"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.

Malachi 2:17-3:5

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Malachi 3:1-3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book as my focus remains Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. Today my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 2:17-3:5. The commentary emphasizes the main idea is one where God's people question Him whether He is a God of justice as they perceive His delight in wickedness (3:17).  God of course, in the same verse, shares how He is annoyed and frustrated by such a perception.  The commentary then shares how he will send His messenger (Christ) to "purify the priesthood and judge Israel."  Here are excerpts from the following divisions provided for the text:

• Israel Accuses God of Injustice for Allowing the Wicked to Prosper (2:17): "Basically, the people are becoming impatient with the rampant immorality and the political corruption in Israel. They say, in essence, “God, why are you making the wicked prosper? Do you find joy in their transgressions? Where is your justice?"  Of course, believers should understand that God alone is judge and His justice both perfect and in His time (see also Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35). Believers should also be careful in accusing God of lacking justice because we all sin and the wages of sin are death so Israel would have been justifiably wiped out if God was not a God of grace and love and patience with Israel's questioning.    
  
• God Defends His Justice, Promising Vindication through His Appointed Messenger (3:1): Christ is described as God's Messenger: "So, who is the approaching “Messenger of the covenant?” He is the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, God incarnate. Jesus’ entry into the temple precincts during the week of His passion is the fulfillment of this prophecy. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord by summoning the people of Israel to repentance. With the scene set, God, in the form of man, enters His temple and evaluates His people."  The text alludes to Christ's judgement of how in the temple He judged the money-changers in the temple (see also Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-47, John 2:14-16).  
  
• God’s Promised Vindication Begins with the Purification of Israel’s Priestly Leadership (3:2-3): God's people are molded into His image, often through trials and suffering - see also Hebrews 12:5-6, 11, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).  Although Malachi's messages was intended primarily for the priesthood, we as believers are also urged to examine our own lives for sin and to assess our spiritual condition. The commentary shares: "praise God for purging us through suffering. The goal of God is to conform us into the image of His Son. It is not to make us happy. It is not to keep us healthy. It is not to make us wealthy. It is to conform us into the image of His Son (see also Romans 8:29)."  
  
• God’s Promised Vindication Culminates with the Judgment of His People Israel (3:4-5):  God makes explicit how He will judge all, not just the priesthood.  The commentary shares: "the fear of the Lord preserves us for the Day of Judgment. It teaches us to live in light of God’s grace and mercy. Without this proper fear, we are prone to forget the radical nature of the good news of the gospel and to wander from our covenant God. If we lack fear, we may be judged through fire to be lacking worth, showing that we had never truly surrendered to God in the first place." 
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing scripture to help reveal sin in my life.  I want to please honor and glorify You.  You are worthy!  I, on the other than, remain broken and sinful, and undeserving of my salvation and grace - which You pour out daily.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the grace You pour out daily that never ceases.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn 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 said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

Ecclesiastes 3

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:17

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, which is the first division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9).  The commentary first posits that in our fallen world, all paths to promote justice, whether it be through the government and the political process, or through social change/justice that might leverage non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or non-profits/charities, ultimately fall short of perfect (most far short) justice because we are all sinful and imperfect. Humanity's collective sin and imperfect motives and actions mar our efforts.  V17 offers encouragement for those seeking perfect justice as God alone is judge and He will judge everyone according to their deeds - every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus as Lord and Savior (see also Philippians 2:9-11). The commentary shares: "God has a carefully timed plan, but we cannot know when it will be executed. Even Jesus, when He laid aside His glory in the incarnation, admitted that the Son of Man did not know the time and hour (Matthew 24:36). Of course, He knows now in His exalted and glorified state! But even though he does not know the timing, Solomon trusts that God will set things right and that injustice will finally be reversed. The wicked will not ultimately get away with it (Greidanus, Preaching Christ, 99)." Seek God as a means to gain peace knowing that God has a plan (and it's perfect) for justice in this world, on judgement day, and in the world to come (Heaven).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me peace knowing that Your justice is perfect.  Thank You Jesus for this peace and for how it is a peace that surpasses all understanding as it is a blessing well beyond justice. I am not deserving for this peace or any other blessing or gift that comes from above - including my salvation.  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.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Portions of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

Day 57 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on directives from God through Moses for the punishment of crimes, including murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, and theft.

The giving of the law allows for proportional punishment - with one example taken from Exodus 21: 

"But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." Exodus 21:23-25

Such language is often used as justification to exact justice as they see fit.  Yet we must be clear that God alone is judge and it is He who exacts justice. 

Using Romans 12:19-21 John Piper provides this excellent post regarding God and His anger vs His vengeance and how God's wrath is "never less than a perfect, judicial decree, but is always more than a perfect, judicial decree because it is always full of right and fitting fury."

God is also clear that we as believers should love and pray for our enemies - see also this post from DesiringGod.com. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your justice is perfect and I have felt Your discipline in my life and I am grateful for it.  Thank You Jesus for molding me into more of Your image and for Your patience with me.  I am not deserving of such love and patience.  I know there is much work in me to do.  Please forgive me for my sins of omission and commission - my sins are great and daily.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn 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.

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

1 Corinthians 4

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.  The commentary's* introduction for the text shares as it's main idea: "Ministers are servants God will hold accountable for their good and bad service when Christ returns."  The introduction further describes this main idea by warning us against what it claims is "one of the poisonous sins for Christians: judgementalism." The commentary* refers to Don Carson's The Cross and Christian Ministry, Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians where the author writes: "one-upmanship was tearing the church apart" as the members within the church at Corinth used the "cult of personality" to drive division. Four divisions are then described*:

1. A Minister Is a Servant of God (4:1): Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter) are described as having achieved "celebrity status" and Paul seeks to address this within the church at Corinth.  V1 seeks to us back to the true role of church leaders - as servants of God, not worthy of any celebrity status or worship. 
   
2. A Minister Is a Manager of the Mysteries of God (4:1-2): The commentary* builds on the first division by moving to v1b where leaders are described as "stewards of the mysteries of God". They are to "protect and proclaim the gospel"  and all that they do be found faithful to this end. Ultimately, they are held to a higher standard than members of the church as they are positions of trust and authority.
   
3. A Minister Will Ultimately Be Judged Only by God (4:3-5): Although "cult of personality" ran rampant within the church at Corinth, Paul rebuked the church at Corinth by pointing out that judgement belongs to God alone and that he is not worried about judgement by others. This is of course a warning for all of us as God's judgement of us should be something we fear much more so than any human judgement. We are referred to James 4:12.
   
4. A Minister Will Receive His Reward from God (4:5): The commentary* for this division describes how the final verse of the text is not critical but instead encouraging as it focuses on eternal rewards for leaders vs focus on judgement.
   

The commentary concludes by providing 10 thoughts to consider regarding being judgemental: 

1. Check your motives.
2. Examine your walk with the Lord first.
3. Seek out the wisdom of God’s Word and godly counsel before acting.
4. Practice the Golden Rule.
5. Be careful not to make a snap decision or quick judgment.
6. Pray for the one who appears to be caught in sin before correcting them.
7. Remember the example of Jesus and how he helped and ministered to sinners.
8. Speak the truth, but do it in love.
9. Remember that some things are right or wrong, but some things are just different.
10. Never forget that ultimately everyone must give an account to the Lord, not to you or anyone else.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible awesome God who is full of grace for me as You help me understand not only the Godly role of a church leader but also how these same commands apply to all believers, including myself.  Thank You for Your mercies and Your grace and Your sanctification.  I am not deserving of such 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 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.  

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter,the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Mark 6:1-5

And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter,the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Mark 6:2-3

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:1-5, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to the entirety of the text and for the first (of three) division (vv1-3): 

• The commentary's title for the entirety of the text 6:1-5 is "Jesus: A Prophet Without Honor!" and the main idea is [w]e cannot come to Jesus on our terms. We must see Him for who He truly is[;] the title for the first division is "When You Consider Jesus, Are You Only Amazed?"
• "This is Jesus’ second recorded, and His last, visit to His hometown of Nazareth as far as we know. His previous homecoming did not go well at all (Luke 4:16-30). Initially impressed by His preaching (Luke 4:22), the town He grew up in turned on Him and attempted to murder Him (Luke 4:28-30). In spite of such treatment, Jesus returns, this time with His 12 apostles. It will be a painful training time." 
• "As we consider how Jesus was treated by His own hometown, His own family and friends, it might be good for us to reflect on how we treat this Servant King and how we respond to the One who was rejected by those who were certain they knew Him best. It is critically important that we see Jesus as He truly is and as He is revealed in Scripture, not as we might hope, wish, or want Him to be." 
• The questions posed by the Nazarenes who witnessed Jesus's miracles and His teaching were meant to be disparaging.  
• "His teachings should astonish us, but that is not enough."
• Jesus's miracles at this point in the New Testament are many including healing Peter's mother in law, healings in Capernaum, etc. all chronicled in Mark 1:29-31, 32-34, 40-45, 2:1-12, 3:1-6, 7-12, 4:35-41, 5:1-20, 25-34, and 35-43. Unfortunately, they were not enough to move the Nazarenes to belief in Jesus for who He really is. Instead they saw Jesus for what they thought He was an ordinary man from their hometown.  

Without passing judgement on the Nazarenes here (God alone is judge), it is instructive for us to examine our own response to Jesus.  Do we see Him as a good man and role model (I did for a long time)?  Or do we truly see Him as the Son of God and as our Savior.  This is crucial for us - if we don't see Jesus as God and our Savior, then we should be encouraged to know Jesus more through study of His Word and through a disciple relationship with a mature believer than can sharpen You in Your understanding of Jesus and demonstrate Jesus through action (love of God and others, service, etc.).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me....saving me while still an enemy and hostile to God.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  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. 

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

1 Corinthians 3

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.  The introduction of the commentary* for today's text shares the following main point: "God uses his servants to build the church and will judge the quality of each person’s work, but he is responsible for the church’s growth." It continues to describe how the text seeks to ensure all believers are properly focused on loving and serving God in preparation for Judgement Day.

The commentary* then outlines how the text includes "three pictures to describe the church of God" and how the text uses each in three divisions:

1. The Church Is God’s Field (3:5-9): Paul seeks to address the politics and conflict within the church at Corinth by explaining that neither himself, Apollos or Cephas (see also 1 Corinthians 3:22) are to be exalted as they are merely servants of Christ doing what God called them to do. The workers are not rivals but teammates working towards the same goal - glory to God.  The commentary* also explains that "how we serve matters. What we do and why we do it matter."  It makes a point to ensure we don't miss v8b and how Paul reminds us that "each will receive his wages according to his labor." Using the farming analogy, Paul then moves to share how even though God's workers - whoever they may be - plant and water the field, it is God alone that gives the growth. We are referred to John 4:34-38 where God is the Lord of the harvest. The commentary* for this division concludes with an admonishment: "[e]xalting a person to divine status is idolatry and robs God of the glory that rightly belongs only to him. Thank him for the service of his servants, but praise him for the growth in his field that only he can give." 
2. The Church Is God’s Building (3:9-15): The commentary* highlights how the text moves from a farming analogy to an architectural one where "[t]he church of the Lord Jesus is his field in which he sends his servants and coworkers to plant, water, cultivate, and reap a harvest. It is also his “building” (v9) where he sends his “skilled master builder” (v10) and other laborers and workers to build with materials of excellence that will withstand the purifying fires of revelation on “the day” of judgment (v13)[.]" We are reminded that Christ is the foundation and the members of the church are to work together to build upon that foundation.  The commentary writes: "[w]e work with good motives, methods, and goals. How we work in and for the church matters. Why we work in and for the church matters."  We cannot forget that Christ is the foundation of the church. The commentary* digs deeper into how Paul encourages Corinth to build on Christ's foundation carefully, using quality materials and methods.   It warns us against efforts that produce little value, particularly in light of how our efforts - all of us - will be judged according to our labor and the quality of our work.  The commentary* provides several key points about this judgement, including (a) this is a judgement of service, not salvation, (b) this judgement involves the quality of our work, not its quantity, (c) this judgement will evaluate both actions and motives. 
   
3. The Church Is God’s Temple (3:16-17): Paul's final division for the text extends the use of a building as a metaphor by referring to the church as God's temple. The commentary* shares four observations made by Paul about the church: (a) we (the church) are His sanctuary, (b) we have His spirit, (c) we are special, and (d) we are sacred.  The commentary* writes about how we are His sanctuary: "[w]hat an amazing statement of their identity in Christ and their status before God."  It writes about how we have His Spirit: "[t]he sovereign God of the universe now dwells in a small, insignificant people called the church." Regarding how the church is special, the commentary* writes how Paul warns the church (v17) to treat God's temple with respect and to avoid the many things that reflect poorly on the church: "[a] focus on entertainment, false conversions, preaching a watered-down gospel, spending resources on fancy programs or impressive buildings, weak preaching, acceptance of gossip and materialism, lack of prayer, loss of missions and evangelistic passion, and much more will drain a local church of its life." The warning here to not destroy the church is a grave one - we are referred to Galatians 1:8-9. Paul's words in this division conclude as described by the commentary* by emphasizing how the church is holy and set apart and this includes both privileges and responsibilities...and God will hold the church accountable for how we do.
   

 The commentary* concludes for the text today by quoting Andy Davis' book The Glory Now Revealed: What We'll Discover About God in Heaven and how it lists ten kinds of good works we should pursue:

1. Anything done for the glory of God (even simple daily tasks; 1 Cor 10:31) 
2. Humble servant-hood (Matthew 20:26-28) 
3. Sacrificial giving (2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 21:3; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7) 
4. Suffering for the kingdom (Matthew 5:11-12) 
5. Advancing the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:19) 
6. Giving to the poor (Luke 14:12-14) 
7. Secret acts of piety—fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:6,18) 
8. Anything done to help those advancing the gospel (Matthew 10:42) 
9. Anything done to help other Christians in any way (Hebrews 6:10) 
10. An honorable life of hard work (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace for me in SO many ways - thank You for the love and grace You pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  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 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.  Here, Paul builds on 1 Corinthians 3 where he is admonishing the church in Corinth for their divisions and conflict based on a "cult of personality." He, and Apollos and Cephas (Peter), are the subjects of such "cult of personality," but Paul moves on from discussing how he or any of the other church preachers/leaders should not be worshiped and put on a pedestal (instead Christ alone (the Creator) should be worshiped).  Now, building on the final verses of chapter 3 (where the leaders are fellow laborers for Christ) he continues discussing his role in the affirmative indicating that the church leaders/preachers should be regarded as "servants of Christ" and "stewards of the mysteries of God" (v1). The hope is that they are faithful stewards (v2).  Yet Paul is not worried about being judged, sharing that God alone is the judge (v4), and that when Christ returns all things unknown will be known and all will be judged according to their heart and what they have done (v5).  All of the petty conflict within Corinth is put into perspective and how it is deemed unimportant quarrels - we should all focus on Jesus and His mission, understanding that God expects this of us and ultimately we will be judged on how we did He expects of us. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and love for me - providing mercies that are new every morning and providing for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love grace and 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 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.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 Leviticus 24

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the fourth theme for the chapter - We Respond to People Graciously.  Here, the commentary theme for today examines Leviticus 24:17-23 and what Bible scholars refer to as the law of retaliation.  While modern culture sees revenge as commonplace, often using the words written here by Moses (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, etc.), the commentary strongly encourages us to see justice as belonging to the Lord.  The commentary states: "First, God did not give the authority of retaliation to individuals, but to all His people, the nation of Israel.  The New Testament teaches the same truth--punishing lawbreakers is the role of the government, not individuals.  Second, in the cultures surrounding Israel, "vicious revenge was the general rule".  Laws like those in Leviticus 24 limited punishment and fitted punishment exactly to the crime.  If someone injured another person, the guilty party was not put to death; he was made to suffer in some way that was equivalent.....Whatever the government may do in response to wrongdoing, individual followers of Jesus don't take revenge.  We turn the other cheek....Jesus did not retaliate.  Neither should we. The commentary refers us to the following scriptures to reinforce the point that "retaliation does not belong to individuals:

• Romans 13:1-7
• Matthew 5:38-41
• Romans 12:17-21

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7

 Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You alone are judge and authority over all, including earthly authorities that You place in our lives.  You are full of mercy and compassion for me as I know I have sinned and the wages of sin are death - yet You continue to spare me despite my sin - thank You Jesus!  I am certainly not deserving of the grace You pour out on me...every single day.  I have sin of worry, etc.  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.

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

Ecclesiastes 3

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:17

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, which is the first division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9). In v16, Solomon shares a frustration over how pervasive wickedness is in the world around us - believers and non-believers alike share a desire for justice but often you cannot see justice....this is the root cause for the frustration many will feel.  Yet believers should know that God alone is the Judge and everyone (either upon death or upon Jesus' second coming) will be held accountable for their deeds, and if not saved, will be subject to eternal damnation.  Indeed, that we live in a fallen world rife with sin and wickedness should drive us into the arms of Jesus who helps us see how ever knee will ultimately bow (see John Piper post here).  Believers gain peace knowing that God's justice is perfect - bow to Jesus now and feel the peace that surpasses all understanding!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion with me, and You give me peace knowing that Your justice is perfect because You are perfect.  Thank You Jesus for this peace and for the many blessings You pour out for me...every day.  I am not deserving of these blessings, nor my salvation.  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, mind and strength 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.

You reward everyone according to what they have done.

Psalm 62

You reward everyone according to what they have done. v12

This is indeed true - that God is our judge and He will reward everyone according to what we have done.  To be clear, there are at least four key points here: (1) we are to live according to what God has commanded of us, (2) God rewards us, (3) God knows our hearts and false motives won't fly with Him, (4) it is through grace alone that we are saved and blessed - nothing we do assures us of our salvation and God alone blesses us according to His will and plan.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 

Straightforward, yet difficult. ; )

 

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

 

My Prayer:  Lord, You are great and You alone are God...able to judge what is in my heart and You are fair, full of mercy, compassion and patience.  I am not deserving of such a God but You came for me and adopted me anyway.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my continued worry.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

Luke 11

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here. v32

The Book of Jonah tells us the story of a prophet commanded by God to go to the sinful city of Nineveh and preach to the inhabitants to repent of their wicked ways. Jonah refuses and runs from God - in his arrogant opinion he does not believe those in Nineveh deserve God's grace.  It's certainly not our job to judge others as God alone is judge.

Yet we know the rest of Jonah's story as He is swallowed by a giant fish after he flees God - and God rescues Jonah.  Jonah then goes on to preach to Nineveh as God requests and the city is spared from God's wrath.  

This is a great story of redemption - not just Jonah but also Nineveh...and all of us.

We all have regret and shame over sin in our past but God will still use us and He loves us. 

I am so thankful that God sent His One and Only Son.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great and gracious God - thank You for sending Your Son Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love.  I daily miss the mark.  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.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 20:35

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

I continue my study of The Character of Jesus.  For this morning, I focus on chapter 16: The Generosity of Jesus where I highlighted in my Kindle version the following excerpts:

• "If one were asked to mention a half dozen keywords of Christian duty, he would be sure to place the word "give" high in the list. One cannot read the New Testament without being halted by that word, for it occurs repeatedly, and always with an emphasis which arrests the heart."
• "Mortals are urged to give as God gives, and God's giving is always fashioned and conditioned by his love. He does not give to every man the precise thing which the man asks for. He says to all of us not once but many times, "No," "no," "no!" Love can never give where giving would work hurt."
• "A man who does not skimp or dole out with a [skimpy] hand is, says Jesus, a man whom the universe likes and blesses. He will lose nothing by his liberality, for the world is constructed on a generous principle, and by surrendering himself to the divine spirit of giving he will be in tune with the Infinite, and shall by no means lose his reward. He need not be anxious about the precise time when such action shall bring its recompense....That blessing may not come in all its fullness in the world that now is, but there will be a complete recompense at the resurrection of the just."
• "Where in the New Testament will you find more exuberant praise than that which he lavishes upon the woman who poured four hundred dollars' worth of perfume on his head and feet?  Miserly souls near him were offended by such extravagance, but he liked it. He appreciated the lavish expenditures of love. When he sees a poor widow throwing her two bits of copper into the treasury in the temple, all the money she had in the world, he does not criticize her for doing a foolish thing as most of us would have done.  But he cries out in a shout which has in it the music of a hallelujah, "She has given more than they all." In a world so filled with grudging and close-fisted men, it cheered his great heart to see now and then a person who had mastered the divine art of giving. He liked givers because he himself was always giving."
• "When he said it is more blessed to give than to receive he was speaking from personal experience. He had not read that in a book. He had found it out in life. When he urged men to give freely, abundantly, lavishly, gladly, continually, he was only preaching what he himself practiced. He had no money to give, but he gave without stint what he had. He had time and he gave it. The golden hours were his and he gave them. He gave them all."
• "When on the last day of his life they laid a beam of timber upon his shoulder he staggered under it and then fell, so completely had he been exhausted by the arduous labors of the preceding months and years. He saved others but himself he did not know how to save. He had thought and he gave it. He had ideas and he scattered them. He had truth and he shared it with men."
• "Many a teacher has saved his best ideas for a chosen few. Jesus scattered his broadcast. He had often ignorant and prejudiced and unresponsive hearers, but he threw his pearls by the handful wherever he went. What glorious ideas he scattered over the crowds of Galilean farmers, what heavenly truths he unfolded to men and women of whom the world took no notice!"
• "His sympathy covered all classes, and no individual, however low and despised, ever appealed to him in vain. Blind men on hearing of his approach lined themselves along the road crying as he passed, "Have mercy also on us." Lepers who were counted unclean and treated worse than dogs ventured to push their way into his presence and ask for a healing touch. Samaritans, the very offscourings of the world in the estimation of the orthodox Jew, knew that in this new rabbi they had a benefactor and friend. When he drove the traders out of the Temple it was the blind and the lame who came to him, knowing that they would not be cast away. Sympathy eats up the blood of the nerves, and he who sympathizes draws heavily on the fountains of energy. This Jesus always did."
• "[H]is love went out also to those who hated him and schemed to bring about his death. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," it is in such a prayer that the loving heart of Jesus is clearly revealed. He poured out his love with a generosity which reminded men of the generosity of God."
• "He gave his life consciously and deliberately. It was not snatched from him by accident or fate, but freely surrendered by a heart willing to pay the great price."
• "The God of Nature has always been known as a generous God. The days and nights, the sky and sea and land, the changing seasons, all bear witness to His amazing generosity. He is prodigal in all His doings. He is lavish in all His benefactions. He scatters good things with the bountiful munificence of a King. He scatters the stars not in paltry thousands but in countless millions.  He creates flowers not in numbers which we can count, but in a profusion which confuses and confounds the imagination. He always gives more than can be accepted. He throws sunsets away on eyes which do not care for them. He gives fruit trees more blossoms than the trees can use. At every feast which He spreads there are fragments remaining filling twelve baskets. He is a munificent, free-handed, bountiful, and extravagant God." 
• "He makes our cup run over. There are a thousand toothsome things to eat, and a thousand lovely things to see, and a thousand exquisite pleasures to experience, and a thousand sublime truths to learn, and a thousand good opportunities to seize — more than we can ever make use of in the short span of life allowed us."
• "If you ask why was Jesus generous, the answer is, God is love. When was love anything but liberal?"
• "When Peter suggested a certain number as being enough to indicate the limits of forgiveness, Jesus told him not to count at all. Love never counts." 

Humanity's nature is to seek one's own interest above all others.  While only God can know the true motives of one's heart, it is a certainty that many who serve others do so with some ulterior motive in which they seek and achieve something for themselves.  This is not for me, nor for any other to judge - again God alone knows hearts.  At the same time, it is a certainty that all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and are in need of a Savior.  Jesus willingly laid down his life so that sinners such as myself could be saved.  Jesus led a perfect and sinless life and He became the Spotless Lamb of God - the perfect final sacrifice that ended the Old Testament sacrificial system.  This needed to be done and Jesus, while undeserving of such a fate, did so willingly.  There is no better example of generosity.  We are called to be last and for Jesus to be first - He gets all the glory, honor and praise.  That is why we exist - not for ourselves, but for Him.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who is full of grace, mercy and generosity for me - You never stop giving for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You give.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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.  

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

John 14:1-2

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:1-2

I continue my study of The Character of Jesus.  For this morning, I focus on chapter 17: The Candor of Jesus where I highlighted in my Kindle version the following excerpts:

• "[Candor] is a rare virtue, one of the most winsome of all the virtues. Many a man does not possess it. He is taciturn, reserved, secretive. He keeps the door of his heart shut. When he says a thing you cannot tell how much he means, for you do not know the extent of his reservations.  When he does a thing you cannot tell what he is going to do next, because you do not know how fully his act has embodied all which exists in his heart. He gives himself fully to no one. He is the man with the barred lips and the bolted heart. Such a man may be respected and even admired, but he cannot be loved."
• "One reason [why Jesus was loved] was that he was a man with his heart open."
• "One obtains a hint of a man's disposition by noting the men whom he admires and praises. The trait which one sincerely likes to see in others is likely to be a feature of his own character. John in his Gospel tells us of a eulogy which Jesus passed one day upon a man named Nathaniel. Nathaniel was a citizen of a small Galilean village, Cana, situated not far from Nazareth. As soon as Philip had gotten a little acquainted with Jesus he was desirous of bringing Jesus and his friend Nathaniel together. Seeking Nathaniel he said enthusiastically, "We have found him!" to which came back the frigid answer, 'Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?'....As soon as Jesus sees Nathaniel coming toward him Nathaniel exclaims in a tone musical with praise, "Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile." This was the sort of man which won at once the heart of Jesus. There was no craft nor cunning in him, no duplicity nor deceit; he was a man of frank sincerity, and Jesus' heart immediately goes out to him, assuring him that over his open soul there is going to be an open heaven. Outspoken and frank himself, Jesus was en rapport with souls which were free from guile."
• "And here we find one of the reasons why Jesus always extolled the disposition of a child. Without the child heart no man can enter heaven. And why? Because the child heart is always the open heart. Where can you find such candor, such beautiful frankness, such surprising and sometimes discomfiting outspokenness as in a little child? He will tell you just what he thinks, all he thinks, nothing will he hold back....One of the reasons why Jesus set a child in the midst of the disciples, saying, 'This is what you ought to be,' is because a little child is the embodiment and personification of candor."
• "A man reveals himself in his dislikes as truly as in his prepossessions and praises. Whom did Jesus most dislike? The Pharisees. They were hypocrites. A hypocrite was an actor, a man who wore a mask, the mask representing a personality other than the one inside of it. 'Do not be like the actors,' this was his constant exhortation, and he never lost an opportunity of holding up the hypocrites to contempt and scorn. On one occasion he faced them in Jerusalem, calling them to their face 'vipers.' It was a harsh word, and yet it expressed the inmost spirit of the men to whom it was applied."
• "[Jesus] never held back the truth when it was time that the truth should be spoken. His loving heart told him when the hour had come."
• Jesus often corrected those who thought they knew the law and scripture. "[Such correction] was a needed...for people who know little and think they know much are sometimes helped by having their attention called to the limitations of their knowledge; but to give such reprimand is not an easy thing to do. It was by his outspokenness that Jesus attempted to cure some of the infirmities of men."
• "His love of fairness comes out clearly in his warnings both to the twelve and to all who wanted to be numbered among his followers. He will hold back nothing. The whole terrible truth must be told. No man shall ever follow him without first knowing what risks and dangers discipleship involves....When men came rushing to him saying, 'Master, I will follow you,' he flashed on them the gloom of a dark sentence, unwilling to accept the allegiance of any one, even in times when he most needed support, without having first revealed to the volunteer the full significance of a place in his ranks. Men's heads were filled with dreams of supremacy and sovereignty and glory, and more than one heart was chilled by the searching question, 'Are you able to drink the cup?' His candor reduced the number of his followers, but it was just like him to hold back nothing which men had a right to know."
• "But it is in his confessions that his candor reaches its climax....He admits without hesitation that there was a limitation of his authority....When two of his disciples asked for the chief places in the new kingdom, he frankly told them that he did not have the power to select his own prime ministers, because all such matters were hidden in the deep counsels of God." 
• "More surprising was his confession of ignorance....Jesus frankly admitted that there were things which he did not know. For instance, one day he was talking in graphic phrase about the end of the world. He spoke of it so definitely and positively that it was a natural inference that he knew just when it would take place. To the amazement of his hearers he said, 'Of that day and that ho in: knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.'"
• "If a man is frank and open in nine points, we may safely trust him in the tenth. Jesus makes his candor a reason why his disciples ought to trust him in those realms of thought and life which lie beyond their sight. "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you." Of course he would. It was his nature to tell men everything."
• "The best reason we have for believing in the sinlessness of Jesus is the fact that he allowed his dearest friends to think that he was. There is in all his talk no trace of regret or hint of compunction, or suggestion of sorrow for shortcoming or slightest vestige of remorse. He taught other men to think of themselves as sinners, he asserted plainly that the human heart is evil, he told his disciples that every time they prayed they were to pray to be forgiven, but he never speaks or acts as though he himself has the faintest consciousness of having ever done anything other than what was pleasing to God. This is remarkable, unparalleled."
• "Jesus never by word or by act indicates that he is conscious of falling short of the wishes of God. If he had been, would he not have said so? His was the open heart. Would he deceive men on a matter of such cardinal moment?"
• "On his candor, then, we have a right to build both for time and eternity. When he says that if we do not repent we shall perish, and that only those who are born from above enter the kingdom of light, we have every reason for believing that these statements are true. And when he says that his disciples are going to do greater things than were ever done in Palestine, and that he will be with us always even unto the end of the world, why should we not believe him?"
• "And since he is so frank and open with us why should not we be open-hearted and frank with him ? If he tells us truly the things in his heart, why should we not tell him truly the things which are in our hearts? He has given himself to us: why do we not give ourselves to him?"     

Believers know that Jesus is the "Way, Truth, and Life" (John 14:6).  Non-believers may see in Jesus the attribute of truth and candor but they still lack faith.  An important distinction between believers and non-believers here is that only the faithful believe that (1) all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), and (2) because the wage of sin is death (Romans 6:23), therefore we all need a Savior.  Jesus is that Savior.  This is perhaps the greatest truth of all time and one that binds all of humanity throughout all of redemptive history - past, present, and future.  If you believe that you are a good person, that you lack sin, and that you don't need saving, that is a dangerous place.  Yet scripture tells us to "have mercy on those who doubt, save others by snatching them from the fire" (Jude 22:23).  Hence, it is not for me to judge, but God alone.  It is however, my job as a believer to stand on Truth and to proclaim it to all those who listen.        

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who is "The Way, Truth and the Life."  There is no other Truth except You and what comes from You.  Thank You Jesus for Your candor and for saving me.  I am not deserving of Your mercy and my salvation.  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. 

Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob.

Genesis  36 

Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. Genesis 36:6

Day 16 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the descendants of Esau, the Edomites.

The story of Jacob and Esau is one of tension and my commentary* indicates the Edomites "will become constant enemies of Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, and their opposition to God’s chosen people will be so bitter over the years that Edom will become a symbol of unbelief and hostility to God. In the last days they will be singled out as a special object of God’s punishment".

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

Examples of tensions between Jacob's line and the Edomites are found in the Bible, including:

• Edom denies Israel passage during their exodus from Egypt (Numbers 20)
• Saul orders Doeg the Edomite to strike down Ahimelek and the Priests of Nob for providing harbor and provision for David (1 Samuel 21-22)

  Prophecies against Edom include:

• Ezekiel 35
• Obadiah 1 
• Malachi 1 

The tension between Jacob and Esau is much like the tension we experience in our lives - there are those in the world that hate us and our God.  We may be tempted to feel hate and to seek our own justice against those who act out of their hate for us.  But God is clear - we are to turn the other cheek, love, and seek to gain the favor of our enemies so that we might be able to bring them into the family of God.  It is not for us to judge - God alone is Judge.  See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who loves, despite how I might have felt about You - You came to save me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love, mercy and grace.  I harbor ill feelings towards others - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin - help me love!  Help me turn 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.

The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.

Zechariah 12

The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God. v5

We often lament over how those who seemingly sin without consequences...we want judgement but we know that God alone is judge.  Here, Zechariah delivers a message that enemies of Israel will be destroyed.  

A prophecy: The word of the Lord concerning Israel.

The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares: “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the Lord. “I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. Zechariah 12:1-4

God's justice is perfect and everyone will be held accountable for their lives either upon death or at the end of times.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Revelation 22:12

We should be comforted in knowing that God's justice is perfect and be freed to live for Him without concern that justice is not in the cards.  We of course should be working to "snatch" people from the fire.

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God and worthy of worship, praise and full attention.  You bless me beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such 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 her 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.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

 1 Corinthians 5

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 5:6-13. Building on commentary for 5:1-6, the commentary* for the text today provides three (3) divisions:

1. Church Discipline Is Grounded in the Redemptive Work of Christ (5:7-8): We are new creations, called out of a life of sin to be holy. Paul's reference to the Passover festival is used to recall how Israel broke free from its bondage in Egypt and Jews celebrate this freedom. Believers are similarly called to celebrate - this time the work Christ on the cross and what it does for those who believe.  Church discipline must be based in an effort to demonstrate lives that are new and transformed - bearing fruit. 
   
2. Church Discipline Must Be Exercised in the Community of Faith, Not the World (5:9-11): Here, Paul shares how church discipline is focused inward - on those inside the church, not on those outside the church. He calls out specific sins of sexual immorality, greed, swindling, idolatry, slanderers, and drunkenness. The challenge is to be "in the world" to seek and save the lost but not be "of the world" where the sinful influences lead us astray. Be on the watch for brothers and sisters within the church that have been led astray. 
3. God Judges Those on the Outside While We Judge Those on the Inside (5:12-13): Paul emphasizes that God alone judges those outside the church so the church should avoid this focus and instead look inward and be on guard for the little bit of leaven that "leavens the whole lump" (v6). We are referred to Galatians 6:1-2 for how we can approach a brother or sister in Christ with "a spirit of gentleness."  The commentary* wraps for the text by sharing how it is not harsh to confront sin in the church: "[o]verlooking sin is not loving; it is sinful. Overlooking sin is not gracious; it is cowardice. Overlooking sin is not merciful; it is dangerous. Overlooking sin is not kind; it is hateful."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You provide brothers and sisters in Christ who help confront my sin and encourage me in my journey with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  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 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 7

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. v6

Jesus focuses our attention to judgement...that we are to avoid judging others. First of all, that is not our role - God alone is judge.  Second, we are to love (John 13:34), forgive (Ephesians 4:32), and be graceful to others as God is to us.  In verse 6, Jesus turns our attention to how we should treat others who spurn our words of truth.  MacArthur claims Jesus' statements here do not contradict his previous statements (Matthew 5:39, Luke 6:29) on how we should treat our enemies. John Piper's thoughts on this are consistent - that no one is beyond our prayers. 

Everyone is worthy of Jesus' grace.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and incredible God - I know You love me, You died for me, and You are so full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I continue to miss the mark - 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 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.

Don't Stop Seeking Him...and Recognize It When He Speaks to You

Job Chp 23 

What is striking here is that Job's struggle is one of engagement.  He does not run from God.  He is crying out in pain to God and to anyone else who can hear that he feels forsaken.  Certainly God will take us any way He can get us...that last thing He wants is for His children to neglect Him and to run from Him. 

Job continues to seek Him:

³ If only I knew where to find him;
   if only I could go to his dwelling!
⁴ I would state my case before him
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
⁵ I would find out what he would answer me,
   and consider what he would say to me.
⁶ Would he vigorously oppose me?
   No, he would not press charges against me.
⁷ There the upright can establish their innocence before him,
   and there I would be delivered forever from my judge. 

Despite his desire to seek God, Job claims he cannot find Him:

⁸ “But if I go to the east, he is not there;
   if I go to the west, I do not find him.
⁹ When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
   when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 

Even though Job claims not to find God as he seeks Him, he acknowledges the greatness of God.  And he is not deterred...he will continue to seek Him out.

¹³ “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
   He does whatever he pleases.
¹⁴ He carries out his decree against me,
   and many such plans he still has in store.
¹⁵ That is why I am terrified before him;
   when I think of all this, I fear him.
¹⁶ God has made my heart faint;
   the Almighty has terrified me.
¹⁷ Yet I am not silenced by the darkness,
   by the thick darkness that covers my face. 

My Prayer: Lord, I know You are great and Your ways are great.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and yet I am lazy and wicked....I act in ways to others at home and at work that are not pleasing to you and certainly not in ways that glorify you.  Please forgive me Lord - please forgive me!  Help purify me of my wicked behavior, my laziness and my harshness to others.  Help me be to others what You have been and are to me.  Help me never stop seeking You out and help me proclaim Your greatness so that others know who You are - God of all!  Help me also listen closely to know where You are what You are saying to me so that when You do talk to me I can hear Your voice and Your message for me.

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

 Ezekiel 15-18

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:30-32

Day 228 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 with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary* describes today's scripture reading: "[u]sing three allegories, God foretells Judah’s imminent destruction. The first allegory shows Judah as a useless vine to be burned. The second is a vitriolic attack against Judah’s unfaithfulness, portraying Judah as an adulterous wife, worse than her two sisters, Israel and Edom, and less moral than a prostitute. The third allegory, using two eagles and a vine, calls specific attention to the personal ruin of King Zedekiah."

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

Several verses from this morning's reading convict me, including:

But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his. Ezekiel 16:15

Question for consideration: how have we taken what God has provided for us and used it for worldly gain and favor and not for God's glory?

 In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood. Ezekiel 16:22

Question for consideration: how have we forgotten what God has done for us?  We must remember that everything we have and all that we are is from Him alone and not of our own efforts. (See also Ezekiel 16:43)

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49-50

Question for consideration: where do I demonstrate hypocrisy - espousing love with my words but not with action (see also James 1:22-25).

God is full of grace for Judah just as He is with us as He promises a new covenant based on the blood of Christ:

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you. So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 16:59-63 (see also Ezekiel 17:22-24)

Finally, just as God does not allow Judah to exonerate itself claiming God is not just because Judah is being punished for sins of those who came before them, God rightly states that each person is accountable for all of his/her own sin and we ALL sin (Ezekiel 18 and Romans 3:23).

Yet we have a God who, through the shedding of His own blood, atones for our sins and gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sent His Son to the cross so that I would have life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving because I know my sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my 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.