February 18, 2014
The Lord taught the Israelites that one who was found guilty of stealing had offended two parties: the one they stole from and the Lord Himself. He gave them instructions on paying restitution to the victim and how to find forgiveness from the Lord too. In this way, the victim was made whole and the thief also. Of course, paying back the full price plus 20% was humanly possible to the victim, but repaying God involved an awareness of impossibility. A sacrifice would have to be made for guilt. In this the Law pointed to the need for a Savior. The Law is still useful in this. It shows us how to be made right with those we offend on earth and also makes us aware that we need Someone to make us right with Heaven. A modern civil question emerges from this: How does our present day prison system accomplish what Mosaic law did? Does putting a thief in prison make the victim whole? Does it satisfy their offense to God? How could a modern society better apply Scriptural principles to its judicial system?
February 17, 2014
The Pharisees brought out the full range of emotion from our Lord Jesus. When He tried to show them the spirit of the Sabbath, they clung to the letter of the law, even that which they themselves had added to it. He asked them a simple question, one that begged a correct response. He asked whether the law permitted good on the Sabbath or evil? They wouldn’t reply. So, he put the man with the withered hand before the whole assembly in the synagogue and healed him. The man and his family rejoiced, but the Pharisees left angry, plotting with the Herodians, whom they normally hated, to plot the killing of Jesus. This scene caused conflicting emotions in Jesus. He was both angry and sad. Angry at the sinful pride that wouldn’t answer His question. And sad at the hard hearts that wouldn’t listen.
February 16, 2014
The sacrificial system was designed to prepare God’s people to receive Christ as Savior. He was to be a male, from their house (herd), and without sin (defect). They would be made right with God if they would accept His death in their place to purify them from all their sin. Christ is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. He was the Lamb that was slain. Now He is the Great High Priest who represents us before the Father with His own blood. One day, He will return as King to claim His own.
February 15, 2014
John the Baptist was God’s appointed Messianic forerunner, coming in the spirit of Elijah, announcing the coming of the Christ. John’s birth was surrounded by miraculous events: an angel’s announcement, a priestly father’s doubting muteness, a barren mother’s pregnancy, an unborn baby leaping with the Spirit’s joy. John was larger than life. Jesus called him the greatest ever born of woman. Yet, John knew his role. He was merely the herald of the coming King. He was a servant of the One who would baptize us not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.
February 14, 2014
The fool is not open to correction, but the wise person is always teachable. This is a foundational problem. The fool has no respect for God’s Word and therefore no respect for the laws of humanity either. The fool responds with a perpetual sarcastic smirk to claims of truth and authority, while entertaining themselves with agnostic questions, believing in nothing. The wise believe in truth and love knowledge, not merely as an intellectual exercise, but as a way of life, affecting not only their thinking but their behavior. Reject the authority and existence of God and you get the fool, who loudly disdains all authority, while quietly claiming it for himself. Accept God’s authority and the first foundation stone for wisdom is laid.
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.