Matthew 16 According to His works
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (v. 27)
We see in this verse, a very important doctrine, that is, the eminent return of Christ. He will be back, folks. We do not know when, but be assured, He will be back to separate the sheep from the goats, and take those who are truly His home with Him for evermore. He will come, as our verse says, “in the glory of His Father” and with the Holy angels, perhaps riding on a cloud, as many say. (compare Isa. 19:1 with Lk. 21:27). No matter the manner of His coming, He will come again to judge the “quick and the dead.” He will judge every man according to his works, but do we think this to mean His works, the Lord’s works, the Perfection of Holiness, or mans works, which amount to nothing at all? There are two views taken here, and frankly we are only being taught the one in the church today.
Let me explain the point made here: all judgment is given unto the Son, because in the eyes of the Father, our sins are gone! God cannot so much as look on sin anyway, so He cannot rightly judge it in the form of the Father; but, in the form of the Son, born of woman (and not of man) He could not only look upon sin, but dwell among it with the sinner! He already knew the remedy for sin, and that was provided in the Son too, but Jesus knows our sin, and sees our faults. Therefore, we will stand before Him who can see what needs to be judged, and discern between the correct motives as well as the action of sin. We hear that the Word of God will judge us as to how we “measure up” but we think that Jesus will judge us only according to actions that result from sin in the final day. I believe that both of these views could be true, as is often the case with scripture. There is almost always a spiritual application as well as a literal when it comes to the teachings of Christ. We will be, first and foremost, judged by His works, His righteousness, and then, perhaps for our works. Our works are nothing though, and His are everything. Our works are all evil, and His all pure and Holy, but He already judged our sin at Calvary! Granted, there are deeds that we do that are not conducive to good Christianity, not at all, but these trespass sins will affect our reward, and not our position in Christ.
Showing posts with label Crumbs from the Master's Table. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crumbs from the Master's Table. Show all posts
5/16 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 15 Doctrines of Men
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (v. 9)
Man seems to be so prone to accept false teachings. The Bible warns us of this many times, but still we will not search the scriptures to see whether those things we are taught are really true. Even the best of men can pass on something they had heard, and it sounded right, but may not have been exactly what the Bible says. We still accept the doctrines of men. There are many verses in the New Testament alone that warn us of this error. We must be careful lest we worship the Lord in vain. This may be referred to in the parable of the Wheat and Tares from chapter 13.
The “Commandments of men” often resemble the Commandments of God. It is sometimes hard for us to discern between the two on our own without help from the Word of God. Sham worship is “vain” and means nothing to God. That is what we have when we teach, and seek after, and even live, the commandments of men. So, what are the “commandments of men”? Simply those schemes that man conjures up out of his own mind, as seen in the vain philosophies of men. (Col. 2:8) Or mans false ideas about sciences, (1 Tim 6:20), these things ruin and destroy all that is godly, and good.
If our worship is vain, then our faith is also vain, for worship is the strength of faith. If our faith is vain, we are “of all men most miserable,” and know it not. We hide behind a façade, and robotically go through the motions of Christianity with an empty heart. The commandments of men crumble under the test of afflictions and persecution, and as a bucket with holes in it, they are useless, because they hold neither sand nor water. When we find ourselves living on a lackadaisical plain, this is time to beware, we may be adapting to the commandments of men and applying them to our lives instead of the right and the true. Indifference to the great things of God is a sure sign that the state we are in is not where our God would have us to be, it usually results from following the commandments of men, and not those of God.
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (v. 9)
Man seems to be so prone to accept false teachings. The Bible warns us of this many times, but still we will not search the scriptures to see whether those things we are taught are really true. Even the best of men can pass on something they had heard, and it sounded right, but may not have been exactly what the Bible says. We still accept the doctrines of men. There are many verses in the New Testament alone that warn us of this error. We must be careful lest we worship the Lord in vain. This may be referred to in the parable of the Wheat and Tares from chapter 13.
The “Commandments of men” often resemble the Commandments of God. It is sometimes hard for us to discern between the two on our own without help from the Word of God. Sham worship is “vain” and means nothing to God. That is what we have when we teach, and seek after, and even live, the commandments of men. So, what are the “commandments of men”? Simply those schemes that man conjures up out of his own mind, as seen in the vain philosophies of men. (Col. 2:8) Or mans false ideas about sciences, (1 Tim 6:20), these things ruin and destroy all that is godly, and good.
If our worship is vain, then our faith is also vain, for worship is the strength of faith. If our faith is vain, we are “of all men most miserable,” and know it not. We hide behind a façade, and robotically go through the motions of Christianity with an empty heart. The commandments of men crumble under the test of afflictions and persecution, and as a bucket with holes in it, they are useless, because they hold neither sand nor water. When we find ourselves living on a lackadaisical plain, this is time to beware, we may be adapting to the commandments of men and applying them to our lives instead of the right and the true. Indifference to the great things of God is a sure sign that the state we are in is not where our God would have us to be, it usually results from following the commandments of men, and not those of God.
5/15 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 14 Compassion
“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (v. 14)
Jesus is the Lord of compassion. Do you want to be like Christ? Then learn compassion. This one thing is greatly lacking in the world and in the church today, and is essential to the longevity of them both. Jesus showed His compassion, over and over again, and we see it in the same chapter several times. Too many times our “compassion” is for self or family only, and fails to reach the multitudes. I would rather have a compassionate friend than a faithful friend. Compassion will go much further, and accomplish much more than loyalty, and, in my book, is worth so much more.
Probably the greatest example of the compassion of Christ is seen in this same chapter in response to Peters’ plea “Lord save me”, and His immediate response to it. (vs. 30,31). This is the cry of the child of conviction, “Lord save me” and Jesus responds immediately, and we receive eternal life. What compassion! The feeding of the multitude of people that precedes this does not compare to it in value. His compassion healed their sick, and raised their dead, but they became sick again, and died again. His greatest act of compassion was to give, freely, to man, His Life, the God-life, eternal life. All this, just for the asking of it. Amazing grace!
Compassion is deliberate, we need to work at it. It can be developed by exercise. To learn it we must begin by practicing it, then continue therein. It can become a habit. Compassion is a part of love, as charity is, and may be the true essence of love. You see, even charity is born out of compassion. 1 Corinthians 13 teaches us the character of true charity, and yet it is not equal to compassion. Yes, compassion separates the “men from the boys,” the true from the false. Compassion wins the lost, and weeps for the tragedies of men. Compassion takes the Gospel to the poor; it binds up the broken hearted, and frees the prisoner of sin (Isa. 61:1; and Lk 4:18)
“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (v. 14)
Jesus is the Lord of compassion. Do you want to be like Christ? Then learn compassion. This one thing is greatly lacking in the world and in the church today, and is essential to the longevity of them both. Jesus showed His compassion, over and over again, and we see it in the same chapter several times. Too many times our “compassion” is for self or family only, and fails to reach the multitudes. I would rather have a compassionate friend than a faithful friend. Compassion will go much further, and accomplish much more than loyalty, and, in my book, is worth so much more.
Probably the greatest example of the compassion of Christ is seen in this same chapter in response to Peters’ plea “Lord save me”, and His immediate response to it. (vs. 30,31). This is the cry of the child of conviction, “Lord save me” and Jesus responds immediately, and we receive eternal life. What compassion! The feeding of the multitude of people that precedes this does not compare to it in value. His compassion healed their sick, and raised their dead, but they became sick again, and died again. His greatest act of compassion was to give, freely, to man, His Life, the God-life, eternal life. All this, just for the asking of it. Amazing grace!
Compassion is deliberate, we need to work at it. It can be developed by exercise. To learn it we must begin by practicing it, then continue therein. It can become a habit. Compassion is a part of love, as charity is, and may be the true essence of love. You see, even charity is born out of compassion. 1 Corinthians 13 teaches us the character of true charity, and yet it is not equal to compassion. Yes, compassion separates the “men from the boys,” the true from the false. Compassion wins the lost, and weeps for the tragedies of men. Compassion takes the Gospel to the poor; it binds up the broken hearted, and frees the prisoner of sin (Isa. 61:1; and Lk 4:18)
5/13 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 12 Unity
“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” (v. 25)
Division always leads to desolation, whether in a kingdom, a city, or a church. Many churches are destroyed, not from outside attacks of Satan, but from the inside attacks of her people. Once divided though, the church is vulnerable to attack from outside forces, as is true with a city or state or government. This is true in a family setting too, as we have seen in our country today. If Satan can destroy the family, he can destroy the church from within, and he is doing a fairly good job of destroying families today. We know that the church, as a whole, will prevail even against the “gates of hell”, but each local, individual church will have its troubles if the people are not “in one accord.” We need to be sure that we, each one of us, do our part to preserve the unity of the church, and all head in the same direction. It is our duty to do so.
The Pharisee’s committed blaspheme in accusing Christ of casting out devils by the power of Satan, and ignoring the obvious work of God. They had to know that no man could do these things, except God is with Him, as they said in another place, but they had too much pride to give Him the glory, and maybe lose some of it themselves. Their pride led to a greater sin, the sin of blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, (v. 31), which will not be forgiven them. These “religious” men were not true believers, and had carried their unbelief to the point of scorning the things of God. That is what blaspheme is, scorning the Holy Spirit of God.
The name Beelzebub, sometimes rendered Baalzebub, means “lord of the flies” and fits Satan pretty well, but can you imagine others giving this title to our Savior? Some say “lord of the dung heap” or manure pile, which sums Satan up pretty good too. Either way, it is a title of reproach for a being of great reproach. The point though is that we cannot fight on two fronts and expect to win the battle. Armies have been divided for strategic purposes, but they were still in the same battle, against the same enemy. We, as Christian soldiers, can wield the sword from all directions, but must be careful to aim it at the Adversary, and not each other. Swinging a sword in wide sweeps is not wise when your brother is close at hand.
“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” (v. 25)
Division always leads to desolation, whether in a kingdom, a city, or a church. Many churches are destroyed, not from outside attacks of Satan, but from the inside attacks of her people. Once divided though, the church is vulnerable to attack from outside forces, as is true with a city or state or government. This is true in a family setting too, as we have seen in our country today. If Satan can destroy the family, he can destroy the church from within, and he is doing a fairly good job of destroying families today. We know that the church, as a whole, will prevail even against the “gates of hell”, but each local, individual church will have its troubles if the people are not “in one accord.” We need to be sure that we, each one of us, do our part to preserve the unity of the church, and all head in the same direction. It is our duty to do so.
The Pharisee’s committed blaspheme in accusing Christ of casting out devils by the power of Satan, and ignoring the obvious work of God. They had to know that no man could do these things, except God is with Him, as they said in another place, but they had too much pride to give Him the glory, and maybe lose some of it themselves. Their pride led to a greater sin, the sin of blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, (v. 31), which will not be forgiven them. These “religious” men were not true believers, and had carried their unbelief to the point of scorning the things of God. That is what blaspheme is, scorning the Holy Spirit of God.
The name Beelzebub, sometimes rendered Baalzebub, means “lord of the flies” and fits Satan pretty well, but can you imagine others giving this title to our Savior? Some say “lord of the dung heap” or manure pile, which sums Satan up pretty good too. Either way, it is a title of reproach for a being of great reproach. The point though is that we cannot fight on two fronts and expect to win the battle. Armies have been divided for strategic purposes, but they were still in the same battle, against the same enemy. We, as Christian soldiers, can wield the sword from all directions, but must be careful to aim it at the Adversary, and not each other. Swinging a sword in wide sweeps is not wise when your brother is close at hand.
5/13 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 11 “Offenses”
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” (v. 6)
Jesus is the Law personified, I think we will all agree to that. He is the “fulfilling” of the law of God, completely and totally. This being so, let us look at another popular verse about “offenses,” which is Psalms 119:165: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Both these verse say the same thing. Nothing in the Word of God, the subject of Psa. 119, (Jesus) will offend us, if we love Him. Jesus knows the heart of man, and He knows and understands peer pressure, you see, He felt the same things we do, but was without sin. The Christian who is truly “in touch” with the Lord will never be offended by, or in, Christ. We can stand for Him in this old world today, even if it doesn’t seem possible at times.
I used to work in the factory at General Motors, and I carried my Bible to work with me every day. Now, I parked at one end, and because of job transferring, I worked at the other end of the plant, and I had to carry my Bible all the way through the plant to get to my job, for a very long time. There were hecklers, yes, but I learned to rejoice in their heckling and claim 1 Peter 4:14, which became a great comfort to me. There was a time, though, at first, that the heckling affected me, and I found myself sort of “hiding” my Bible by putting my hand behind my leg, hoping that certain people would not see it. I did it without thinking actually, but the Lord convicted me with this verse, as well as others. I began to wonder if I was not ashamed of Him, in front of certain people! It takes a conscious effort to do right, and I had to deal with that then and there. After that time, I tried not to flaunt my Bible, (that too was a temptation) but I never hid it again, and God blessed me greatly for it. I have never been “offended” in Jesus again since then. In fact, as I stated, I learned to rejoice because I had learned that, at times like this, “the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Peter 4:14), and I knew that The Lord was with me in a special way. What a comfort that was; what an encouragement. Oh that we might welcome the trials and tribulations that come our way because of our stand for Christ. What other time does the Bible tell us that these things “rest upon” us? Nowhere else are we told this, but here, when the trials come. Praise God for His blessings, and the wonderful workings of His grace.
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” (v. 6)
Jesus is the Law personified, I think we will all agree to that. He is the “fulfilling” of the law of God, completely and totally. This being so, let us look at another popular verse about “offenses,” which is Psalms 119:165: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Both these verse say the same thing. Nothing in the Word of God, the subject of Psa. 119, (Jesus) will offend us, if we love Him. Jesus knows the heart of man, and He knows and understands peer pressure, you see, He felt the same things we do, but was without sin. The Christian who is truly “in touch” with the Lord will never be offended by, or in, Christ. We can stand for Him in this old world today, even if it doesn’t seem possible at times.
I used to work in the factory at General Motors, and I carried my Bible to work with me every day. Now, I parked at one end, and because of job transferring, I worked at the other end of the plant, and I had to carry my Bible all the way through the plant to get to my job, for a very long time. There were hecklers, yes, but I learned to rejoice in their heckling and claim 1 Peter 4:14, which became a great comfort to me. There was a time, though, at first, that the heckling affected me, and I found myself sort of “hiding” my Bible by putting my hand behind my leg, hoping that certain people would not see it. I did it without thinking actually, but the Lord convicted me with this verse, as well as others. I began to wonder if I was not ashamed of Him, in front of certain people! It takes a conscious effort to do right, and I had to deal with that then and there. After that time, I tried not to flaunt my Bible, (that too was a temptation) but I never hid it again, and God blessed me greatly for it. I have never been “offended” in Jesus again since then. In fact, as I stated, I learned to rejoice because I had learned that, at times like this, “the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Peter 4:14), and I knew that The Lord was with me in a special way. What a comfort that was; what an encouragement. Oh that we might welcome the trials and tribulations that come our way because of our stand for Christ. What other time does the Bible tell us that these things “rest upon” us? Nowhere else are we told this, but here, when the trials come. Praise God for His blessings, and the wonderful workings of His grace.
5/11 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 9 New wine, Old bottles.
“Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.” (v. 17)
For many years, I had mused about this verse, wondering what in the world it has to do with the question that the disciples of John asked Jesus in v. 14. The question had to do with fasting, which is almost always associated with mourning and sorrow. The true fast always has a certain element of sorrow in it. Jesus had explained that while the bridegroom was in the wedding party, it is time to rejoice, but there is time for sorrow after He leaves. The teaching here is that they were not yet ready to fast. They had a lot to learn first. Fasting is not to be taken lightly, or haphazardly. We too often speak of prayer and fasting, as a mediocre thing, as if it is nothing special or unusual. Jesus uses, in way of illustration, an analogy that everyone would be familiar with when he speaks of storing their wine. The fermentation process in new wine will cause gasses to expand the bottles, and they knew that you do not put new wine into old bottles, that have already been stretched out, but give it time to age, then store it in the bottles. These disciples had to age a little first, then get down to serious fasting. Fasting is not for the novice. He may be able to fast as a young Christian, but he will not often know how, or why he should do it. Solomon said it well in Ecclesiastes 3:1, when he says that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose.” It’s the same with new cloth that has not stretched, or shrunk to fit the old, as He said in the previous verse. The answer for John’s disciples was that the time was not now for fasting.
We need to be careful that we don’t take fasting too lightly, I believe that God takes it seriously. Fasting ought to be something special, when we urgently need God to do something in our lives. This means that perhaps we should not fast, as the Pharisee’s twice a week, in a repetitious and trumped up fast, but with a broken heart we should cry unto Him. If our heart is not broken twice in the week, then we need not fast twice in the week.
“Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.” (v. 17)
For many years, I had mused about this verse, wondering what in the world it has to do with the question that the disciples of John asked Jesus in v. 14. The question had to do with fasting, which is almost always associated with mourning and sorrow. The true fast always has a certain element of sorrow in it. Jesus had explained that while the bridegroom was in the wedding party, it is time to rejoice, but there is time for sorrow after He leaves. The teaching here is that they were not yet ready to fast. They had a lot to learn first. Fasting is not to be taken lightly, or haphazardly. We too often speak of prayer and fasting, as a mediocre thing, as if it is nothing special or unusual. Jesus uses, in way of illustration, an analogy that everyone would be familiar with when he speaks of storing their wine. The fermentation process in new wine will cause gasses to expand the bottles, and they knew that you do not put new wine into old bottles, that have already been stretched out, but give it time to age, then store it in the bottles. These disciples had to age a little first, then get down to serious fasting. Fasting is not for the novice. He may be able to fast as a young Christian, but he will not often know how, or why he should do it. Solomon said it well in Ecclesiastes 3:1, when he says that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose.” It’s the same with new cloth that has not stretched, or shrunk to fit the old, as He said in the previous verse. The answer for John’s disciples was that the time was not now for fasting.
We need to be careful that we don’t take fasting too lightly, I believe that God takes it seriously. Fasting ought to be something special, when we urgently need God to do something in our lives. This means that perhaps we should not fast, as the Pharisee’s twice a week, in a repetitious and trumped up fast, but with a broken heart we should cry unto Him. If our heart is not broken twice in the week, then we need not fast twice in the week.
5/10 Thanks
This thread will soon be discontinued. I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and as it progresses will be unable to write or type, or even think clearly. I would like to thank the Lord for the great privilege of writing on this site,and to thank JTR for trusting me in allowing me to do so. I have thoroughly enjoyed these years of writing here and especially the blogs that JTR made for me. I pray her and Fred often, and ask that you all do the same.
Again, thank you JTR for all you do, you have a great web site.
Again, thank you JTR for all you do, you have a great web site.
5/9 Devotions in Mathew
Matthew 8 “Follow Me”
“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
In this short verse, Jesus spoke a multitude of words. In the verse immediately before this one, we are told of a man that asked the Lord to wait for him while he went and buried his dead father. Now it seems rather important that one should attend to these family matters, but Jesus was teaching him something very important here, and that is that we need to “Seek first the kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness…” and set priorities in our lives. We do not know all the details involved here, whether the man was sincere, or making an excuse not to go with Jesus, but Jesus no doubt knew. This verse had a great significance for me at one time in my life. It taught me to let this world go, to leave it to the lost who struggle to run things according to their own feelings, and for me to spend my time and my life working toward the glorifying of the Lord, and His kingdom. I took it very literally, and let the dead worry about their world, while I attempt to concentrate my time on the things of the Lord, and Life.
Folks, we often claim that this is not our home, and that we are strangers and pilgrims, “just passing through’ but we do not live like we are! We like to say those things, and they are scriptural, but we find it hard to live it. If I were to come into your home and begin running things my way, you would greatly resent it, wouldn’t you? That is exactly what we do here on this earth, we try to run the house, when we are only visitors! We need to get hold of this thought! Either this is our world, or it is not, there is no middle of the road. What about our hobbies? Or our interests, are they modeled after this world’s views, or after the glory of the Lord? We get too wrapped up in the affairs and entertainments of this world, and many times, try to “squeeze” it into the church, hoping then that it will be endorsed by God.
I took a sort of survey at one of our ballgames, one time, asking “Why do you play softball?” The answers were varied, of course, but very informative. Some did it for exercise; some for a “ministry”; some for the pure fun of it; and others for the excitement of it. Those were the four main answers, but I asked them after these answers, “If the umpire makes a bad call, did you still have fun, or exercise, or whatever your reason was for playing?” The point is, when a bad call was made, tempers flared, and attitudes were shameful. Even the sportsmanship was modeled after the world! This is just an example, and I mean not to implicate anyone, but we need to do “whatsoever we do” to the glory of God. (Col. 3:17 and 21).
“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
In this short verse, Jesus spoke a multitude of words. In the verse immediately before this one, we are told of a man that asked the Lord to wait for him while he went and buried his dead father. Now it seems rather important that one should attend to these family matters, but Jesus was teaching him something very important here, and that is that we need to “Seek first the kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness…” and set priorities in our lives. We do not know all the details involved here, whether the man was sincere, or making an excuse not to go with Jesus, but Jesus no doubt knew. This verse had a great significance for me at one time in my life. It taught me to let this world go, to leave it to the lost who struggle to run things according to their own feelings, and for me to spend my time and my life working toward the glorifying of the Lord, and His kingdom. I took it very literally, and let the dead worry about their world, while I attempt to concentrate my time on the things of the Lord, and Life.
Folks, we often claim that this is not our home, and that we are strangers and pilgrims, “just passing through’ but we do not live like we are! We like to say those things, and they are scriptural, but we find it hard to live it. If I were to come into your home and begin running things my way, you would greatly resent it, wouldn’t you? That is exactly what we do here on this earth, we try to run the house, when we are only visitors! We need to get hold of this thought! Either this is our world, or it is not, there is no middle of the road. What about our hobbies? Or our interests, are they modeled after this world’s views, or after the glory of the Lord? We get too wrapped up in the affairs and entertainments of this world, and many times, try to “squeeze” it into the church, hoping then that it will be endorsed by God.
I took a sort of survey at one of our ballgames, one time, asking “Why do you play softball?” The answers were varied, of course, but very informative. Some did it for exercise; some for a “ministry”; some for the pure fun of it; and others for the excitement of it. Those were the four main answers, but I asked them after these answers, “If the umpire makes a bad call, did you still have fun, or exercise, or whatever your reason was for playing?” The point is, when a bad call was made, tempers flared, and attitudes were shameful. Even the sportsmanship was modeled after the world! This is just an example, and I mean not to implicate anyone, but we need to do “whatsoever we do” to the glory of God. (Col. 3:17 and 21).
5/8 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 7 Asking
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (v. 7)
Evangelist John R. Rice says that “Prayer is asking” and he even wrote a book to that effect. If this be true, the Lord is telling us that He will answer our prayers, without a doubt. He said in another place, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Jn. 14:13). Our problem is that we put a time table on the Lord, and become discouraged, and eventually give up on prayer. Although James outlines some thoughts in asking properly, Christ still said that if we ask, we will receive. He wants to answer our prayers! Remember, Jesus said that we would receive that which we ask for, but He did not say when we would receive it! There is a timetable in effect, God’s timing, and it is always the best, whether we think so or not.
If you will read Daniel 10:12,13, you will see that even Daniels’ prayers were hindered for 21 days while unseen forces battled in the firmament above. In Dan. 9:23, we see perhaps, an unspecified time passing before the angel came to answer Daniel’s prayer. Folks, let’s be diligent in our part, (prayer) and wait on the Lord and let Him do His part, in His time. One man has said “Timing is everything” and in many cases, it is. There is a time for the answers to come, but we always want God to hurry it up! The promise in our verse in “ask, and it shall be given…”, not “I’ll think about it” or “it might be given, if I feel like it”, but “It shall be given” us.
We occasionally hear that God sometimes answers “No” to our prayers, but I don’t see that in Scripture! The only thing close to it is concerning Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” as we say, but God had a purpose there, and had already told Paul that he would be made an example for others. It was part of his God-given destiny, you might say. If God ever answers in the negative, then this passage is a lie, as well as several others. A study on prayer would be very beneficial, and very exhilarating for us, and I must say, very appropriate at this point, not to mention informative. Every prayer promise seems to be in the affirmative, with some giving “conditions” but Jesus Himself tells us of no conditions. Now, it is appropriate, and expedient that we meet certain conditions, only to please God in our lives, but to get prayers answered, we simply need to believe Him, and His Word.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (v. 7)
Evangelist John R. Rice says that “Prayer is asking” and he even wrote a book to that effect. If this be true, the Lord is telling us that He will answer our prayers, without a doubt. He said in another place, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Jn. 14:13). Our problem is that we put a time table on the Lord, and become discouraged, and eventually give up on prayer. Although James outlines some thoughts in asking properly, Christ still said that if we ask, we will receive. He wants to answer our prayers! Remember, Jesus said that we would receive that which we ask for, but He did not say when we would receive it! There is a timetable in effect, God’s timing, and it is always the best, whether we think so or not.
If you will read Daniel 10:12,13, you will see that even Daniels’ prayers were hindered for 21 days while unseen forces battled in the firmament above. In Dan. 9:23, we see perhaps, an unspecified time passing before the angel came to answer Daniel’s prayer. Folks, let’s be diligent in our part, (prayer) and wait on the Lord and let Him do His part, in His time. One man has said “Timing is everything” and in many cases, it is. There is a time for the answers to come, but we always want God to hurry it up! The promise in our verse in “ask, and it shall be given…”, not “I’ll think about it” or “it might be given, if I feel like it”, but “It shall be given” us.
We occasionally hear that God sometimes answers “No” to our prayers, but I don’t see that in Scripture! The only thing close to it is concerning Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” as we say, but God had a purpose there, and had already told Paul that he would be made an example for others. It was part of his God-given destiny, you might say. If God ever answers in the negative, then this passage is a lie, as well as several others. A study on prayer would be very beneficial, and very exhilarating for us, and I must say, very appropriate at this point, not to mention informative. Every prayer promise seems to be in the affirmative, with some giving “conditions” but Jesus Himself tells us of no conditions. Now, it is appropriate, and expedient that we meet certain conditions, only to please God in our lives, but to get prayers answered, we simply need to believe Him, and His Word.
5/7 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 6 Don’t worry!
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (vs. 31,32)
One great concern of mine with the church today is that we fail miserably in trusting God for our needs. We are actually to “take no thought” for the basic needs of every day living, God has already promised to provide them. We simply need to trust Him to meet the need that He has promised to, and trust that He will. We seem to spend a lot of time worrying about these things, and even like to quote “Give us this day our daily bread” as if we are asking Him to feed us every day. That phrase simply is asking for a touch from God, every day; as needed as bread is to our bodies, this “touch” is needed for the nutrition of our souls. Twice in this passage are we told not to even “take thought” for our needs, in other words, don’t worry about it! (vs. 25 and 31).
The Gentiles seek after these things, and spend their entire lives seeking after them. That is all they have. When we worry about where our next meal will come from, or “making ends meet” or what we are going to do about clothing, etc., we align ourselves, at least in our thinking, with the unbelieving Gentiles of this world. The Lord would have us to trust, rather than seek when it comes to our needs. The only “seeking” we should be doing, is to seek the things of the kingdom of Heaven, and His righteousness, as He tells us to do in v. 33, and where He again promises that if we will seek His righteousness, all these things will be given to us. It is about time we quit worrying about things out of our control, and trust God for them. “Oh, but these things are not out of our control” you may be thinking, but they don’t need to be, they are promised to us regardless. We need to realize that the promises come to us through Jesus and Calvary, regardless of whether we are worthy or not. They are a faction of the grace of God in our lives.
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (vs. 31,32)
One great concern of mine with the church today is that we fail miserably in trusting God for our needs. We are actually to “take no thought” for the basic needs of every day living, God has already promised to provide them. We simply need to trust Him to meet the need that He has promised to, and trust that He will. We seem to spend a lot of time worrying about these things, and even like to quote “Give us this day our daily bread” as if we are asking Him to feed us every day. That phrase simply is asking for a touch from God, every day; as needed as bread is to our bodies, this “touch” is needed for the nutrition of our souls. Twice in this passage are we told not to even “take thought” for our needs, in other words, don’t worry about it! (vs. 25 and 31).
The Gentiles seek after these things, and spend their entire lives seeking after them. That is all they have. When we worry about where our next meal will come from, or “making ends meet” or what we are going to do about clothing, etc., we align ourselves, at least in our thinking, with the unbelieving Gentiles of this world. The Lord would have us to trust, rather than seek when it comes to our needs. The only “seeking” we should be doing, is to seek the things of the kingdom of Heaven, and His righteousness, as He tells us to do in v. 33, and where He again promises that if we will seek His righteousness, all these things will be given to us. It is about time we quit worrying about things out of our control, and trust God for them. “Oh, but these things are not out of our control” you may be thinking, but they don’t need to be, they are promised to us regardless. We need to realize that the promises come to us through Jesus and Calvary, regardless of whether we are worthy or not. They are a faction of the grace of God in our lives.
5/6 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 5 The Light of the World
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (v. 16)
Light is something that cannot be ignored. There are many uses for light in our world today, and Christ makes an adequate comparison in this verse. Many times, when we see light, it is a comfort to us. It shows that there is something there, something tangible that emits light; something, many times, man made. Let’s look at the value of light for a moment, then see how it applies to our lives.
Jesus tells us that we are the “Light of the world,” i.e. the hope of the world. The world does not realize it, but we are their light in the darkness, their hope of making it through the night. As a child, I used to visit my cousins up in northern Michigan quite often, and their farm community was quite a change for this city boy. When it got dark up there, it was very dark, so that one could not see the path he was walking on. We used flashlights a lot since the facilities were outside, far away from the house. I dreaded having to use the bathroom at night with all those “critters” that might be lurking about, but thank God for light! It was a guide for us, so that we did not stray off the beaten path. It served also as a comfort when we feared the dark, or the danger that may be lurking there. It was comfortable at night to sit by the kerosene lamps, and strum on a guitar, or read, or whatever we found to do, but the light made it possible. When the lights were out, there was not much going on, it was time to sleep. Light also can help the lost to be found. It is a rescuer for the lost.
Another time, while deer hunting up north, I lost track of the time, and was caught out in the woods after dark. I had no sense of direction, or no idea how to get back to the car. It was a scary feeling. Finally, after gaining my wits, I decided to head for any light I could see, knowing that there would probably be someone around. I did that, and, fortunately, I finally found my way out. I wasn’t really that far out in the woods, although I didn’t know it at the time. Anyway, I was thankful for light then.
We are all these and more to the world that is groping in darkness and fumbling along life’s path without a clue as to where they are headed. We need to realize that, though they do not admit it, or maybe even don’t know it, we are needed by them. They do not have the Light in Christ that we have, and we need to be their light. This we must do, of course, that the Lord might be glorified, and on His behalf.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (v. 16)
Light is something that cannot be ignored. There are many uses for light in our world today, and Christ makes an adequate comparison in this verse. Many times, when we see light, it is a comfort to us. It shows that there is something there, something tangible that emits light; something, many times, man made. Let’s look at the value of light for a moment, then see how it applies to our lives.
Jesus tells us that we are the “Light of the world,” i.e. the hope of the world. The world does not realize it, but we are their light in the darkness, their hope of making it through the night. As a child, I used to visit my cousins up in northern Michigan quite often, and their farm community was quite a change for this city boy. When it got dark up there, it was very dark, so that one could not see the path he was walking on. We used flashlights a lot since the facilities were outside, far away from the house. I dreaded having to use the bathroom at night with all those “critters” that might be lurking about, but thank God for light! It was a guide for us, so that we did not stray off the beaten path. It served also as a comfort when we feared the dark, or the danger that may be lurking there. It was comfortable at night to sit by the kerosene lamps, and strum on a guitar, or read, or whatever we found to do, but the light made it possible. When the lights were out, there was not much going on, it was time to sleep. Light also can help the lost to be found. It is a rescuer for the lost.
Another time, while deer hunting up north, I lost track of the time, and was caught out in the woods after dark. I had no sense of direction, or no idea how to get back to the car. It was a scary feeling. Finally, after gaining my wits, I decided to head for any light I could see, knowing that there would probably be someone around. I did that, and, fortunately, I finally found my way out. I wasn’t really that far out in the woods, although I didn’t know it at the time. Anyway, I was thankful for light then.
We are all these and more to the world that is groping in darkness and fumbling along life’s path without a clue as to where they are headed. We need to realize that, though they do not admit it, or maybe even don’t know it, we are needed by them. They do not have the Light in Christ that we have, and we need to be their light. This we must do, of course, that the Lord might be glorified, and on His behalf.
5/5 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 4 The Temptation
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Mt. 4:4)
In this chapter we have the temptation of Jesus. Notice that Christ always answered Satan with scripture; each of his answers are quotes from the Old Testament. My daughter was asking one time why the devil didn’t flee from her when she quoted scripture as she was taught that he would. I had to think on that one for a moment, but it occurred to me that if Jesus had to do it three times before the devil finally let him alone, how often must we quote the Bible before he leaves us? More specifically, how many times must we quote scripture to cause Satan to leave us alone? We need to just keep on reciting scriptures over and over until we chase him off. The only way we will be able to do so, is to eat, sleep and breathe the Word of God. We need to make it our “daily Bread”. As our text verse says, we need to live by it, even as we need bread.
Yes, Jesus was tempted in all points, as we are, but without sin, (Heb. 4:15), and through His suffering, He is able to succor us when we are tempted (Heb. 2:18). The temptation in the wilderness covered three basic areas, which affect our lives, and we find that all sin will fit in these areas somehow. These can be compared to 1 John 2:15, and the “lust of the flesh”, the “lust of the eyes”, and the “pride of life.” To each of these temptations, Jesus had an appropriate answer, and we can too, if we learn the Word of God. The Bible has the answer to all the problems of life; it is a Book of life, or rather, a Book for life. Too often, we suffer in life because we have not searched out the solutions to our problems in the Word of God, and will stumble through our dilemma, hoping it will soon end.
God has the answer. Satan found that out way out in the wilderness when he “bit off more than he could chew” you might say. Jesus gained the victory over the devil there, and later over death itself, which was the ultimate victory for us. He has, indeed, overcome the world, and Satan, and death, and there is no more for us to fear when we abide in Him. Thank God for the victory we have in Christ.
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Mt. 4:4)
In this chapter we have the temptation of Jesus. Notice that Christ always answered Satan with scripture; each of his answers are quotes from the Old Testament. My daughter was asking one time why the devil didn’t flee from her when she quoted scripture as she was taught that he would. I had to think on that one for a moment, but it occurred to me that if Jesus had to do it three times before the devil finally let him alone, how often must we quote the Bible before he leaves us? More specifically, how many times must we quote scripture to cause Satan to leave us alone? We need to just keep on reciting scriptures over and over until we chase him off. The only way we will be able to do so, is to eat, sleep and breathe the Word of God. We need to make it our “daily Bread”. As our text verse says, we need to live by it, even as we need bread.
Yes, Jesus was tempted in all points, as we are, but without sin, (Heb. 4:15), and through His suffering, He is able to succor us when we are tempted (Heb. 2:18). The temptation in the wilderness covered three basic areas, which affect our lives, and we find that all sin will fit in these areas somehow. These can be compared to 1 John 2:15, and the “lust of the flesh”, the “lust of the eyes”, and the “pride of life.” To each of these temptations, Jesus had an appropriate answer, and we can too, if we learn the Word of God. The Bible has the answer to all the problems of life; it is a Book of life, or rather, a Book for life. Too often, we suffer in life because we have not searched out the solutions to our problems in the Word of God, and will stumble through our dilemma, hoping it will soon end.
God has the answer. Satan found that out way out in the wilderness when he “bit off more than he could chew” you might say. Jesus gained the victory over the devil there, and later over death itself, which was the ultimate victory for us. He has, indeed, overcome the world, and Satan, and death, and there is no more for us to fear when we abide in Him. Thank God for the victory we have in Christ.
5/4 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 3 Jesus’ Baptism
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” (v. 16)
Here we see the baptism of Jesus. If He needed to be baptized, then isn’t it proper for us also to be? Jesus begins His ministry immediately after His baptism. There are no miracles, no recorded acts of Jesus’ ministry before this, so we believe it was the ushering in of His earthly ministry. It is the same for us, baptism is the beginning of a new life in Christ; not as salvation, with a new heart, and life, but the beginning of a new walk with Him. It is, as scripture says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4) We are symbolically buried with Him, and raised with Him to a new life.
Note the words “went up straightway out of the water” it sounds as if Jesus was dipped into the water, and raised up out of it. This is the way we baptize today in Baptist churches. John seemed to baptize this way, and not sprinkle water on the head of Jesus as some are wont to do with the people they baptize nowadays. The Father sent His seal of approval unto His Son immediately after He came up out of the water. This became the usual mode of baptism, with God’s stamp of approval on it. Jesus had to “fulfill all righteousness” in being baptized, (v. 15), and we must be baptized for the same reason. It is just the right thing to do.
The word “baptize” means to submerge, as if one was washing clothes, and submerged them completely in water. It always followed salvation in the Bible (whenever it was mentioned) and never preceded it. It was always immediate, after one accepted Christ’s sacrifice for his sin. Baptism has become one of two ordinances in the church today, the other being the communion, thus depicting the importance of such a rite. Baptism is the first act of obedience to our Lord after we are saved. If we fail to take this first step, we usually do not go any further in our Christian life. It is important that we are baptized, and that we encourage others to be baptized also. Remember, part of the “Great Commission” commands us to baptize them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” (v. 16)
Here we see the baptism of Jesus. If He needed to be baptized, then isn’t it proper for us also to be? Jesus begins His ministry immediately after His baptism. There are no miracles, no recorded acts of Jesus’ ministry before this, so we believe it was the ushering in of His earthly ministry. It is the same for us, baptism is the beginning of a new life in Christ; not as salvation, with a new heart, and life, but the beginning of a new walk with Him. It is, as scripture says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4) We are symbolically buried with Him, and raised with Him to a new life.
Note the words “went up straightway out of the water” it sounds as if Jesus was dipped into the water, and raised up out of it. This is the way we baptize today in Baptist churches. John seemed to baptize this way, and not sprinkle water on the head of Jesus as some are wont to do with the people they baptize nowadays. The Father sent His seal of approval unto His Son immediately after He came up out of the water. This became the usual mode of baptism, with God’s stamp of approval on it. Jesus had to “fulfill all righteousness” in being baptized, (v. 15), and we must be baptized for the same reason. It is just the right thing to do.
The word “baptize” means to submerge, as if one was washing clothes, and submerged them completely in water. It always followed salvation in the Bible (whenever it was mentioned) and never preceded it. It was always immediate, after one accepted Christ’s sacrifice for his sin. Baptism has become one of two ordinances in the church today, the other being the communion, thus depicting the importance of such a rite. Baptism is the first act of obedience to our Lord after we are saved. If we fail to take this first step, we usually do not go any further in our Christian life. It is important that we are baptized, and that we encourage others to be baptized also. Remember, part of the “Great Commission” commands us to baptize them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
5/3 Devotions in Matthew
Matthew 2 The Morning Star
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” (v. 9)
Jesus is the True Star of Bethlehem. In 2 Peter 1:19, we see a reference to Jesus as the “Day Star” called so because His glory outshines the sun, and He is as a star that can be seen in the day time as well as night. The wise men came from a far country, and, no doubt, traveled during the day, as well as night, all the while following the mystery star that led them to Jesus. This brings to mind a poem I wrote for a Christmas time campaign:
The wise men followed a distant star, it was a light unto their paths through a world of darkness. That star led them to Jesus.
We would do well to also follow that star, to let its light be our guide; to come to Jesus.
This star has moved now, from Bethlehem to Calvary.
It is the “Daystar” bringing light to darkened souls.
The wise men followed a distant star,
A light of hope for them;
A light to guide them through the night,
And from the snares of evil men:
That light led them to a greater Light,
The King of kings is He;
A greater Light, another Star,
The Daystar of Calvary.
Yes, that star of Bethlehem,
Seen so long ago,
Has moved to a hill called Calvary,
And draws the weary soul.
So follow that dear Star, my friend,
Let it be your Guide;
Follow it from Bethlehem to Calvary,
And in God’s will abide.
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” (v. 9)
Jesus is the True Star of Bethlehem. In 2 Peter 1:19, we see a reference to Jesus as the “Day Star” called so because His glory outshines the sun, and He is as a star that can be seen in the day time as well as night. The wise men came from a far country, and, no doubt, traveled during the day, as well as night, all the while following the mystery star that led them to Jesus. This brings to mind a poem I wrote for a Christmas time campaign:
The wise men followed a distant star, it was a light unto their paths through a world of darkness. That star led them to Jesus.
We would do well to also follow that star, to let its light be our guide; to come to Jesus.
This star has moved now, from Bethlehem to Calvary.
It is the “Daystar” bringing light to darkened souls.
The wise men followed a distant star,
A light of hope for them;
A light to guide them through the night,
And from the snares of evil men:
That light led them to a greater Light,
The King of kings is He;
A greater Light, another Star,
The Daystar of Calvary.
Yes, that star of Bethlehem,
Seen so long ago,
Has moved to a hill called Calvary,
And draws the weary soul.
So follow that dear Star, my friend,
Let it be your Guide;
Follow it from Bethlehem to Calvary,
And in God’s will abide.
5/2 beginning the Gospels
Introduction to the Gospels in Devotions
It is recommended that the reader read the entire chapter for each devotion, as the “theme” is often set in the verse chosen for the particular devotion. The Lord has wonderfully blessed in allowing me to write a devotion for every chapter of the Bible, a great task indeed. I am thankful for the opportunity to do so, and in attempt to glorify the Lord in all things, I hope to keep the focus on the Lord and on His Precious and wonderful Word. I have found Him in nearly every chapter of the Bible, and have sought to “bring Him out” and expose Him to others. The teaching will then be solely for the honor and glory of God, and not in any way to glorify self. I have worked diligently to keep these principles in focus in every devotion and I believe, by the grace of God, that He has allowed me to do so. One can glean some great truths here, and go back over some familiar ground, but all can benefit from the practicality of the Word of God contained in these short devotions. They were designed to be short and hopefully powerful, and to the point, as I realize that people are very busy these days.
Matthew 1 The Virgin Birth
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (v. 23)
The virgin birth of Christ is so fundamental that, without it, or the belief of it, we lose the redemptive power of Christ on our behalf. You see, here is the “workings” of it: Sin is passed down from generation to generation through the seed of man, (Rom. 5:12). If there were a man involved in the birth of Christ, He would have had the sin--seed ingrained in Him, and could not have been the “Lamb without spot or blemish.” Jesus had no earthly father, but a step-father, if you will. I believe that Mary remained a virgin even after Jesus was born, otherwise Joseph would not have married a virgin woman, as the devout Jews were supposed to do. The miracle was indeed a great one.
Doctors say that the blood of the babe is the Fathers’ blood, and not the mothers (according to M. R. DeHaan). This is why, with forensic science today, it can be proven who the father of a baby really is, through his DNA. That being so, Jesus had His fathers’ blood in Him, through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is why we say He was God, wrapped in flesh, there was no mortal blood in Him at all.
This verse quotes Isaiah 7:14, and is prophecy fulfilled. It is amazing that the virgin birth fulfilled a prophecy in Scripture, but even more so, that Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a man, and suffered at the hands of those he created, and paid the price for sin once and for all. Jesus subjected Himself to His subordinates, and willingly took upon Him the sin of the world, and hung them on the cross. All this would not have been possible without a virgin birth. God’s plan is so thorough, and so wonderfully planned that it is almost unbelievable! That is the problem for many though, unbelief. Take a few moments to ponder this, and let it “sink in” to your mind a little, and you will see how truly miraculous, and wonderful it really is.
It is recommended that the reader read the entire chapter for each devotion, as the “theme” is often set in the verse chosen for the particular devotion. The Lord has wonderfully blessed in allowing me to write a devotion for every chapter of the Bible, a great task indeed. I am thankful for the opportunity to do so, and in attempt to glorify the Lord in all things, I hope to keep the focus on the Lord and on His Precious and wonderful Word. I have found Him in nearly every chapter of the Bible, and have sought to “bring Him out” and expose Him to others. The teaching will then be solely for the honor and glory of God, and not in any way to glorify self. I have worked diligently to keep these principles in focus in every devotion and I believe, by the grace of God, that He has allowed me to do so. One can glean some great truths here, and go back over some familiar ground, but all can benefit from the practicality of the Word of God contained in these short devotions. They were designed to be short and hopefully powerful, and to the point, as I realize that people are very busy these days.
Matthew 1 The Virgin Birth
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (v. 23)
The virgin birth of Christ is so fundamental that, without it, or the belief of it, we lose the redemptive power of Christ on our behalf. You see, here is the “workings” of it: Sin is passed down from generation to generation through the seed of man, (Rom. 5:12). If there were a man involved in the birth of Christ, He would have had the sin--seed ingrained in Him, and could not have been the “Lamb without spot or blemish.” Jesus had no earthly father, but a step-father, if you will. I believe that Mary remained a virgin even after Jesus was born, otherwise Joseph would not have married a virgin woman, as the devout Jews were supposed to do. The miracle was indeed a great one.
Doctors say that the blood of the babe is the Fathers’ blood, and not the mothers (according to M. R. DeHaan). This is why, with forensic science today, it can be proven who the father of a baby really is, through his DNA. That being so, Jesus had His fathers’ blood in Him, through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is why we say He was God, wrapped in flesh, there was no mortal blood in Him at all.
This verse quotes Isaiah 7:14, and is prophecy fulfilled. It is amazing that the virgin birth fulfilled a prophecy in Scripture, but even more so, that Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a man, and suffered at the hands of those he created, and paid the price for sin once and for all. Jesus subjected Himself to His subordinates, and willingly took upon Him the sin of the world, and hung them on the cross. All this would not have been possible without a virgin birth. God’s plan is so thorough, and so wonderfully planned that it is almost unbelievable! That is the problem for many though, unbelief. Take a few moments to ponder this, and let it “sink in” to your mind a little, and you will see how truly miraculous, and wonderful it really is.
5/1 Devotions in Exodus
Exodus 38 The “Mirror of God”
“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” (v. 8)
These “Lookingglasses” showed the people what they really looked like, mirrors do not lie, though we often wish they would! We don’t always like what we see in them, but that is not the fault of the mirror. I wonder if the looking glasses of our hearts are the same way? They can show us as we really are, if we will keep the glass clear. What does your heart reflect? What about that image looking back at you, do you like what you see? Wouldn’t it be great if we could look in a mirror, and see an image of Jesus looking back at us?
God’s Word is like a mirror for our hearts, it reflects the real “us”, and often we do not like what we see. Unlike our physical appearance, we can change that which our heart reflects, the “inner us” you might say, we need to look into the mirror of God’s Word, often to get a true image of what we are. We need to see Christ looking back at us from our hearts. We know He is alive, many of us know He dwells in us, but is He alive in us? Does His glory, His zeal, His grace and love manifest itself in us, or do these lie dormant in our hearts? Each of us must look into God’s mirror, and answer these questions for ourselves; this is the crux of the Christian life, the central point of our service for Him. God was alive in the Tabernacle, and everyone knew it, do others know that Christ is alive in you? We need an honest look into the Word of God, and at our lives, and He will reveal the real “us” to us. We need to look often, daily, even several times a day, to get an accurate “picture” of what He sees in us.
These lavers, though used for cleansing, were made from the lookingglasses of the women, and were changed into a vessel of cleansing. The Lookingglass of God’s Word will cleanse us and make us a fit vessel for the Masters’ use. It is to be unchanged by man, or it is not fit for the Master; let it reflect the real you, and change from the inside, instead of trying to change the mirror! We, as man, try to change the mirror instead of the image it reflects. Nothing will do but the unadulterated Word of God, in all its purity, and purpose.
“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” (v. 8)
These “Lookingglasses” showed the people what they really looked like, mirrors do not lie, though we often wish they would! We don’t always like what we see in them, but that is not the fault of the mirror. I wonder if the looking glasses of our hearts are the same way? They can show us as we really are, if we will keep the glass clear. What does your heart reflect? What about that image looking back at you, do you like what you see? Wouldn’t it be great if we could look in a mirror, and see an image of Jesus looking back at us?
God’s Word is like a mirror for our hearts, it reflects the real “us”, and often we do not like what we see. Unlike our physical appearance, we can change that which our heart reflects, the “inner us” you might say, we need to look into the mirror of God’s Word, often to get a true image of what we are. We need to see Christ looking back at us from our hearts. We know He is alive, many of us know He dwells in us, but is He alive in us? Does His glory, His zeal, His grace and love manifest itself in us, or do these lie dormant in our hearts? Each of us must look into God’s mirror, and answer these questions for ourselves; this is the crux of the Christian life, the central point of our service for Him. God was alive in the Tabernacle, and everyone knew it, do others know that Christ is alive in you? We need an honest look into the Word of God, and at our lives, and He will reveal the real “us” to us. We need to look often, daily, even several times a day, to get an accurate “picture” of what He sees in us.
These lavers, though used for cleansing, were made from the lookingglasses of the women, and were changed into a vessel of cleansing. The Lookingglass of God’s Word will cleanse us and make us a fit vessel for the Masters’ use. It is to be unchanged by man, or it is not fit for the Master; let it reflect the real you, and change from the inside, instead of trying to change the mirror! We, as man, try to change the mirror instead of the image it reflects. Nothing will do but the unadulterated Word of God, in all its purity, and purpose.
4/30 Devotions in Exodus
Exodus 33 “A place by Me”
“And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:” (v. 21)
Oh to find that place by God, close by His side, and stand solidly upon The Rock of Christ. One would have to walk with Him, to know Him to be in such a lovely position. Moses asked to see God, as many of us desire to do, and God honored his request. Though He talked to Moses “face to face” (Deut. 5:4) Moses had never seen him, no man had, because none could look upon the brightness of His glory and live. God had prepared a place by Him, so that Moses could get a glimpse of Him, but only a quick glimpse, and that from the back of Him as He walked by. There is a place by Him for us too, it is in Christ. We can get no closer, or see no clearer than through Christ. To be close to the Father is the greatest, most desirable thing a man could ever hope to attain to, and yet it is made possible for us today. All we need to do is stand upon the Rock. God wants us to see Him too, in fact, He showed us Himself in Christ! (Jn. 14:9).
What is it to walk with God? It is not easy. Many will argue the point with me here, but I believe that if a man thinks it easy to walk with the Lord, he is blind to “self” and may not know right from wrong. Job made a covenant with his eyes, that he would not look upon evil, but in today’s world, we almost can’t help it, we behold evil at every turn. I know that Job implied that he would not willingly seek after it, but evil rules our streets today, and permeates every aspect of society. It has become a normal thing among the world today. So, how do we walk with God today? The same way Moses did, by standing upon the Rock, the place where God chose to reveal Himself to us. It is not easy to quell memories, or to avoid hearing things we do not wish to hear, or to always get along with our neighbor, but, by the grace of God, we can prevail, but only through Christ. Philippians 4:13 is the promise we claim, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” and we can. Those things which strengthen us are accomplished because God wants us to be strong in Him, He has made it possible.
“And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:” (v. 21)
Oh to find that place by God, close by His side, and stand solidly upon The Rock of Christ. One would have to walk with Him, to know Him to be in such a lovely position. Moses asked to see God, as many of us desire to do, and God honored his request. Though He talked to Moses “face to face” (Deut. 5:4) Moses had never seen him, no man had, because none could look upon the brightness of His glory and live. God had prepared a place by Him, so that Moses could get a glimpse of Him, but only a quick glimpse, and that from the back of Him as He walked by. There is a place by Him for us too, it is in Christ. We can get no closer, or see no clearer than through Christ. To be close to the Father is the greatest, most desirable thing a man could ever hope to attain to, and yet it is made possible for us today. All we need to do is stand upon the Rock. God wants us to see Him too, in fact, He showed us Himself in Christ! (Jn. 14:9).
What is it to walk with God? It is not easy. Many will argue the point with me here, but I believe that if a man thinks it easy to walk with the Lord, he is blind to “self” and may not know right from wrong. Job made a covenant with his eyes, that he would not look upon evil, but in today’s world, we almost can’t help it, we behold evil at every turn. I know that Job implied that he would not willingly seek after it, but evil rules our streets today, and permeates every aspect of society. It has become a normal thing among the world today. So, how do we walk with God today? The same way Moses did, by standing upon the Rock, the place where God chose to reveal Himself to us. It is not easy to quell memories, or to avoid hearing things we do not wish to hear, or to always get along with our neighbor, but, by the grace of God, we can prevail, but only through Christ. Philippians 4:13 is the promise we claim, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” and we can. Those things which strengthen us are accomplished because God wants us to be strong in Him, He has made it possible.
4/29 Devotions in Exodus
Exodus 30 The “Incense” of Prayer
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. (v. 1)
The “altar of incense” as it is commonly called, was to symbolize the sweet “aroma” of the prayers of God’s people, (see Rev. 8:3). These are indeed, a “sweet smelling savor” unto the Lord. God loves to hear us pray. We owe it to God to pray! It is not only our duty, but a great privilege to come before Him and lay our petitions at His feet. It ought to be our greatest joy. Do you want to stir God to action on your behalf? Then pray. There is little sweeter than the prayers of God’s people offered up on the altar of tears, as a sweet incense to the Lord. Many times through these chapters, we can see admonitions to prayer. The Old Testament, as well as the New, are full of examples and admonitions toward prayer. We ought to be a praying people. One cannot say enough on this subject, and I foresee several more lessons on it in the future with these writings. The Bible is a Book of prayer.
You may say, “I don’t know how to pray, or what to pray about” but friend, try it, and God will listen. In Matthew 6 we see a great example of the model prayer, which, no doubt, we will be hearing more about later. In this example we are told to address our prayer to the “Father” and, as many preachers have taught, we pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, and through the power of the Holy Ghost. Try it, God will help you. After all, He wants you to pray.
Many things are covered in these chapters, some over and over again, but of all of them, prayer seems to stand paramount among the rest. Not to ignore the blood of the sacrifice (of Christ), but without prayer we do not enter under the blood, and find no redemption. (Rom. 10:13). We must call upon Christ in prayer, before we can fully appreciate the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God. Of all doctrines we find in these sacred texts, each having it’s own significance, prayer stands alone, above the rest. Without prayer the preaching is powerless; without prayer fasting is a ritual; without prayer, separation is a turning over a new leaf, and not a holy thing; without prayer, the altar of sacrifice means little; and without prayer, there is no desire for the Word of God, except in a watered-down fashion perhaps. Make prayer a part of your life.
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. (v. 1)
The “altar of incense” as it is commonly called, was to symbolize the sweet “aroma” of the prayers of God’s people, (see Rev. 8:3). These are indeed, a “sweet smelling savor” unto the Lord. God loves to hear us pray. We owe it to God to pray! It is not only our duty, but a great privilege to come before Him and lay our petitions at His feet. It ought to be our greatest joy. Do you want to stir God to action on your behalf? Then pray. There is little sweeter than the prayers of God’s people offered up on the altar of tears, as a sweet incense to the Lord. Many times through these chapters, we can see admonitions to prayer. The Old Testament, as well as the New, are full of examples and admonitions toward prayer. We ought to be a praying people. One cannot say enough on this subject, and I foresee several more lessons on it in the future with these writings. The Bible is a Book of prayer.
You may say, “I don’t know how to pray, or what to pray about” but friend, try it, and God will listen. In Matthew 6 we see a great example of the model prayer, which, no doubt, we will be hearing more about later. In this example we are told to address our prayer to the “Father” and, as many preachers have taught, we pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, and through the power of the Holy Ghost. Try it, God will help you. After all, He wants you to pray.
Many things are covered in these chapters, some over and over again, but of all of them, prayer seems to stand paramount among the rest. Not to ignore the blood of the sacrifice (of Christ), but without prayer we do not enter under the blood, and find no redemption. (Rom. 10:13). We must call upon Christ in prayer, before we can fully appreciate the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God. Of all doctrines we find in these sacred texts, each having it’s own significance, prayer stands alone, above the rest. Without prayer the preaching is powerless; without prayer fasting is a ritual; without prayer, separation is a turning over a new leaf, and not a holy thing; without prayer, the altar of sacrifice means little; and without prayer, there is no desire for the Word of God, except in a watered-down fashion perhaps. Make prayer a part of your life.
4/28 Devotions in Exodus
Exodus 25 The Giving of Gold
“Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.” (v. 2)
The Lord prepares our hearts for giving. He has a plan, and it will be accomplished. We are introduced here to the Ark of the Covenant, which God commanded Moses to make, and overlay it with pure gold. In order to do so, the people had to give an awful lot of gold for their offerings, and yet, they met the need, and more. Throughout the Bible we see a special blessing upon those who give freely and liberally to the Lord’s causes that the work might continue on, and that God would be glorified in it. “For God so loved the world that He gave”… and He keeps on giving. Giving, then, is Godly, and God-like. If we were to stop the verse right there, it still says it all, we would still see God Himself setting the pattern, and being our example. He asks us to do nothing that we cannot do, and He asks us to do nothing that He has not already done.
Giving seems to be on of the hardest “graces” that the Christian faces, and always has been, actually. It has never been easy to give of self, or of possessions that we hold dear, and yet Israel gave freely for the work of God. Gold is the gift of kings, the riches of royalty, desired by all civilized peoples everywhere. Giving then, is from the heart, and not merely from the purse. Though this gold was “borrowed” gold, it still has that effect on men, that it permeates itself in them to the extent that they lust after more of it, and yet they gave. This is an amazing thing, that these murmurers, and complainers, wondering in a wilderness of sin, could know the grace of giving. It is amazing too, that God had already prepared them to give by providing the gold for them from Egypt. What an amazing God! That which God gives us, He gives to pass on to others who may not live under the promise and blessings of God. Let’s be givers, and provide for those who are in need. One principle in giving, I believe, is to give to a need. We will talk of the principles of giving at another time, in another devotion.
“Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.” (v. 2)
The Lord prepares our hearts for giving. He has a plan, and it will be accomplished. We are introduced here to the Ark of the Covenant, which God commanded Moses to make, and overlay it with pure gold. In order to do so, the people had to give an awful lot of gold for their offerings, and yet, they met the need, and more. Throughout the Bible we see a special blessing upon those who give freely and liberally to the Lord’s causes that the work might continue on, and that God would be glorified in it. “For God so loved the world that He gave”… and He keeps on giving. Giving, then, is Godly, and God-like. If we were to stop the verse right there, it still says it all, we would still see God Himself setting the pattern, and being our example. He asks us to do nothing that we cannot do, and He asks us to do nothing that He has not already done.
Giving seems to be on of the hardest “graces” that the Christian faces, and always has been, actually. It has never been easy to give of self, or of possessions that we hold dear, and yet Israel gave freely for the work of God. Gold is the gift of kings, the riches of royalty, desired by all civilized peoples everywhere. Giving then, is from the heart, and not merely from the purse. Though this gold was “borrowed” gold, it still has that effect on men, that it permeates itself in them to the extent that they lust after more of it, and yet they gave. This is an amazing thing, that these murmurers, and complainers, wondering in a wilderness of sin, could know the grace of giving. It is amazing too, that God had already prepared them to give by providing the gold for them from Egypt. What an amazing God! That which God gives us, He gives to pass on to others who may not live under the promise and blessings of God. Let’s be givers, and provide for those who are in need. One principle in giving, I believe, is to give to a need. We will talk of the principles of giving at another time, in another devotion.
4/27 Devitions in Exodus
Exodus 24 The Blood
“And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people,” (v. 8)
One cannot say enough about the blood of the sacrifice. In verse six we see Moses sprinkling the same blood on the altar of God that he does on the people of God. The blood is sufficient for both, it reconciles the two together. The blood on the altar makes atonement, while the blood on the people cleanses and purifies them, so both are prepared, and acceptable unto God. The blood plays an important part in our lives, it is our redemption, or the “workings” of it, as seen in the sacrifices of the Old Testament, and at Calvary in the New Testament. One must be cleansed by the blood before he can ever hope to approach unto God, whether in actual presence or in prayer.
Yes, we are “bought with a price,” the price of blood, specifically, the blood of Christ, the Sacrificial Lamb of God, slain before the foundations of the world. The “sprinkling of the blood of Christ” has been our redemption (1 Peter 1:2), and not the corruptible things of this world, such as money, or benevolence, or any such thing, but with the “precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18,19). Thank God for this wonderful blood, shed for the sins of the world.
Notice too, that after the elders saw God, they “ate and drank”, (v. 11). Here we see another Biblical communion in the Old Testament, and this with God Himself. I would call this a communion of Joy, or rejoicing in the Lord. What a wonderful picture of the joy we share in Christ, and the communion we have “in remembrance” of Calvary, without which we have no hope of redemption, no hope of ever seeing God. Yes, it is the blood that unifies, and brings together the Holy with the unholy, and makes both as one, and when we see this, we have great reason to rejoice. We can have a sweet communion with our God today, because of the blood-- the blood of Christ, as well as the blood of the sacrifice.
“And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people,” (v. 8)
One cannot say enough about the blood of the sacrifice. In verse six we see Moses sprinkling the same blood on the altar of God that he does on the people of God. The blood is sufficient for both, it reconciles the two together. The blood on the altar makes atonement, while the blood on the people cleanses and purifies them, so both are prepared, and acceptable unto God. The blood plays an important part in our lives, it is our redemption, or the “workings” of it, as seen in the sacrifices of the Old Testament, and at Calvary in the New Testament. One must be cleansed by the blood before he can ever hope to approach unto God, whether in actual presence or in prayer.
Yes, we are “bought with a price,” the price of blood, specifically, the blood of Christ, the Sacrificial Lamb of God, slain before the foundations of the world. The “sprinkling of the blood of Christ” has been our redemption (1 Peter 1:2), and not the corruptible things of this world, such as money, or benevolence, or any such thing, but with the “precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18,19). Thank God for this wonderful blood, shed for the sins of the world.
Notice too, that after the elders saw God, they “ate and drank”, (v. 11). Here we see another Biblical communion in the Old Testament, and this with God Himself. I would call this a communion of Joy, or rejoicing in the Lord. What a wonderful picture of the joy we share in Christ, and the communion we have “in remembrance” of Calvary, without which we have no hope of redemption, no hope of ever seeing God. Yes, it is the blood that unifies, and brings together the Holy with the unholy, and makes both as one, and when we see this, we have great reason to rejoice. We can have a sweet communion with our God today, because of the blood-- the blood of Christ, as well as the blood of the sacrifice.
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