is the provision of our needs, such as food, shelter and love. God is the source of all comfort.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The radicalness of Jesus
Preacher:
Jeff J****** (Ministry Intern, and my husband)
Passage:
John 4:4-42
Message:
Jeff compared Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus (the Pharisee, a man of the "best" religious standing) with the woman at the well (a Samaritan, an outcast both in terms of the Jewish faith and from her own people, also a character with an odd moral history). Jeff told us that, despite our inherent prejudices against sharing the gospel with those who are different to ourselves, this is not the attitude Jesus had. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, not just people "like us".
Jeff also showed how Jesus himself was at the centre of his message to the Samaritan woman. Jesus acknowledged that he was the Messiah, sent from God (vv25-26). It was Jesus who convinced the people of that place to believe, rather than the Samaritan woman who spread to news (vv41-42). We should not be side-tracked into believing Christianity is just about morality, or discipline, or obedience... it is about a relationship with God through Jesus. It is Jesus who people respond to when we share the gospel with them, not us, even though we speak the words. Jesus is the One who engages people.
Comment:
Only Jesus Christ makes a truth-based, spirit-filled relationship with God possible.
Jeff J****** (Ministry Intern, and my husband)
Passage:
John 4:4-42
Message:
Jeff compared Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus (the Pharisee, a man of the "best" religious standing) with the woman at the well (a Samaritan, an outcast both in terms of the Jewish faith and from her own people, also a character with an odd moral history). Jeff told us that, despite our inherent prejudices against sharing the gospel with those who are different to ourselves, this is not the attitude Jesus had. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, not just people "like us".
Jeff also showed how Jesus himself was at the centre of his message to the Samaritan woman. Jesus acknowledged that he was the Messiah, sent from God (vv25-26). It was Jesus who convinced the people of that place to believe, rather than the Samaritan woman who spread to news (vv41-42). We should not be side-tracked into believing Christianity is just about morality, or discipline, or obedience... it is about a relationship with God through Jesus. It is Jesus who people respond to when we share the gospel with them, not us, even though we speak the words. Jesus is the One who engages people.
Comment:
Only Jesus Christ makes a truth-based, spirit-filled relationship with God possible.
Friday, February 22, 2008
2 Kings 3
What is this passage all about?
Joram, Ahaziah's brother, succeeded him as king. The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom combined forces to attack rebellious Moab. At one stage they were without water in the desert and feared destruction, but Elisha prophesied Moab would be handed over to them by the LORD, and it happened as he said.
What can I learn from this passage?
There are several elements in this passage. Joram was recorded as having gone some of the way towards ending the sinful religious practices of his parents, but not far enough. In this passage he is recorded as refusing to consult with Ahab and Jezebel's pagan prophets, preferring instead to consult the recalcitrant Elisha. In this context (and in the later years of his reign, probably during his co-regency with his son Jehoram) Jehoshaphat king of Judah was again summoned to fight with Israel. As he had with Ahab, he agreed.
This time, it was only when the combined armies ran into trouble that he counselled that the king of Israel to inquire of the LORD through a prophet. At this time, Jehoshaphat echoed somewhat the words of Elijah to Joram's brother Ahaziah (v11 cf 2Ki1): "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may enquire of the LORD through him?" Joram was more confident: twice (vv10,13), he declared his belief that it was the LORD who had called the three kings of Israel, Judah and Edom together to confront Moab.
Elisha, who agreed to inquire of the LORD only because of his respect for Jehopshaphat's presence, eventually told them they had nothing to fear. However, they did have to do some work. The soldiers, who were without water, had to dig ditches in the valley where they were. Their willingness to dig despite their thirst was evidence that they trusted Elisha's prediction, and they were rewarded in this trust by the ditches being miraculously filled with water. Then, God used the red morning sunlight on the water to confuse the Moabite army into thinking that the combined armies had attacked each other. Over confident, the Moabites fell into an Israelite ambush and fled. Israel was able to plunder and destroy all Moab, even to the point where the king of Moab sacrificed his firstborn son and heir, presumably in an effort to induce his idol god to save the nation from the Israelite's wrath.
How does this help me to worship God?
God has used some seemingly far-fetched ideas to make His name great. In this instance, the four kings of Israel, Judah, and the pagan Abrahamic nations of Edom and Moab were all left in no doubt as to which God was the great and mighty One. There are times in my life when I am counfounded as to how on earth God can possibly use me and my actions to glorify His name, yet that is what He has chosen to do. Thank You God for allowing me the amazing privelege of being involved in making Your name known and revered throughout the nations. May Your name be upheld and hallowed in all places, by all people. Use Your church, Lord, Your redeemed people, who worship You as LORD. Use us for Your purposes and Your glory. Amen.
Joram, Ahaziah's brother, succeeded him as king. The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom combined forces to attack rebellious Moab. At one stage they were without water in the desert and feared destruction, but Elisha prophesied Moab would be handed over to them by the LORD, and it happened as he said.
What can I learn from this passage?
There are several elements in this passage. Joram was recorded as having gone some of the way towards ending the sinful religious practices of his parents, but not far enough. In this passage he is recorded as refusing to consult with Ahab and Jezebel's pagan prophets, preferring instead to consult the recalcitrant Elisha. In this context (and in the later years of his reign, probably during his co-regency with his son Jehoram) Jehoshaphat king of Judah was again summoned to fight with Israel. As he had with Ahab, he agreed.
This time, it was only when the combined armies ran into trouble that he counselled that the king of Israel to inquire of the LORD through a prophet. At this time, Jehoshaphat echoed somewhat the words of Elijah to Joram's brother Ahaziah (v11 cf 2Ki1): "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may enquire of the LORD through him?" Joram was more confident: twice (vv10,13), he declared his belief that it was the LORD who had called the three kings of Israel, Judah and Edom together to confront Moab.
Elisha, who agreed to inquire of the LORD only because of his respect for Jehopshaphat's presence, eventually told them they had nothing to fear. However, they did have to do some work. The soldiers, who were without water, had to dig ditches in the valley where they were. Their willingness to dig despite their thirst was evidence that they trusted Elisha's prediction, and they were rewarded in this trust by the ditches being miraculously filled with water. Then, God used the red morning sunlight on the water to confuse the Moabite army into thinking that the combined armies had attacked each other. Over confident, the Moabites fell into an Israelite ambush and fled. Israel was able to plunder and destroy all Moab, even to the point where the king of Moab sacrificed his firstborn son and heir, presumably in an effort to induce his idol god to save the nation from the Israelite's wrath.
How does this help me to worship God?
God has used some seemingly far-fetched ideas to make His name great. In this instance, the four kings of Israel, Judah, and the pagan Abrahamic nations of Edom and Moab were all left in no doubt as to which God was the great and mighty One. There are times in my life when I am counfounded as to how on earth God can possibly use me and my actions to glorify His name, yet that is what He has chosen to do. Thank You God for allowing me the amazing privelege of being involved in making Your name known and revered throughout the nations. May Your name be upheld and hallowed in all places, by all people. Use Your church, Lord, Your redeemed people, who worship You as LORD. Use us for Your purposes and Your glory. Amen.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
2 Kings 2
What is this passage all about?
Elijah was taken up to heaven in the presence of Elisha, who inherited a double portion of Elijah's spirit, yet received a mixed reception when he began his ministry as a prophet in Israel.
What can I learn from it?
This passage begins (vv2,4,6) with Elijah telling Elisha three times "The LORD has sent me to..." and each time Elisha responds with "As surely as the LORD lives and you live, I will not leave you." This reminds me of Ruth's response to Naomi when she suggests her daughters-in-law return to their families (Ruth 1:16-17): "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Of course, Naomi stopped urging her to return to her family when she realised that Ruth was determined, but Elijah kept on offering Elisha the option of leaving his master. These would have been especially poignant moments as each time they arrived at the new destination prophets from that place met them with prophecies of Elijah's imminent departure to be with the LORD.
Elisha persisted with Elijah, and in the end he was offered a special gift. At the Jordan river, Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha had the presence of mind to ask for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, something Elijah was in no position to give. Even so, God honoured this request of Elisha's as evidenced by him being able to see Elijah as he was being taken up into heaven in the whirlwind. The subsequent chapters of 2 Kings record instances where Elisha displayed Elijah's spirit, noteably when he parted the waters of the Jordan with Elijah's cloak (cf vv8&13-15), God provided water for the armies in the desert at Elisha's word (cf 1Ki18&2Ki3) and he provided for a prophet's widow miraculously with a large flow of oil and brought the hospitable Shunamite woman's dead son back to life (cf 1Ki17&2Ki4).
Yet it was not all roses. Men of one city came to Elisha with their problem (unproductive land caused by a tainted spring) and Elisha made the spring's water clean, but at Bethel Elisha was jeered by some youths (whom he cursed in response). Despite the mixed reception Elisha received, his actions have immediate results: the water became fresh and 42 of the youths were mauled by bears (I love it when the Bible gets specific). In each case, the prophetic spirit in Elisha was made known to all nearby.
How does this help me to worship God?
Elisha asked Elijah for something that pretty much jsut made him more important in the eyes of the other prophets, who noticed immediately that (v15) "[t]he spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And it's not like Elisha went on using his gift only for good, either. Surely cursing the youths to death for teasing him about his baldness was a bit over the top! It seems that while God often grants our requests, it's not just the "holy" or "sanctified" or "pious" prayers. Yet I'm pretty sure that as I read on through 2 Kings I will find that God used this gift that He gave to Elisha to bring the king and people of Israel to acknowledge Him as LORD, or to at least give them yet more opportunities to do so.
When I wonder if I should pray for something, I should always remember that God loves me and wants what is best for me in His eyes. As Romans 8:28-30 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." God grants which of my prayers He choses because he I have been called according to His purpose, that I might be made more like His Son Jesus Christ, be born again and be made glorious in reflection of Him. LORD, may I become more like Jesus so that through my life I may bring You glory. Amen.
Elijah was taken up to heaven in the presence of Elisha, who inherited a double portion of Elijah's spirit, yet received a mixed reception when he began his ministry as a prophet in Israel.
What can I learn from it?
This passage begins (vv2,4,6) with Elijah telling Elisha three times "The LORD has sent me to..." and each time Elisha responds with "As surely as the LORD lives and you live, I will not leave you." This reminds me of Ruth's response to Naomi when she suggests her daughters-in-law return to their families (Ruth 1:16-17): "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Of course, Naomi stopped urging her to return to her family when she realised that Ruth was determined, but Elijah kept on offering Elisha the option of leaving his master. These would have been especially poignant moments as each time they arrived at the new destination prophets from that place met them with prophecies of Elijah's imminent departure to be with the LORD.
Elisha persisted with Elijah, and in the end he was offered a special gift. At the Jordan river, Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha had the presence of mind to ask for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, something Elijah was in no position to give. Even so, God honoured this request of Elisha's as evidenced by him being able to see Elijah as he was being taken up into heaven in the whirlwind. The subsequent chapters of 2 Kings record instances where Elisha displayed Elijah's spirit, noteably when he parted the waters of the Jordan with Elijah's cloak (cf vv8&13-15), God provided water for the armies in the desert at Elisha's word (cf 1Ki18&2Ki3) and he provided for a prophet's widow miraculously with a large flow of oil and brought the hospitable Shunamite woman's dead son back to life (cf 1Ki17&2Ki4).
Yet it was not all roses. Men of one city came to Elisha with their problem (unproductive land caused by a tainted spring) and Elisha made the spring's water clean, but at Bethel Elisha was jeered by some youths (whom he cursed in response). Despite the mixed reception Elisha received, his actions have immediate results: the water became fresh and 42 of the youths were mauled by bears (I love it when the Bible gets specific). In each case, the prophetic spirit in Elisha was made known to all nearby.
How does this help me to worship God?
Elisha asked Elijah for something that pretty much jsut made him more important in the eyes of the other prophets, who noticed immediately that (v15) "[t]he spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And it's not like Elisha went on using his gift only for good, either. Surely cursing the youths to death for teasing him about his baldness was a bit over the top! It seems that while God often grants our requests, it's not just the "holy" or "sanctified" or "pious" prayers. Yet I'm pretty sure that as I read on through 2 Kings I will find that God used this gift that He gave to Elisha to bring the king and people of Israel to acknowledge Him as LORD, or to at least give them yet more opportunities to do so.
When I wonder if I should pray for something, I should always remember that God loves me and wants what is best for me in His eyes. As Romans 8:28-30 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." God grants which of my prayers He choses because he I have been called according to His purpose, that I might be made more like His Son Jesus Christ, be born again and be made glorious in reflection of Him. LORD, may I become more like Jesus so that through my life I may bring You glory. Amen.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bible Study Fellowship
BSF classes started up today, the beginning of a year studying the gospel of Matthew. From now on, each week on Wednesdays I will try to post a summary of the week's lecture and any highlights for me from the previous week's daily questions. (This week, of course, there were no pre-class questions.) I attend the Perth Day Women's class in Subiaco.
1. God's word - the Bible
Felicity taught that the Bible is God's book, through which God has chosen to reveal something of himself to us. The Bible is the final authority for faith in life, because its author is God.
2 Timothy 3:15 says "all Scripture is breathed-out by God", it was inspired by God, and issued forth from Him. God, who is all-powerful, was able to do this. Just as salvation is a gift from God, so too is our Bible; it is not dependent upon cultures or experiences, rather it is firm and unchanging, just as God is. The original Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic text was "inerrant", agreeing with the character of God, who is without error.
The overarching narrative and subject of the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ. Every bit of the Bible reveals something about Christ. The main theme of the Bible is that the sovereign creator God through His grace and for His glory has provideed for the eternal salvation of sinners through the life, death, resurrection and ascension of His Son, the man Jesus Christ.
: The Bible is reliable because it is God's inerrant word for believers.
> Cultivate the habit of daily Bible reading.
2. The gospel - Matthew
The gospels are four different people's accounts of Jesus which together form one message. They are a combination of history, tract, letter, etc. They were not all written in chronological order, sometimes they are ordered thematically. They are "reliable good news".
Each gospel account has a different focus:
Matthew - Jesus is King, the Messiah;
Mark - Jesus is the suffering servant;
Luke - the humanity of Jesus;
John - the divinity of Jesus.
Each of the gospels was written, as John wrote in John 20:30-31 "in order that you may believe".
Matthew is a didactic (teaching) gospel. It was written by Levi the tax collector, who had his named changed to Matthew (meaning "gift of Jehovah"). It has three main features:
I - bridge the OT to the NT, showing how Jesus fulfilled the OT promises;
II - writing for Jewish readers to show that the Messiah had come, introducing the King and His kingdom, which requires a spiritual and moral response;
III - introduces the church composed of Jew and Gentile, illustrating the universal nature of the church.
: The Book of Matthew is relevant today
> Be moved to know Jesus through studying this book.
Q Is He King and saving ruler of my life? Yes.
Summary:
God's word in the gospel Matthew is designed to make us Christians not scientists and to reveal to us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son of God.
1. God's word - the Bible
Felicity taught that the Bible is God's book, through which God has chosen to reveal something of himself to us. The Bible is the final authority for faith in life, because its author is God.
2 Timothy 3:15 says "all Scripture is breathed-out by God", it was inspired by God, and issued forth from Him. God, who is all-powerful, was able to do this. Just as salvation is a gift from God, so too is our Bible; it is not dependent upon cultures or experiences, rather it is firm and unchanging, just as God is. The original Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic text was "inerrant", agreeing with the character of God, who is without error.
The overarching narrative and subject of the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ. Every bit of the Bible reveals something about Christ. The main theme of the Bible is that the sovereign creator God through His grace and for His glory has provideed for the eternal salvation of sinners through the life, death, resurrection and ascension of His Son, the man Jesus Christ.
: The Bible is reliable because it is God's inerrant word for believers.
> Cultivate the habit of daily Bible reading.
2. The gospel - Matthew
The gospels are four different people's accounts of Jesus which together form one message. They are a combination of history, tract, letter, etc. They were not all written in chronological order, sometimes they are ordered thematically. They are "reliable good news".
Each gospel account has a different focus:
Matthew - Jesus is King, the Messiah;
Mark - Jesus is the suffering servant;
Luke - the humanity of Jesus;
John - the divinity of Jesus.
Each of the gospels was written, as John wrote in John 20:30-31 "in order that you may believe".
Matthew is a didactic (teaching) gospel. It was written by Levi the tax collector, who had his named changed to Matthew (meaning "gift of Jehovah"). It has three main features:
I - bridge the OT to the NT, showing how Jesus fulfilled the OT promises;
II - writing for Jewish readers to show that the Messiah had come, introducing the King and His kingdom, which requires a spiritual and moral response;
III - introduces the church composed of Jew and Gentile, illustrating the universal nature of the church.
: The Book of Matthew is relevant today
> Be moved to know Jesus through studying this book.
Q Is He King and saving ruler of my life? Yes.
Summary:
God's word in the gospel Matthew is designed to make us Christians not scientists and to reveal to us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
1 Kings 22:51 - 2 Kings 1:18
What is this passage all about?
Ahaziah reigned as king of Israel for two years after Ahab died. When he was injured, he wanted to consult a pagan god but Elijah rebuked him for not inquiring of the LORD, the God of Israel.
What can I learn from it?
Two things are recorded of Ahaziah's short reign: his attempt to ally himself with Jehoshaphat for a trading mission to Ophir (1 Kings 22:48-49 and 2 Chronicles 20:35-37) and his attempt to determine the path of his future by consulting with the god of Ekron, Baal-Zebub (2 Kings 1). Not exactly an illustrious reign.
Much of the first chapter of 2 Kings is taken up with Elijah's interactions with Ahaziah's minions: the messengers that Ahaziah sent to speak to the pagan god and those he sent to command Elijah to come to him, after Elijah cursed him. When Ahaziah's first captain, sent to tell Elijah (v9), " 'the king says, "Come down!" ' " was burnt up at Elijah's word, the king sent another, with a stronger message (v11), " ' this is what the king says, "Come down at once!" ' " and at Elijah's word this captain also was burnt up. At last a sensible captain is sent who is willing to humble himself before the Man of God (13): " This third captain went up and fell on his knees before Elijah. 'Man of God,' he begged, 'please have respect for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants!' " Then the angel of the LORD told Elijah to go down with the third captain to the king, and he went. It took humility from Ahaziah's messenger before Elijah was willing to listen and obey.
Again, Elijah prophesied of Ahaziah's death as a result of his efforts to consult a god other than the God of Israel. The question (v16) " 'Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub?' " is repeated here for the third time in the chapter. The message from God is loud and clear: the kings of Israel have chosen over successive generations to wosrship other pagan gods and to turn away from the worship of the One True God of the fathers of Israel, but this does not mean that the LORD is not still God over His chosen people, the Israelites.
How does this help me worship God?
God's purposes are eternal and He is God, whether people choose to acknowledge that or not. Being an athiest doesn't make God stop existing, nor does being an agnostic make God unknowable. God has revealed himself through general revelation to all people (Romans 1:19-20): "... since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." God has further revealed His plan for the salvation of all who have faith in Him through the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is recorded in His word, the holy Scriptures, aka the Bible. God wants people to know Him and to worship Him, and He will not stop being God, no matter how we react to Him. God never changes, He is always the One True, Eternal, Almighty LORD.
Ahaziah reigned as king of Israel for two years after Ahab died. When he was injured, he wanted to consult a pagan god but Elijah rebuked him for not inquiring of the LORD, the God of Israel.
What can I learn from it?
Two things are recorded of Ahaziah's short reign: his attempt to ally himself with Jehoshaphat for a trading mission to Ophir (1 Kings 22:48-49 and 2 Chronicles 20:35-37) and his attempt to determine the path of his future by consulting with the god of Ekron, Baal-Zebub (2 Kings 1). Not exactly an illustrious reign.
Much of the first chapter of 2 Kings is taken up with Elijah's interactions with Ahaziah's minions: the messengers that Ahaziah sent to speak to the pagan god and those he sent to command Elijah to come to him, after Elijah cursed him. When Ahaziah's first captain, sent to tell Elijah (v9), " 'the king says, "Come down!" ' " was burnt up at Elijah's word, the king sent another, with a stronger message (v11), " ' this is what the king says, "Come down at once!" ' " and at Elijah's word this captain also was burnt up. At last a sensible captain is sent who is willing to humble himself before the Man of God (13): " This third captain went up and fell on his knees before Elijah. 'Man of God,' he begged, 'please have respect for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants!' " Then the angel of the LORD told Elijah to go down with the third captain to the king, and he went. It took humility from Ahaziah's messenger before Elijah was willing to listen and obey.
Again, Elijah prophesied of Ahaziah's death as a result of his efforts to consult a god other than the God of Israel. The question (v16) " 'Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub?' " is repeated here for the third time in the chapter. The message from God is loud and clear: the kings of Israel have chosen over successive generations to wosrship other pagan gods and to turn away from the worship of the One True God of the fathers of Israel, but this does not mean that the LORD is not still God over His chosen people, the Israelites.
How does this help me worship God?
God's purposes are eternal and He is God, whether people choose to acknowledge that or not. Being an athiest doesn't make God stop existing, nor does being an agnostic make God unknowable. God has revealed himself through general revelation to all people (Romans 1:19-20): "... since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." God has further revealed His plan for the salvation of all who have faith in Him through the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is recorded in His word, the holy Scriptures, aka the Bible. God wants people to know Him and to worship Him, and He will not stop being God, no matter how we react to Him. God never changes, He is always the One True, Eternal, Almighty LORD.
Monday, February 18, 2008
2 Chronicles 20 also 1 Kings 22:48-49
What is this passage all about?
Judah was threatened by the Moabites and Ammonites from Edom. In the assembly, Jehoshaphat prayed to God for help and a Levite prophesied that God would deliver them. All Judah praised God through song and went to see this deliverance; the invading armies attacked each other and Judah was able to collect the plunder before praising God publicly again. Much later, Jehoshaphat built a fleet of trading ships but they were wrecked before they could set sail.
What can I learn from it?
This passage tells a story of a king's plea to God and the people's praise to God. When Jehoshaphat was told that there was an invading army on the way, he was alarmed, but he did the right thing. He proclaimed a fast for all Judah - a time for the people to contemplate their sin and to pray to God. Then (v4), "[t]he people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek him." It is remarkable that there was such a quick response from all the people of Judah. I think Jehoshaphat's reforms in ensuring the people were taught well from the book of the law (2Ch17) and judged well according to God's justice (2Ch19) meant that the people were united in their faith. As Jehoshaphat prayed before the assembled people of Judah and Jerusalem in the temple (v13), "All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD." They were expecting God to protect them from their enemies, because they knew that He was their God, and He had chosen them as His people and given them the land where they lived.
Jehoshaphat prayed in praise of God (v6): " 'O LORD , God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.' " He also spoke to God of the time when His people were entering the promised land and God had directed them to leave certain neighbours unmolested as they travelled past their lands. Then Jehoshaphat called upon God to judge these nations which were invading the land God had promised to Israel. Jehoshaphat acknowledged Judah's powerlessness (v12): " 'We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.' "
God responded to this honest and direct plea for grace. He sent a message through Jahaziel, a Levite, that He would take care of things (v17). " 'You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not de discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
Jehoshaphat was not discouraged! On the contrary, he and all Judah were celebrating even as they left for the Desert of Tekoa. The second half of this passage is full of worship. Jehoshaphat and the people bowed and worshipped God (v18), Jehoshaphat appointed people to sing God's praises as they went out (v21), as they sang God confounded the opposing armies and they turned on each other (vv22-23). After they took the spoils of war, the people "praised the LORD" at what was called thereafter the Valley of Praise (v26). The men returned to Jerusalem joyfully "for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice" (v27) and they went to the temple to praise God with music.
How does this help me worship God?
I have heard it argued by some people that praising God through song is not a legitimate form of worship for "these last days" (using Romans 12:1 as the basis for the argument). Of course this passage describes a situation from OT times, but I do not see how Christ's life, death and resurrection have changed anything about how Christians should praise God compared to this example. Jehoshaphat had a problem, he brought it to God and God gave him a great solution. So Jehoshaphat praised God (and led the people of Judah in praise) in word and in song (vv21-22). "Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness aas they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.' As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes..." God loves to hear His people praise His name and sing of His glory. Sure, there are a lot of modern "worship" songs which don't praise God at all. But that doesn't mean that Christian congregations cannot be discerning in the choice of songs and then sing all out with gusto to the great and marvellous God who saved Jehoshaphat's people and has also saved all His chosen children. And feel comfortable enjoying singing to the LORD of all.
Judah was threatened by the Moabites and Ammonites from Edom. In the assembly, Jehoshaphat prayed to God for help and a Levite prophesied that God would deliver them. All Judah praised God through song and went to see this deliverance; the invading armies attacked each other and Judah was able to collect the plunder before praising God publicly again. Much later, Jehoshaphat built a fleet of trading ships but they were wrecked before they could set sail.
What can I learn from it?
This passage tells a story of a king's plea to God and the people's praise to God. When Jehoshaphat was told that there was an invading army on the way, he was alarmed, but he did the right thing. He proclaimed a fast for all Judah - a time for the people to contemplate their sin and to pray to God. Then (v4), "[t]he people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek him." It is remarkable that there was such a quick response from all the people of Judah. I think Jehoshaphat's reforms in ensuring the people were taught well from the book of the law (2Ch17) and judged well according to God's justice (2Ch19) meant that the people were united in their faith. As Jehoshaphat prayed before the assembled people of Judah and Jerusalem in the temple (v13), "All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD." They were expecting God to protect them from their enemies, because they knew that He was their God, and He had chosen them as His people and given them the land where they lived.
Jehoshaphat prayed in praise of God (v6): " 'O LORD , God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.' " He also spoke to God of the time when His people were entering the promised land and God had directed them to leave certain neighbours unmolested as they travelled past their lands. Then Jehoshaphat called upon God to judge these nations which were invading the land God had promised to Israel. Jehoshaphat acknowledged Judah's powerlessness (v12): " 'We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.' "
God responded to this honest and direct plea for grace. He sent a message through Jahaziel, a Levite, that He would take care of things (v17). " 'You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not de discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
Jehoshaphat was not discouraged! On the contrary, he and all Judah were celebrating even as they left for the Desert of Tekoa. The second half of this passage is full of worship. Jehoshaphat and the people bowed and worshipped God (v18), Jehoshaphat appointed people to sing God's praises as they went out (v21), as they sang God confounded the opposing armies and they turned on each other (vv22-23). After they took the spoils of war, the people "praised the LORD" at what was called thereafter the Valley of Praise (v26). The men returned to Jerusalem joyfully "for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice" (v27) and they went to the temple to praise God with music.
How does this help me worship God?
I have heard it argued by some people that praising God through song is not a legitimate form of worship for "these last days" (using Romans 12:1 as the basis for the argument). Of course this passage describes a situation from OT times, but I do not see how Christ's life, death and resurrection have changed anything about how Christians should praise God compared to this example. Jehoshaphat had a problem, he brought it to God and God gave him a great solution. So Jehoshaphat praised God (and led the people of Judah in praise) in word and in song (vv21-22). "Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness aas they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.' As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes..." God loves to hear His people praise His name and sing of His glory. Sure, there are a lot of modern "worship" songs which don't praise God at all. But that doesn't mean that Christian congregations cannot be discerning in the choice of songs and then sing all out with gusto to the great and marvellous God who saved Jehoshaphat's people and has also saved all His chosen children. And feel comfortable enjoying singing to the LORD of all.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Shorter Catechism Q7
What are the decrees of God?
The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the cousel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
This doctrine of the unfailing eternal purpose of God, that his glory may be manifest, is central to Reformed Evangelical Protestantism (and perhaps to wider Christianity, but I am not familiar enough with the detailed doctrines of these denominations to comment). God will do as He pleases and His will is certain to come to pass for He will make it so. Ephesians 1:11-12 was written to early believers: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." Everything that occurs, including the faithful hope of believers in Christ, occurs because God has chosen that it will be so. "God does not do what He does, nor order what He orders, accidentally or unawares; either without or beside His intention. And if there be a foregoing design of doing and ordering as He does, this is the same with a purpose or decree." ~ Edwards
Knowledge of this doctrine necessitates a response from believers. God has claimed us for His own, becasue He chose to do so. (O what a marvellous thought!) Ephesians 1:13-14 continues: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." My favourite verses of all follow in Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God chose me. God has ordained what He would have me do for His glory. By His grace, He enables me to obey His will. "Certainly, if any man hath an infallible understanding, I will be ruled by him. God hath: He works all things, and all effectually, by the counsel of His own will. Therefore in all thy ways give up thyself to Him." ~ Goodwin
The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the cousel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
This doctrine of the unfailing eternal purpose of God, that his glory may be manifest, is central to Reformed Evangelical Protestantism (and perhaps to wider Christianity, but I am not familiar enough with the detailed doctrines of these denominations to comment). God will do as He pleases and His will is certain to come to pass for He will make it so. Ephesians 1:11-12 was written to early believers: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." Everything that occurs, including the faithful hope of believers in Christ, occurs because God has chosen that it will be so. "God does not do what He does, nor order what He orders, accidentally or unawares; either without or beside His intention. And if there be a foregoing design of doing and ordering as He does, this is the same with a purpose or decree." ~ Edwards
Knowledge of this doctrine necessitates a response from believers. God has claimed us for His own, becasue He chose to do so. (O what a marvellous thought!) Ephesians 1:13-14 continues: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." My favourite verses of all follow in Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God chose me. God has ordained what He would have me do for His glory. By His grace, He enables me to obey His will. "Certainly, if any man hath an infallible understanding, I will be ruled by him. God hath: He works all things, and all effectually, by the counsel of His own will. Therefore in all thy ways give up thyself to Him." ~ Goodwin
Saturday, February 16, 2008
2 Chronicles 19
What is this passage all about?
On returning from war, Jehoshaphat was rebuked by Jehu the seer for helping Ahab, who was wicked and hated the LORD. Jehoshaphat began a second phase of his governmental reforms, appointing judges in the cities to judge not for man but for the LORD.
What can I learn from this passage?
Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, but he must have been thinking all the time about what had befallen Ahab. On his return, he was confronted by Jehu, the son of Hanani (who had rebuked king Asa for allying with Ben-Hadad of Aram - 2 Chronicles 16:7). Jehu condemned Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, but also commended him for his religious reforms, saying (v3) " 'There is, however, some good in you, for you have... set your heart on seeking God.' " These words might have been what prompted Jehoshaphat's second wave of reforms.
"Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people... and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers." (v4) Apparently, just as Jehoshaphat had sinned in allying himself with Israel, Judah had followed in his footsteps and turned from the ways of God. When he went among his people and was personally involved with them, they were recalled back to the faith of their fathers.
Jehoshaphat appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah, including the capital Jerusalem. He was very specific in his instructions to the judges, commanding them to be careful in how they performed their duties. He made clear that they were acting on behalf of God and so must always behave accordingly. Some of his instructions (vv6-7,9,10b,11b): " 'Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. ... You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. ... you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin. ... Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.' " It is clear from these remarks that Jehoshaphat knew he was initiating people into a holy and religious office, not just a political one. Much of this advice would be wisely taken by anyone who is in a position of judgement over another today, not just those who are appointed to the legal judiciary but people like me who must discipline their children and others like employers who have authority over employees.
How does this help me to worship God?
"[W]ith the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." (v7) God, You do not change Your mind because we whinge and whine, or plead for special favour. Your decisions are far above those of man, yet they are perfectly just and righteous. You do not make mistakes in Your choices. You see into people's hearts and know their motives but You never allow the end to justify the means. LORD, Your ways are perfect and in all things You accord to the holy, perfect and righteous standards that You have made known. You are not like sinful people, who eagerly fall into sin with the temptation of a bribe, or show bias towards those Your favour. LORD, You love me but in Your grace and mercy You will always act according to Your perfect holiness and righteousness to me. I give You praise because You are better than anything I could ever conceive. Amen.
On returning from war, Jehoshaphat was rebuked by Jehu the seer for helping Ahab, who was wicked and hated the LORD. Jehoshaphat began a second phase of his governmental reforms, appointing judges in the cities to judge not for man but for the LORD.
What can I learn from this passage?
Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, but he must have been thinking all the time about what had befallen Ahab. On his return, he was confronted by Jehu, the son of Hanani (who had rebuked king Asa for allying with Ben-Hadad of Aram - 2 Chronicles 16:7). Jehu condemned Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, but also commended him for his religious reforms, saying (v3) " 'There is, however, some good in you, for you have... set your heart on seeking God.' " These words might have been what prompted Jehoshaphat's second wave of reforms.
"Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people... and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers." (v4) Apparently, just as Jehoshaphat had sinned in allying himself with Israel, Judah had followed in his footsteps and turned from the ways of God. When he went among his people and was personally involved with them, they were recalled back to the faith of their fathers.
Jehoshaphat appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah, including the capital Jerusalem. He was very specific in his instructions to the judges, commanding them to be careful in how they performed their duties. He made clear that they were acting on behalf of God and so must always behave accordingly. Some of his instructions (vv6-7,9,10b,11b): " 'Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. ... You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. ... you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin. ... Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.' " It is clear from these remarks that Jehoshaphat knew he was initiating people into a holy and religious office, not just a political one. Much of this advice would be wisely taken by anyone who is in a position of judgement over another today, not just those who are appointed to the legal judiciary but people like me who must discipline their children and others like employers who have authority over employees.
How does this help me to worship God?
"[W]ith the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." (v7) God, You do not change Your mind because we whinge and whine, or plead for special favour. Your decisions are far above those of man, yet they are perfectly just and righteous. You do not make mistakes in Your choices. You see into people's hearts and know their motives but You never allow the end to justify the means. LORD, Your ways are perfect and in all things You accord to the holy, perfect and righteous standards that You have made known. You are not like sinful people, who eagerly fall into sin with the temptation of a bribe, or show bias towards those Your favour. LORD, You love me but in Your grace and mercy You will always act according to Your perfect holiness and righteousness to me. I give You praise because You are better than anything I could ever conceive. Amen.
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