“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.” [1]
May God grant us the wisdom to choose living for His glory and for the uplifting of others rather than living for the palatable pleasure of drinking wines and strong drinks.
“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.” [2]
The above verses note that strong drink and wine are used as a coping mechanism for those who are perishing so they can forget their poverty and misery. Why would anyone who is happy and abounding in blessings like a king or a rich ruler want to take a numbing agent to forget?
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” [3]
Rather than waste one’s wealth on a drink designed for forgetting and numbing, why not use one’s position of influence to help people who have no clue how to live well? Rather than drinking as they do, use your unimpaired heart and mind to direct the poor and needy to resources and means to overcome their crisis.
Or as the Lord says in another place, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [4]
Be filled with the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit fills out mouth with songs and melodies of worship to God. God created and sustains all things. When we praise, thank and worship Him, He reveals to us how much He has and how much He wants to bless the lives of others through us. Rather than leaving us inward and feeling bad about ourselves, He points us outward to consider those whose situation is worse than our own, and He leads us with action steps to make our community a better place to live.
If you are familiar with the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it emphasizes how one person’s resolve not to let others suffer can be the difference between a community overcome by degradation and crime or a community where love and care for one another is flourishing and enjoyed.
[1] Proverbs 31:4-5
[2] Proverbs 31:6-7
[3] Proverbs 31:8-9
[4] Ephesians 5:17-20
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Monday, December 30, 2024
Do Not Harm Yourself
“When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’” [1]
He had a family. He had a job. His wife, his children, his parents, his siblings, his coworkers and his friends would have experienced pain and bewilderment if he had ended his life. Yet, he was ready in a moment to do so because of a crisis.
Thank God for God’s servant Paul who was there and said to him with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself!”
May God help us to be “there” for people who have reached a point of what they consider to be a point of no return.
Jesus Christ was there for me in August 1979. I was about to end my life and He spoke to my conscious saying, “Don’t do that! Give your life to Me and I will use it to touch many people.” I replied, “I have only messed it up, but if You can do anything with it is Yours. I won’t try to take it back again.”
Jesus Christ received that prayer, and birthed me anew unto Him by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Fast forward 45 years later, and I am standing in a church that two of my sons-in-law pastor. One just preached a Scripture-loaded Christ-exalting message from Jeremiah 6:16-21. The other led us in beautifully composed and played songs of worship. The church was full of people including people from Africa, Ukraine, Russia and Asia. Members tell me after the service how both of my daughters have meant so much to their spiritual development in Christ.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Glory to God!
God has been so gracious, long suffering and generous towards me. And I am just one of a multitude of individuals who have had a similar experience with Jesus Christ.
“The jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” [2]
The magistrates expected the jailer to keep prisoners from escaping. He probably had never once disappointed them or himself in this regard. Now, due to an earthquake, the prison doors are open. He assumed that he had failed his main mission in life. There was nothing more worth living for, but Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Those words stopped him from plunging his sword into his body. And he wanted something more after that. He wanted what he saw that Paul and Silas had.
Our Lord Jesus Christ had revealed His glory in that prison via His servants Paul and Silas.
Let’s go back to where this edition of the jailer’s salvation story started…
“The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” [3]
When the jailer received these two prisoners, their clothes had been torn off. They had been beaten many times over with rods. The jailer had been given strict orders to keep them safely so he locked them in an inner cell and shackled their feet.
But the kingdom of God entered that prison that night when God’s servants entered there.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.” [4]
In God’s Kingdom there is intercession for others and there is worship of the One who hears and answers prayers. The jailer got a glimpse of this kingdom via the lives of Paul and Silas, and then, the earth began to shake, bonds fell off and prison doors opened.
Barlow Girl produced a music video for their song, “Never Alone.” In the video, a man is bound with ropes from which he cannot escape, but he continues to pray and trust the Lord against the odds and at the end of the song, he is free. The lyrics of the song are meant to encourage the person who is in a hard place to keep trusting God, keep praying, deliverance will come.
“I waited for You today
But You didn't show, no, no, no
I needed You today
So, where did You go?
You told me to call, said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?
I cried out with no reply and
I can't feel You by my side so
I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here
And I'm never alone
I know I cannot see You
And I can't explain why (why)
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life
Whoa, we cannot separate 'cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible, I'll trust the unseen.
I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here
And I'm never alone.”
The jailer experienced salvation that night. He and his family!
“And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” [5]
Rather than grief there was rejoicing thanks to Jesus Christ!
What about the jailer’s job? Did the Lord take care of those misguided magistrates who mistreated Paul and Silas? Those evil authorities who execute those who fail them?
“When it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, ‘Let those men go.’ And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, ‘The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.’ But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.’ The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.” [6]
Thanks to Jesus and His servants Paul and Silas, the jailer and his family were saved. When Jesus showed up, miracles happened and his life improved. He was born anew. He enjoyed a relationship with God and so did his family members.
Rather than being executed by his bosses, the jailer saw his bosses apologize to his prisoners.
God takes what was meant for evil and turns it around for the good. [7] We just need to believe in Him and ask Him to help us. Not be our own savior! No one can save themselves from sin and its consequences. That’s the Savior’s role! Jesus Christ alone is Savior. With Him there is forgiveness of sin, and there is power to live a new life.
“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” [8]
Don’t harm yourself! Love God! Surrender your life to His purpose for you. Be patient! It is better to give your life to Jesus Christ than to destroy it. You will never be able to measure how much He has done and will do through your life.
[1] Acts 16:27-28
[2] Acts 16:29-31
[3] Acts 16:22-24
[4] Acts 16:25-26
[5] Acts 16:32-34
[6] Acts 16:35-40
[7] Genesis 50:20
[8] Romans 8:28
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Open Your Mouth and I Will Fill It
Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.’” [1]
God is willing to put His Word in our mouths. Are we willing to receive it? His Word is powerful.
“The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” [2]
God’s Word is like a mirror that reflects to us where we are in our relationship with God, but with the added blessing of giving us hope that what we cannot change about ourselves, God can.
God transforms us as we offer ourselves to Him.
“I appeal to you… by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [3]
God works in and through those who serve His Word.
“See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” [4]
There is much that needs to be plucked up, broke down, destroyed and overthrown in the lives of people. For example, vertical sins such as not loving God. Deeming other people or things more important than one’s relationship with Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The sin of not believing what God says in His Word.
Then, there are the horizontal sins that we commit against ourselves and others. Sins like lying, stealing, jealousy, greed, fornication, selfishness, and the like. Sin needs to be brought to the foot of the cross of Jesus, confessed, repented of and renounced. Only with the Lord’s forgiveness, grace and Holy Spirit infilling are we transformed into His image.
The Word of the Lord is like a wrecking ball to that which is of no worth in one’s life. But the removal of that which is not beneficial for us and others is only stage one of the process.
The Word of the Lord also builds us up and plants in our lives what was not there before. For example, a close relationship between us and the Lord. A knowing that He exists and rewards us as we grow in His likeness.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” [5]
The fruits of the Holy Spirit help us to enjoy abundant life. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, comforter, and helper.
There are scoffers who reject God’s Word. Some scoffers delight in degrading and destroying those who bear witness to God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus. This is nothing new.
Lot’s sons-in-law scoffed when he told them that Sodom was about to be destroyed in an instant. The prophet Jeremiah’s people scoffed at his message from God that their city would be destroyed. “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” Such scoff at the mention of a white throne judgment where those who counted the Lamb of God and His Word as trash are counted as trash and are thrown into the lake of fire with the devil and his angels! [6]
There is a lack of justice in this world but eventually the Lord will set everything right. Deniers and opposers of Christ will eventually lose everything. Those who profess and honor Christ have a sure inheritance from God.
“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [7]
Let us who have the Word of God, rely on God to help us speak it. He says to us, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” [8]
Speaking for God is always an act of faith. Faith that He will be with us! Testimonies about Jesus are what people need to hear.
God wants to save wicked people not destroy them.
“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live.” [9]
We have good news for those who cannot save themselves… which is all of us… Jesus Christ did everything necessary to secure our forgiveness. He gives believers in Him eternal life as a gift. A gift that He paid dearly for and of which we just need to believe Him for! [10]
[1] Jeremiah 1:9
[2] Hebrews 4:12
[3] Romans 12:1-2
[4] Jeremiah 1:10
[5] Galatians 5:22-23
[6] Genesis 19:14; Jeremiah 26:11; Jude 1:18; Revelation 20:11-15
[7] Matthew 7:24-27
[8] Psalm 81:10
[9] Ezekiel 18:23
[10] Ephesians 2:8-9
God is willing to put His Word in our mouths. Are we willing to receive it? His Word is powerful.
“The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” [2]
God’s Word is like a mirror that reflects to us where we are in our relationship with God, but with the added blessing of giving us hope that what we cannot change about ourselves, God can.
God transforms us as we offer ourselves to Him.
“I appeal to you… by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [3]
God works in and through those who serve His Word.
“See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” [4]
There is much that needs to be plucked up, broke down, destroyed and overthrown in the lives of people. For example, vertical sins such as not loving God. Deeming other people or things more important than one’s relationship with Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The sin of not believing what God says in His Word.
Then, there are the horizontal sins that we commit against ourselves and others. Sins like lying, stealing, jealousy, greed, fornication, selfishness, and the like. Sin needs to be brought to the foot of the cross of Jesus, confessed, repented of and renounced. Only with the Lord’s forgiveness, grace and Holy Spirit infilling are we transformed into His image.
The Word of the Lord is like a wrecking ball to that which is of no worth in one’s life. But the removal of that which is not beneficial for us and others is only stage one of the process.
The Word of the Lord also builds us up and plants in our lives what was not there before. For example, a close relationship between us and the Lord. A knowing that He exists and rewards us as we grow in His likeness.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” [5]
The fruits of the Holy Spirit help us to enjoy abundant life. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, comforter, and helper.
There are scoffers who reject God’s Word. Some scoffers delight in degrading and destroying those who bear witness to God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus. This is nothing new.
Lot’s sons-in-law scoffed when he told them that Sodom was about to be destroyed in an instant. The prophet Jeremiah’s people scoffed at his message from God that their city would be destroyed. “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” Such scoff at the mention of a white throne judgment where those who counted the Lamb of God and His Word as trash are counted as trash and are thrown into the lake of fire with the devil and his angels! [6]
There is a lack of justice in this world but eventually the Lord will set everything right. Deniers and opposers of Christ will eventually lose everything. Those who profess and honor Christ have a sure inheritance from God.
“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [7]
Let us who have the Word of God, rely on God to help us speak it. He says to us, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” [8]
Speaking for God is always an act of faith. Faith that He will be with us! Testimonies about Jesus are what people need to hear.
God wants to save wicked people not destroy them.
“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live.” [9]
We have good news for those who cannot save themselves… which is all of us… Jesus Christ did everything necessary to secure our forgiveness. He gives believers in Him eternal life as a gift. A gift that He paid dearly for and of which we just need to believe Him for! [10]
[1] Jeremiah 1:9
[2] Hebrews 4:12
[3] Romans 12:1-2
[4] Jeremiah 1:10
[5] Galatians 5:22-23
[6] Genesis 19:14; Jeremiah 26:11; Jude 1:18; Revelation 20:11-15
[7] Matthew 7:24-27
[8] Psalm 81:10
[9] Ezekiel 18:23
[10] Ephesians 2:8-9
Friday, December 27, 2024
The Prophetic Nature of the Church
Jesus commissioned His Church to make disciples. He poured out His Holy Spirit on the Church. So, we have divine authorization and enduement of power to be His ambassadors. Now, we are called to operate as the holy prophets of old operated. We are called to “keep in step with the Spirit.” [1] We hear from God and speak for God as the Spirit gives utterance.
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [2]
“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” [3]
There is a big difference between interpreting and proclaiming Scriptures by the power of the Holy Spirit and trying to do so without Him.
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The good news is that the Lord wants people to be able to understand and help others understand His Word.
The Holy Spirit helps us to proclaim the Bible rightly.
“No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” [5]
The Holy Spirit gives prophetic revelation into God’s Word.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maid servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” [6]
The good news about the prophetic role of the Church is that our role is to proclaim Christ as the Savior. We are not the saviors. He is! Our calling is to present His Word as the Holy Spirit leads us and believe in His power to convert souls and make disciples through us.
The Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus according to Revelation 19:10. The messages of the apostles in the Book of Acts bear witness to this truth.
“[Jesus Christ] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your Seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” [7]
All God’s prophets bear witness to Jesus. “Every soul who will not hear that Prophet will be utterly destroyed.” That is very serious. The Spirit calls Paul’s listeners sons of the prophets. What are they to do? They are to receive Jesus as Messiah.
Peter preached, “ To Him all the prophets witness that, through His Name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” [8]
People with prophetic gifts are mentioned in the Book of Acts. These are not Scripture writing prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel. They are people who help the Church navigate through various situations.
“And in these days, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.” “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…” “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” “Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.” [9]
The Lord in His grace has allowed me to experience the blessing of receiving a download from His Spirit when asked to speak impromptu. This is what Paul did on occasion…
“After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, ‘Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.’” [10]
Scriptures from the Law and Prophets were read. Paul was asked if he had a word of exhortation for the people. Relying on the Holy Spirit, He did.
The word for exhortation in the original Greek text for the above verse is “Παρακλησεως” (paraklesis). It comes from the word “parakaleo” which means “to call to one’s side,” which is an act of comforting someone. In the New Testament, “paraklesis” is often used to describe the Holy Spirit's role as a comforter and advocate.
Paul’s message about Christ was sourced from the writings of Moses and the prophets…
“Therefore, having obtained help from God to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” “So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” [11]
He asked one of his listeners if he believed the prophets…
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” [12]
Paul was also given divine navigational messages from the Lord while traveling whereby he had peace in the midst of a storm and was able to convey that peace to others…
“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” [13]
How many people are hearing the Word of God week after week, but not hearing or believing it? They need to believe that Jesus is the One and Only Savior of humankind. The One and Only Messiah. There is no other. Each of us must repent of our sins, ask God to forgive us, and ask God our Father in the Name of Jesus to fill us with His Holy Spirit.
Throughout history, there have been people who hear God’s Word but do not yield themselves to the Lord to do His transforming work in their lives. Paul spoke to such a crowd when he said, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: hearing you will hear and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’” [14]
There is none so blind as one who refuses to see.
The Lord provided for Paul. The Lord is no man’s debtor. No man can out give God. At the end of the Book of Acts, Paul has a home from which he continues his ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. I have to believe that this is what God did for all His prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. He provides for us as we bring His Word to the nations.
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” [15]
[1] Galatian 5:16
[2] Acts 2:4
[3] John 14:26
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
[5] 2 Peter 1:20-21
[6] Acts 2:17-18
[7] Acts 3:21-26
[8] Acts 10:43
[9] Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9-10
[10] Acts 13:15
[11] Acts 26:22-23; Acts 28:23
[12] Acts 26:27
[13] Acts 27:22-26
[14] Acts 28:25-27
[15] Acts 28:30-31
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” [2]
“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” [3]
There is a big difference between interpreting and proclaiming Scriptures by the power of the Holy Spirit and trying to do so without Him.
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The good news is that the Lord wants people to be able to understand and help others understand His Word.
The Holy Spirit helps us to proclaim the Bible rightly.
“No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” [5]
The Holy Spirit gives prophetic revelation into God’s Word.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maid servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” [6]
The good news about the prophetic role of the Church is that our role is to proclaim Christ as the Savior. We are not the saviors. He is! Our calling is to present His Word as the Holy Spirit leads us and believe in His power to convert souls and make disciples through us.
The Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus according to Revelation 19:10. The messages of the apostles in the Book of Acts bear witness to this truth.
“[Jesus Christ] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your Seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” [7]
All God’s prophets bear witness to Jesus. “Every soul who will not hear that Prophet will be utterly destroyed.” That is very serious. The Spirit calls Paul’s listeners sons of the prophets. What are they to do? They are to receive Jesus as Messiah.
Peter preached, “ To Him all the prophets witness that, through His Name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” [8]
People with prophetic gifts are mentioned in the Book of Acts. These are not Scripture writing prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel. They are people who help the Church navigate through various situations.
“And in these days, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.” “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…” “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” “Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.” [9]
The Lord in His grace has allowed me to experience the blessing of receiving a download from His Spirit when asked to speak impromptu. This is what Paul did on occasion…
“After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, ‘Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.’” [10]
Scriptures from the Law and Prophets were read. Paul was asked if he had a word of exhortation for the people. Relying on the Holy Spirit, He did.
The word for exhortation in the original Greek text for the above verse is “Παρακλησεως” (paraklesis). It comes from the word “parakaleo” which means “to call to one’s side,” which is an act of comforting someone. In the New Testament, “paraklesis” is often used to describe the Holy Spirit's role as a comforter and advocate.
Paul’s message about Christ was sourced from the writings of Moses and the prophets…
“Therefore, having obtained help from God to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” “So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” [11]
He asked one of his listeners if he believed the prophets…
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” [12]
Paul was also given divine navigational messages from the Lord while traveling whereby he had peace in the midst of a storm and was able to convey that peace to others…
“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” [13]
How many people are hearing the Word of God week after week, but not hearing or believing it? They need to believe that Jesus is the One and Only Savior of humankind. The One and Only Messiah. There is no other. Each of us must repent of our sins, ask God to forgive us, and ask God our Father in the Name of Jesus to fill us with His Holy Spirit.
Throughout history, there have been people who hear God’s Word but do not yield themselves to the Lord to do His transforming work in their lives. Paul spoke to such a crowd when he said, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: hearing you will hear and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’” [14]
There is none so blind as one who refuses to see.
The Lord provided for Paul. The Lord is no man’s debtor. No man can out give God. At the end of the Book of Acts, Paul has a home from which he continues his ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. I have to believe that this is what God did for all His prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. He provides for us as we bring His Word to the nations.
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” [15]
[1] Galatian 5:16
[2] Acts 2:4
[3] John 14:26
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
[5] 2 Peter 1:20-21
[6] Acts 2:17-18
[7] Acts 3:21-26
[8] Acts 10:43
[9] Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9-10
[10] Acts 13:15
[11] Acts 26:22-23; Acts 28:23
[12] Acts 26:27
[13] Acts 27:22-26
[14] Acts 28:25-27
[15] Acts 28:30-31
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Knowing the Lord
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
This morning, the Lord showed me through His prophet Jeremiah that knowing the Lord is the key issue that God is concerned about for each us. The Lord wants people to know Him. Those who refuse to know Him grieve His heart because they perish needlessly in their sins.
Prophets of God call people to know the Lord. The need to know the Lord is emphasized by the Old Testament prophets, by the Apostles and by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
During the days of Jeremiah the prophet, the people of Israel and Judah experienced a time of great tribulation under the Babylonian regime but out of this tribulation came forth a remnant of people who knew the Lord.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus reveals an empire whom He metaphorically calls Babylon. Babylon is a kingdom ruled by people who do not know the Lord. There is a time of great tribulation due to the rule of Babylon, but then, after a season, the Lord intervenes and Babylon is destroyed. The devil, his false prophet, the beast, death and hades are thrown into the lake of fire. Afterwards, those who know the Lord live and reign with Christ in a kingdom that will never end. A kingdom full righteousness, peace and joy! [2]
The Lord expresses His concern about people not knowing Him throughout the Book of Jeremiah the prophet.
“For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” [3]
“Thus says the Lord: let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord.” [4]
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah… I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” [5]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [6]
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” [7]
“He [Jesus Christ God’s Son Savior] was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His Name.” [8]
Do you know God? If not, you can know Him. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who brings God into the lives of those who receive Him.
[1] John 17:3
[2] Romans 14:17
[3] Jeremiah 3:22
[4] Jeremiah 9:23-24
[5] Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34
[6] Revelation 20:10-15
[7] Revelation 21:1-5
[8] John 1:10-12
This morning, the Lord showed me through His prophet Jeremiah that knowing the Lord is the key issue that God is concerned about for each us. The Lord wants people to know Him. Those who refuse to know Him grieve His heart because they perish needlessly in their sins.
Prophets of God call people to know the Lord. The need to know the Lord is emphasized by the Old Testament prophets, by the Apostles and by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
During the days of Jeremiah the prophet, the people of Israel and Judah experienced a time of great tribulation under the Babylonian regime but out of this tribulation came forth a remnant of people who knew the Lord.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus reveals an empire whom He metaphorically calls Babylon. Babylon is a kingdom ruled by people who do not know the Lord. There is a time of great tribulation due to the rule of Babylon, but then, after a season, the Lord intervenes and Babylon is destroyed. The devil, his false prophet, the beast, death and hades are thrown into the lake of fire. Afterwards, those who know the Lord live and reign with Christ in a kingdom that will never end. A kingdom full righteousness, peace and joy! [2]
The Lord expresses His concern about people not knowing Him throughout the Book of Jeremiah the prophet.
“For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” [3]
“Thus says the Lord: let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord.” [4]
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah… I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” [5]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [6]
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” [7]
“He [Jesus Christ God’s Son Savior] was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His Name.” [8]
Do you know God? If not, you can know Him. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who brings God into the lives of those who receive Him.
[1] John 17:3
[2] Romans 14:17
[3] Jeremiah 3:22
[4] Jeremiah 9:23-24
[5] Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34
[6] Revelation 20:10-15
[7] Revelation 21:1-5
[8] John 1:10-12
Monday, December 23, 2024
WHOSOEVER
Thanks be to God for the Gospel! Paul exemplifies for us a life of gratitude to God for the Gospel.
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the Gospel of God.” [1]
Paul has a river of life proceeding from him. He is social media influencer for Jesus Christ. He joyfully extols the Gospel as having it’s roots in the writings of God’s prophets.
“Which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” [2]
What was the promise of the prophets? They promised the Son of God! They promised the Messiah (Christ). Connected to King David’s family line via His conception by a virgin! Raised from the dead! Declared to be the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit! Having graced holy apostles with power to bring people from all nations to believe in His Name!
“Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His Name.” [3]
Paul celebrated the Romans who responded to the call of Jesus Christ. Called to be loved by God! Called to be holy! Grace to them! Peace from God to them! He thanked God that news of their faith in Christ was spreading everywhere. Even people living in the conquering empire of the world had humbled themselves and turned their lives over to Christ!
“[To] the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” [4]
Paul repeats with resounding joy that he is serving the Gospel of God’s Son. He prays without ceasing for those who have a similar passion. He prays that God will make a way for him to be with them. He wants to impart spiritual gifts to them that will encourage both their faith and his.
“God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” [5]
How does Paul perceive himself in the light of the Gospel?
“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.” [6]
He is humbled by God’s grace. He is ready to share the Gospel with people who speak different languages, and who live by different customs than he does. He is wiling to share the Good News with educated and uneducated people. Paul’s just ready to preach the Gospel.
“I am ready to preach the Gospel to you… I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It [the Gospel of Christ] is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it [the Gospel of Christ] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” [7]
The Gospel of Christ is about the Son of God canceling your sin debts and issuing to you a royal pardon. A pardon that stems from His grace and love for you! How do you acquire this pardon? You profess faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior. You receive His Holy Spirit to help you live a new life.
The alternative to ignoring and denying salvation by faith in God’s grace is bad.
“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” [8]
The truth of righteousness is embodied in Jesus Christ. All righteousness comes from God through His Son Jesus Christ. So, people who suppress the mentioning of the Name of Jesus are under God’s wrath. This truth is illustrated in the Book of Acts when a false prophet named Elymas Bar-Jesus tried to turn a Roman proconsul named Sergius Paulus from believing in Christ. God struck Elymas with a season of blindness. Previously, Christ had struck Paul with temporary blindness, and later, healed him. Jesus offered to Elymas the same opportunity he had offered to Paul to repent of his sin and to believe in Him via this miraculous sign. [9]
What happens when people reject Christ? The lights go out! Their thoughts and hearts become dark. They try replacing the Creator with created things which can never fill the void in our hearts that only He can fill.
“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man... …They worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” [10]
God gives people freewill. We can choose to reject Christ and His Gospel, but we cannot choose the consequence of such a bad decision.
“Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” [11]
Such words are hard to hear but hear them! God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [13] We have a mandate from the King of kings and Lord of lords to spread the message of the Gospel to all nations. To make disciples in His Name! May God graciously grant us the joy that He gave to Paul, namely, to proclaim Christ to the world! Let us labor to connect with the “whosoever.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [13]
[1] Romans 1:1
[2] Romans 1:2
[3] Romans 1:3-5
[4] Romans 1:6-8
[5] Romans 1:9-12
[6] Romans 1:14
[7] Romans 1:15-17
[8] Romans 1:18
[9] Acts 9:8-9, 18; 13:6-12
[10] Romans 1:22-25
[11] Romans 1:28; 32
[12] 1 Timothy 2:4
[13] John 3:16
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the Gospel of God.” [1]
Paul has a river of life proceeding from him. He is social media influencer for Jesus Christ. He joyfully extols the Gospel as having it’s roots in the writings of God’s prophets.
“Which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” [2]
What was the promise of the prophets? They promised the Son of God! They promised the Messiah (Christ). Connected to King David’s family line via His conception by a virgin! Raised from the dead! Declared to be the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit! Having graced holy apostles with power to bring people from all nations to believe in His Name!
“Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His Name.” [3]
Paul celebrated the Romans who responded to the call of Jesus Christ. Called to be loved by God! Called to be holy! Grace to them! Peace from God to them! He thanked God that news of their faith in Christ was spreading everywhere. Even people living in the conquering empire of the world had humbled themselves and turned their lives over to Christ!
“[To] the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” [4]
Paul repeats with resounding joy that he is serving the Gospel of God’s Son. He prays without ceasing for those who have a similar passion. He prays that God will make a way for him to be with them. He wants to impart spiritual gifts to them that will encourage both their faith and his.
“God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” [5]
How does Paul perceive himself in the light of the Gospel?
“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.” [6]
He is humbled by God’s grace. He is ready to share the Gospel with people who speak different languages, and who live by different customs than he does. He is wiling to share the Good News with educated and uneducated people. Paul’s just ready to preach the Gospel.
“I am ready to preach the Gospel to you… I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It [the Gospel of Christ] is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it [the Gospel of Christ] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” [7]
The Gospel of Christ is about the Son of God canceling your sin debts and issuing to you a royal pardon. A pardon that stems from His grace and love for you! How do you acquire this pardon? You profess faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior. You receive His Holy Spirit to help you live a new life.
The alternative to ignoring and denying salvation by faith in God’s grace is bad.
“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” [8]
The truth of righteousness is embodied in Jesus Christ. All righteousness comes from God through His Son Jesus Christ. So, people who suppress the mentioning of the Name of Jesus are under God’s wrath. This truth is illustrated in the Book of Acts when a false prophet named Elymas Bar-Jesus tried to turn a Roman proconsul named Sergius Paulus from believing in Christ. God struck Elymas with a season of blindness. Previously, Christ had struck Paul with temporary blindness, and later, healed him. Jesus offered to Elymas the same opportunity he had offered to Paul to repent of his sin and to believe in Him via this miraculous sign. [9]
What happens when people reject Christ? The lights go out! Their thoughts and hearts become dark. They try replacing the Creator with created things which can never fill the void in our hearts that only He can fill.
“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man... …They worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” [10]
God gives people freewill. We can choose to reject Christ and His Gospel, but we cannot choose the consequence of such a bad decision.
“Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” [11]
Such words are hard to hear but hear them! God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [13] We have a mandate from the King of kings and Lord of lords to spread the message of the Gospel to all nations. To make disciples in His Name! May God graciously grant us the joy that He gave to Paul, namely, to proclaim Christ to the world! Let us labor to connect with the “whosoever.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [13]
[1] Romans 1:1
[2] Romans 1:2
[3] Romans 1:3-5
[4] Romans 1:6-8
[5] Romans 1:9-12
[6] Romans 1:14
[7] Romans 1:15-17
[8] Romans 1:18
[9] Acts 9:8-9, 18; 13:6-12
[10] Romans 1:22-25
[11] Romans 1:28; 32
[12] 1 Timothy 2:4
[13] John 3:16
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Disciples
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” [1]
The good Name TO BE CHOSEN is the Name of Jesus Christ. His Name means Anointed Savior. His loving favor is what each OF US must have to enter heaven where the greatest treasures are stored. Treasures of peace, love and joy forevermore in the presence of God, the holy angels and the saints!
“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” [2]
Prudence is to pray to our Heavenly Father to keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil. May He keep us ever aware that He is God and we are not! He created and sustains the universe. We should listen constantly for His Spirit’s guidance and remember the lessons that He has taught us from our childhood until now.
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease. He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.” [3]
God is no one’s debtor. He blesses us when we give to God by giving to the poor. Scoffers will scoff at such advice because they do not believe in God or in His goodness. The King of kings, and Lord of lords, is the royal friend of the pure in heart, and of those with gracious lips.
Some pitfalls to avoid include building one’s life on what faithless people think, say and do. Don’t focus on what immoral people say and do. Such pits are for people that the Lord abhors. Receive correction because we all have foolishness in us that needs removed. Don’t exploit the poor and bless the rich! Give to those who cannot give back to you and God will bless you. What good is it if a man gain the whole world and lose his soul?
“The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless. The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!’ The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him. He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.” [4]
There is day of comeuppance for those who have taken advantage of others.
“Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.” [5]
Other pitfalls to avoid include befriending angry people; taking loans from those who can take away your everything; and moving outside the boundary lines that your Heavenly Father has set for you.
“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.” [6]
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” [7]
Be teachable! Be patient with yourself as you take two steps forward and one step back on the road towards being a person of great value to God, country, family and yourself. Professionals have been coached by professionals. The learned have learned from the learned. In fact, our Lord Jesus Christ, the supreme teacher of all teachers is seeking apprentices. Disciples!
[1] Proverbs 22:1
[2] Proverbs 22:3-6
[3] Proverbs 22:9-11
[4] Proverbs 22:12-15
[5] Proverbs 22:22-23
[6] Proverbs 22:24-28
[7] Proverbs 22:29
The good Name TO BE CHOSEN is the Name of Jesus Christ. His Name means Anointed Savior. His loving favor is what each OF US must have to enter heaven where the greatest treasures are stored. Treasures of peace, love and joy forevermore in the presence of God, the holy angels and the saints!
“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” [2]
Prudence is to pray to our Heavenly Father to keep us from temptation and to deliver us from evil. May He keep us ever aware that He is God and we are not! He created and sustains the universe. We should listen constantly for His Spirit’s guidance and remember the lessons that He has taught us from our childhood until now.
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease. He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.” [3]
God is no one’s debtor. He blesses us when we give to God by giving to the poor. Scoffers will scoff at such advice because they do not believe in God or in His goodness. The King of kings, and Lord of lords, is the royal friend of the pure in heart, and of those with gracious lips.
Some pitfalls to avoid include building one’s life on what faithless people think, say and do. Don’t focus on what immoral people say and do. Such pits are for people that the Lord abhors. Receive correction because we all have foolishness in us that needs removed. Don’t exploit the poor and bless the rich! Give to those who cannot give back to you and God will bless you. What good is it if a man gain the whole world and lose his soul?
“The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless. The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!’ The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him. He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.” [4]
There is day of comeuppance for those who have taken advantage of others.
“Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.” [5]
Other pitfalls to avoid include befriending angry people; taking loans from those who can take away your everything; and moving outside the boundary lines that your Heavenly Father has set for you.
“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.” [6]
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” [7]
Be teachable! Be patient with yourself as you take two steps forward and one step back on the road towards being a person of great value to God, country, family and yourself. Professionals have been coached by professionals. The learned have learned from the learned. In fact, our Lord Jesus Christ, the supreme teacher of all teachers is seeking apprentices. Disciples!
[1] Proverbs 22:1
[2] Proverbs 22:3-6
[3] Proverbs 22:9-11
[4] Proverbs 22:12-15
[5] Proverbs 22:22-23
[6] Proverbs 22:24-28
[7] Proverbs 22:29
Friday, December 20, 2024
Conversion
In 1524, the Lord inspired Martin Luther to compose a song. The first verse goes like this…
“May God bestow on us His grace, with blessings rich provide us,
And may the brightness of His face to life eternal guide us
That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure,
And also to the heathen show Christ's riches without measure
And unto God convert them.”
God has empowered certain men throughout the ages to join His mission of converting non-believers into believers in God.
One day, Paul the Apostle was making an offering to the Lord when persecutors of the Christian faith, seized him, dragged him out of the temple, and started beating him. A garrison of Roman soldiers rescued Paul from his attackers, but the soldiers also bound him with two chains. As the soldiers carried Paul to safety, Paul asked the commander for permission to speak to the crowd. Miraculously, the commander allowed him to do so. [1]
Paul testified of his conversion experience to Christ. Some of Paul’s listeners had probably seen Jesus of Nazareth crucified in their city. Paul explained how Jesus appeared to him when he was on his way to arrest followers of Jesus. He explained to the crowd how he was blind for a time until Jesus sent one of His disciples (Ananias) to him, and restored his sight…
“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there.” [2]
It is easy for us as readers to glide over the words, “certain,” “devout,” and “having a good testimony with all the Jews who dealt there.” Living as that certain person in this world filled with temptations and evil is not easy. Ananias had a high regard for God’s Words. He measured his thoughts and actions against what he learned from God via God’s Word. All the Jews in his surrounding area knew of his devotion to God.
“[Ananias] came to me [Saul of Tarsus]; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him.” [3]
Praise God for physical and spiritual eyesight! It is a blessing to see the person in front of you. It is very wonderful to have your eyes opened to God! To know that He does exist, that He knows your name, and that He has a divine purpose for your existence on earth!
“Then he [Ananias] said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.” [4]
God chooses whom He wills to serve Him. At first Ananias had questioned God’s choice. He said to God, “Lord, I have heard from many things about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.” [5]
Was God sending Ananias to his death? No, the Lord was sending him to serve a man whose life would impact the people of our world for many generations.
The Lord said to Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My Name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My Name’s sake.” [6]
The Lord was bringing about the transformation in Saul’s life so that people of future generations could see what Christ does in the life of someone whom He anoints with His Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit transformed a persecutor of the Name of Jesus into a proclaimer of His Name. Saul’s ministry was not going to be bound by what the majority of believers consider a reasonable service unto God. No, he would teach, preach and persuade non-Jews, kings and his own people the Jews to believe in and serve Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
“You [Saul] will be His [Christ’s] witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of the Lord.” [7]
Thanks be to God for leaders who speak directly from God to people and say to them, “You are witnesses for Christ! What are you waiting for? For lightning to strike? No, get right with God! If you haven’t yet been baptized, be baptized! Wash away your sins by repenting of them before God and by asking Him to forgive them and to help you not to sin anymore. Call upon His Name, the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He can change your life as He did Saul’s and make you a part of His global mission to present the Gospel to the whosoever’s of the world.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [8]
[1] Acts 21:26-40
[2] Acts 22:12
[3] Acts 22:13
[4] Acts 22:14
[5] Acts 9:13-14
[6] Acts 9:15-16
[7] Acts 22:15-16
[8] John 3:16
“May God bestow on us His grace, with blessings rich provide us,
And may the brightness of His face to life eternal guide us
That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure,
And also to the heathen show Christ's riches without measure
And unto God convert them.”
God has empowered certain men throughout the ages to join His mission of converting non-believers into believers in God.
One day, Paul the Apostle was making an offering to the Lord when persecutors of the Christian faith, seized him, dragged him out of the temple, and started beating him. A garrison of Roman soldiers rescued Paul from his attackers, but the soldiers also bound him with two chains. As the soldiers carried Paul to safety, Paul asked the commander for permission to speak to the crowd. Miraculously, the commander allowed him to do so. [1]
Paul testified of his conversion experience to Christ. Some of Paul’s listeners had probably seen Jesus of Nazareth crucified in their city. Paul explained how Jesus appeared to him when he was on his way to arrest followers of Jesus. He explained to the crowd how he was blind for a time until Jesus sent one of His disciples (Ananias) to him, and restored his sight…
“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there.” [2]
It is easy for us as readers to glide over the words, “certain,” “devout,” and “having a good testimony with all the Jews who dealt there.” Living as that certain person in this world filled with temptations and evil is not easy. Ananias had a high regard for God’s Words. He measured his thoughts and actions against what he learned from God via God’s Word. All the Jews in his surrounding area knew of his devotion to God.
“[Ananias] came to me [Saul of Tarsus]; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him.” [3]
Praise God for physical and spiritual eyesight! It is a blessing to see the person in front of you. It is very wonderful to have your eyes opened to God! To know that He does exist, that He knows your name, and that He has a divine purpose for your existence on earth!
“Then he [Ananias] said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.” [4]
God chooses whom He wills to serve Him. At first Ananias had questioned God’s choice. He said to God, “Lord, I have heard from many things about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.” [5]
Was God sending Ananias to his death? No, the Lord was sending him to serve a man whose life would impact the people of our world for many generations.
The Lord said to Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My Name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My Name’s sake.” [6]
The Lord was bringing about the transformation in Saul’s life so that people of future generations could see what Christ does in the life of someone whom He anoints with His Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit transformed a persecutor of the Name of Jesus into a proclaimer of His Name. Saul’s ministry was not going to be bound by what the majority of believers consider a reasonable service unto God. No, he would teach, preach and persuade non-Jews, kings and his own people the Jews to believe in and serve Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
“You [Saul] will be His [Christ’s] witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of the Lord.” [7]
Thanks be to God for leaders who speak directly from God to people and say to them, “You are witnesses for Christ! What are you waiting for? For lightning to strike? No, get right with God! If you haven’t yet been baptized, be baptized! Wash away your sins by repenting of them before God and by asking Him to forgive them and to help you not to sin anymore. Call upon His Name, the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He can change your life as He did Saul’s and make you a part of His global mission to present the Gospel to the whosoever’s of the world.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [8]
[1] Acts 21:26-40
[2] Acts 22:12
[3] Acts 22:13
[4] Acts 22:14
[5] Acts 9:13-14
[6] Acts 9:15-16
[7] Acts 22:15-16
[8] John 3:16
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Receiving and Giving from the Lord Jesus by His Spirit
The people formed an idol and gave it glory while Moses was up on the mountain meeting with God. Afterwards, God said to Moses, “I will send My Angel before you… I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” [1]
“When the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.” [2]
Next, “Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.” [3]
The Holy Spirit reminded me of a New Testament reference to this passage, “The bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.” [4]
God atoned for sin outside the camp because atonement involved bloodshed and death. Thus, Christ, suffered outside the camp. It is God’s grace that His Son would become an outsider for us so we could become insiders with God.
“Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” [5]
We also should go outside the camp. Outside the four walls of our gathering places to do good and share because God is well pleased with such sacrifices! Heaven is our home. Earth is just a temporary mission field for us.
“So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend...” [6]
The people showed reverence to God by standing at their tent doors when Moses met with God. They worshiped God when they saw the cloudy pillar of God’s presence above the tabernacle. Reverence and worship towards God are commendable traits, but how much better when we meet with God face to face and endeavor to be His faithful friend.
Moses prayed, “If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” The Lord responded to his request, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [7]
There is rest for the soul and peace that passes all understanding in God’s presence.
Moses wanted God’s presence. He prayed, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So, we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” [8]
The Lord’s presence in our lives is what makes us unique among all people.
Jesus said to His disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” [9]
Jesus with us [Emmanuel] is the authority by which we speak. Jesus with us is the rubber stamp of God’s approval on our ministry. Jesus empowers and guides us in our discipleship efforts among the nations. His presence with us is the constant that we need to bring people that are outside the camp into the camp, and to baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and then, to disciple them.
Moses prayed, “Please, show me Your glory.” [10]
The Lord agreed! “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live. Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.” [11]
God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. And what do we learn when we meet with God? We learn that He is good, gracious and compassionate. Jesus Christ revealed God to us in the Gospels by doing among us what was good, gracious and compassionate.
Previously, after the people formed an idol and gave it glory, Moses was angry and broke the stone tablets that had the Ten Commandments on them. So, the Lord asked Moses to make two new tablets, and to write on them the commandments. [12]
While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments for a second time, “The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for 1,000’s, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.’” [13]
Mary alluded to this passage in her song of praise to the Lord when she sang, God’s “mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.” [14]
God proclaimed His Name to Moses because only in His Name is there salvation. No one else’s name has the power to save from death and give eternal life.
God is merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abounding in goodness and truth. If we don’t know God in this way, we don’t know God well. He forgives iniquity (unfairness), transgressions (crossing lines) and sin (missing the mark). He shows mercy to thousands but will not say someone is innocent when they are not (by no means clearing the guilty). Without believing in Christ, without receiving the Holy Spirit, we are guilty because we have not received the means by which God makes us right.
“Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you. Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.” [15]
The Lord presence with us is an attention grabber. A people influencer! People see God’s work in our lives. God drove out the practitioners of evil spirit activities before His people. God drives out evil spirits by His Spirit. He clears the land of our soul from that which kept us from knowing and loving Him. We read about this in the testimony of Mary Magdalene. “Certain women [were with Jesus] who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons.” [16]
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai… Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” The people were afraid to come near him. Afterward when they did, he gave them as commandments all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.” [17]
The Lord references this miracle in His letter to the Corinthians, saying, “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” [18]
God meets with us and dwells within us by His Spirit. He gives to us His Word: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” [19]
If we only had the letters of the Bible and no Holy Spirit, we would misunderstand, misinterpret and misinform our listeners about God, but we do have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us to explain the Word of God accurately.
Moses had the ministry of death, that is the Law, which condemns sinners, yet his face shined for God as he spoke what God gave him to say. “If the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” [20]
We have the ministry of righteousness because whosoever believes in Christ is made righteous from all things that the Law of Moses condemned us for doing. Christ takes our sins away and fills us with His Spirit so we can live a new life full of God’s grace, love and peace.
“When one turns to the Lord, the veil [between the person and God] is taken away.” [21]
“We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The key to transformation is to meet with God via His Word and by His Spirit. [22]
[1] Exodus 33:2-3
[2] Exodus 33:4
[3] Exodus 33:7
[4] Hebrews 13:11-12
[5] Hebrews 13:13-16
[6] Exodus 33:8-11
[7] Exodus 33:13-14
[8] Exodus 33:15-16
[9] Matthew 28:18-20
[10] Exodus 33:18
[11] Exodus 33:19-23
[12] Exodus 34:1-4, 28
[13] Exodus 34:5-7
[14] Luke 1:50
[15] Exodus 34:10-11
[16] Luke 8:2
[17] Exodus 34:29-32
[18] 2 Corinthians 3:3
[19] 2 Corinthians 3:5-6
[20] 2 Corinthians 3:7-9
[21] 2 Corinthians 3:17
[22] 2 Corinthians 3:18
“When the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.” [2]
Next, “Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.” [3]
The Holy Spirit reminded me of a New Testament reference to this passage, “The bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.” [4]
God atoned for sin outside the camp because atonement involved bloodshed and death. Thus, Christ, suffered outside the camp. It is God’s grace that His Son would become an outsider for us so we could become insiders with God.
“Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” [5]
We also should go outside the camp. Outside the four walls of our gathering places to do good and share because God is well pleased with such sacrifices! Heaven is our home. Earth is just a temporary mission field for us.
“So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend...” [6]
The people showed reverence to God by standing at their tent doors when Moses met with God. They worshiped God when they saw the cloudy pillar of God’s presence above the tabernacle. Reverence and worship towards God are commendable traits, but how much better when we meet with God face to face and endeavor to be His faithful friend.
Moses prayed, “If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” The Lord responded to his request, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [7]
There is rest for the soul and peace that passes all understanding in God’s presence.
Moses wanted God’s presence. He prayed, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So, we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” [8]
The Lord’s presence in our lives is what makes us unique among all people.
Jesus said to His disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” [9]
Jesus with us [Emmanuel] is the authority by which we speak. Jesus with us is the rubber stamp of God’s approval on our ministry. Jesus empowers and guides us in our discipleship efforts among the nations. His presence with us is the constant that we need to bring people that are outside the camp into the camp, and to baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and then, to disciple them.
Moses prayed, “Please, show me Your glory.” [10]
The Lord agreed! “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live. Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.” [11]
God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. And what do we learn when we meet with God? We learn that He is good, gracious and compassionate. Jesus Christ revealed God to us in the Gospels by doing among us what was good, gracious and compassionate.
Previously, after the people formed an idol and gave it glory, Moses was angry and broke the stone tablets that had the Ten Commandments on them. So, the Lord asked Moses to make two new tablets, and to write on them the commandments. [12]
While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments for a second time, “The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for 1,000’s, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.’” [13]
Mary alluded to this passage in her song of praise to the Lord when she sang, God’s “mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.” [14]
God proclaimed His Name to Moses because only in His Name is there salvation. No one else’s name has the power to save from death and give eternal life.
God is merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abounding in goodness and truth. If we don’t know God in this way, we don’t know God well. He forgives iniquity (unfairness), transgressions (crossing lines) and sin (missing the mark). He shows mercy to thousands but will not say someone is innocent when they are not (by no means clearing the guilty). Without believing in Christ, without receiving the Holy Spirit, we are guilty because we have not received the means by which God makes us right.
“Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you. Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.” [15]
The Lord presence with us is an attention grabber. A people influencer! People see God’s work in our lives. God drove out the practitioners of evil spirit activities before His people. God drives out evil spirits by His Spirit. He clears the land of our soul from that which kept us from knowing and loving Him. We read about this in the testimony of Mary Magdalene. “Certain women [were with Jesus] who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons.” [16]
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai… Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” The people were afraid to come near him. Afterward when they did, he gave them as commandments all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.” [17]
The Lord references this miracle in His letter to the Corinthians, saying, “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” [18]
God meets with us and dwells within us by His Spirit. He gives to us His Word: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” [19]
If we only had the letters of the Bible and no Holy Spirit, we would misunderstand, misinterpret and misinform our listeners about God, but we do have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us to explain the Word of God accurately.
Moses had the ministry of death, that is the Law, which condemns sinners, yet his face shined for God as he spoke what God gave him to say. “If the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” [20]
We have the ministry of righteousness because whosoever believes in Christ is made righteous from all things that the Law of Moses condemned us for doing. Christ takes our sins away and fills us with His Spirit so we can live a new life full of God’s grace, love and peace.
“When one turns to the Lord, the veil [between the person and God] is taken away.” [21]
“We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The key to transformation is to meet with God via His Word and by His Spirit. [22]
[1] Exodus 33:2-3
[2] Exodus 33:4
[3] Exodus 33:7
[4] Hebrews 13:11-12
[5] Hebrews 13:13-16
[6] Exodus 33:8-11
[7] Exodus 33:13-14
[8] Exodus 33:15-16
[9] Matthew 28:18-20
[10] Exodus 33:18
[11] Exodus 33:19-23
[12] Exodus 34:1-4, 28
[13] Exodus 34:5-7
[14] Luke 1:50
[15] Exodus 34:10-11
[16] Luke 8:2
[17] Exodus 34:29-32
[18] 2 Corinthians 3:3
[19] 2 Corinthians 3:5-6
[20] 2 Corinthians 3:7-9
[21] 2 Corinthians 3:17
[22] 2 Corinthians 3:18
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