Read Judges 16
Read 1 Corinthians 16
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Our Samson
Read Judges 15
Read 1 Corinthians 15
Death is swallowed up in victory! What an encouraging message. In 1 Corinthians 15 we hear that Jesus' resurrection is true and historical, and that makes all the difference. Because he is raised, we have hope, life, and salvation! We can look forward to everlasting life in heaven when we die, and on the Last Day, the resurrection of our bodies. And just as the glory of a plant far surpasses that of a seed, so our glorious and perfect bodies will GREATLY surpass the bodies we have now in this fallen existence.
All this is because of Jesus. In sin we were doomed to death and hell. But dying on the cross for our forgiveness, and rising to new life, he has become our victory! Victory over the power of sin and guilt in our lives! Power over death! Power over Devil and all his demons! Jesus is the mighty warrior who accomplishes this for us.
In this way, Jesus is our Samson. Samson, the strong man who overpowered many (and who gives his life to gain victory for Israel in the next chapter of Judges), foreshadows Christ. Samson is a seriously flawed character. But God was pleased to use him to deliver Israel, and to point to the ultimate victory through the ultimate Warrior, Jesus the Christ.
He is our Samson who has smashed the gates of hell. We give thanks for him today.
Our Samson storms death's citadel
And carries off the gates of hell.
Alleluia!
Oh, praise him for his conquest!
The pow'r of death he broke in two
When he arose to life anew.
Alleluia!
To him all praise be given!
He frees the prisoned and oppressed
And pardons all whom sin possessed.
Alleluia!
Oh, praise him for his mercy!
In festal spirit, song, and word,
To Jesus, our victorious Lord,
Alleluia!
All praise and thanks be rendered.
Amen.
(LW 146:4-7)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 15
Death is swallowed up in victory! What an encouraging message. In 1 Corinthians 15 we hear that Jesus' resurrection is true and historical, and that makes all the difference. Because he is raised, we have hope, life, and salvation! We can look forward to everlasting life in heaven when we die, and on the Last Day, the resurrection of our bodies. And just as the glory of a plant far surpasses that of a seed, so our glorious and perfect bodies will GREATLY surpass the bodies we have now in this fallen existence.
All this is because of Jesus. In sin we were doomed to death and hell. But dying on the cross for our forgiveness, and rising to new life, he has become our victory! Victory over the power of sin and guilt in our lives! Power over death! Power over Devil and all his demons! Jesus is the mighty warrior who accomplishes this for us.
In this way, Jesus is our Samson. Samson, the strong man who overpowered many (and who gives his life to gain victory for Israel in the next chapter of Judges), foreshadows Christ. Samson is a seriously flawed character. But God was pleased to use him to deliver Israel, and to point to the ultimate victory through the ultimate Warrior, Jesus the Christ.
He is our Samson who has smashed the gates of hell. We give thanks for him today.
Our Samson storms death's citadel
And carries off the gates of hell.
Alleluia!
Oh, praise him for his conquest!
The pow'r of death he broke in two
When he arose to life anew.
Alleluia!
To him all praise be given!
He frees the prisoned and oppressed
And pardons all whom sin possessed.
Alleluia!
Oh, praise him for his mercy!
In festal spirit, song, and word,
To Jesus, our victorious Lord,
Alleluia!
All praise and thanks be rendered.
Amen.
(LW 146:4-7)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Not Superior, Not Inferior
Read Judges 12
Read 1 Corinthians 12
One Body, many members. Jesus is the head of the body - not me, not you. We are all important parts, or members. of His Body. We're not all the same. We don't have the same roles or functions. But we do all have roles and functions. And we are all supposed to follow his lead, just as in the human body it is the brain (or head) that sends the commands to the rest of the body.
This should help humble us when we feel superior to other Christians. First of all, if we have gifts, we must remember that these come from God. And second of all, we must remember that another brother or sister is just as important as we are. God doesn't have to use me. He could easily replace me with someone else, probably with someone who could do better. Therefore, I should feel humble and privileged that God would use me.
But this teaching about the Body of Christ should also lift us up when we feel inferior. Each of us is an indispensable part of His Body, and important member of the Church! He uses me and you to fill unique roles in his Kingdom. And we ought to feel bold and courageous when we act in accordance with Christ. He commands, and we respond. He is the Head, and we do his bidding. And each of us can truly say, "only I can do what he has called me to do." No one else is in the exact situation that another is in. Isn't that incredible?
Maybe it sounds like a contradiction. I like to think of it as ideas in an appropriate "tension." It's a paradox of sorts. It is a message that humbles us when we are arrogant, and encourages us when we are down.
And, if we humans are worried that we are going to make a fine mess of everything, we can rejoice that Jesus is still the Head. He is Lord of the Church, Head of the Body, the Savior, Redeemer, and King of Kings. Thank God, He is still in control.
Ask Yourself:
How do I feel superior to other Christians? Is that how God wants me to feel?
How do I feel inferior to other Christians? Is that how God wants me to feel?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, that God would enable you to keep proper respect of your brothers and sisters, fellow members of the Body. Pray also that he would encourage and embolden you to serve as only you can.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 12
One Body, many members. Jesus is the head of the body - not me, not you. We are all important parts, or members. of His Body. We're not all the same. We don't have the same roles or functions. But we do all have roles and functions. And we are all supposed to follow his lead, just as in the human body it is the brain (or head) that sends the commands to the rest of the body.
This should help humble us when we feel superior to other Christians. First of all, if we have gifts, we must remember that these come from God. And second of all, we must remember that another brother or sister is just as important as we are. God doesn't have to use me. He could easily replace me with someone else, probably with someone who could do better. Therefore, I should feel humble and privileged that God would use me.
But this teaching about the Body of Christ should also lift us up when we feel inferior. Each of us is an indispensable part of His Body, and important member of the Church! He uses me and you to fill unique roles in his Kingdom. And we ought to feel bold and courageous when we act in accordance with Christ. He commands, and we respond. He is the Head, and we do his bidding. And each of us can truly say, "only I can do what he has called me to do." No one else is in the exact situation that another is in. Isn't that incredible?
Maybe it sounds like a contradiction. I like to think of it as ideas in an appropriate "tension." It's a paradox of sorts. It is a message that humbles us when we are arrogant, and encourages us when we are down.
And, if we humans are worried that we are going to make a fine mess of everything, we can rejoice that Jesus is still the Head. He is Lord of the Church, Head of the Body, the Savior, Redeemer, and King of Kings. Thank God, He is still in control.
Ask Yourself:
How do I feel superior to other Christians? Is that how God wants me to feel?
How do I feel inferior to other Christians? Is that how God wants me to feel?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, that God would enable you to keep proper respect of your brothers and sisters, fellow members of the Body. Pray also that he would encourage and embolden you to serve as only you can.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
All Things to All People
Read Judges 9
Read 1 Corinthians 9
Today Paul explains how he goes about evangelism. Sometimes today we say something like we "meet them where they're at." Some wonder what that means. I think when people say that they mean that they are trying to evangelize like Paul did. He put it this way: he becomes all things to all people that he might win some.
He tries to be like them as much as possible to try and relate to them. But notice that Paul NEVER forgets who he is. Even if he fulfilled obligations of the Law to try and reach the Jews, he remembers that he really is free from the Law. But he willingly submits himself to it again to reach his fellow Jews. To those outside the Law (Gentiles), he lives like them in order to reach them. However, Paul does not go crazy and join in all the immorality. This is what Paul means when he says that he is still under the Law of Christ even when is is living like those outside the Law.
He belongs to Christ, and he will never compromise that. But at the same time he's going to do all he can to win the lost.
That reminds me of someone else. Jesus left his throne above, and being found in human form, he walked and talked with humans. He felt our weakness and bore our suffering. And he became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Becoming like us, he died to redeem us.
We can certainly be thankful we have such a compassionate Savior who would do all things necessary to save us! And we can certainly learn from the example of Paul, and do what we can to reach out to people around us, even people different from us.
What will that look like? That's for each of us to discover.
Pray:
Lord God, we give you thanks and praise for sending your Son to be like us; to become fully human, to bear our burdens and carry our sins to the cross. Thank you that we have full and free salvation in him. Help us, like St. Paul, to become all things to all people so that we too might win some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 9
Today Paul explains how he goes about evangelism. Sometimes today we say something like we "meet them where they're at." Some wonder what that means. I think when people say that they mean that they are trying to evangelize like Paul did. He put it this way: he becomes all things to all people that he might win some.
He tries to be like them as much as possible to try and relate to them. But notice that Paul NEVER forgets who he is. Even if he fulfilled obligations of the Law to try and reach the Jews, he remembers that he really is free from the Law. But he willingly submits himself to it again to reach his fellow Jews. To those outside the Law (Gentiles), he lives like them in order to reach them. However, Paul does not go crazy and join in all the immorality. This is what Paul means when he says that he is still under the Law of Christ even when is is living like those outside the Law.
He belongs to Christ, and he will never compromise that. But at the same time he's going to do all he can to win the lost.
That reminds me of someone else. Jesus left his throne above, and being found in human form, he walked and talked with humans. He felt our weakness and bore our suffering. And he became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Becoming like us, he died to redeem us.
We can certainly be thankful we have such a compassionate Savior who would do all things necessary to save us! And we can certainly learn from the example of Paul, and do what we can to reach out to people around us, even people different from us.
What will that look like? That's for each of us to discover.
Pray:
Lord God, we give you thanks and praise for sending your Son to be like us; to become fully human, to bear our burdens and carry our sins to the cross. Thank you that we have full and free salvation in him. Help us, like St. Paul, to become all things to all people so that we too might win some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Law of Love
Read Judges 8
Read 1 Corinthians 8
Paul begins a discussion that he will carry on into the next chapter as well, that is, a discussion about Christian freedom. In Corinth, the only "restaurants" were pagan temples, where sacrifices were made to false gods, and meals were then prepared and served (I think in the temple and outside on the porch/patio - but I would be willing to be corrected on that). So, when pagans because Christian, the question then becomes this - if there is only One True God, is it acceptable to go to the "restaurant" to eat? After all, the idol the meat was offered to is nothing, has no power, and is not really a god.
Paul basically gives the answer that if a person has that understanding, and their conscience is not bothered by it, then it is not a sin to eat. HOWEVER, Paul adds that we MUST consider our brother or sister. Our actions do not take place in a vacuum. What we do or don't do can seriously impact a fellow Christian. And perhaps someone who is not comfortable with the practice will be seriously bothered or confused by the behavior. They are "weak" in the sense that their conscience is upset and they do not allow themselves the liberty of that behavior.
It is not wrong to eat. It is not wrong to refrain. But it is wrong to act in a way that puts a stumbling block in front of our brother or sister. Now, a stumbling block isn't just something that they don't "like" or even something that in their words "offends" them, but it is something that inhibits their ability to trust in Jesus Christ.
So...this can be a little hard to apply, but maybe some general questions can help us allow this chapter to speak to our lives:
Ask Yourself:
Do I consider the spiritual well-being of my brother or sister in my daily life? Do I realize that my actions affect them?
Do I spend my efforts defending my behavior or acting in love?
Will I gladly refrain from activities that pull my brother or sister away from Christ?
Pray:
"From selfishly seeking our own rights at the expense of others, deliver us, O Lord. From unwittingly leading Your chosen saints into sin, deliver us, O Lord. Stir us up to worship and honor You alone, and through Your Spirit use us to turn others to You. Amen." (TLSB p. 1957).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 8
Paul begins a discussion that he will carry on into the next chapter as well, that is, a discussion about Christian freedom. In Corinth, the only "restaurants" were pagan temples, where sacrifices were made to false gods, and meals were then prepared and served (I think in the temple and outside on the porch/patio - but I would be willing to be corrected on that). So, when pagans because Christian, the question then becomes this - if there is only One True God, is it acceptable to go to the "restaurant" to eat? After all, the idol the meat was offered to is nothing, has no power, and is not really a god.
Paul basically gives the answer that if a person has that understanding, and their conscience is not bothered by it, then it is not a sin to eat. HOWEVER, Paul adds that we MUST consider our brother or sister. Our actions do not take place in a vacuum. What we do or don't do can seriously impact a fellow Christian. And perhaps someone who is not comfortable with the practice will be seriously bothered or confused by the behavior. They are "weak" in the sense that their conscience is upset and they do not allow themselves the liberty of that behavior.
It is not wrong to eat. It is not wrong to refrain. But it is wrong to act in a way that puts a stumbling block in front of our brother or sister. Now, a stumbling block isn't just something that they don't "like" or even something that in their words "offends" them, but it is something that inhibits their ability to trust in Jesus Christ.
So...this can be a little hard to apply, but maybe some general questions can help us allow this chapter to speak to our lives:
Ask Yourself:
Do I consider the spiritual well-being of my brother or sister in my daily life? Do I realize that my actions affect them?
Do I spend my efforts defending my behavior or acting in love?
Will I gladly refrain from activities that pull my brother or sister away from Christ?
Pray:
"From selfishly seeking our own rights at the expense of others, deliver us, O Lord. From unwittingly leading Your chosen saints into sin, deliver us, O Lord. Stir us up to worship and honor You alone, and through Your Spirit use us to turn others to You. Amen." (TLSB p. 1957).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
You are not Your Own
Read Judges 6
Read 1 Corinthians 6
You were bought at a price. Jesus, the perfect man, the Son of God, allowed himself to be tortured and executed for you. They stretched his arms out and nailed them to the cross. They put another spike through his feet. The King already was wearing his crown - a crown of thorns.
He endured this to buy you. You belonged to the Devil, and you were to go down to hell with him. Now God bought you. Now, you are to go to heaven with Jesus.
You are not yours. You never belonged to you anyway. So, you are not to live for your own selfish gain.
But that's tough. It's hard for me, for you, for all people. It's tough, but we are to live for the Lord's glory. And that's why we are encouraged to be sexually pure in our reading today. Think about how your body is involved in sin (even if it is just your mind). That is a body that Jesus bought with his own blood.
What? You are sinner? You fall short of this commandment? Join the club. But we don't celebrate it, indulge in it, or excuse it as no big deal. Sin is serious. And today we are especially encouraged to flee sexual sins.
And today, even as we feel remorse over sin and are frustrated with our own weakness, we can rejoice in our Savior. He knew our weakness. He knew all our sins. He knew the depravity of our minds and hearts. Yet he died for us anyway.
He has abundant forgiveness, and ample strength. He is there for us in our time of need. Call upon him, and he will help. Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning what you have read in your lessons today. Confess sins, and thank God for full and free forgiveness!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 6
You were bought at a price. Jesus, the perfect man, the Son of God, allowed himself to be tortured and executed for you. They stretched his arms out and nailed them to the cross. They put another spike through his feet. The King already was wearing his crown - a crown of thorns.
He endured this to buy you. You belonged to the Devil, and you were to go down to hell with him. Now God bought you. Now, you are to go to heaven with Jesus.
You are not yours. You never belonged to you anyway. So, you are not to live for your own selfish gain.
But that's tough. It's hard for me, for you, for all people. It's tough, but we are to live for the Lord's glory. And that's why we are encouraged to be sexually pure in our reading today. Think about how your body is involved in sin (even if it is just your mind). That is a body that Jesus bought with his own blood.
What? You are sinner? You fall short of this commandment? Join the club. But we don't celebrate it, indulge in it, or excuse it as no big deal. Sin is serious. And today we are especially encouraged to flee sexual sins.
And today, even as we feel remorse over sin and are frustrated with our own weakness, we can rejoice in our Savior. He knew our weakness. He knew all our sins. He knew the depravity of our minds and hearts. Yet he died for us anyway.
He has abundant forgiveness, and ample strength. He is there for us in our time of need. Call upon him, and he will help. Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning what you have read in your lessons today. Confess sins, and thank God for full and free forgiveness!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Jesus Gets the Credit
Read Judges 3
Read 1 Corinthians 3
I think that all people (and especially church workers) should remember to give God the credit for what he has done and what he still does. The Corinthian church was dealing with a lot of division. The problem was that everyone wanted to give too much credit to men, and in the process, divided the Body of Christ with their sin. They bickered and fought. They felt superior and acted judgmentally. They were a church that was falling to pieces.
And the main problem was that they were giving men too much credit. Now, mind you, these were incredible, godly men: Paul, Peter, Apollos! These are the heroes of faith, champions of the cross, preachers extraordinaire!
But Paul says that God is the one who made the growth. God used Paul to plant seeds of faith through the preaching of the Word. God used Apollos to water and nurture those seeds through the preaching of the Word. But in the end, we see that it is the Word, and therefore God Himself, who is responsible for the growth. God had created faith, made it grow, unified the church in Corinth, and strengthened them for holy living, and blessed them beyond imagination with forgiveness and life!
Do we give men too much credit? Do we give ourselves too much credit? Are we puffed up with conceit, thinking that we are better and more important than we really are? Are we causing division rather than building up?
Those are some things to think about.
But also think about this: Jesus Christ is the foundation. He is the foundation of the church and also of your life. It is He who Paul proclaimed, and it is He who continues to be preached to this day. Jesus, sacrificed on the cross for your sin and risen from the dead for your life - He is the one upon which you and the whole Church are built. Yes, "Our life, inheritance, and authority have their source in Jesus, who has His source in the Father from eternity" (TLSB p. 1951).
Now that is something to be grateful for. And with a humble thankfulness, we pray:
"O Holy Spirit, enter in, and in our hearts Your work begin, Your dwelling place now make us."
(LSB 913:1)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Corinthians 3
I think that all people (and especially church workers) should remember to give God the credit for what he has done and what he still does. The Corinthian church was dealing with a lot of division. The problem was that everyone wanted to give too much credit to men, and in the process, divided the Body of Christ with their sin. They bickered and fought. They felt superior and acted judgmentally. They were a church that was falling to pieces.
And the main problem was that they were giving men too much credit. Now, mind you, these were incredible, godly men: Paul, Peter, Apollos! These are the heroes of faith, champions of the cross, preachers extraordinaire!
But Paul says that God is the one who made the growth. God used Paul to plant seeds of faith through the preaching of the Word. God used Apollos to water and nurture those seeds through the preaching of the Word. But in the end, we see that it is the Word, and therefore God Himself, who is responsible for the growth. God had created faith, made it grow, unified the church in Corinth, and strengthened them for holy living, and blessed them beyond imagination with forgiveness and life!
Do we give men too much credit? Do we give ourselves too much credit? Are we puffed up with conceit, thinking that we are better and more important than we really are? Are we causing division rather than building up?
Those are some things to think about.
But also think about this: Jesus Christ is the foundation. He is the foundation of the church and also of your life. It is He who Paul proclaimed, and it is He who continues to be preached to this day. Jesus, sacrificed on the cross for your sin and risen from the dead for your life - He is the one upon which you and the whole Church are built. Yes, "Our life, inheritance, and authority have their source in Jesus, who has His source in the Father from eternity" (TLSB p. 1951).
Now that is something to be grateful for. And with a humble thankfulness, we pray:
"O Holy Spirit, enter in, and in our hearts Your work begin, Your dwelling place now make us."
(LSB 913:1)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wise or Foolish?
Having finished Joshua we are now going to move on to Judges. Let's take a break from the Psalms for a while, and we'll read 1 Corinthians next. So we'll have an OT and a NT reading each day for a while. They may or may not relate clearly, but we KNOW they will be edifying. I am so thankful that God gives us his marvelous Word to help us in any situation in life! On with our study:
Read Judges 1
Read 1 Corinthians 1
Let's focus on the 1 Corinthians reading today, shall we? I feel sorry for a lot of people in our world today. Every time they find a new fossil, they have to sit down and revise their whole theory of how the world came about. "Maybe the earth is two billion years old...no FOUR billion. Yes, that's better. And maybe we didn't evolve from the chimpanzee, but maybe we both evolved from a still-undiscovered common ancestor. Yes, that sounds good. And isn't it interesting that this 14 million year old dinosaur bone still has bone marrow in it? Hmmm...not sure what to make of that, or how that is possible" etc.
Did you know that millions of dollars are being spent on detecting neutrinos in the Antarctic ice (using what they call the IceCube telescope) in the hopes of learning about the world's origin? Did you know that they are spending millions on a hadron collider over in Europe to try and discover what happened right after the big bang? (Note: my comments are directed at their false assumptions, not the really cool science they are employing!)
And what about all the people who are mistaken about Jesus. They have all kinds of misconceptions about him and he is a joke to them, something to mock. And to them, his followers are idiots.
Yes, we Christians are often the laughingstock of the world. Since we are not without sin, we do deserve some of the criticisms. But God is not laughing at us. God pleased with us. He forgives our sins, and he even patiently endures our foolish comments, mistakes, and many false presumptions (though we should always strive for wisdom). And God declares through St. Paul that he has indeed made us wise.
In fact, "God chose what is low and despised in the world, even the things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God..." (v. 28-30)
Humble before God, boasting only in him, we rejoice in the cross. It is foolishness to the world. But we see it as the wisdom of God, and our salvation. And we cling firmly to his Word. There is truth in it, and great comfort. For those who are trapped in the lies of the Devil, let us pity them, have mercy on them, and therefore seek to proclaim the truth to them in a spirit of love. God is able yet to give them wisdom. And then there will be more people to boast in the Lord.
In the meantime, we can rejoice that we have a cosmology that doesn't need to be revised every time they find a new fossil. We find that cosmology (or study of the beginning of the universe) in Gen. 1 and 2. We also have a soteriology (study of salvation) that doesn't need constant revision either. In Scripture we learn about our God, about how he is loving, and about how he conquers with the cross.
So, though I be considered an idiot, I wear the name Christian with great pride, I proclaim the cross, I boast in the Lord, and I know that in the end, we saints will be shown to be wise. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
How does it affect me when I am criticized for my faith?
How does the Devil attack God's Word today?
How can I strengthen my resolve to cling to the truth?
Pray:
"Dear Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me by Your cross. Receive this weak sinner and strengthen me for service. Amen." (TLSB p. 1949)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Judges 1
Read 1 Corinthians 1
Let's focus on the 1 Corinthians reading today, shall we? I feel sorry for a lot of people in our world today. Every time they find a new fossil, they have to sit down and revise their whole theory of how the world came about. "Maybe the earth is two billion years old...no FOUR billion. Yes, that's better. And maybe we didn't evolve from the chimpanzee, but maybe we both evolved from a still-undiscovered common ancestor. Yes, that sounds good. And isn't it interesting that this 14 million year old dinosaur bone still has bone marrow in it? Hmmm...not sure what to make of that, or how that is possible" etc.
Did you know that millions of dollars are being spent on detecting neutrinos in the Antarctic ice (using what they call the IceCube telescope) in the hopes of learning about the world's origin? Did you know that they are spending millions on a hadron collider over in Europe to try and discover what happened right after the big bang? (Note: my comments are directed at their false assumptions, not the really cool science they are employing!)
And what about all the people who are mistaken about Jesus. They have all kinds of misconceptions about him and he is a joke to them, something to mock. And to them, his followers are idiots.
Yes, we Christians are often the laughingstock of the world. Since we are not without sin, we do deserve some of the criticisms. But God is not laughing at us. God pleased with us. He forgives our sins, and he even patiently endures our foolish comments, mistakes, and many false presumptions (though we should always strive for wisdom). And God declares through St. Paul that he has indeed made us wise.
In fact, "God chose what is low and despised in the world, even the things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God..." (v. 28-30)
Humble before God, boasting only in him, we rejoice in the cross. It is foolishness to the world. But we see it as the wisdom of God, and our salvation. And we cling firmly to his Word. There is truth in it, and great comfort. For those who are trapped in the lies of the Devil, let us pity them, have mercy on them, and therefore seek to proclaim the truth to them in a spirit of love. God is able yet to give them wisdom. And then there will be more people to boast in the Lord.
In the meantime, we can rejoice that we have a cosmology that doesn't need to be revised every time they find a new fossil. We find that cosmology (or study of the beginning of the universe) in Gen. 1 and 2. We also have a soteriology (study of salvation) that doesn't need constant revision either. In Scripture we learn about our God, about how he is loving, and about how he conquers with the cross.
So, though I be considered an idiot, I wear the name Christian with great pride, I proclaim the cross, I boast in the Lord, and I know that in the end, we saints will be shown to be wise. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
How does it affect me when I am criticized for my faith?
How does the Devil attack God's Word today?
How can I strengthen my resolve to cling to the truth?
Pray:
"Dear Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me by Your cross. Receive this weak sinner and strengthen me for service. Amen." (TLSB p. 1949)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Whom Will You Serve?
Read Psalm 115
Read Joshua 24
After Joshua utters those famous (famous in Christian circles anyway) words, "Choose you this day whom you will serve..." we read something very surprising. I don't mean the crowd's response, as they profess that they will worship and serve the One True God who has carried them throughout history and brought them to this great and wonderful land of Canaan. I mean Joshua's response after they say they will serve God.
Joshua says, "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God." Now, to Lutherans that might not be too surprising because we "like" to confess every Sunday that we are poor, miserable sinners. We KNOW we are not able to serve God, in a truly perfect and holy way. But we are never comfortable with words that we hear Joshua utter, "he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins" (v. 19).
So, what do we make of these tough words? The Lutheran Study Bible offers a few possible options and then promotes one of them. I'm not going to elaborate, but say in a more general way that when we are confronted with the toughest portions of the Law (and what could be tougher than this?) we still need to remember and cling to the mercy of Christ. Perhaps Joshua is prophesying their future - and indeed many fall away. Or perhaps Joshua is talking only about the unforgivable sin - the sin that is unforgivable only because it rejects that very forgiveness. Whatever the case, these words should sufficiently warn us to avoid idolatry, to walk carefully, to live for the Lord. In this way Joshua succinctly summarizes and strongly drives home the points made in his farewell address in the previous chapter.
Then, warned about unbelief, we can turn and see our merciful Christ. And just as Joshua recounts Israel's salvation history, we too can remember our salvation history. We have been baptized, and our sins washed away. God has never left our side, but has led us through the wilderness of this life. God has provided physical and spiritual food and drink. He has driven the enemy away from before us. He is keeping us safe until the day when he will carry us safely into the Promised Land, through Jesus Christ, who has himself passed through death into everlasting life. We can rejoice that our sins are forgiven, even though we have not been able to serve the Lord.
With all that gratitude and thanksgiving lifting you up and motivating you today, I now ask - whom will you serve? And how will you serve the Lord today?
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
"Dear Lord of grace, make me know through Your Word that real success is not by my effort but by Your cross. Cause gratitude, love, and loyalty to well up in me as I rehearse Your victories for me and Your blessings to me. Amen." (TLSB p. 378)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 24
After Joshua utters those famous (famous in Christian circles anyway) words, "Choose you this day whom you will serve..." we read something very surprising. I don't mean the crowd's response, as they profess that they will worship and serve the One True God who has carried them throughout history and brought them to this great and wonderful land of Canaan. I mean Joshua's response after they say they will serve God.
Joshua says, "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God." Now, to Lutherans that might not be too surprising because we "like" to confess every Sunday that we are poor, miserable sinners. We KNOW we are not able to serve God, in a truly perfect and holy way. But we are never comfortable with words that we hear Joshua utter, "he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins" (v. 19).
So, what do we make of these tough words? The Lutheran Study Bible offers a few possible options and then promotes one of them. I'm not going to elaborate, but say in a more general way that when we are confronted with the toughest portions of the Law (and what could be tougher than this?) we still need to remember and cling to the mercy of Christ. Perhaps Joshua is prophesying their future - and indeed many fall away. Or perhaps Joshua is talking only about the unforgivable sin - the sin that is unforgivable only because it rejects that very forgiveness. Whatever the case, these words should sufficiently warn us to avoid idolatry, to walk carefully, to live for the Lord. In this way Joshua succinctly summarizes and strongly drives home the points made in his farewell address in the previous chapter.
Then, warned about unbelief, we can turn and see our merciful Christ. And just as Joshua recounts Israel's salvation history, we too can remember our salvation history. We have been baptized, and our sins washed away. God has never left our side, but has led us through the wilderness of this life. God has provided physical and spiritual food and drink. He has driven the enemy away from before us. He is keeping us safe until the day when he will carry us safely into the Promised Land, through Jesus Christ, who has himself passed through death into everlasting life. We can rejoice that our sins are forgiven, even though we have not been able to serve the Lord.
With all that gratitude and thanksgiving lifting you up and motivating you today, I now ask - whom will you serve? And how will you serve the Lord today?
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
"Dear Lord of grace, make me know through Your Word that real success is not by my effort but by Your cross. Cause gratitude, love, and loyalty to well up in me as I rehearse Your victories for me and Your blessings to me. Amen." (TLSB p. 378)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Farewell Address
Read Psalm 114
Read Joshua 23
Joshua in this chapter gives a farewell address. There are many similar speeches in the Bible. Moses had given his farewell address. And before him the Patriarchs had their farewell speeches (Jacob's comes readily to mind at the end of Genesis). We read several others in the Old Testament, and even in the New Testament, Paul ends his letters in some similar ways. In all of these opportunities for a final exhortation, what do we find? These godly men always warn against idolatry, warn people not to live immorally, and then remind them of God's mercy and might.
This is what we hear Joshua proclaim today. Sadly, Israel would not totally listen. Even thought their ears hear his words and maybe they even take them to heart for a while, in the end they fail to drive out the wicked. They intermarry (and that prohibition was not about race, but about religion), they worship other gods, their sacrifices, their praises, their worship, their living, their choices are disgusting to the One True God. And this is the God who had rescued them from slavery, safely led them through the wilderness, brought them into Canaan, and drove out the people before them!
From this we should be adequately warned not to engage in acts of idolatry (though that is difficult in our world!) Not only should we avoid false gods, but also we should keep our priorities straight, keeping God and his ways as number one. We should also be sufficiently warned not to transgress God's good commands, for they lead us on a path away from God. And when we find ourselves falling short (which we all do), we then ought to run quickly back to the forgiveness of God, and rejoice in his mercy that comes to us in water, wafer, wine, and Word.
And then we can rejoice not only in his forgiveness, but also in his mighty power and deliverance. Joshua promises the people that if God fights for them, then one person can chase off a thousand. Do we believe that? We ought to. Think about that. Imagine that person being you! It's amazing - amazingly true. If you are God's, then you are safe, mighty, courageous, and victorious!
I thank God for the farewell speeches recorded in Scripture. I also thank him for the farewell addresses we hear from other Christian people we know and love.
Makes me wonder...if I have the opportunity to give a farewell address, what would I say? And that's not to be morbid. No, I want to know so that I can do my best to live that way now. Why wait?
Pray:
Gracious Father, thank you for leaders like Joshua who show that you are mighty and powerful, and that you can be trusted above all else. Help me to be courageous like him. Help me to walk in your righteous ways like he did. Thank you for forgiving my sins through the cross, and by your Spirit leading me and guiding me through the cross, as you led Joshua. Help me in my life and death to encourage others, even as Joshua did. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 23
Joshua in this chapter gives a farewell address. There are many similar speeches in the Bible. Moses had given his farewell address. And before him the Patriarchs had their farewell speeches (Jacob's comes readily to mind at the end of Genesis). We read several others in the Old Testament, and even in the New Testament, Paul ends his letters in some similar ways. In all of these opportunities for a final exhortation, what do we find? These godly men always warn against idolatry, warn people not to live immorally, and then remind them of God's mercy and might.
This is what we hear Joshua proclaim today. Sadly, Israel would not totally listen. Even thought their ears hear his words and maybe they even take them to heart for a while, in the end they fail to drive out the wicked. They intermarry (and that prohibition was not about race, but about religion), they worship other gods, their sacrifices, their praises, their worship, their living, their choices are disgusting to the One True God. And this is the God who had rescued them from slavery, safely led them through the wilderness, brought them into Canaan, and drove out the people before them!
From this we should be adequately warned not to engage in acts of idolatry (though that is difficult in our world!) Not only should we avoid false gods, but also we should keep our priorities straight, keeping God and his ways as number one. We should also be sufficiently warned not to transgress God's good commands, for they lead us on a path away from God. And when we find ourselves falling short (which we all do), we then ought to run quickly back to the forgiveness of God, and rejoice in his mercy that comes to us in water, wafer, wine, and Word.
And then we can rejoice not only in his forgiveness, but also in his mighty power and deliverance. Joshua promises the people that if God fights for them, then one person can chase off a thousand. Do we believe that? We ought to. Think about that. Imagine that person being you! It's amazing - amazingly true. If you are God's, then you are safe, mighty, courageous, and victorious!
I thank God for the farewell speeches recorded in Scripture. I also thank him for the farewell addresses we hear from other Christian people we know and love.
Makes me wonder...if I have the opportunity to give a farewell address, what would I say? And that's not to be morbid. No, I want to know so that I can do my best to live that way now. Why wait?
Pray:
Gracious Father, thank you for leaders like Joshua who show that you are mighty and powerful, and that you can be trusted above all else. Help me to be courageous like him. Help me to walk in your righteous ways like he did. Thank you for forgiving my sins through the cross, and by your Spirit leading me and guiding me through the cross, as you led Joshua. Help me in my life and death to encourage others, even as Joshua did. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Motivations of a Brother
Read Psalm 113
"Sometimes it might seem to us that the good things of this world are overwhelmed by the bad. But the Lord is not overwhelmed. He is exalted on high, and He reaches down low with His salvation" (TLSB p. 958).
Read Joshua 22
I think that this chapter is fascinating and gives us a little insight for our own dealings with brothers and sisters in Christ.
What is so intriguing to me is that one side had proper motivations and wholesome concerns while the other side also had clean hearts and valid concerns, yet the two sides almost end up going to war. The 9 1/2 tribes misunderstood the actions of the 2 1/2 and confronted them. They were prepared to use force, but first they call them to repentance, and even generously offer them portions of their land if settling on the East side of the Jordan was going to be a problem for the 2 1/2 tribes (That sounds like Law and Gospel to me - a warning and a free and generous offer!). The 2 1/2 explain their actions and show that they indeed have true hearts. They were not worshiping a false god. Neither were they worshiping the One True God in an unauthorized way! (They specifically said it was not for sacrifice, which was to be performed in the tabernacle, and later, the temple).
In the end, both sides are satisfied. They were ramped up for conflict but parted as brothers.
I think we can learn a lot from that. I think we too often forget who the enemy is. The enemy is not my brother or sister in Christ. The enemy is not one who has been forgiven, transformed, and given a clean heart. Yes, all believers are still sinners, but we are also saints. Perhaps we take up arms when we should ask. Perhaps we blow the battle trumpet when we should listen. Actually, strike the "perhaps" from the previous sentences. We do these things.
But in Scripture we are encouraged to do good to all people, "especially to those who are of the household of faith!" (Gal. 6:10, emphasis mine, of course). I think we sooner show love to the world then our fellow redeemed brother or sister, especially when are dealing with important church matters. It doesn't mean we always agree, and it doesn't mean everyone is right. And we have to take a firm stand on doctrinal matters. However, when we are dealing with others in church, do we view them as enemies?
But who is the real enemy?
Thanks be to God, that our Savior Jesus has defeated the real enemy, the Devil, and even the sin that still clings to us. Someday we will be completely free of it! I long for that day.
Ask Yourself:
What Christians do I sometimes view as enemies? Can I adjust my perspective?
Can I cut others some slack, remembering that I am a sinner too? Can I give others credit, remembering that they are saints as well?
Am I ready to ask, listen, think, and extend the hand of brotherhood to a Christian with whom I disagree?
Pray:
"Teach me to be patient with others, Lord, so I may not grow tired of doing good. Restore me with unfailing mercy. Amen." (TLSB p. 2012).
Study with me Monday,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
"Sometimes it might seem to us that the good things of this world are overwhelmed by the bad. But the Lord is not overwhelmed. He is exalted on high, and He reaches down low with His salvation" (TLSB p. 958).
Read Joshua 22
I think that this chapter is fascinating and gives us a little insight for our own dealings with brothers and sisters in Christ.
What is so intriguing to me is that one side had proper motivations and wholesome concerns while the other side also had clean hearts and valid concerns, yet the two sides almost end up going to war. The 9 1/2 tribes misunderstood the actions of the 2 1/2 and confronted them. They were prepared to use force, but first they call them to repentance, and even generously offer them portions of their land if settling on the East side of the Jordan was going to be a problem for the 2 1/2 tribes (That sounds like Law and Gospel to me - a warning and a free and generous offer!). The 2 1/2 explain their actions and show that they indeed have true hearts. They were not worshiping a false god. Neither were they worshiping the One True God in an unauthorized way! (They specifically said it was not for sacrifice, which was to be performed in the tabernacle, and later, the temple).
In the end, both sides are satisfied. They were ramped up for conflict but parted as brothers.
I think we can learn a lot from that. I think we too often forget who the enemy is. The enemy is not my brother or sister in Christ. The enemy is not one who has been forgiven, transformed, and given a clean heart. Yes, all believers are still sinners, but we are also saints. Perhaps we take up arms when we should ask. Perhaps we blow the battle trumpet when we should listen. Actually, strike the "perhaps" from the previous sentences. We do these things.
But in Scripture we are encouraged to do good to all people, "especially to those who are of the household of faith!" (Gal. 6:10, emphasis mine, of course). I think we sooner show love to the world then our fellow redeemed brother or sister, especially when are dealing with important church matters. It doesn't mean we always agree, and it doesn't mean everyone is right. And we have to take a firm stand on doctrinal matters. However, when we are dealing with others in church, do we view them as enemies?
But who is the real enemy?
Thanks be to God, that our Savior Jesus has defeated the real enemy, the Devil, and even the sin that still clings to us. Someday we will be completely free of it! I long for that day.
Ask Yourself:
What Christians do I sometimes view as enemies? Can I adjust my perspective?
Can I cut others some slack, remembering that I am a sinner too? Can I give others credit, remembering that they are saints as well?
Am I ready to ask, listen, think, and extend the hand of brotherhood to a Christian with whom I disagree?
Pray:
"Teach me to be patient with others, Lord, so I may not grow tired of doing good. Restore me with unfailing mercy. Amen." (TLSB p. 2012).
Study with me Monday,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Unmoved
Friends, thank you for participating in this daily study of the Word. Please feel welcome to post questions or comments, so that we can learn from each other and grow together. Remember, the most important part of this blog is that we continue to read God's Word and take it to heart. May God bless our study today!
Read Joshua 21
This chapter is again a little difficult to read with all the names and places and very thorough details. But it is one that has benefit for us. We continue to see (indeed it is drilled into us through the last few chapters) that what God promised regarding inheriting the land and its cities, regarding places of refuge and pasturelands, regarding the people and the priests who serve them have all come true. What is notable is the last verse of the chapter, "Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."
How many promises has God given us? Will they fail? Or, can we count on them to come to pass? Of course, not one good promise to us through Jesus Christ will fail. Therefore, we find much encouragement and strengthening of faith as we read Joshua. Praise God, who keeps his promises!
Read Psalm 112
Are we afraid of bad news? Are we frustrated by the conflict, struggles, and hardships in our life? Does our experience proclaim the opposite of this psalm?
Then let me ask you: what is more real and more powerful - your experience, or God's Word? God's Word is real, true, and powerful. So if God's Word declares that we who are righteous through Christ will "never be moved," then we are unmovable. If it declares that we who are forgiven our many sins are also "upright" and "steady," then we are certainly righteous, gracious, and merciful as well. Even if it appears to our eyes that we perish while the wicked succeed, we know the opposite is the case. We are blessed, rich, held firm, and given triumph.
Therefore, Luther encourages us from this psalm: "The pious, who fear God, are praised for their good life and are promised eternal comfort against all trouble. They are especially commended to a sincere confidence and trust in God's grace, so that they may be undismayed and undaunted (which is the real, true faith) until they see the destruction of the godless and their foes." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
So, my friends, let us all stand unmoved, undaunted, and undismayed, for God is faithful.
Praise the Lord!
Ask Yourself:
What bad news do I fear? What hardships drag me down today?
What promises of God bring me comfort? How can I better remind myself of them?
Pray: (or sing)
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him!
(LSB 790:5, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 21
This chapter is again a little difficult to read with all the names and places and very thorough details. But it is one that has benefit for us. We continue to see (indeed it is drilled into us through the last few chapters) that what God promised regarding inheriting the land and its cities, regarding places of refuge and pasturelands, regarding the people and the priests who serve them have all come true. What is notable is the last verse of the chapter, "Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."
How many promises has God given us? Will they fail? Or, can we count on them to come to pass? Of course, not one good promise to us through Jesus Christ will fail. Therefore, we find much encouragement and strengthening of faith as we read Joshua. Praise God, who keeps his promises!
Read Psalm 112
Are we afraid of bad news? Are we frustrated by the conflict, struggles, and hardships in our life? Does our experience proclaim the opposite of this psalm?
Then let me ask you: what is more real and more powerful - your experience, or God's Word? God's Word is real, true, and powerful. So if God's Word declares that we who are righteous through Christ will "never be moved," then we are unmovable. If it declares that we who are forgiven our many sins are also "upright" and "steady," then we are certainly righteous, gracious, and merciful as well. Even if it appears to our eyes that we perish while the wicked succeed, we know the opposite is the case. We are blessed, rich, held firm, and given triumph.
Therefore, Luther encourages us from this psalm: "The pious, who fear God, are praised for their good life and are promised eternal comfort against all trouble. They are especially commended to a sincere confidence and trust in God's grace, so that they may be undismayed and undaunted (which is the real, true faith) until they see the destruction of the godless and their foes." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
So, my friends, let us all stand unmoved, undaunted, and undismayed, for God is faithful.
Praise the Lord!
Ask Yourself:
What bad news do I fear? What hardships drag me down today?
What promises of God bring me comfort? How can I better remind myself of them?
Pray: (or sing)
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him!
(LSB 790:5, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
God's Great Works
Read Joshua 20
In this chapter we see Joshua set up cities of refuge in accordance with the command God had given to Moses. With these cities of refuge, God shows himself to be a God of justice and mercy. When there was an accidental death, the family of the deceased would obviously grieve and want some sort of restitution. But if the death was truly accidental, should the "offending" party be forfeited his or her life? That wouldn't really be fair. So God set up a refuge for the accused to dwell. The person would flee there, be examined by the assembly, and if indeed are found to be innocent, they would dwell safely there for a time.
We have a refuge as well. We don't flee to a city, but to our Savior. In him we find our refuge and strength and help in times of trouble. Jesus has paid the price for our sin (we were not truly innocent!) with his own death, and he is raised to life again, that we might hide ourselves in him and have peace. Thanks be to God!
Read Psalm 111
"The 111th psalm is a psalm of thanks for the people of Israel to sing at the Passover, concerning the Passover Lamb. In this psalm they learn to praise God and give thanks in a fine, short song for all His wonderful works, especially for the spiritual authority, priesthood, Passover, Law, Word, freedom, justice, the land, help and other blessings." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
Tying together the saving work of our refuge, Jesus Christ, and the psalm that praises God for his "great works," is an ancient Latin hymn from the forth century. Some stanzas of the great hymn complete our meditation today and serve as our prayer:
Holy God, we praise Thy name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
Thou art King of Glory, Christ;
Son of God, yet born of Mary.
For us sinners sacrificed,
As to death a Tributary,
First to break the bars of death,
Thou hast opened heav’n to faith.
From Thy high celestial home,
Judge of all, again returning,
We believe that Thou shalt come
On that final judgment morning,
When Thy voice shall shake the earth
And the startled dead come forth.
Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded;
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee;
Never, Lord, abandon me.
(LSB 940:1, 4, 6-7, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
In this chapter we see Joshua set up cities of refuge in accordance with the command God had given to Moses. With these cities of refuge, God shows himself to be a God of justice and mercy. When there was an accidental death, the family of the deceased would obviously grieve and want some sort of restitution. But if the death was truly accidental, should the "offending" party be forfeited his or her life? That wouldn't really be fair. So God set up a refuge for the accused to dwell. The person would flee there, be examined by the assembly, and if indeed are found to be innocent, they would dwell safely there for a time.
We have a refuge as well. We don't flee to a city, but to our Savior. In him we find our refuge and strength and help in times of trouble. Jesus has paid the price for our sin (we were not truly innocent!) with his own death, and he is raised to life again, that we might hide ourselves in him and have peace. Thanks be to God!
Read Psalm 111
"The 111th psalm is a psalm of thanks for the people of Israel to sing at the Passover, concerning the Passover Lamb. In this psalm they learn to praise God and give thanks in a fine, short song for all His wonderful works, especially for the spiritual authority, priesthood, Passover, Law, Word, freedom, justice, the land, help and other blessings." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
Tying together the saving work of our refuge, Jesus Christ, and the psalm that praises God for his "great works," is an ancient Latin hymn from the forth century. Some stanzas of the great hymn complete our meditation today and serve as our prayer:
Holy God, we praise Thy name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
Thou art King of Glory, Christ;
Son of God, yet born of Mary.
For us sinners sacrificed,
As to death a Tributary,
First to break the bars of death,
Thou hast opened heav’n to faith.
From Thy high celestial home,
Judge of all, again returning,
We believe that Thou shalt come
On that final judgment morning,
When Thy voice shall shake the earth
And the startled dead come forth.
Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded;
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee;
Never, Lord, abandon me.
(LSB 940:1, 4, 6-7, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
King and Priest Forever
Read Joshua 19
Read Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is the portion of Scripture most quoted in the New Testament. This psalm is a most excellent prophecy of our crucified and risen Savior who ascended into the heavens to rule over all things! He is King eternal, and Priest forever. All our sins are forgiven forever, and he grants a gracious and abundant Kingdom to those who are his own.
To assist our meditation on this psalm today, I will quote from the Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) and from Martin Luther:
"The world looks for the visible manifestation of God. David sees that manifestation prophetically in one of his future descendants. In this second Lord, the divine and the human become one in order to destroy the enemies of God and of His creation" (TLSB p. 956).
"The 110th psalm is a prophecy of Christ, that He shall be an eternal king and priest, indeed true God, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and that He would be glorified and recognized. In the entire Scripture there is nothing like this psalm. It would be right to acknowledge it as the chief confirmation of the Christian faith. For nowhere else is Christ prophesied with such clear, plain words as a priest and an eternal priest. It is prophesied as well that the priesthood of Aaron would be abolished. this psalm is yet again and more splendidly extolled in the Epistle to the Hebrews. It is indeed a shame that such a psalm is not more richly extolled by Christians" (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
We give great thanks today for our Savior who is King and Priest forever, ruling over us in love and forgiving all our offenses. Praise be to Him who reigns, forever and ever, amen!
Pray:
Praise and honor belong to You, everlasting Word, because You were made flesh and sacrificed Yourself upon the cross as the offering for sin. Govern us according to Your wisdom; defend us against our enemies; speak for us with Your Father, and let us live under You in Your kingdom in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is the portion of Scripture most quoted in the New Testament. This psalm is a most excellent prophecy of our crucified and risen Savior who ascended into the heavens to rule over all things! He is King eternal, and Priest forever. All our sins are forgiven forever, and he grants a gracious and abundant Kingdom to those who are his own.
To assist our meditation on this psalm today, I will quote from the Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) and from Martin Luther:
"The world looks for the visible manifestation of God. David sees that manifestation prophetically in one of his future descendants. In this second Lord, the divine and the human become one in order to destroy the enemies of God and of His creation" (TLSB p. 956).
"The 110th psalm is a prophecy of Christ, that He shall be an eternal king and priest, indeed true God, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and that He would be glorified and recognized. In the entire Scripture there is nothing like this psalm. It would be right to acknowledge it as the chief confirmation of the Christian faith. For nowhere else is Christ prophesied with such clear, plain words as a priest and an eternal priest. It is prophesied as well that the priesthood of Aaron would be abolished. this psalm is yet again and more splendidly extolled in the Epistle to the Hebrews. It is indeed a shame that such a psalm is not more richly extolled by Christians" (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
We give great thanks today for our Savior who is King and Priest forever, ruling over us in love and forgiving all our offenses. Praise be to Him who reigns, forever and ever, amen!
Pray:
Praise and honor belong to You, everlasting Word, because You were made flesh and sacrificed Yourself upon the cross as the offering for sin. Govern us according to Your wisdom; defend us against our enemies; speak for us with Your Father, and let us live under You in Your kingdom in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Hatred for Love
Read Psalm 109
Read Joshua 18
In Psalm 109, David cries out to God for salvation and vindication. He is surrounded by traitors, false witnesses, liars, and those who seek his downfall. In this psalm, David is very much alone, being taken advantage of by evil men, with no human help available. Only God can save. To God, David cries.
This psalm is very much a Messianic psalm, where David (prophesying in the Spirit) prays and communicates the very situation of the coming Christ. He is the Righteous One who would be slandered, falsely accused, hanged on a cross to die. Judas' fellow disciples would later apply verse 8 of this psalm to Judas, and then use this Scripture to justify appointing another apostle - an important point to make when interpreting the psalm. It's clear the NT recognizes this psalm as one that tells us about Christ.
This is a Savior who led a perfect life, yet was killed because he was hated by the world. For all his loving words and actions, they rewarded him with hate. For all the good he's done, they respond with evil. And "they" aren't the only ones. We too, by nature, were enemies of God. We were enemies of God. But this is a Savior who loves his enemies, died for them, and rescues them. We have so much to be thankful for! Though we did not desire salvation, salvation came anyway, unearned, undeserved, unexpected. What a Savior!
But now as his disciples we see the hate and the evil continue towards Christ and his Christians. We should expect it. Yes, we should be offended by it, but we should expect it. And we should not let the hate and the evil stop us from proclaiming the Good News. Why? Aren't those who hate Christ, speak evil of him, and revile him unworthy of him? Yes. But so were we. He gives himself to them anyway. And if that doesn't stop the love of Christ, it shouldn't stop our love either.
So, as we go out and live for God's glory, we should expect to hear awful things about Jesus and awful things about Christians. Let's go out boldly and prove them wrong. Let us go and show love, let us do what is right, let us live a blameless life, let us proclaim peace. We Christians have a special ability to interact in a meaningful way with those around us. That "special ability" is the Holy Spirit, given to us by our Savior. He helps us to love with his love, to speak his words, and to return good for the world's evil.
Ask Yourself:
Where do you see Christ hated?
Where do you see Christians reviled and hated?
How can you live for Christ even in the midst of ridicule and disdain?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today. Pray for the persecuted Christians that they would persevere in faith and witness. Pray for yourself that you might stand firm in the face of evil. Pray that God might use you to overcome evil with good.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 18
In Psalm 109, David cries out to God for salvation and vindication. He is surrounded by traitors, false witnesses, liars, and those who seek his downfall. In this psalm, David is very much alone, being taken advantage of by evil men, with no human help available. Only God can save. To God, David cries.
This psalm is very much a Messianic psalm, where David (prophesying in the Spirit) prays and communicates the very situation of the coming Christ. He is the Righteous One who would be slandered, falsely accused, hanged on a cross to die. Judas' fellow disciples would later apply verse 8 of this psalm to Judas, and then use this Scripture to justify appointing another apostle - an important point to make when interpreting the psalm. It's clear the NT recognizes this psalm as one that tells us about Christ.
This is a Savior who led a perfect life, yet was killed because he was hated by the world. For all his loving words and actions, they rewarded him with hate. For all the good he's done, they respond with evil. And "they" aren't the only ones. We too, by nature, were enemies of God. We were enemies of God. But this is a Savior who loves his enemies, died for them, and rescues them. We have so much to be thankful for! Though we did not desire salvation, salvation came anyway, unearned, undeserved, unexpected. What a Savior!
But now as his disciples we see the hate and the evil continue towards Christ and his Christians. We should expect it. Yes, we should be offended by it, but we should expect it. And we should not let the hate and the evil stop us from proclaiming the Good News. Why? Aren't those who hate Christ, speak evil of him, and revile him unworthy of him? Yes. But so were we. He gives himself to them anyway. And if that doesn't stop the love of Christ, it shouldn't stop our love either.
So, as we go out and live for God's glory, we should expect to hear awful things about Jesus and awful things about Christians. Let's go out boldly and prove them wrong. Let us go and show love, let us do what is right, let us live a blameless life, let us proclaim peace. We Christians have a special ability to interact in a meaningful way with those around us. That "special ability" is the Holy Spirit, given to us by our Savior. He helps us to love with his love, to speak his words, and to return good for the world's evil.
Ask Yourself:
Where do you see Christ hated?
Where do you see Christians reviled and hated?
How can you live for Christ even in the midst of ridicule and disdain?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today. Pray for the persecuted Christians that they would persevere in faith and witness. Pray for yourself that you might stand firm in the face of evil. Pray that God might use you to overcome evil with good.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, July 5, 2010
We Shall Do Valiantly
Read Psalm 108
Read Joshua 17
Psalm 108 begins with praise for the steadfast love of God. It certainly is a good way to start a psalm, or a day for that matter. It then rejoices in the promise of God, and uses that promise boldly to hold God to his word. David then implores God to be present. It seems as if God had left them and let their armies struggle. But David asks God to be near and to fight for them and with them.
David has no confidence in shield or spear or chariot. He does not trust in the salvation that man can bring. He has full confidence in God. And he says that with him, they will do "valiantly." That means that with God the armies are brave, fierce, and successful.
Joshua assures Ephraim and Manasseh of the same thing. They think that the space given to them is too small. Joshua assures them that they can clear out some forest and have that space to dwell. He also tells them they can have a certain plain. But the descendants of Joseph were concerned about the chariots of the Canaanites. It almost seems as if Joshua brushes them off. But he is not so casual and flippant with them. Rather, he knows that with the Lord, we do valiantly.
The battle is his. Victory is his. Salvation is his. Thanks be to God, who triumphs over the enemy through the cross of his Son, Jesus Christ!
What is our spiritual battle? In what fights are we trusting ourselves too much? When do we trust God too little? Think about the phrase of the psalm today, and be assured that with God, you can do valiantly. You can be brave, fierce against the enemy, and victorious! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning the spiritual warfare in your life. Ask God to be with you and to fight for you. Ask him to be victorious. Then believe his promise and say "amen" with conviction!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 17
Psalm 108 begins with praise for the steadfast love of God. It certainly is a good way to start a psalm, or a day for that matter. It then rejoices in the promise of God, and uses that promise boldly to hold God to his word. David then implores God to be present. It seems as if God had left them and let their armies struggle. But David asks God to be near and to fight for them and with them.
David has no confidence in shield or spear or chariot. He does not trust in the salvation that man can bring. He has full confidence in God. And he says that with him, they will do "valiantly." That means that with God the armies are brave, fierce, and successful.
Joshua assures Ephraim and Manasseh of the same thing. They think that the space given to them is too small. Joshua assures them that they can clear out some forest and have that space to dwell. He also tells them they can have a certain plain. But the descendants of Joseph were concerned about the chariots of the Canaanites. It almost seems as if Joshua brushes them off. But he is not so casual and flippant with them. Rather, he knows that with the Lord, we do valiantly.
The battle is his. Victory is his. Salvation is his. Thanks be to God, who triumphs over the enemy through the cross of his Son, Jesus Christ!
What is our spiritual battle? In what fights are we trusting ourselves too much? When do we trust God too little? Think about the phrase of the psalm today, and be assured that with God, you can do valiantly. You can be brave, fierce against the enemy, and victorious! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning the spiritual warfare in your life. Ask God to be with you and to fight for you. Ask him to be victorious. Then believe his promise and say "amen" with conviction!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Say So
Read Psalm 107:1-22
Read Joshua 15
In Joshua 15 we hear a very long description of the allotment of land for Judah. To the modern reader, this might be a little more dry, a little more (dare I say it?) boring. But I guarantee that it was not dry and boring to the Israelite who just experienced the passing into the Promised Land and the conquest of the Lord over the enemy. Think about entering your own Promised Land (Heaven) and the Lord would show you the terrain and the features, the rivers, trees, the Holy City! We would listen attentively and thankfully, and soak it all in.
Indeed, we can do this already. Although we only have a few descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth that God will make for us on the Last Day, we can begin to picture it already. We know it will also surpass everything we can think and imagine.
But in a sense we have already begun to come into the promise. We can rejoice that we have new life, we have peace and hope, we have joy and love. Already God is pleased to dwell with us, and to continue to come to us in love and strength through the means of grace. Already we can "see" with eyes of faith the defeat over the enemy and the abundant blessing of God. We can already experience this because Jesus suffered the punishment of our sins for us. And God has given already (and promised the future fullness of it) this blessing to us in baptism, and renews it daily through His Word and in our remembrance of baptism. It is renewed as well in the Sacrament of the Altar. Thanks be to God!
Can we see how far our blessing goes? Can we see the abundance in our lives? Can we see that God is defeating sin, death, and the devil before us? Can we see that we have peace and rest already now? Then, let us do as Psalm 107 encouraged. It says, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble." (v. 1-2). God is good. His love endures forever. Therefore, we who are redeemed should "say so!" Tell someone. Share your joy. You can see and experience your salvation already. God has done this good thing. Say so!
Pray:
O Lord, let us never forget your steadfast love that delivers us. Help us not to be overwhelmed by the confusion and conflicts, the struggles and sin around us. You have restored us to yourself through the cross. You have given us the peace for which we have longed. You are bringing us into the Promised Land, our Heavenly home. Thank you. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Joshua 15
In Joshua 15 we hear a very long description of the allotment of land for Judah. To the modern reader, this might be a little more dry, a little more (dare I say it?) boring. But I guarantee that it was not dry and boring to the Israelite who just experienced the passing into the Promised Land and the conquest of the Lord over the enemy. Think about entering your own Promised Land (Heaven) and the Lord would show you the terrain and the features, the rivers, trees, the Holy City! We would listen attentively and thankfully, and soak it all in.
Indeed, we can do this already. Although we only have a few descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth that God will make for us on the Last Day, we can begin to picture it already. We know it will also surpass everything we can think and imagine.
But in a sense we have already begun to come into the promise. We can rejoice that we have new life, we have peace and hope, we have joy and love. Already God is pleased to dwell with us, and to continue to come to us in love and strength through the means of grace. Already we can "see" with eyes of faith the defeat over the enemy and the abundant blessing of God. We can already experience this because Jesus suffered the punishment of our sins for us. And God has given already (and promised the future fullness of it) this blessing to us in baptism, and renews it daily through His Word and in our remembrance of baptism. It is renewed as well in the Sacrament of the Altar. Thanks be to God!
Can we see how far our blessing goes? Can we see the abundance in our lives? Can we see that God is defeating sin, death, and the devil before us? Can we see that we have peace and rest already now? Then, let us do as Psalm 107 encouraged. It says, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble." (v. 1-2). God is good. His love endures forever. Therefore, we who are redeemed should "say so!" Tell someone. Share your joy. You can see and experience your salvation already. God has done this good thing. Say so!
Pray:
O Lord, let us never forget your steadfast love that delivers us. Help us not to be overwhelmed by the confusion and conflicts, the struggles and sin around us. You have restored us to yourself through the cross. You have given us the peace for which we have longed. You are bringing us into the Promised Land, our Heavenly home. Thank you. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Promise Kept
Read Psalm 106:24-48
"The 106th psalm is a psalm of thanks in which the psalmist acknowledges all the sins that the people of Israel had committed against God, by which they had made themselves unworthy for all His grace and blessings. Therefore, it says constantly that God has done all these things for His name's sake and for the remembrance of His covenant. Moses also says this (Deuteronomy 9:6), therefore they cannot glory in themselves except in His grace alone - as we can have no other glory." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH)
Read Joshua 14
God had promised that Caleb would enter the Promised Land because of the faithful and trusting report that he (and Joshua) had brought when they had spied out the land. Here we learn that Caleb was 40 years old. Of course he was fit and strong then. But what about now, 45 years later?
We would expect him to have weakened. But apparently, that's not the case! God wanted Caleb and everyone to be so convinced that he would keep his promise to Caleb, he didn't even let Caleb become frail, weak, and tired like every other 85-year-old would be. No. God was going to keep his promise, and keep it in a dramatic way!
And God keeps his promises to us in dramatic ways. The question is, do we see that to be the case? Do we see it true in our life? We should - for it is true! God promises to forgive us, and he does! God promises never to leave our side, and he is with us always! God promises to give us strength, and we are helped! God promises to lead and guide us, and we see his plans come to pass in our lives! How great God is! How good and marvelous! Let us always be thankful.
And let us always remember that it is because God kept his promise to send a Savior. Indeed, the Father promised a Savior to rescue us, and his Son, Jesus Christ, did that very thing. Dying on the cross, Jesus won everything for us: he won our forgiveness, our peace, our life (now and everlasting), and he won for us the assurances that God keeps his promises!
What promises of God keep you going today? What promises of God do you look forward to seeing fulfilled? Think about that today.
Pray:
"Lord Jesus, we give You most hearty thanks because You have revealed to us the saving truth of Your Gospel. Grant us grace to continue in Your Word, that we walk not after our own thoughts, but worship You in spirit and in truth. Preserve Your Word for our children, that they may walk in Your ways and remain Your people for generations to come. Amen." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, p. 257).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
"The 106th psalm is a psalm of thanks in which the psalmist acknowledges all the sins that the people of Israel had committed against God, by which they had made themselves unworthy for all His grace and blessings. Therefore, it says constantly that God has done all these things for His name's sake and for the remembrance of His covenant. Moses also says this (Deuteronomy 9:6), therefore they cannot glory in themselves except in His grace alone - as we can have no other glory." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH)
Read Joshua 14
God had promised that Caleb would enter the Promised Land because of the faithful and trusting report that he (and Joshua) had brought when they had spied out the land. Here we learn that Caleb was 40 years old. Of course he was fit and strong then. But what about now, 45 years later?
We would expect him to have weakened. But apparently, that's not the case! God wanted Caleb and everyone to be so convinced that he would keep his promise to Caleb, he didn't even let Caleb become frail, weak, and tired like every other 85-year-old would be. No. God was going to keep his promise, and keep it in a dramatic way!
And God keeps his promises to us in dramatic ways. The question is, do we see that to be the case? Do we see it true in our life? We should - for it is true! God promises to forgive us, and he does! God promises never to leave our side, and he is with us always! God promises to give us strength, and we are helped! God promises to lead and guide us, and we see his plans come to pass in our lives! How great God is! How good and marvelous! Let us always be thankful.
And let us always remember that it is because God kept his promise to send a Savior. Indeed, the Father promised a Savior to rescue us, and his Son, Jesus Christ, did that very thing. Dying on the cross, Jesus won everything for us: he won our forgiveness, our peace, our life (now and everlasting), and he won for us the assurances that God keeps his promises!
What promises of God keep you going today? What promises of God do you look forward to seeing fulfilled? Think about that today.
Pray:
"Lord Jesus, we give You most hearty thanks because You have revealed to us the saving truth of Your Gospel. Grant us grace to continue in Your Word, that we walk not after our own thoughts, but worship You in spirit and in truth. Preserve Your Word for our children, that they may walk in Your ways and remain Your people for generations to come. Amen." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, p. 257).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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