Read 1 Chronicles 13
Read Isaiah 14
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christ is Born!
Have I mentioned that I am partial to Paul Gerhardt's hymns? Here is a fabulous one for a Christmas Day meditation. Rejoice!
1 All my heart again rejoices
As I hear
Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born!” their choirs are singing
Till the air
Ev’rywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
2 Hear! The Conqueror has spoken:
“Now the foe,
Sin and woe,
Death and hell are broken!”
God is man, man to deliver,
And the Son
Now is one
With our blood forever.
3 Should we fear our God’s displeasure,
Who, to save,
Freely gave
His most precious treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son
From the throne
Of His might in heaven.
4 See the Lamb, our sin once taking
To the cross,
Suff’ring loss,
Full atonement making.
For our life His own He tenders,
And His grace
All our race
Fit for glory renders.
5 Softly from His lowly manger
Jesus calls
One and all,
“You are safe from danger.
Children, from the sins that grieve you
You are freed;
All you need
I will surely give you.”
6 Come, then, banish all your sadness!
One and all,
Great and small,
Come with songs of gladness.
We shall live with Him forever
There on high
In that joy
Which will vanish never.
(LSB 360, Public Domain)
Study with me Monday (the 27th),
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
1 All my heart again rejoices
As I hear
Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born!” their choirs are singing
Till the air
Ev’rywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
2 Hear! The Conqueror has spoken:
“Now the foe,
Sin and woe,
Death and hell are broken!”
God is man, man to deliver,
And the Son
Now is one
With our blood forever.
3 Should we fear our God’s displeasure,
Who, to save,
Freely gave
His most precious treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son
From the throne
Of His might in heaven.
4 See the Lamb, our sin once taking
To the cross,
Suff’ring loss,
Full atonement making.
For our life His own He tenders,
And His grace
All our race
Fit for glory renders.
5 Softly from His lowly manger
Jesus calls
One and all,
“You are safe from danger.
Children, from the sins that grieve you
You are freed;
All you need
I will surely give you.”
6 Come, then, banish all your sadness!
One and all,
Great and small,
Come with songs of gladness.
We shall live with Him forever
There on high
In that joy
Which will vanish never.
(LSB 360, Public Domain)
Study with me Monday (the 27th),
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Read 1 Chronicles 8
Read Isaiah 9
For our meditation today, we have a hymn that ties into our Isaiah 9 reading. In the Lutheran Service Book it is listed in the Epiphany section, I think because of the strong themes concerning "light," and possibly also because of the talk about his rule extended over all. (That gentiles are made people of God through faith in Jesus is a strong Epiphany theme as well, starting with the Magi of Matthew chapter 2).
But even though it is an Epiphany hymn, it works beautifully at Christmas as well. So, blessings on your meditation, and Merry Christmas!
1 The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been,
In shades of death have been.
2 To hail Thee, Sun of Righteousness,
The gath’ring nations come;
They joy as when the reapers bear
Their harvest treasures home,
Their harvest treasures home.
3 To us a Child of hope is born,
To us a Son is giv’n,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All pow’r in earth and heav’n,
All pow’r in earth and heav’n.
4 His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
The Everlasting Lord,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The God by all adored,
The God by all adored.
5 His righteous government and pow’r
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end,
His reign shall have no end.
6 Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,
And make us Thine alone,
Who with the Father ever art
And Holy Spirit, one,
And Holy Spirit, one.
(LSB 412, Public Domain)
(I'll post a hymn for tomorrow for a Christmas meditation. We'll return to our regular study on Monday, Dec. 27)
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Isaiah 9
For our meditation today, we have a hymn that ties into our Isaiah 9 reading. In the Lutheran Service Book it is listed in the Epiphany section, I think because of the strong themes concerning "light," and possibly also because of the talk about his rule extended over all. (That gentiles are made people of God through faith in Jesus is a strong Epiphany theme as well, starting with the Magi of Matthew chapter 2).
But even though it is an Epiphany hymn, it works beautifully at Christmas as well. So, blessings on your meditation, and Merry Christmas!
1 The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been,
In shades of death have been.
2 To hail Thee, Sun of Righteousness,
The gath’ring nations come;
They joy as when the reapers bear
Their harvest treasures home,
Their harvest treasures home.
3 To us a Child of hope is born,
To us a Son is giv’n,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All pow’r in earth and heav’n,
All pow’r in earth and heav’n.
4 His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
The Everlasting Lord,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The God by all adored,
The God by all adored.
5 His righteous government and pow’r
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end,
His reign shall have no end.
6 Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,
And make us Thine alone,
Who with the Father ever art
And Holy Spirit, one,
And Holy Spirit, one.
(LSB 412, Public Domain)
(I'll post a hymn for tomorrow for a Christmas meditation. We'll return to our regular study on Monday, Dec. 27)
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
We'll read Scripture today and tomorrow. Tomorrow (Christmas Eve) we'll read Isaiah 9 and hear about the prophecy that the Messiah, the Christ, will be the light for the people walking in darkness. He is the son who is born, the child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, etc. It should be very fitting! We'll take a break on Christmas day, and we'll come back to our regular reading on Monday. Blessings on your study!
Read 1 Chronicles 7
Read Isaiah 8
Read 1 Chronicles 7
Read Isaiah 8
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sorry this post is a little later than normal today...I'm fighting sickness! Yuck.
Anyway:
Read 1 Chronicles 2
Read Isaiah 3
Anyway:
Read 1 Chronicles 2
Read Isaiah 3
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Left Behind
Read 2 Kings 25
Read Isaiah 1
In both our readings today we hear of terrible destruction and devastation. Don't blame God, however! The sin and wickedness of the nation brought the trouble upon itself. They had rejected God's commands, his calls for repentance, his Divine protection, and his promise of forgiveness and a restored relationship.
So Jerusalem is sacked. God's house, the beautiful temple that Solomon built, is burned, and its valuables carried off. The total destruction is so severe, we can even begin to paint an accurate and meaningful picture in a short blog. God's judgment is severe and harsh. And he is just in his judgments.
What is interesting is that in both readings, however, we hear about a remnant of people who remain (which is why it is called a "remnant.") In our first reading we heard that some poor people, vine dressers and plowmen, are left in the land. In our second reading, we hear that if some had not been left behind, they would have been like Sodom, which was completely burned up and destroyed, except for Lot and some of his family. Even in the terrible devastation, God preserves for us in his Word that he is gracious, and leaves some faithful people.
The fact that they were left was a blessing to them - they kept their lives and remained in the land, demolished though it was. But it is also a blessing to us! You see, God had promised (and he will not take it back) that from this people and from this land would come an offspring (a descendant of Abraham) who would rescue humanity from its sin and brokenness.
And indeed, this would be the case. God would remember his people. God would preserve them. God would even lead captives back to the land. God would make them a nation again. The Royal Line of David was preserved. The Messiah would come!
Today we give thanks to God that at the coming of the judgment, some were left behind in the land. (By the way, this brings a different understanding to Jesus' eschatological - a.k.a. "end times" - speech in Matthew 24. The "Left Behind" authors have it completely backwards. It's not about the rapture at all. It's about remaining in God's grace, not being swept away in the coming judgment (Mt. 24:40-41). But that's another topic for another day!)
Yes, we rejoice that God preserved his people and provided a Redeemer, Jesus the Christ. We rejoice, therefore, that through him we have forgiveness of sins. We rejoice to hear Isaiah proclaim in our text today: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (v. 18). We know this is accomplished through the cross, and applied in baptism, and renewed through the Word of God. Yes, what cause for rejoicing!
Ask Yourself:
Our reading today is historical truth. But is it more than that to me?
How seriously do I heed God's warnings and regard his justice?
What do I do with my guilt? How can I be assured that my sins are cleansed and made as white as snow?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning the readings and the questions. Thank him that your salvation is provided for through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Isaiah 1
In both our readings today we hear of terrible destruction and devastation. Don't blame God, however! The sin and wickedness of the nation brought the trouble upon itself. They had rejected God's commands, his calls for repentance, his Divine protection, and his promise of forgiveness and a restored relationship.
So Jerusalem is sacked. God's house, the beautiful temple that Solomon built, is burned, and its valuables carried off. The total destruction is so severe, we can even begin to paint an accurate and meaningful picture in a short blog. God's judgment is severe and harsh. And he is just in his judgments.
What is interesting is that in both readings, however, we hear about a remnant of people who remain (which is why it is called a "remnant.") In our first reading we heard that some poor people, vine dressers and plowmen, are left in the land. In our second reading, we hear that if some had not been left behind, they would have been like Sodom, which was completely burned up and destroyed, except for Lot and some of his family. Even in the terrible devastation, God preserves for us in his Word that he is gracious, and leaves some faithful people.
The fact that they were left was a blessing to them - they kept their lives and remained in the land, demolished though it was. But it is also a blessing to us! You see, God had promised (and he will not take it back) that from this people and from this land would come an offspring (a descendant of Abraham) who would rescue humanity from its sin and brokenness.
And indeed, this would be the case. God would remember his people. God would preserve them. God would even lead captives back to the land. God would make them a nation again. The Royal Line of David was preserved. The Messiah would come!
Today we give thanks to God that at the coming of the judgment, some were left behind in the land. (By the way, this brings a different understanding to Jesus' eschatological - a.k.a. "end times" - speech in Matthew 24. The "Left Behind" authors have it completely backwards. It's not about the rapture at all. It's about remaining in God's grace, not being swept away in the coming judgment (Mt. 24:40-41). But that's another topic for another day!)
Yes, we rejoice that God preserved his people and provided a Redeemer, Jesus the Christ. We rejoice, therefore, that through him we have forgiveness of sins. We rejoice to hear Isaiah proclaim in our text today: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (v. 18). We know this is accomplished through the cross, and applied in baptism, and renewed through the Word of God. Yes, what cause for rejoicing!
Ask Yourself:
Our reading today is historical truth. But is it more than that to me?
How seriously do I heed God's warnings and regard his justice?
What do I do with my guilt? How can I be assured that my sins are cleansed and made as white as snow?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning the readings and the questions. Thank him that your salvation is provided for through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
God Pleasing Worship
Having finished the book of Colossians, let's move to the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. After Malachi, we will move on to Isaiah. We will hear wonderful prophecies of the coming Christ in Malachi and in Isaiah as we head on into Christmas. That should be fitting, right? And in the meantime, we will also hear about Josiah, considered by some to be the "hero" of the Old Testament. We'll see why beginning tomorrow. And as we read about him, remember, that meaning of his name is very much like the meaning of "Jesus." (Ah...another "type" of Christ, pointing forward to Him!) But I'm getting ahead of myself!
So, on with TODAY'S reading!
Read 2 Kings 21
Read Malachi 1
I believe it is impossible for a Christian, while honestly and seriously reading Malachi, not to feel guilty. Right off the bat we see that God speaks a strong rebuke through Malachi. Malachi, whether that was an actual name or a title of a prophet (Malachi means "my angel" or "my messenger") no doubt did not have a "fun" job. No one likes to cry out with God's judgment and condemnation. But, as God once warned Ezekiel, "If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand" (33:6).
So, though no one has joy in saying it, and no one has joy in hearing it, the warnings must be spoken, and the warnings must be heeded.
Through Malachi today God condemns heartless worship, empty sacrifices, the worst of offerings. The people of the day made a very poor attempt at obedience and proper worship in the temple. Worst of all, this was tolerated, accepted, and promoted by the priests!
Let that be a warming to me! And let it be a warming to you! How often do we honor God with our lips, but our hearts are far from him. How often do we do things to impress others, to save face, and just get by with the least amount of effort as possible?
We know from Scripture (and Jesus' own mouth!) that we should love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. That leaves no part of us behind. All of us is God's. All of us is required. There is no doubt we have fallen short.
But in the midst of the rebuke in chapter one is a marvelous prophecy: "From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts." If you are not impressed by that prophecy, you must read it again!
This is echoed by Jesus when he declares that the Good News, the Gospel concerning Himself, would be proclaimed to every nation before the end would come. God has done a mighty thing in spreading this Good News of salvation through Jesus. God continues to do a mighty thing to spread it in our lifetime.
I wonder in how many countries this blog can be read; and others like it! Not that I am anyone, but the Word of God is everywhere these days. In every place people are offering the sacrifice of praise to the One True God, offering up the pleasing incense of faith in Jesus Christ! Ok, maybe not "everywhere" just yet, but with technology, and (better yet) missionaries heading all over the globe, the potential for it to be "everywhere" is there. It seems that we are just around the corner.
A marvelous prophecy indeed! We have a gracious God who rebukes, yes, but also forgives the poverty of our worship. Covered in the blood of Jesus we can worship him in Spirit and in truth, just as Jesus himself prophesied in John 4. And not only us, but also those whom we reach!
Oh, I could keep going. But, if it were too long, who would use this Bible study tool? Take some time to ponder (and be excited by) this amazing promise in Malachi 1. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
Where is my heart when I go to church? What can I do to better prepare myself for worship?
Why go to worship? Is it to give something to God? Or to receive something from Him?
What joyful thing will I do today to be a part of God's Mission to seek and save the lost?
Pray:
"Dear Father in heaven, open my heart to appreciate the abundance of Your grace so that I may serve you with the first and best of all You have given me. Amen." (TLSB p. 1546)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
So, on with TODAY'S reading!
Read 2 Kings 21
Read Malachi 1
I believe it is impossible for a Christian, while honestly and seriously reading Malachi, not to feel guilty. Right off the bat we see that God speaks a strong rebuke through Malachi. Malachi, whether that was an actual name or a title of a prophet (Malachi means "my angel" or "my messenger") no doubt did not have a "fun" job. No one likes to cry out with God's judgment and condemnation. But, as God once warned Ezekiel, "If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand" (33:6).
So, though no one has joy in saying it, and no one has joy in hearing it, the warnings must be spoken, and the warnings must be heeded.
Through Malachi today God condemns heartless worship, empty sacrifices, the worst of offerings. The people of the day made a very poor attempt at obedience and proper worship in the temple. Worst of all, this was tolerated, accepted, and promoted by the priests!
Let that be a warming to me! And let it be a warming to you! How often do we honor God with our lips, but our hearts are far from him. How often do we do things to impress others, to save face, and just get by with the least amount of effort as possible?
We know from Scripture (and Jesus' own mouth!) that we should love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. That leaves no part of us behind. All of us is God's. All of us is required. There is no doubt we have fallen short.
But in the midst of the rebuke in chapter one is a marvelous prophecy: "From the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts." If you are not impressed by that prophecy, you must read it again!
This is echoed by Jesus when he declares that the Good News, the Gospel concerning Himself, would be proclaimed to every nation before the end would come. God has done a mighty thing in spreading this Good News of salvation through Jesus. God continues to do a mighty thing to spread it in our lifetime.
I wonder in how many countries this blog can be read; and others like it! Not that I am anyone, but the Word of God is everywhere these days. In every place people are offering the sacrifice of praise to the One True God, offering up the pleasing incense of faith in Jesus Christ! Ok, maybe not "everywhere" just yet, but with technology, and (better yet) missionaries heading all over the globe, the potential for it to be "everywhere" is there. It seems that we are just around the corner.
A marvelous prophecy indeed! We have a gracious God who rebukes, yes, but also forgives the poverty of our worship. Covered in the blood of Jesus we can worship him in Spirit and in truth, just as Jesus himself prophesied in John 4. And not only us, but also those whom we reach!
Oh, I could keep going. But, if it were too long, who would use this Bible study tool? Take some time to ponder (and be excited by) this amazing promise in Malachi 1. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
Where is my heart when I go to church? What can I do to better prepare myself for worship?
Why go to worship? Is it to give something to God? Or to receive something from Him?
What joyful thing will I do today to be a part of God's Mission to seek and save the lost?
Pray:
"Dear Father in heaven, open my heart to appreciate the abundance of Your grace so that I may serve you with the first and best of all You have given me. Amen." (TLSB p. 1546)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Image
Read 2 Kings 19
Read Colossians 3
I could comment on a whole host of great topics today, but I think I will pick up on our Colossians reading when Paul says, "[You] have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
From this passage it is clear that though humans were made in the image of God (see Genesis 1), that image has become blurry, even lost. Along with sin came the loss of the true image of God. But in Jesus Christ, that image is being restored, renewed.
Being originally made in the image of God, and being remade in God's image through Jesus Christ is really all about holiness. Paul has a list of sins that belonged to the former (corrupt) way of life, sins which we should put off and put to death. He also has a list of good things that we should do, a list of appropriate faithful responses of a person made new by Christ. Be patient, be forgiving, overlook their faults, be compassionate, be peaceful, be compassionate, and the list goes on and on.
When we (the regenerate) read such helpful instruction in God's Word, we must admit that we have not lived up to Paul's encouragement and kept God's perfect Law. This Word from God, like a crystal clear mirror, shows us our faults. But this instruction does more than make us feel guilty. As baptized, believing children of God, we know that even these sins (yes your sins of yesterday and also of today) are forgiven by our Savior. Thankful for this grace and determined to live for Christ, we eagerly receive Paul's encouragement, knowing that this is God's holy Will, and the perfect way to live for him.
Ask Yourself:
What is my God-given role in my family? My work place? My church?
How have I fallen short? In what ways have I succeeded by God's strength?
How can I improve?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today - whatever is on your heart. Know that God has promised to hear your prayer!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Read Colossians 3
I could comment on a whole host of great topics today, but I think I will pick up on our Colossians reading when Paul says, "[You] have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
From this passage it is clear that though humans were made in the image of God (see Genesis 1), that image has become blurry, even lost. Along with sin came the loss of the true image of God. But in Jesus Christ, that image is being restored, renewed.
Being originally made in the image of God, and being remade in God's image through Jesus Christ is really all about holiness. Paul has a list of sins that belonged to the former (corrupt) way of life, sins which we should put off and put to death. He also has a list of good things that we should do, a list of appropriate faithful responses of a person made new by Christ. Be patient, be forgiving, overlook their faults, be compassionate, be peaceful, be compassionate, and the list goes on and on.
When we (the regenerate) read such helpful instruction in God's Word, we must admit that we have not lived up to Paul's encouragement and kept God's perfect Law. This Word from God, like a crystal clear mirror, shows us our faults. But this instruction does more than make us feel guilty. As baptized, believing children of God, we know that even these sins (yes your sins of yesterday and also of today) are forgiven by our Savior. Thankful for this grace and determined to live for Christ, we eagerly receive Paul's encouragement, knowing that this is God's holy Will, and the perfect way to live for him.
Ask Yourself:
What is my God-given role in my family? My work place? My church?
How have I fallen short? In what ways have I succeeded by God's strength?
How can I improve?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today - whatever is on your heart. Know that God has promised to hear your prayer!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Our Substitute and Our Example
Read 2 Kings 14
Read Philippians 2
Whenever we talk about how we must imitate Christ, follow his example, life like him, talk like him, show compassion like him, we must always remember that Christ is more than our example. If he were only our example, then we would be lost for sure. If he were only our example, then we would have wonderful passages like "deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me," but we have would have no power to live it.
No, he is more than our example. He is also our substitute. He stepped into our sandals and lived the holy, perfect life that we were unable and unwilling to live. And then he laid down on the rough wood of our cross to suffer our hell. In doing this he made full atonement for us. He gives us free and full forgiveness. He gives us new life. He gives us peace that passes understanding. As baptized and believing children of God, we rejoice that he is our Savior, our substitute.
And in that joy and peace and strength we then seek to live as he did. We are encouraged by Paul to have the same servant attitude, the same desire for peace with those around us, the same humility, the same joy to serve the Father. Willingly, still rejoicing that Jesus is our substitute, we follow our example, Jesus, with grumbling or coercion.
And lest we become proud in our "good work," and forget once again to be humble, Paul reminds us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. We live it out thankful for the gift, mindful of our many sins and shortcomings, and casting ourselves solely on the mercy of God. And we give credit to God for whatever truly good things we do, for he is working in us both to will and to do good (v. 13). That is, to actually have the desire and to actually follow through.
Since in this chapter Paul both encourages us to follow Christ's example and also launches into a marvelous, beauteous description of the suffering and subsequent exaltation of Jesus, let us also always remember that he is our substitute and our example. Let us always rejoice that salvation is ours as a free gift, and then in this new life given to us to live remember our joy and privilege to be obedient, humble, and compassionate!
May God strengthen you in that resolve until Christ returns and every knee bends in his honor, and ever tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord!
Ask Yourself:
What tasks has God given to me to do that I am unwilling to do?
What tasks am I unable to do because of sinfulness and human weakness?
What do I do with my guilt when I fall short? Where do I go for strength to do better?
Pray:
"Dear Lord Jesus, place firmly in our minds and hearts both who You are and what You are so that we may proclaim Your grace and image to others. Amen." (TLSB p. 2035).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Philippians 2
Whenever we talk about how we must imitate Christ, follow his example, life like him, talk like him, show compassion like him, we must always remember that Christ is more than our example. If he were only our example, then we would be lost for sure. If he were only our example, then we would have wonderful passages like "deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me," but we have would have no power to live it.
No, he is more than our example. He is also our substitute. He stepped into our sandals and lived the holy, perfect life that we were unable and unwilling to live. And then he laid down on the rough wood of our cross to suffer our hell. In doing this he made full atonement for us. He gives us free and full forgiveness. He gives us new life. He gives us peace that passes understanding. As baptized and believing children of God, we rejoice that he is our Savior, our substitute.
And in that joy and peace and strength we then seek to live as he did. We are encouraged by Paul to have the same servant attitude, the same desire for peace with those around us, the same humility, the same joy to serve the Father. Willingly, still rejoicing that Jesus is our substitute, we follow our example, Jesus, with grumbling or coercion.
And lest we become proud in our "good work," and forget once again to be humble, Paul reminds us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. We live it out thankful for the gift, mindful of our many sins and shortcomings, and casting ourselves solely on the mercy of God. And we give credit to God for whatever truly good things we do, for he is working in us both to will and to do good (v. 13). That is, to actually have the desire and to actually follow through.
Since in this chapter Paul both encourages us to follow Christ's example and also launches into a marvelous, beauteous description of the suffering and subsequent exaltation of Jesus, let us also always remember that he is our substitute and our example. Let us always rejoice that salvation is ours as a free gift, and then in this new life given to us to live remember our joy and privilege to be obedient, humble, and compassionate!
May God strengthen you in that resolve until Christ returns and every knee bends in his honor, and ever tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord!
Ask Yourself:
What tasks has God given to me to do that I am unwilling to do?
What tasks am I unable to do because of sinfulness and human weakness?
What do I do with my guilt when I fall short? Where do I go for strength to do better?
Pray:
"Dear Lord Jesus, place firmly in our minds and hearts both who You are and what You are so that we may proclaim Your grace and image to others. Amen." (TLSB p. 2035).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Live or Die
Read 2 Kings 13
Read Philippians 1
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Sounds like a win/win situation for the Christian. And it is. Not that living (and dying) the Christian way is always easy or care-free, but it is a blessing, a gift from God, a victory.
Paul makes it clear that his task is to preach Christ crucified. That's all he desires to know. It's all he desires to do. Yet, in his prison cell, we can hear with the Philippians his humanity and his weary tone underneath his words. Paul longs for his heavenly home. He longs for that divine and blessed rest. He longs to be free of the chains and the pains. With a sure and solid faith that does not fear death, he knows it will be far better for him to be with the Lord.
But, apparently it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would remain on this earth for a time and labor for Christ some more. He knew that this would mean "fruitful labor," his hard work helping and benefiting the Philippian church. So, he was determined to remain, to work, and make good use of the time.
We are in the same situation as Paul. We long for our heavenly home, yet we find ourselves still here on earth. Now, we maybe aren't longing for our heavenly home as intensely because we maybe are suffering like Paul, maybe aren't near the end of our time here, aren't looking for a release from chains. Maybe we aren't wishing we could die and receive that "gain," that heavenly home Christ won for us. But maybe someone we know is in that situation. Maybe someone we know is wondering if it is ok to wish they were dead and with Christ. Maybe someone is wondering why God hasn't taken them yet, wondering what God wants them to do with this extra time they seem to have. Philippians 1 would be a perfect thing to share with them.
And us? Well, even if we don't feel it as intensely as Paul does, we still feel it. Especially when we are sad, depressed, hurting, frustrated, feeling guilty, and disliking the mess that our lives, our families, or our world are in. Yes, it is better to be with the Lord. And you will be, when God calls you home and not before. But if you are reading this blog with human eyes, then apparently God has left you here to do some good work, fruitful work for Him.
Today is a gift. An opportunity. God is with you. He will strengthen you, as you live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
I still fear death. Why? What gives me peace when I am afraid?
I am still here. Why? What gives me hope, purpose, and strength for living?
How can I share this hope and strength with others?
Pray:
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for the redemption you have given me in your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that I may ever cling hopefully to the forgiveness and everlasting life given to me through his bloody cross and empty tomb. By your Holy Spirit, strengthen me to make good use of my time in this life, that I may live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ, and that my labor might be fruitful for your glory alone. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Philippians 1
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Sounds like a win/win situation for the Christian. And it is. Not that living (and dying) the Christian way is always easy or care-free, but it is a blessing, a gift from God, a victory.
Paul makes it clear that his task is to preach Christ crucified. That's all he desires to know. It's all he desires to do. Yet, in his prison cell, we can hear with the Philippians his humanity and his weary tone underneath his words. Paul longs for his heavenly home. He longs for that divine and blessed rest. He longs to be free of the chains and the pains. With a sure and solid faith that does not fear death, he knows it will be far better for him to be with the Lord.
But, apparently it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would remain on this earth for a time and labor for Christ some more. He knew that this would mean "fruitful labor," his hard work helping and benefiting the Philippian church. So, he was determined to remain, to work, and make good use of the time.
We are in the same situation as Paul. We long for our heavenly home, yet we find ourselves still here on earth. Now, we maybe aren't longing for our heavenly home as intensely because we maybe are suffering like Paul, maybe aren't near the end of our time here, aren't looking for a release from chains. Maybe we aren't wishing we could die and receive that "gain," that heavenly home Christ won for us. But maybe someone we know is in that situation. Maybe someone we know is wondering if it is ok to wish they were dead and with Christ. Maybe someone is wondering why God hasn't taken them yet, wondering what God wants them to do with this extra time they seem to have. Philippians 1 would be a perfect thing to share with them.
And us? Well, even if we don't feel it as intensely as Paul does, we still feel it. Especially when we are sad, depressed, hurting, frustrated, feeling guilty, and disliking the mess that our lives, our families, or our world are in. Yes, it is better to be with the Lord. And you will be, when God calls you home and not before. But if you are reading this blog with human eyes, then apparently God has left you here to do some good work, fruitful work for Him.
Today is a gift. An opportunity. God is with you. He will strengthen you, as you live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
I still fear death. Why? What gives me peace when I am afraid?
I am still here. Why? What gives me hope, purpose, and strength for living?
How can I share this hope and strength with others?
Pray:
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for the redemption you have given me in your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that I may ever cling hopefully to the forgiveness and everlasting life given to me through his bloody cross and empty tomb. By your Holy Spirit, strengthen me to make good use of my time in this life, that I may live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ, and that my labor might be fruitful for your glory alone. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)