February 13, 2014
Between the four gospels, seven last sayings of Jesus are recorded. This is saying number six. Here, Jesus repeats David’s haunting words from Psalm 22:1. For the first time in eternity, fellowship between the Father and the Son is interrupted. Jesus who knew no sin, became our sin. Jesus who is the Life, took our death. Jesus the eternal Son of God, took our separation. So, we might receive His righteousness, life and sonship by believing in Him. What was Jesus’ seventh saying? “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus accomplished His mission for our salvation.
February 12, 2014
How do we know God’s Name? Was it written in the heavens or carved in the cliffs? Was it painted in a sunset or an infant’s gaze? Did we discover it on an expedition or under a microscope’s stare? No. We would never know God’s Name absent His Word. For God is not the creation but the Creator. He is the holy/wholly other. Certainly His creation points to Him, declaring His glory (Psa. 19:1). But He didn’t sign His Name there. He waited, following His own timing. Then, revealed it in person to His mediator Moses. He shouted out His own Name, “Yahweh” (“I AM”) and the mountain trembled and Moses fell on his face in worship. Our Creator is knowing and would be known.
February 11, 2014
The Psalmist reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the power of His plans. We may feel overwhelmed and troubled by the politics and plans of nations, including our own government. Yet, we can call on the One who is able to “frustrate” the schemes of kings. This is not to say that we should not be involved in making plans or attempting to influence our leaders, but it reminds us not to despair, for God is on His throne and this world is not our home. It reminds us to fear God and not men.
February 10, 2014
God told Moses that He had given Bezalel and Oholiab special abilities and skills to be used in the making of the Tabernacle. Some today would categorize their work as secular rather than sacred. Yet, whenever God calls and empowers a work, it is always holy work. And whenever we dedicate our abilities and work back to God, our work is sacred too. It’s Monday. Go to work for God!
February 9, 2014
This is Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene the night before His trial and crucifixion. It’s one thing to follow God’s will into an unknown future, but quite another to obey with eyes wide open to suffering. Yet, this is what Jesus did. Oh, the love and obedience we see here! For the Lord drank that cup of suffering, swallowing all its bitter dregs of sin, separation and death. So that, we who believe on Him might receive His righteousness, sonship and eternal life.
February 8, 2014
God gave specific instructions for the design and making of Aaron’s chestpiece (breastplate) to be worn when he performed his High Priestly duties. God assigned specific gems to each tribe and had the tribal name inscribed on each. He wanted Aaron to wear this chestpiece over “his heart” when he entered the Holy of Holies to remind him that he represented all the tribes before God. God was very specific and particular in the design for Aaron’s priestly garments, as He was in regards to all the Tabernacle’s elements. These details tell us something about the beauty and order of our God, but even more, they point to the Tabernacle’s fulfillment in Christ.
February 7, 2014
This is from the Parable of the Talents. Matthew’s gospel has this parable arranged in alignment with Jesus’ discussion of end times in chapter 24 and nested between His Parable of the Ten Virgins and His discussion of the judgment of the sheep and goats. Its placement and the parable itself point to the idea that Jesus will return and expect an accounting of our stewardship. God has entrusted certain gifts and abilities to each of us that are to be invested and used. He cares about our work. He wants us to be busy using what He has entrusted to us. How we manage our 3 Ts (Time, Talent, and Treasure) matter to God.
February 6, 2014
When we receive God’s comfort, He not only wipes away our tears, He strengthens our weak knees and sagging spirits, so that our “mourning is turned into dancing.” This comfort flows to us in such abundance as to produce an overflow, a surplus that we can share with others. Imagine the drastic transformation of the disciples on Easter morn and you get a sense of this comfort that moved them from discouragement to delight.
February 5, 2014
Has the gospel yet been preached in the “whole world?” Not yet. But surely, the time is coming soon. According to Wycliffe, there are 6,900 languages spoken in the world today, as the world’s population approaches seven billion. Of those, 180 million people (who speak about 1900 different languages) do not have a Bible in their heart language, nor anyone that is currently working on one. All the major languages have been translated. The ones remaining are small population groups. Of course, Bible translation is only part of the equation. Someone still needs to preach the gospel so that they can hear and understand.
February 4, 2014
This was the response of the Israelites when God spoke the ten commandments to them from the mountain amidst thunder, lightning, smoke and the sound of a ram’s horn. They were terrified and requested that Moses be their mediator. So, Moses went up on the mountain and brought down the Word of God written on stone tablets. When Jesus came, He became our Mediator, so we can boldly approach God. He has removed the separation of the law and written God’s Word not on stone tablets, but on our hearts.