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Post by Parker on Jun 17, 2023 7:14:56 GMT -8
WATER FROM THE ROCK
Exodus 17:1-7 / John 7:38-39
The people demanded that Moses provide water to satiate their thirst. God provided Moses with instructions for how to provide water for their needs. God told Moses to take the rod and strike a rock. From this unlikely source, God provided water to meet the people’s need. The faithless Israelites were reminded that the Lord would take care of them by bringing water from a rock.
The rock of God continues to nourish God’s people throughout all of redemptive history. Centuries after God’s miraculous provision from a rock in the wilderness, Jesus faced another group of contentious people. This time the Pharisees and the Sadducees asked him to show them a sign to validate his authority. Jesus, knowing their hearts, refused to entertain their demands. Rather, he took his disciples to a remote, mountainous location at Caesarea Philippi and there gave them a vivid object lesson.
He asked his followers to describe the public opinion regarding his identity. Peter, as the outspoken leader of Jesus’ inner circle, declared that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). These titles were not mere flattery, but demonstrated that Peter understood Jesus to be the long-awaited King in the line of David. Jesus responded to Peter, whose name means “rock,” telling him that this confession would be the basis for the foundation of his church. Jesus will build his church on this truth, and nothing, not even the gates of hell, will be able to destroy his church (Mt 16:17 – 18).
This rock will provide water for God’s people for days without end. Jesus himself will provide streams of living water to his people in the church. Those who recognize their thirst can come to Jesus and be satisfied. Not only that, but the Spirit of God will fill them with streams of living water to quench their thirst forever (Jn 7:38 – 39).
Jesus, I know you are the rock of my life. Help me to live out this truth every second. Please fill me with your living water, so that my life may please you. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 18, 2023 6:25:25 GMT -8
A FOREVER REST
Exodus 35:1-3 / Matthew 11:30
Sabbath rest followed the model God established in creation, when, after creating the world in six days, he rested on the seventh day and called it holy. This rhythm of work and rest was built into the way God designed humanity to function and thrive. All believers are to give themselves to meaningful work that cares for and enhances God’s world in order to give him glory. Then, as an act of faith and trust, believers must rest, showing their dependence on God and finding satisfaction in intimacy with their Creator.
The hope of the promised land served as a picture of Sabbath rest. After enslavement in Egypt and an arduous journey in the wilderness, the people found rest in a land that was free from war and flowing with milk and honey. There they could dwell in safety and worship God rightly — or so they thought. The story of the nation of Israel proves that such rest was short-lived, at best. The people were never willing to drive out the inhabitants of the land completely, thus they were constantly facing the threat of enemy attacks. Their inconsistent obedience meant that the judgment of God was never far off. The hope of rest remained, but it likely seemed like a long-forgotten dream.
The author of Hebrews reminded a scattered church, long after Israel’s failure and exile, that the hope of rest still stands (Heb 4). This time, however, the promise of rest is not found in a day of the week or a location on a map. Instead, the promise of rest is found by being united with Christ, free from the tyranny of sin. This rest frees humanity from the laborious and impossible process of trying to secure God’s blessing by means of their righteous deeds. Since Christ has fulfilled the law for his people and given them his righteousness through faith, they can rest, knowing that the work is finished and their standing before God is secure. They can find rest at any time and at any place by coming to Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light (Mt 11:30). In him, weary souls can find refreshment, and broken hearts can be made whole.
Jesus, in this fast-paced world, help me to remember where my hope belongs. Help me to rest in my relationship with you and in the freedom that relationship brings. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 19, 2023 7:02:11 GMT -8
A BRIEF RAY OF HOPE
Judges 4:1-10 / 1 Peter 2:22
The story of Deborah and Barak provides a brief respite in an otherwise depressing decline of the nation of Israel. Their faithfulness is seen in their willingness to hear the Lord and obey his commands. Their responsiveness to God stands in stark contrast to the stiff-necked rebellion and hardheartedness demonstrated by God’s people throughout most of the remainder of the book.
These glimmers of hope are short-lived throughout the Old Testament. The brief faithfulness of certain individuals or leaders was rapidly followed by the onslaught of rebellion and sin. This pattern continued until the time of Christ. Jesus obeyed where all others fell, not just once, but through the entirety of his life. Peter wrote that Jesus never sinned, completely obeying the law of God down to the very last detail (1Pe 2:22). This perfect righteousness demonstrated that he is the Son of God who was given as a gift to those who place their faith in his work on the cross. Those who are in Christ can look forward to a coming day when a permanent break from sin will take place and the earth itself will be forever purified from the impediments of sin.
Jesus, help me to faithfully obey you like Deborah and Barak did. I want to live righteously and courageously, even when the world around me seems to be falling apart. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 20, 2023 6:32:15 GMT -8
AN ASCENSION PREVIEW
2 Kings 2:8-12 / 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Elijah’s unique ascension into heaven testified to his vital role as a prophet to the people of God at a very critical stage in their history. Elijah shared many similarities with John the Baptist, who would come later to help prepare the way for Jesus. Both John and Elijah lived in the desert, confronted the sinfulness of their day and urged the people to turn back to God. Jesus himself even pointed out the close association between these two mighty prophets (Mt 17:9 – 13). By his ascension into heaven, Elijah foreshadowed what Jesus would one day do (Lk 24:51). Luke records that those who witnessed Jesus’ ascension reacted in worship. Surely, those who witnessed Elijah’s miraculous ascension had a similar feeling of awe, fear and worship — not on account of Elijah, but on account of the glory of God.
Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica as people raised questions about Jesus’ return. Believers at that time expected Jesus to return during their lifetime. As some of the believers died, other believers began to question what would happen to those who died before the second coming of Jesus. Paul told the church to encourage each other with reminders of their future with Christ (1Th 4:17 – 18). The ascension of Jesus is a precursor to what will happen to all who trust in Christ’s finished work. Jesus will return, and the dead will rise, join with those who are alive physically and in Christ, and be called up to the Lord (1Th 4:13 – 18). The ascensions of Elijah and Jesus provide a preview for what will happen to all those who have placed their faith in Jesus.
This hope and promise gives all followers of Jesus confidence and strength to endure life in this fallen and broken world. Following Elijah’s ascension, Elisha demonstrated the power of God on earth by working a host of miracles (2Ki 2:13 – 22; 4:1 — 6:23). Jesus’ disciples, following his ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, also performed miracles which demonstrated the power of God (Ac 2:43). Today, believers know the power of God and the future hope that awaits all who are in Christ, and they can fully trust that God can and will use them to accomplish great things as well. Since believers know that they will one day join with Jesus, they can live out their days without fear. By the power of God’s Spirit, believers can live confidently and courageously, trusting that death does not have the final say.
Jesus, when I am getting bogged down with the cares of this world, help me to remember the glorious future in store for me. Help me to use this knowledge to encourage my brothers and sisters in you. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 21, 2023 5:58:05 GMT -8
GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE
Esther 4:7-16 / Isaiah 43:4-5 / Romans 8:38-39
Mordecai trusted God to protect his people. Since Mordecai was a devout Jew, we can be sure that his faith and resolve stood on the firm foundation of what the prophets of God proclaimed. God had previously said through the prophet Isaiah, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isa 43:4 – 5). Mordecai could see how God had allowed Esther to become queen so she could be used by God to save her people and fulfill the promises of God.
As her adoptive father, Mordecai would have taught Esther how to put her trust in God, take a step of faith and believe God would give her favor. Mordecai advised Queen Esther to “go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people” (Est 4:8). Likewise, in each struggle, trial and pain, believers “have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1Jn 2:1). Every presented request is an opportunity for Jesus to intercede.
Believers can be sure that God wants to use his children to do great things. The words of the prophet Isaiah are a rallying cry: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch” (Isa 62:1). If Esther kept silent, Mordecai was sure that deliverance would “arise from another place” (Est 4:14).
Queen Esther undoubtedly found courage in the promises of God. Her faith became greater than her doubt. “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). Ultimately, she was willing to sacrifice her own life, foreshadowing the willingness of Jesus to die for us (Lk 22:42; Ro 5:6 – 11). As the body of Christ, the church has the assurance that whatever the circumstances, no matter how awful it seems, nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love (Ro 8:38 – 39).
Jesus, help me to find courage in the promises of God. Help me to follow Esther’s example—to live boldly, selflessly and faithfully. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 22, 2023 7:32:07 GMT -8
JESUS FROM THE FAMILY OF NOAH
Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood. Genesis 10:1
Though not every ancient people group is listed in this chapter, it is seen here that all of the people of the earth, regardless of locale or language, descended from Noah. From this line Abraham and ultimately Jesus will emerge. It was Abraham with whom God made an everlasting covenant, promising that kings would come from his line (Ge 17:6). In the first line of the New Testament, Jesus is introduced as Messiah and “the son of Abraham” (Mt 1:1). It is clear to see, even this early on in Scripture, that God had a plan that was ultimately revealed in Jesus. The coming of Jesus as the Promised One in the line of Abraham established the continuity of the promise and plan of God from Genesis to Revelation.
Jesus, it is both comforting and inspiring to imagine the lineage that has led to me. Please help me to honor it and—more importantly—to honor you with my life. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 23, 2023 10:44:41 GMT -8
I AM THE LORD
Exodus 6:1-8
The patriarchs had known God Almighty, but they had never heard the unique name of God. God revealed himself to Moses with intimate clarity, connecting his personal name with the wonders that he had done for the people up to this point in their story. He is the one who called Abraham, initiated a covenant with him and inaugurated a great nation through a child promised to him and his then-barren wife (Ge 12; 15). He is the God who used what man intended for evil to promote Joseph to second-in-command in Egypt (Ge 50:20). He is the one who led his people to seek refuge in the land of Egypt to escape a dire famine. And he is the one who promised to deliver the people from slavery through Moses’ leadership. The people were urged to avoid worry — the God who promised to act on their behalf is the God who had always come through on the behalf of his people.
This personal revelation is distinct to Christians. The God of the Bible is not some disengaged deity, unconcerned with the plight of his people. Rather, he is the God who is both omnipotent and sovereignly in charge of all things and the God who is intimately concerned and engaged with the affairs of his children.
This personal care is best demonstrated in the way Jesus humbled himself, leaving the right hand of the Father and taking the place of a servant on the cross (Php 2:5 – 11). Paul wrote that God was intent on redeeming his people, so Jesus laid aside equality with God and humbled himself to take on human flesh. While, in the age to come, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, the early ministry of Jesus demonstrated how far God would stoop to show his personal love for his children. Jesus is the perfect Son of God, yet one who loved his enemies and called them his friends (Ro 5:10). He is the radiance of the glory of God, yet willing to love those who show even a childlike faith (Lk 18:16). God is the King of the universe, yet one who allows frail humans to approach him as their father (Ro 8:15). He is Yahweh, the Lord God Almighty.
Jesus, thank you for tearing down the curtain that separated me from my Father. Thank you for making it possible for me to have a personal, intimate relationship with the almighty God of the universe. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 24, 2023 7:50:40 GMT -8
ENCAMPMENT
And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers. Numbers 2:34
The tribe of Judah, leading Issachar and Zebulun, occupied the preferred position on the east side of the camp. From this position, they marched first when Israel was called by God. Reuben, Simeon and Gad departed second. God’s presence remained at the center of his people — with the Levites as they carried the tent of meeting — as their formation marched through the wilderness. The final six tribes followed behind, so that the nation on the move directly mirrored the encampment.
Judah was uniquely equipped to lead Israel because God provided them with the largest number of military men. The tribe’s unique role extended to the coming Messiah. Through them, One came as a ruling lion, bringing the obedience of the nations and reigning with the eternal scepter (Ge 49:10). The Lord Jesus Christ descended from Judah as the king, a sovereign and great high priest despite not being a Levite. He ushered in a change in the law and offered hope through his death and resurrection (Heb 7:11,14). He is the Judaic leader of his people, and the one his people follow at all times.
Jesus, thank you for providing a history so rich in the details of who you are. Help me to keep you in the center of my life as I live out each day. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 25, 2023 10:23:28 GMT -8
AN UNLIKELY ANCESTOR OF JESUS
Joshua 6:22-25
The story of Rahab serves as a glimmer of hope in the midst of the destruction of the pagan nations who inhabited the land God had promised to give his children. News of God’s might and power had long ago reached the nations, though they continued to harden their hearts in unbelief. As a result, God’s judgment was poured out on the people for their sin. At this point in redemptive history, that judgment was enacted primarily through God’s people, the nation of Israel, who were told to destroy these pagan nations.
Rahab proved to be an exception. Although a pagan and a prostitute, this woman had protected the Hebrew spies as they entered the land and, as a result, was given the promise of protection. Now that the people were finally laying claim to the land, the spies remained true to their promise and allowed Rahab and all of her family to escape the destruction that fell on the city.
Rahab stands in a long line of unlikely recipients of God’s mercy. Matthew, in his Gospel account, begins with a lengthy genealogy, which was meant to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited, promised descendant of Abraham and David. This genealogy is not what one might expect, however. Matthew did not simply list the fathers of the faith — such as Abraham or David. The list prominently included a wide assortment of unlikely or unheard of characters, such as Tamar, Bathsheba, Ahaz, Eliud, Mary and Rahab. Some of these are only mentioned briefly in the annals of Scripture; some are not mentioned at all. Others such as Bathsheba and Rahab are known for their sin. But there they are listed, called by name and linked to the coming of Jesus.
The ancestry of Jesus may be one of the greatest testaments to the grace of God recorded in all of the Scripture. Not only was Rahab spared from death, but she also was brought into the family of God and given a share of the inheritance promised to his people. Her story serves as a great encouragement to all subsequent generations of outcasts, no-names and sinners of all sorts. God’s grace extends to all types of people. In fact, the grace of God is seen most clearly when he saves and transforms those, like Rahab, who otherwise have no hope.
Jesus, thank you for allowing Rahab to play a role in your genealogy. Thank you for loving each of us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done. Help me to follow your example in loving others unconditionally. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 27, 2023 4:36:34 GMT -8
PROTECTING THE LINE OF DAVID
1 Kings 1:28-37 / Matthew 1:1
Throughout the reign of the Davidic dynasty, God faithfully preserved the promises he had made to David. Adonijah, Solomon’s older brother, vied to sit on the throne of his father David. As Bathsheba pointed out, had Adonijah gained the throne, she and Solomon would have been counted as criminals (v. 21). God’s promises, however, were stronger than Adonijah’s schemes. The line of David would be carried on through Solomon, not Adonijah, because the Lord had appointed Solomon ruler over Israel and Judah. God’s faithfulness to protect the kingly line of David would usher in the birth of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, a descendant of David and the one to whom the promises pointed (Mt 1:1). Through Christ, the Davidic throne was perfectly established and was secured forever.
Jesus, your promises are always stronger than our schemes, and I praise you for this. Thank you for your miraculous faithfulness, which guarantees forever. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 27, 2023 4:38:00 GMT -8
GENERATIONS
1 Chronicles 5:17-26
Ancient Hebrew culture depended on detailed genealogical lists to determine questions of inheritance and land-use rights. After the conquest of Canaan, each tribe received its portion of the promised land (Jos 13 – 21). Ownership and land rights were passed from father to oldest son, or daughter if there was no son (Nu 27:1 – 11). Other matters such as service in the temple and royal succession were also determined by genealogy. Old Testament genealogies attest to God’s faithfulness — across generations — in honoring his promise to make Israel a great nation (Ge 12:1 – 3).
The genealogy of Jesus (Mt 1:1 – 17) reflects the promises of God kept since the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Ac 13:32 – 33). It shows Christ as the legitimate heir in the line of David. In Jesus, God fulfilled his promise to establish the ultimate king on David’s throne (Isa 9:6 – 7; Ro 1:2 – 3).
Jesus, I thank you for the gift of your Word, which allows me to look back on all the promises you’ve already kept. I worship you for your omniscience as I look forward to all the promises you still plan to keep. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 28, 2023 4:30:27 GMT -8
SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL
1 Chronicles 17:17-20 / John 6:38 / Philippians 2:6
Despite David’s success as a warrior, he was truly humble. He never forgot his modest background as a shepherd and credited his victories to God rather than his own military prowess. In David’s heart, there lived a strong desire to build a house for the Lord — a temple for his presence and name (1Ch 22:6 – 10; Ac 7:45 – 46). When God told David he would not get to build the temple but that the honor would fall to one of his sons, David remained humble and yielded to God’s will. David trusted God’s plan even though his dream was denied.
Jesus’ human will remained perfectly submitted to the Father’s will (Jn 6:38). When faced with drinking the cup of God’s wrath — taking on the world’s sin at the cross — Jesus remained surrendered, trusting the Father’s plan. Though he could have claimed his right as God at any time, he “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Php 2:6).
Jesus, when I get distracted by my own plans, please interrupt me and redirect me according to your perfect plans for my life. I want to live each day completely surrendered to God’s will. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 29, 2023 5:32:09 GMT -8
UZZIAH’S PRIDE
2 Chronicles 26:16-21
Uzziah was a good king who had started out his reign well, and as a result he experienced God’s blessing. But his successes caused him to swell up with pride, and he began to take prerogatives that did not belong to him. He usurped the authority of the priests and attempted to burn incense in the temple. God judged Uzziah’s pride and presumptuousness by striking him with leprosy. His reign ended in great failure, but it revealed that God’s people needed a humble king.
Jesus is the antithesis of Uzziah. Jesus did not get struck with leprosy; he went around healing lepers (Lk 17:11 – 19). Jesus did not pridefully take privileges that did not belong to him; rather he humbly and voluntarily gave up privileges and rights that did belong to him (Philippians 2:5 – 11). Jesus is equal with God, and yet he laid aside the free exercise of his rights by humbling himself in becoming a man and dying on the cross. Therefore, God has exalted him to the throne!
Jesus, protect me from the dangerous sin of pride. Make my heart humble like yours so that you may work through me to accomplish God’s purposes. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jun 30, 2023 4:58:32 GMT -8
THE RULING KING FROM JUDAH
Genesis 49:10 / Philippians 2:9-11
The royal lineage of Jesus is foreshadowed in the images of this text. The scepter was an ornate rod used by kings to communicate their authoritative dictates. Those in power could grant laws and enact judgment should one fail to submit to their rule. “He to whom it belongs” is an obscure phrase, likely referring to the divine King and lawgiver who would come from the line of Judah to fulfill the promises of this passage. To this King, all people, not simply those of a certain earthly kingdom, would owe their allegiance.
Jesus, the King from the tribe of Judah, ushers in the kingdom of God and announces the rule and reign of God through his incarnation. One day, all people (in heaven, on earth and under the earth) will bow at his very name (Php 2:9 – 11). As the great suffering servant, his earthly ministry and his execution via a criminal’s death seem to undermine his cosmic rule. But his victorious resurrection and glorious ascension vindicate his claim to deity and establish him as the King of kings and Lord of lords and the one to whom all people owe their worship (Ro 1:4).
Jesus, I cannot wait till that moment when all creation will bow at the sound of your name. Until then, help my heart to stay bowed to you in all that I do. Amen.
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Post by Parker on Jul 1, 2023 14:58:29 GMT -8
MEANT FOR EVIL, USED FOR GOOD
Genesis 50:15-21
God rules and reigns over all things and orchestrates the events of this world to perfectly fulfill his good intentions for his creation. This hope is magnified in light of the depth of human sin and the systemic evil at work in the world. God is capable of taking every facet of life, even great evil, and working it together to accomplish his will.
This truth is demonstrated profoundly in Joseph’s life. The outcast brother, sold into slavery and forgotten in prison, finds himself second in command in all of Egypt. His brothers’ actions, though malicious, were used by God in order to position Joseph to save his brothers and his family when they needed food in order to escape the famine. While Joseph may never have chosen the path his life took, he could look back at the course of his life and see the ever-present hand of God. Joseph affirmed the grand scope of the sovereignty of God when he reassured his brothers that the things they meant for evil were ultimately under the authority of God. No evil plan of humans could thwart the purposes of a sovereign God.
God demonstrates his sovereign hand throughout the continued history of his people. He takes all things, even their rebellion, and uses them to accomplish even greater good. The greatest experience of human depravity is seen in the brutal murder of the perfect Son of God. At the cross, it would seem that the religious leaders, Roman authorities and Satan himself had emerged victorious. Yet, as with the life of Joseph, God was orchestrating these unthinkable acts in order to accomplish the great good of satisfying the wrath of God through the death of his Son.
Believers can find hope to face the complex, and often tumultuous, circumstances of life in a fallen world with the knowledge of the sovereign rule and reign of God. Paul reminds the church in Rome that in all things, even suffering and sin, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). God is not surprised by evil. He is not at a loss for how to respond. His plans cannot be defeated, and he will accomplish everything exactly as he intends.
Jesus, thank you for the example of Joseph. When I get frustrated with circumstances, remind me of his life, which demonstrates beyond doubt that God is in control. Amen.
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