His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.”

John 2:13-22

His disciples remembered that it was written,“Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:17

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 2:13-22 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and tomorrow I will take another pass at the text and summarize my thoughts from both today and tomorrow by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: It's not that Jesus despises trade or people making money, instead Jesus does not like it when people exploit a prominent Jewish holiday to serve their own interests.  We must remember that we exist to glorify God - not the other way around.  Passover served as a time of remembrance for what God did during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  The text shares that the disciples remembered Psalm 69:9 where David writes how he was consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  This zeal is what God seeks from us - we should be consumed for zeal and love for God.  God chooses those to whom He reveals Himself.  He reveals Himself to His disciples but not the Jewish leadership (with exception to Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea).  God alone hardens and softens hearts. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The disciples understood what Jesus was doing with His righteous anger over what was happening in the temple courtyard - v17; the Jewish leadership should not have allowed such activities in the temple but they did and unlike the disciples they were not consumed with "zeal for [God's] house."  Instead they were consumed with zeal for their own interests - status, power, etc.  Both the the Jewish leadership and the disciples (at the time) did not understand what Jesus was referring to when Jesus said that the temple will be destroyed and rebuilt in 3 days - v19; the disciples ultimately understood what Jesus was referring to - v21 - after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, and this furthered their understanding and conviction in God's Word as Truth and as God (John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16).  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should not seek our own glory above God's.  We should claim God's Word as Truth, that "no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37 NIV)," and that scripture is perfect and God breathed.  We should follow David and Jesus' examples to be consumed with zeal for both God and His house.  We should bring glory to God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You choose who to save and who not to save - that You chose me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.

Mark 14:26-52

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled. Mark 14:49

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is per the commentary, the third division of the text from Mark 14:26-52 - vv43-52.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv43-52: (1) God in the text: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guard; Jesus of course has an opportunity but does not stop his arrest, as we know from the other gospel accounts (John 18:1-11, Luke 22:47-53, and Matthew 26:47-56) that Jesus tells Peter (who struck one of the high priests with his sword) to “[p]ut your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”; He sought to fulfill scriptures - v50; (2) people in the text: Judas arrives with the temple guard, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders (v43); Judas is referred to as both one of the twelve and as the betrayer (vv43-44), perhaps alluding to how God seeks to give everyone many second, third, etc. chances to repents and be saved; those arresting Jesus "laid hands" on Him (v46) - ironically, scripture uses the same language we often use when we pray for someone we are sending out; consistent with his impulsive nature (seeking with good intent to protect Jesus), Peter strikes one the servants of the high priests but is told by Jesus to "back down"; Jesus knew this was the appointed time even as He rhetorically questions the timing - v49; the disciples flee in fear v50 (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: we should see Jesus fulfilled scripture and we can rely on the veracity of the Word and how all of God's promises find there yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). We are called to follow Jesus' example to understand God's will for our lives and to follow His will.  

Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) division: 

• The title of the second division (vv43-52) per the commentary is "The King Would Be Arrested and Forsaken Alone." 
• We are referred to OT prophecy from Isaiah 53:3-12 for how Jesus fulfilled the law.  
• RE: the young man in vv51-52: "[c]hurch tradition says the young man was Mark, the author of our second Gospel. So again, as it was in the garden of Eden, our nakedness is exposed as we desert the God who loves us and has graced us so abundantly with His kindness and good gifts." 
• "[Jesus] is arrested, and He is forsaken. He is all alone to face the wrath of men and the wrath of God. He will receive receive all that we deserve, that we might receive all that He deserves. The “Great Exchange” has begun."

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God that willingly sent Your Son to die on the cross so that I could have freedom from sin in this life and for eternity.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of what Jesus did on the cross for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30-31

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

I return to my study of Proverbs - starting week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is an introduction to the entire text for the week. The opening from my workbook for this week describes the text as (1) "sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh..." and these words stress humility - Proverbs 30; and (2) words from King Lemuel "based on teaching he received from his mother about wise kingship" - Proverbs 31:1-9. The workbook encourages us to see the "big picture" as instruction from "two otherwise unknown sages...[that share] what it means to fear the Lord and to reflect his glory in one's calling."  The memory verse for this week is Proverbs 30:5-6.  

Reflecting on this week's memory verse, I also think of Paul's words for Timothy and of the memory verse from week 8 of my Proverbs study:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. Proverbs 22:17-18

I am reminded that God's Word is God Himself and we can take refuge in God through His Word. I am also reminded that we are to study God's Word and know it so that we can allow God to do His sanctifying work in our hearts and lives, and so that we can be equipped for every good work - we must understand that we exist for these good works and to glorify Him.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. so that I can take comfort and refuge in You, and so that I can be equipped for work that ordain for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is daily and it continues.  Please forgive me for harshness with co-workers, and for other sin.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of Your heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Please provide Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  Heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Day 288 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* further describes the historical interlude or intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments which is attributed to the period 425 B.C. to B.C. Although many exiled Jews returned to Palestine, "[m]any Jews choose not to return and are still living in Babylonia, Egypt, and other areas as well....Thus the law’s influence itself has diminished....Of course local religious beliefs have a profound effect, as already seen when the Jews intermarried with those involved in idolatry and various pagan practices. Also of significant impact are the Persian beliefs in astrology and the occult. As a result, when many Jews read their Scriptures in this post-exilic period, they attach special meanings to any passage dealing with demons and angels, or light and darkness." A number of cultural and political influences are noted, including the rise of the synagogue (vs the temple), the role of the rabbi (vs high priest), and sectarianism which significantly impacts the Jews' unity and strength - and most importantly their faith, particularly to see and coalesce around the Messiah as the promised king so prophesied many times during Jewish history and in the Bible.  Additionally, my commentary describes how the crumbling of the Assyrian empire leads first to the rise of the Greek, then the Roman empire. Of course the Jews are described as being caught in the middle as empires around them rose and fell, and "[w]ithout doubt, the Jews’ only hope is the coming of the conquering king they have been promised, and what better time than now? It may be this very thinking which, just over a century from now, will be a significant factor in how the Jews of that day react to an unassuming man of peace who claims to be their king."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

This morning, I think of a study recently completed on the topic of Christian apologetics where we reviewed John Piper's book Why We Believe the Bible. I am also drawn to scripture that refers to the inerrancy of scripture.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

 

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

  

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You and Your Word are indeed one and the same and both are flawless.  We can trust in You as You are faithful.  I am grateful Jesus for how You saved me, sustain me, and You never leave or forsake me.  I am not deserving of such a God.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. v16-17

Paul's closing thoughts to Timothy begin with a warning about persecution and how all believers will face it during their lifetime in some form or another (v12).  Yet he includes several encouragements, including how God has "rescued" Paul from persecution on each occasion (v11).  He then moves on to encourage Timothy to rely on scripture as a source of strength.  As v16-17 indicates, I can unequivocally state in in my own life that scripture is useful and it has equipped me for the circumstances I face, including persecution, my role as a father and husband, and for the good works I pursue in service for Christ.

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Proverbs 30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. v5-6

It is important for us to understand God - it draws us closer to Him, and we can better understand His will for our lives (see also Romans 12:2) and we are transformed into more of His likeness.  We must understand what God has to say to us from both a head understanding (absolute) and a heart (personal) understanding - this post is a good start on this topic.

If we incorrectly interpret the Bible according to our own worldview of understanding then we run afoul of what Solomon warns us about in terms of adding to His words. Therefore we must ask God to help us understand His Word, and God will help us do so, providing others for example (Proverbs 27:17) who can "sharpen" our understanding. 

Once we have a head understanding, we should meditate and reflect on what God has said to us and how His Words have meaning in our lives and circumstances.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love - I continue to sin....I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 5

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt. v10

God's Word stands alone.  Nothing or no one is greater than God, God is the Word, and the Word is perfect.  As such we should be careful to interpret God's word for Truth.  We should be careful not to add to or subtract from the Word.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  I know that without You I would be lost and would be unable to do anything good.  Thank You Jesus for loving me and for rescuing me.  I am not worth such a God - especially so given You came to rescue me, knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Please forgive me for my selfishness.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Deuteronomy 4

Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. v2

It is important for us to read and study scripture...for many reasons. A key reason why we read scripture is to identify when Satan is at work as the devil will try and twist God's words. 

Examples of how Satan works are found in Genesis 3 when the serpent tricks Eve, and Matthew 4 when Jesus is tested in the wilderness.

Satan also works through false teachers.

Peter warns us about false teachers:

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” 2 Peter 2:19

 

See also posts here.

 

God's word is perfect.

 

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - perfect in all of Your ways. Even though You lived a sinless life, You came to rescue me and You willingly went to the cross for me  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an act.  My sin continues - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Proverbs 30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. v5-6

In my view, is important to understand both what God is saying in an absolute sense (head) and what God is saying to you individually (heart).  The other factor is that understanding comes from God alone - we must all recognize this.  

In terms of head vs heart, you want to have both because you don't want to just understand the Bible as words on a page but as the divine word of God - see also John 1:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Of course You also want to understand what God is saying to you, into the circumstances of Your life so that You can understand and obey God's will for your life. See also Romans 12:2.

God's Word is indeed flawless:
- Psalm 12 
- Psalm 119 
- Luke 1:37 

We must take the time to study what God is saying and what God is saying to us.  We must also not twist God's words to our own benefit.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed God and You are flawless as is Your Word.  Your Word and Your Son are a tremendous blessing and gift - the greatest gift of all time.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift and blessing.  I am broken and my sin continues - I am harsh and critical of others and not often full of grace.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do and help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me point Zach and Dustin to You and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.