“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

This morning, I maintain a pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) and use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which of course is in the middle (Day 8) of an Advent series.  Today's Advent devotion explores the star that guided the Magi to Jesus.  Piper exhorts readers to avoid a focus on what he refers to as "the marginal" by seeking to understand how the star led the Magi to Jesus or for that matter how any of the Biblical events occurred scientifically (i.e. Jonah in the belly of the fish, parting of Red Sea, the Great Flood, etc.).  Instead Piper wants us to see the larger and primary themes, what he refers to as the central realities of the of the Bible and gospel narrative.  What is clear here is that the star is doing something it cannot do on its own - God Himself of in control of Heavens and the earth and using the star to guide foreigners to worship Jesus. Piper points out that God does the same thing in the gospel of Luke where God causes the Roman empire to have a census that influences the location of Jesus' birthplace.  These events are all part of God's design and all of humanity STILL participates in the unfolding of God's design.  Piper points out as well that God's aim with the star in Matthew 2 was that all come to worship Jesus and ultimately in Matthew 28 that believers would go to all corners of the earth to tell everyone about Jesus via the Great Commission (see also Matthew 24:14).  Piper concludes by sharing: "[b]ut what is not different is the purpose and power of God in the ingathering of the nations to worship his Son. The magnifying of Christ in the white-hot worship of all nations is the reason the world exists."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You control all of Heaven and Earth, yet You are concerned with the details of my life and love me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and compassion.  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.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

For today, I maintain a pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) to prepare for leading Sunday school tomorrow on round 2 of OT prophecies of Jesus.  Based on this resource on Preaching.com, round 1 last Sunday looked at the first six prophecies listed under "the life of Jesus" while this Sunday's round 2 will cover the last six:

• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  
• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor
• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

 From the presentation I prepared to lead our Sunday school class tomorrow morning, as I reviewed Zechariah 9:9, I emphasized how Jesus arrival in Jerusalem was not the expected arrival for the coming King...it was a humble beginning, consistent with his incarnation as a baby and how He came to serve and not be served.  Humility is a significant theme in scripture as is pride (antithesis of humility), and pride is often referred to as the antithesis of humility.  Believers are called to deny themselves and follow Jesus in how He came to serve.  I also found this resource on C.S. Lewis exploring humility and he recommends that prayer is a means by which you can cultivate humility by praying for other people....and we are encouraged to avoid prayer as if we are "reading over a laundry list to God, but offer deep, imaginative, caring and concerned prayers like you are holding someone else’s life, their existence, their well-being in your hand and holding that person up to God." Worthy thoughts indeed!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You are always working for me and even when You were the incarnate Son of God during Your time in ministry on earth - You ceaselessly served, putting others above Yourself, including me.  Thank You Jesus for Your humility.  I am not deserving of how You serve, 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 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.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.]

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.] Isaiah 61:1

First, due to illness (at least my excuse), I missed Bible study - and when I say I missed it that includes both doing it (miss #1) and (miss #2) spiritual feeding of daily bread and the commensurate blessing it provides.  Please forgive me Jesus!  I yearn to spend with You in study and prayer.  Glad to be back at it today.  For today, I pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) to prepare for leading Sunday school on round 2 of OT prophecies of Jesus.  Based on this resource on Preaching.com, round 1 looked at the first six prophecies listed under "the life of Jesus" while this Sunday's round 2 will cover the last six:

• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  
• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor
• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

These prophecies and the message they contain encourage many, particularly believers who read the Bible and understand how Jesus fulfilled every single one of not just these six, but all prophecies from the OT.  Personally, I am encouraged by Isaiah 61:1 which offers comfort to not just poor in physical wealth, but also those who are "brokenhearted" and "captive" both to sin and in prison physically.  With wounds, Jesus' efforts to bind up the brokenhearted helps with healing, and salvation through Jesus offers freedom from the sting of sin and death, helping us see that eternal rewards await the faithful and they offer riches well beyond the experience of any suffering we may experience now. More tomorrow on this prophecy and the others...

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My Prayer. Lord Jesus, You are SO good - thank You for helping me feel better and for always getting me through those times when I experience a broken heart. I am not deserving of how You heal both physically and spiritually.. 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.   

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

 Haggai 2:20-23

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:21-23

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here the commentary highlights how the text promises three things: (1) "power will be restored to them, (2) peace will reign, and (3) they will have His presence."  The commentary further describes these promises in the text as God shows his authority to do whatever He pleases to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises.  Israel suffered under exile and captivity but God restores them.  Weapons of war, including chariots and riders "will go down...by the sword of his brother," implying Israel will have peace.  This is not just peace from conflict but also a supernatural peace of mind and the commentary refers us to John 14:27.  Finally, the commentary, as do my sources from my post yesterday, highlight how God chooses Zerubbabel as "like a signet ring," and this points to the coming of Jesus as Jesus is in Zerubbabel's line (see Matthew 1). The commentary shares: "God deeply loved Zerubbabel and Israel, and that God was also entrusting him with His authority, which is symbolized by the ring. This offer of authority is a step beyond forgiveness; it is a declaration of the restoration of the close relationship between God and His chosen people. God not only forgives, He not only redeems, He not only blesses, but He also restores. What was initially a kingdom in shambles, slowly dying in its own disobedience, is now a robust and blessed kingdom, led well by a repentant and God-focused leader."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus for redeeming and forgiving my sin and for restoring me by reconciling me with You.  I am not deserving of these blessings....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. 

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

 Haggai 2:20-23

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:21-23

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, I fudge on my claim that this is an unassisted review which is only partially true - while I don't lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary for this text, I do lean on both Ligonier.org - Teaching Fellowship of R.C. Sproul, and its post here, and GotQuestions.org and its post here.  The latter post describes the signet ring referenced in v23 as a mark by ancient kings to "to designate authority, honor, or ownership."  Further, it shares that "[i]t is important to understand who Zerubbabel is. He is the governor of the rebuilt Jerusalem and is himself of royal blood, being a descendant of David and the grandson of Judah’s King Jehoiachin. Years earlier, Jehoiachin had lost his throne when he was deported to Babylon; in fact, God pictured Jehoiachin as a signet ring being removed from God’s finger (Jeremiah 22:24). Now, God calls Zerubbabel the “signet ring,” but this time it won’t be removed.  In Haggai’s prophecy, God is giving Zerubbabel encouragement and hope. The governor is “chosen” for a unique and noble purpose. As God’s signet ring, Zerubbabel is given a place of honor and authority. God is reinstating the Davidic line and renewing His covenant with David. Judah still has a future as they look forward to the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would one day “overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms” (v22). Ligonier.org adds: "God's promise to exalt Zerubbabel, that is, one of Zerubbabel's sons, is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who is David's descendant through Zerubbabel (Matt. 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, fulfilling Haggai's word."  This morning's study dovetails nicely with the study from our Sunday school class on OT prophecies of Jesus.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and faithful God and I can count on Your Word, as all the promises made in scripture about a coming Messiah came true with You.  ALL of the promises of God find their yes in You (1 Corinthians 1:20).  You are so good and so faithful.  Thank You Jesus for providing and never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of Your love and faithfulness.  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.

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.

 Haggai 2:15-19

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you. Haggai 2:17, 19

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 2:15-19, which the commentary outlines as the second division (entitled The People Were to Consider Where They Had Come From and Be Encouraged by What God Had Called Them To) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, the commentary emphasizes how God calls people to repentance.  God makes our sin clear to us, while at the same time, He makes His grace clear to us.  A sister in Christ pointed out to me Psalm 51:16-17 yesterday which is very appropriate for my study this morning on how God calls us to repentance.  In this Psalm, David cries out to God seeking reconciliation after Nathan confronts David about his sin of adultery and murder.  Vv16-17 describe David's "broken and contrite heart," which God "does not despise." The amazing nature of God's grace then becomes clear to us in this state - we see the free offer of Jesus, and it becomes all the more amazing when we recognize how it was accomplished - by Jesus' willingness to die on the cross for us.  Israel was disobedient for sure as they turned away from God, but God softened their heart and they returned to Him.  In return, they are blessed.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who made clear my sin to me, softening my heart and making me one of Your elect - thank You Jesus for saving me!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin 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.  

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.

 Haggai 2:15-19

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you. Haggai 2:17, 19

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Haggai 2:15-19, which the commentary outlines as the second division for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, God reminds the people how, in response to their sin and how they turned away from Him, that all things come from Him and He can easily take away just as He provides. While Israel did turn back to the Lord and He promises to bless them (see also Haggai 2:1-9), we must remember that we exist to glorify God, and woe to us if we do not.  We all sin and need a Savior.  God's people needed to repent and so do we. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, all comes from You as You reign and You provide for all needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Most importantly, You save!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and how You provide.  I am not deserving as my sin 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.