THE LORD SPOKE (February 28)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 14-15

How could it be? “The whole assembly talked about stoning them.” (Num. 14:10). Not the unfaithful spies who led the people away from God. They were talking about stoning Moses and Aaron, and probably Joshua and Caleb. The whole assembly! What was wrong with them? Was there not a man of integrity among the 600,000?

Apparently not, for God’s wrath was stirred against them. “The LORD said to Moses, ‘How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.’" (Num. 14:11-12)

Moses stood in the gap and argued (!) With the Lord for the people. God was ready to destroy the whole lot of them and start over again from scratch but Moses persuaded Him to display His sovereign strength in another way. "Now may the Lord's strength be displayed, just as you have declared: ‘The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.' In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now." (Num. 14:17-19)

So God did pardon them. But they still suffered the consequences of their sin. Not one of them was allowed to enter the Land of Promise. For the next forty years they died one-by-one in the desert. God said, “But you - your bodies will fall in this desert. Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert. For forty years - one year for each of the forty days you explored the land - you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this desert; here they will die." (Num. 14:32-35)

If you start with 603,550 men (Num. 2:32) and an equal number of women, over a period of 40 years, that comes to something like 82.6 people per day. Every day. For forty years. How did it take place? Did they know that tomorrow it would be everyone whose last name begins with “Fr...”? Or was it everyone born between September 3 and 8? One thing was sure, everyone’s number eventually came up and a new pile of rocks on the desert floor was all that they had to look forward to.

Except for Joshua and Caleb. In them was “a different spirit” (Num. 14:24). They followed the Lord with their whole heart.

Where are you in this? Do you follow the Lord wholeheartedly? Or are you going to be content to be just another pile of rocks on the desert floor?


New Testament: Luke 15

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

I. HIS MADNESS
A. He wanted his tin.
B. He surrendered to sin.
C. He gave up his kin.
II. HIS BADNESS
A. He went to the dogs.
B. He ate with the hogs.
C. He hocked all his togs.
III. HIS GLADNESS
A. He was given the seal.
B. He ate up the veal.
C. He danced a reel.

You could do the same for his brother (he was a better lad, he got very mad, he made his dad sad...) but don’t miss the point!

1. The Father loves us beyond measure and desires our restoration always.
2. When we find ourselves lost and undone, the only right direction is to return to the Father.
3. Recognition of our guilt needs to be verbally specific and expressed to the Father in an articulate confession.
4. Failure to forgive a sinning brother is a deep grief to the Father.

If you’re a prodigal, you need to listen to this. If you’re not a prodigal, you may need to listen to it even more.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 27)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 11-13

Complaining is contagious. It can also be terribly destructive. For some of the Israelites it was fatal. When God heard their grumbling “his anger was aroused” (Num. 11:1) and a fire licked at the edges of the camp. Some died.

But still it didn’t stop. When God gave them food in the wilderness, the complaining turned to “we never see anything but this manna” (Num. 11:6). For sixteen months they had eaten it in every imaginable format (manna burgers, manna waffles, manna bagels). They wanted meat. So God gave them meat, so much that they wailed again. This time the Lord became “exceedingly angry” (Num. 11:10). Still more died and the number of freshly dug graves increased.

This wasn’t about food. It wasn’t even about Moses and his leadership. The real issue was that they had “rejected the Lord” (Num. 11:20).

The complaining reached to the highest levels. Even Aaron and Miriam were caught up in it and God had to give them a rather harsh lesson (Num. 12). Had there not been this corrupting influence of complaining and discontent - a lack of trust in the Lord - perhaps the entry into the Promised Land would have been far different. As it was, a majority of the selected leadership also lost their grip on the reality of God’s presence among them. Instead of seeing God as bigger than the giants they were facing, they led the people to further complaining, resistance, and outright disobedience (Num. 13: 31-33).

It’s amazing that God didn’t strike the whole lot down. He certainly had reason enough to do so. It’s interesting that, though their names are recorded permanently in Scripture, there’s probably not a man alive who could recall the names of all the cowards. Who ever heard of Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, or Geuel?

But Joshua and Caleb? Now there’s a memory worth remembering! Two strong, uncompromising, faithful men who trusted God. Makes you want to be like them, does it not?!


New Testament: Luke 14

Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Vell, I’ve learnt to hold everytink loosely, because it hurts so much ven God pries my fingers apart and takes tem from me.”

As He closed His discourse on the cost of being a disciple (Lk. 14:26-35), Jesus said, “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Ultimately, the rewards are great but there is indeed a cost to being Christ’s disciple. There is a price to pay if you’re serious about following Jesus.

• It will cost you time. This won’t happen in spare moments. It’s not a matter of checking an agenda to see where you might be able to fit it in. Jesus requires total commitment. He wants your life.
• It will cost you money. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” but the reverse is every bit as true. If you’re holding back in your pocketbook you are not Christ’s disciple.
• It will cost you self-indulgent pleasures. Your values and personal ambitions will change. Things you treasured before will look like trinkets. What seemed so important yesterday will pale to nothingness with eternity’s values in view.
• It will cost you major effort. This is not a game that we whittle away at in spare moments. It requires forethought, careful planning, wise use of resources, and sustained effort.
• It will cost you misunderstanding in some cases. Someone is sure to ask, “who do you think you are?” Your changed lifestyle will be an affront to someone who will be convicted by what they see in you.

Is it worth it? Listen to the promise of Jesus:

I tell you the truth...no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.... (Mk. 10:29-30)

THE LORD SPOKE (February 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 8-10

A call to arms. We all recognize that purpose for a trumpet blast. But this passage (Num. 10:1-10) gives four purposes for the use of the trumpet blast.

By the way, these are not the same kind of trumpets frequently found elsewhere in Scripture. For example, the horns used in the attack on Jericho (Josh. 6), on the occasion of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (II Sam. 6), or for the Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23; Num. 29) were made of a ram’s horn (shofar in Hebrew). The trumpets here in Numbers 10 are hatzotzerot and are made of “hammered silver” (Num. 10:2).

The four uses given for these silver trumpets are:

1. for announcement (vs. 1-4) - A single note would summon the leaders to receive instructions from Moses at the Tent of Meeting.
2. for assembly (vs. 5-8) - A series of blasts would indicate the proper order of movement as the tribes were instructed to gather.
3. for attack (vs. 9) - A martial blast would alert the people for war and lead them in battle. It would also call forth God’s protection.
4. for appointment (vs. 10) - The music was a memory aid at God’s special appointments (moedim in Hebrew). The sound was a reminder that accompanied the sacrifices.

We’re not done with trumpets yet. By God’s design, trumpets will still be used to announce future events. Seven angels will blow seven trumpets during the Tribulation (Rev. 8:2). The seventh will be sounded to announce when “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15). But the believer in this age will not go through that experience. Instead, he is awaiting a great trumpet blast that will call forth the resurrection and the rapture of Church saints before the Tribulation (I Cor. 15:52; I Thess. 4:16).

Are you ready for that? Are you listening for the trumpet?


New Testament: Luke 13

JNN nightly news (that’s 1st century CNN in Jerusalem) could get pretty gory. Terrorist activity depicting human sacrifices (Lk. 13:1), and frightening tragedies, like eighteen people crushed under a building at the national capitol (Lk. 13:4), were regular fare. You didn’t want your kids to be watching when the anchorman got started.

Jesus turned it into a teaching opportunity. Not having read Calvin, He didn’t use all the fancy theological jargon that later religious news analysts might have used. But He laid it out very straight. Even in English translation, His meaning is clear. “You think that maybe those people had it coming? They got what they deserved? They were no worse than you! If you don’t change your ways, the same will happen to you!”

In the very next breath, He told them a parable (Lk. 13:6-8). It had to do with an unfruitful tree that the farmer decided to uproot. The tree was worse than useless because it was sucking up the nutrients but producing no fruit. Of whom do you think He was speaking? His immediate listeners, certainly!

And to whom does it now apply? Who should be listening to this parable and feeling its point? It wasn’t to foreigners or some other group that He was speaking; in Jesus’ day it was people who came to Him with questions. Today the message is for those who read this text and question, “Is it I, Lord?” Don’t look somewhere else to find an application.

Am I productive for the Lord? Does He smile when He sees the lovely fruit I offer Him? Or is He concerned about the wasted effort in getting me to produce? Am I worthwhile to Him or just another drag, sucking up the nutrients?

O, Lord...
Grant that I may put a smile upon Your face.

Allow me to bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
Please direct my efforts into fruitful productivity.

Thank you for being patient and long-suffering.
May I be pleasing to You.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 7

“He heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony.” (Num. 7:89)

Moses was not the first to hear that Voice. Nor was he the last. The first instance was in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve “heard the voice of the LORD walking in the garden.” The NIV weakens this by translating it “the sound of the Lord God as he was walking” as if it were the shuffle of His feet. But the word “voice” (Heb. kol) is used here. That Voice was heard at various times in biblical history and always with great significance in the lives of those who experienced it.

He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." (Ex. 15:26)

But now, why should we die? This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. For what mortal man has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and survived? (Dt. 5:25-26; c.f. Dt. 18:16)

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (I Sam. 15:22)

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isa. 6:8)

...The people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD. (Hag. 1:12)

With the completion of the canon of Scripture, God’s voice is heard through what’s written down for us in the Bible. He still speaks. His voice is still to be heard. His guidance still comes to us through His Word. Have you heard the voice of the Lord? Are you listening?

Psalm 29
Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

New Testament: Luke 12

“Guard against all kinds of greed.” It seems someone forgot to preach that message in America over the last 50 years. We may not own the disease but it’s like we claim first rights in this country! As some wag has said, “Get all you can. Can all you get. Then, sit on the can.”

Jesus’ words sting because His description of “a certain rich man” strike too close to home. We’ve calmed ourselves a bit by comparing ourselves among ourselves (see what God has to say about that in II Cor. 10:12) and feeling not so terribly rich. But compare America with five billion plus of the world’s population and our wealth becomes embarrassing. Like the men in the story, our national sport could be called, “Wine, Dine, Shine, and Recline.”

The rich man says, “I want to be merry” (Gk. euphron) but Jesus calls him a “fool” (Gk. aphron). In the end he will get exactly the opposite of what he wanted. He will die totally empty! Storing up things for yourself is the certain route to an empty existence. Because your heart can’t be full of things and full of God at the same time (Lk. 12:21), you’re left with a gigantic hole in your life.

But how will we get along? What about the stuff we really need? Jesus answers that in what follows (Lk. 12:22-34) by turning our attention to two insignificant objects - two items we would rarely spend any time thinking about - the birds of the air and the grass of the field. God feeds the birds and He clothes the grass and He can do the same for us. In fact, He does so in a way that surpasses even “Solomon in all his splendor” and is “pleased to give [us] the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32). So what could we possibly lack?

So let’s go back to the bookends of this passage:

12:15 - “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

12:31,34 - “But seek his [God’s] kingdom...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

THE LORD SPOKE (February 24)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 5-6

It’s called the Priestly Benediction because the priests were instructed to pronounce this blessing over Israel:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
(Num. 6:24-26)

Peace here is not the absence of war but a state of fullness, contentment, and well-being. Coming from the verb shalem (“to fill”) it has the basic idea of full satisfaction or completeness. Nothing is missing. Everything is in balance. It’s often used in Scripture in connection with spiritual wholeness. It can indicate the state of righteousness that can only come from the Lord.

That’s what makes this pronouncement such a blessing. To know the Lord’s gracious look and to sense His turning in our direction is the highest of joys. Why should He consider us? But He does. And with favor! To “find grace in the eyes of the Lord” gives a sense of fulfillment to which nothing else can compare!

Thou, my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me;
All along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure,
Not for fame my pray shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer,
Only let me walk with Thee.

Lead me through the vale of shadows,
Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea;
Then the gate of life eternal
May I enter, Lord, with Thee.

Close to Thee, close to Thee,
Close to Thee, close to Thee,
Then the gate of life eternal
May I enter, Lord, with Thee.


New Testament: Luke 11

There it is again! Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus places a high emphasis on hearing the Word of God and doing it. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk. 11:28).

Just three chapters back He told the parable of the soils in which the emphasis is on how well each receptor listens. Remember, “the seed is the word of God” (Lk. 8:11) and each type of soil represents how different people hear it (vs. 12,13,14,15). That’s followed by Jesus’ pointed advice, “therefore, consider carefully how you listen” (Lk. 8:18). Then, to nail it home, He says, “my mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Lk. 8:21).

Several other cases follow in chapters nine and ten, but perhaps the sharp reminder given to Peter at the Transfiguration (Lk. 9:28-36) is the most telling. When he starts jabbering, the voice from heaven reminds Peter with words to this effect: “You’re standing before my beloved Son! Shut up for a change and listen to Him!”

Now in chapter eleven, the Lord pronounces a blessing on those who hear and do according to His word. The hearing must be accompanied by doing. Merely hearing isn’t enough. True listening must result in action. The illustrations that immediately follow (Lk. 11:29-32) are powerful. A chosen prophet, Jonah, heard but didn’t do, while a wicked city, Nineveh, heard and followed God’s way. A foreigner, the Queen of Sheba, came from far to hear God’s word through Solomon, while those who were close, the people of Israel, didn’t heed his message. Both will rise up at the judgment to condemn the faulty listeners.

So where does that leave you and me? Jesus, referring to Himself, says that “one greater than Solomon” and “one greater than Jonah” has spoken. Are we careful to hear His words? More important, are we careful to obey them? “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk. 11:28).

THE LORD SPOKE (February 23)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 3-4

Just two boys were left to help Aaron with the responsibilities of the priesthood. After the deaths of Nadab and Abihu when they offered “strange fire” before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-3), only Eleazer and Ithamar were ordained to serve as priests.

It was at that point that God instructed Moses to present the tribe of Levi to Aaron “to assist him” (Num. 3:5-9). They were to “perform duties for him and for the whole community”. Numbers 8 gives more details of their consecration as assistants to the priesthood and tells us that they were “set apart from the other Israelites” and were “to be given wholly to [God]” (Num. 8:14,19). The high privilege (and responsibility) of their position is seen in what God says on that occasion:

Of all the Israelites, I have given the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons to do the work of the Tent of Meeting on behalf of the Israelites and to make atonement for them....” (Num. 8:19)

These “ordinary” people were given a very un-ordinary job - to display the grace of God in the forgiveness of sin. Their job would illustrate the mighty acts of God in providing salvation. What they did would be a picture of what the Lord Jesus would one day accomplish on the Cross when He purchased our pardon.


New Testament: Luke 10

It probably wasn’t the first time the two sisters had squabbled. Martha had, no doubt, let Mary know a time or two before what she thought about her laziness. After all, there was lots to be done. Couldn’t she lift a finger too?

We don’t have Jesus’ words to Mary recorded. This story is about Martha and her relationship to the Lord. It’s probably safe to say that He had some appropriate words to share with Mary that day too but we’re told here of Martha's attitude and His words to her.

There is much to be commended about Martha. After all, she’s the one who opened her home (Lk. 10:38) to a bunch of hungry men who were passing through. She’s the one who created an occasion so others could sit at Jesus feet and hear Him (Lk. 10:39). She’s the one who made all the necessary preparations so the opportunity could be just perfect.

But at some point her zeal lost its feel. Her motivations got messed up. She got nervous in the service and was close to missing out entirely on the value of this great occasion. Her distraction (vs. 40) caused her to worry (vs. 41). She became “upset about many things” when there was really only one thing she needed. In fact, it’s that One thing that helps us to manage the many things in our lives!

We mutter and sputter,
We fume and we spurt;
We mumble and grumble,
Our feelings get hurt.

We can’t understand things,
Our vision grows dim;
When all that we need
Is a moment with Him!

In all your busyness about Kingdom business, don’t miss the Main Point. Keep your eyes fixed on the Savior, your ears open to His voice in Scripture, and your heart soft to His leading in the circumstances of life. He will be your joy and portion for ever.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 1-2

Prompt obedience! It’s what you want from your child when you tell him something. None of this, “I’ll do it later” stuff. When it comes to stepping back from a busy street or taking his hand away from an electrical outlet, you want nothing but immediate compliance.

That’s what God got from Moses on this occasion. The first verse of the book of Numbers tells us that “the Lord spoke” (did you catch that?) to Moses about taking a census of the whole Israelite community. It happened “on the first day of the second month” and when you go to Numbers 1:18, you read that Moses and Aaron called the community together to get started “on the first day of the second month”.

That’s prompt obedience. When you stop to think about it, that’s pretty amazing. With two-million-plus former slaves in a dusty desert, some delay would not have been surprising. Immediate compliance is impressive!

What are some of the excuses we use to delay or put off obedience to what we know God wants us to do?

1. "I’ll get started tomorrow.” But tomorrow always seems to be another 24 hours away.
2. “I’ve got to finish up _________ first.” And that _________ always seems to take more time. It’s just never quite finished.
3. “I’m happy to do it, but I’ve got too much going on right now.” So nothing ever seems to get crossed off the list - just more and more added to the bottom.
4. “I’ll pray about it.” That’s a good one. In many cases you already know He wants you to do it but praying about it buys some more time to put it off.
5. “It’s going to take some careful planning.” But it never seems to get beyond the planning stage.
6. “I’ve got some good ideas I’m working on for that.” When translated this means it’s all just in the head, nothing has been done yet.

No doubt, the list could be expanded almost indefinitely. We’re good at thinking up new ones. Meanwhile, God’s Word goes unheeded and un-obeyed. Compliance is anything but immediate (which means, compliance just isn’t.)

What is it that you need to work on starting today?

Do it now!


New Testament: Luke 9

What does it cost to follow Jesus? If compared to that which you gain, the answer is easy - not much! But there certainly is a price to pay and it’s well to give it some consideration.

First, you must give up your own selfish ambitions. Your choices will no longer be based on creature comforts. You choose instead to follow the Lord’s own example. “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Lk. 9:58).

Second, you must redirect your own priorities to conform with His purposes for you. It’s evident that the man who wants to go bury his Father (Lk. 9:59) was talking of a major delay. If his father were already dead he would have already been involved in the burial requirements for, due to the lack of embalming practices, burial usually took place on the same day. In other words, he’s telling Jesus to hold off for a while. He needs to wait until after his father dies, which could have been years away. Jesus said to him, “Let the [spiritually] dead bury their own [physically] dead” (Lk. 9:60) in order that he (the spiritually alive) might be proclaiming the kingdom of God. If you follow Jesus, your priorities must be adjusted and your values conformed to His will.

Third, you must stay on target. It’s so easy to get off track. The Devil will make sure that there will be many temptations to divert your attention. Like the farmer plowing, you must keep your eyes straight ahead or your furrow will reveal your inattention and lack of purpose. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Lk. 9:62).

So what does that mean in practical terms? If you have ever sensed the Lord’s call on your life, you need to get back on track. You need to discard all those selfish ambitions that have kept you from being obedient. You need to tell Him,”I’ll follow you whatever that means and wherever that takes me.” Then you need to do it!

THE LORD SPOKE (February 21)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 26-27

Tucked into what might appear to be an obscure little corner of a seemingly obscure book of the Bible, you might be surprised to find one of the grandest statements of the over-all themes of Scripture. But that’s exactly what it is.

I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws and abhorred my decrees. Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the LORD their God. But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD. These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.

Leviticus 26:42-46 contains a brief but profound summary of the five basic themes of biblical theology that hold all the Scripture together:

1. PROMISE / COVENANT (vs. 42,45) - “I will remember my covenant”
2. PRESERVATION / REDEMPTION (vs. 45) - “whom I brought out of Egypt”
3. POSSESSION / LAND (vs. 42) - “I will remember the land”
4. PRINCE / MESSIAH (vs. 46) - “through Moses” (a type of the Messiah)
5. PEOPLE / ELECTION (vs. 44-45) - “covenant with Jacob...Isaac...Abraham”

This comes after one of the classic passages about rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience (Lev. 26:1-41). It is a restatement of the grand sweep of biblical theology and is twice again founded on the simple declaration, “I am the LORD (Yahweh).” No other argument is needed. No other authority need be cited. No other reason has to be given to strengthen the statement. It’s simply, “I am the Lord”, and that settles it forever.


New Testament: Luke 8

Although the Parable of the Sower (Lk. 8:1-15) has a lot to say about good soil and bad, you must go a little farther into the chapter to find the main point. It has something to say about the sower, the seed, and the soils, but what it’s really talking about is the quality of our listening.

That comes out in the next paragraph when Jesus says, “consider carefully how you listen” (vs. 18). Right after that, to drive the point home, He identifies His mother and brothers as “those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (vs. 21). Now, go back to the parable and notice the emphasis on hearing:

vs. 12 - The seed that fell “along the path” represents “the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts”. Because it’s buried so shallow, or not at all, it is easily pulled up or kicked aside. Satan hates it and grabs for it immediately. He wants to keep that soil hard and unproductive. They heard but it didn’t penetrate.

vs. 13 - The seed that fell “on the rock” speaks of those “who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root”. The thin soil over the rock won’t hold moisture well. Soon after the rain falls it evaporates and the seed fails to germinate and put down roots. They heard but it didn’t dig down to where they live.

vs. 14 - The seed that fell “among thorns” stands for “those who hear but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature”. Other things come up that choke out the seed, robbing if of nutrients, sucking out its moisture, and hiding it from the sun. They heard but they were distracted by all the other problems and activities around them.

vs. 15 - The seed that fell “on good soil” portrays those “who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop”. This group lets it sink in, send down roots, sprout every direction, and set out good fruit. They heard and it made a difference.

All four categories hear the word in some way - even with joy. But did they listen to it? Did they abide in it, as Jesus taught us is necessary in order to bear fruit (Jn. 15:4,7)? It involves much more than just memorizing God’s Word, though that is a good starting point. But it means living in it to the point that you think it continually. You’re so saturated by God’s Word that it influences your every thought pattern and comes out in godly attitudes and actions.

So, when Jesus says in the very next breath, “consider carefully how you listen” (vs. 18), He’s really saying the same thing as James did later, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” (Jas. 1:22).

THE LORD SPOKE (February 20)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 24-25

Death by stoning would seem to be horribly cruel. In fact, it was probably the most humane means available in Old Testament times. The criminal was first bound and then cast head-first from a low cliff. The actual stoning was the follow-up to ensure that death was swift. It was commanded for:

• apostasy (Lev. 20:2; Dt. 13:11; 17:5)
• blasphemy (Lev. 24:14,16,23; Dt. 13:6-11)
• sorcery (Lev. 20:27)
• Sabbath violation (Num. 15:35-36)
• misappropriating that which is dedicated to the Lord (Josh. 7:25)
• disobedient son (Dt. 21:21)
• adultery (Dt. 22:21,24; Ezek. 16:40; 23:47)

Trials were always held in a public place, such as the open space near a city gate (Dt. 21:19). At least two witnesses were required to bring a conviction (Dt. 19:15) and they had to be eyewitnesses. When all the evidence had been presented, the judges gave their verdict and then those who brought the accusation had the duty of being the first to enforce the court’s sentence. Thus, a witness had to throw the first stone at the guilty person’s execution (Dt. 17:7). It is important to note that “the entire assembly is to stone him” (Lev. 24:14,16).

These requirements indicate the value and justice of death by stoning:

1. those bringing the accusation must have full proof and take responsibility
2. there is collective responsibility for crime prevention
3. executions should be public so that all may see and fear and recognize that any crime is against society as well as the one immediately harmed
4. no single blow can be traced

How we feel about this form of punishment for crimes committed is not the issue. Today we have much more “humane” methods but, unless they are applied, they have no value. God’s standards for capital punishment remain and it is the responsibility of human government to practice it.


New Testament: Luke 7

They were still telling the story since the days of Elisha. Looking out over the Jezreel and Harod Valleys on the south side of Mt. Moreh is the little village of Shunem where Elisha brought a young boy back to life (II Ki. 4:18-37). He was an only child - the consolation of a woman who had some wealth but little else in this world. Her husband was an insensitive jerk. The death of her son left her grieving deeply and she sought out “the man of God”. People often didn’t even use his given name. If you spoke of “the man of God” everyone knew who you meant. Elisha went to the woman’s house and raised the boy from the dead!

Now, 850 years later, the Man of God was walking on the north side of Mt. Moreh (Lk. 7:11-17) near the little village of Nain (= Pleasantville, in English). A large crowd (vs. 11-12) caught His attention. It turned out to be the funeral procession of a young man. He was the only son of a widow and most of the town was grieving with her. When Jesus saw her grief “his heart went out to her” (vs. 13) and He stopped the procession.

No one expected what happened next - how could they? But no one missed the significance of the moment. “God has come to help his people” (vs. 16b), they said. Like Elisha, Jesus raised the boy back to life and gave him back to his mother. It’s not surprising that the people quickly identified Him as “a great prophet” (vs 16a). As the news “spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country” many came to believe in Him as much more than just a great prophet. Indeed, He is the Man of God. The God/Man. God Himself!

When Jesus comes near, you can expect the following:

1. Jesus’ heart breaks when ours does. He carries our sorrows (Is. 53:4).
2. Jesus identifies our exact point of need. He restores that which is most important to us. (Not necessarily what we think is most important, but what is really most important.)
3. Jesus’ power is greater than any obstacle we face. He can conquer even death (I Cor. 15:54-57).
4. Jesus is “God come to help his people”. He is Emmanuel.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 19)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 22-23

Everybody celebrates holidays. In every land and in every generation mankind has identified certain days as special for a variety of reasons, many of them good. But never has there been a better motivation than that given in Leviticus 23 for the seven “feasts of the Lord”. These seven holidays literally belong to Him, in contrast to men’s holidays.

The Hebrew word translated “feasts” in Leviticus 23:4 is mo’edim and comes from a root word for “time” or “signal”. Thus the meaning is closer to “appointed times”. It’s like something you’d write down in your date book as an appointment you didn’t want to miss. Imagine that! God wants to keep certain appointments with His people on a regular basis.

The seven holidays are each treated elsewhere in Scripture but this is the only place where all seven are discussed together and in sequence. These “holy convocations” (mikra’im, another name for them used in the Bible) tell a story and their order and timing is significant. Indeed, it has been orchestrated by God Himself.

Here are several observations to help you see the significance of these holidays:

1. They are given by the Lord to the Jewish people, God’s chosen nation.
2. They are based on a lunar year and were closely related to the agricultural cycle. Several of the holidays focus on the spring and fall agricultural seasons.
3. The seven feasts have great typological significance in the major events of the story of redemption. They foretell the story of Jesus! Beginning at the Cross where He died for our sin (Passover) and ending at the glorious establishment of His kingdom at the second coming (Tabernacles), they all relate sequentially to specific events in the Messianic story.
4. Because of the spiritual realities to which these feasts point, their significance transcends the Jewish context. Gentiles too are invited to “meet” with God, for every blessing we anticipate has come out of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants. These feasts all point to that very fulfillment of the Savior’s purpose and love for us. To deny this, or even to neglect this, is a great spiritual blunder.

The rapture of the Church, the judgment of the wicked, the salvation of Israel, and the establishment of the messianic Kingdom are portrayed in close detail in these holidays. That’s good reason to study them with care.


New Testament: Luke 6

They were out to get Him. If it hadn’t been this, it would have been something else. But getting Him on Sabbath-keeping seemed to be an easy way. After all, if His disciples were picking grain (harvesting), rubbing it in their hands (threshing), and eating the whole kernels (grinding), that’s three strikes against them already. It shouldn’t be hard to catch Him too.

But all He did that week was talk. They weren’t expecting the David thing. No quick answers came to mind when He pulled that one out and turned it into a question for them. And who could possibly say that the Son of Man (i.e. the Messiah) was not the Lord of the Sabbath. Of course the Messiah would keep the Sabbath perfectly.

So, they should have seen it coming. As they prepared their trap for the next Sabbath, they “were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus” (vs. 7) and they planted a crippled man in the synagogue. Then they “watched closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.” But He turned things around again. Instead of debating what was unlawful on the Sabbath (they were good at that part), He asked them what was lawful. Was it right to do good? to save life?

“He looked around at them all” (vs. 10), but all He saw was sullen silence because they knew the right answer but couldn’t bring themselves to say it. They were so caught up in their resistance to Him that they could no longer support true truth if it came from His mouth. They’d become blind in their sinful opposition.

What really blew them away was that He healed this man without lifting a finger. It He’d only reached out and touched him, or made mud to put on him, or told him to take up his mat and walk - anything like that - they could have condemned Him for “breaking” the Sabbath (or at least their rules about the Sabbath). But He did it by His words alone and it made them furious.

Their fury blinded them all the more. Instead of rejoicing with the man whose hand was restored, they went straight back to plotting. Ugly isn’t it? So tell me, why do people still come into the Lord’s presence week after week with malice in their hearts. How can they see His handiwork and still bear grudges, squabble over non-essentials, and criticize others who are doing something right?

Let’s look deeply into God’s Word, ask for His help, and determine to be different.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 18)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 20-21

It’s not an all-inclusive list. There are others that are more complete even in this same book of Leviticus. But the categories of punishments for sin listed in Leviticus 20 are very revealing:

• vs. 9 - “put to death”
• vs. 14 - “burned in the fire”
• vs. 17 - “cut off before the eyes of their people”
• vs. 19 - “be held responsible”
• vs. 20 - “die childless”

The categories of sin under each of these punishments is also very interesting. Go back and read it again - you wouldn’t expect some of them. Keep in mind that for a Jewish person to be “cut off from his people” was as bad as, or worse than, being put to death.

The section begins with a strong statement to “consecrate yourselves and be holy” (Lev. 20:7) and repeatedly throughout the chapter the reason given is “because I am the LORD (Yahweh), your God”. It is God’s holiness that establishes both the standard and the reason for holiness. He says it again later in the chapter: “You are to be holy to me because I the LORD am holy...” (Lev. 20:26).

The continuation of the statement in vs. 7 is very significant: “Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD who makes you holy.” In the final analysis, we can’t be holy. Not as He requires. The standard is too high and even our “righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6, KJV). But He becomes our righteousness (Jer. 23:6; 33:16). He make us holy. That truth is even more pronounced on the pages of the New Testament for Jesus Christ died to purchase our pardon and credit righteousness to our account (Rom. 4:24; 5:21). When that pardon has been applied, God sees us as holy.

Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold and precious silver.
Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold, pure gold.

Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy;
Set apart for You, Lord.
I want to be holy.
Set apart for You, my Master;
Ready to do Your will.

Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from within and make me holy.
Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from my sin deep within.

Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy;
Set apart for You, Lord.
I want to be holy.
Set apart for You, my Master;
Ready to do Your will.


New Testament: Luke 5

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

You probably wouldn’t think of Jesus as needing prayer. On one occasion when speaking with the Father, He indicated that the communication between them “was for your benefit, not mine” (Jn. 12:30) but that would not explain the many references to Him seeking out a solitary place (c.f. Lk. 4:42; 6:12; Mk. 1:35). He taught His disciples to “come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mk. 6:31). Taking off on the King James English of that passage, Howard Hendricks used to say, “Come apart lest you come apart.”

Jesus practiced what He preached. You wouldn’t expect it to be any other way. So He must have meant it when He told us that we need our solitary times and places. He himself needed that time alone with the heavenly Father. Most of us lead pretty busy lives and find it hard to get alone with Him on a regular basis. If you have small children, you rarely have a spare moment - never mind a solitary spot. But you too must come apart occasionally or you’ll just end up coming apart.

So get serious about this! If may be that your only solution will be to get up a little earlier in the morning so you can find solitude. By the way, have you noticed how Jesus had to do just that, sometimes getting up “a great while before day” (Mk. 1:35). Yes, those few extra minutes of sleep may be hard to give up but you won’t regret the cost when once you’ve done it. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8).

Commune with the Lord. Speak to Him and let Him speak to you. Cast your cares upon Him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

When our request is wrong, He says, “No.”
When our timing is wrong, He says, “Slow.”
When our motivation is wrong, He says, “Grow.”
But when we ask for the right thing at the right time in the right way, He says, “Go.”

THE LORD SPOKE (February 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 17-19

Ethics cannot be properly founded apart from an understanding of the holiness of God. This section of Leviticus contains the laws of holiness and they are forcefully punctuated with the reminder that “I am the LORD your God”. No less than forty-eight times before the end of the book! Twenty of those are right here in Leviticus 18 and 19. Chapter 18 speaks of holiness in sexual behavior and chapter 19 of holiness in social ethics.

S.H. Kellog has summarized it very well for us:

“...The Church needs to come back to the full recognition of the principles which underlie the Levitical code; especially of the fact that marriage and family life are not merely civil arrangements, but divine institutions; so that God has not left it to the caprice of a majority to settle what shall be lawful in these matters....

“God has declared not merely the material well-being of man, but holiness, is the moral end of government and of life; and He will find ways to enforce His will in this respect. “The nation that will not serve Him shall perish.” All this is not theology merely, or ethics, but history. All history witnesses that moral corruption and relaxed legislation, especially in matters affecting the relations of the sexes, brings in their train sure retribution, not in Hades, but here on earth. Let us not miss taking the lesson by imagining that this law was for Israel, but not for other peoples. The contrary is affirmed in this very chapter (vv. 23, 24), where we are reminded that God visited His heavy judgments upon the Canaanitish nations precisely for this very thing, their doing of these things which are in this law of holiness forbidden. Hence, the land spued them out! Our modern democracies, English, American, French, German, or whatever they be, would do well to pause in their progressive repudiation of the law of God in many social questions, and heed this solemn warning. For despite the unbelief of multitudes, the Holy One still governs the world, and it is certain that He will never abdicate His throne of righteousness to submit any of His laws to the sanction of a popular vote.”

(Kellog, The Book of Leviticus, pp. 430-431)


New Testament: Luke 4

Why did they get so mad at Him? They were mad enough to kill Him. The mob was stirred up to the point of murder and it was all brought about by mere words.

It started out okay. Jesus went to synagogue that Shabbat like any other. He was back in His home town of Nazareth where they were accustomed to seeing Him attend the services (Lk. 4:16). Since growing up there, He’d acquired quite a reputation so upon coming home they quite naturally invited Him to have a part in the Scripture reading that day.

The portion that He read was not random. Isaiah 61 is part of the assigned reading for the 51st week in the yearly cycle. On that day, which came shortly before Passover, the Jewish people read first from Deuteronomy 29-30 for the Torah portion and then Isaiah 61 for the Haftorah reading. Jesus was invited up to read after several others. What quickly caught their attention was the fact that He stopped right in the middle of the reading.

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. They eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.... (Lk. 4:20)

What followed was amazing. He declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The clear implication was that what He hadn’t read - the rest of Isaiah 61 - was not yet fulfilled. If you look at it carefully, the first part of the chapter, the part that He read, speaks of Messiah’s first advent. The remainder speaks of His second advent. In fact, He was making a claim to be the Messiah!

They didn’t get it at first. Their initial reaction was, “He’s such a nice boy. We always liked seeing him in Joseph’s shop - too bad he took off to Capernaum. Maybe he’ll do a nice miracle for us too.” So He turned up the temperature of His commentary a bit. When He got to the part about God choosing to show favor to the Gentiles (Lk. 4:25-27), that was too much. It’s okay for God to be sovereign as long as He doesn’t start condemning Israel and favoring the goyim. That was over the top.

So they tried to throw Jesus over the top of the cliff. Wow! To us His words just sound like a couple of the flannelgraph stories we heard as kids. To the Jewish men in Nazareth they were enough to make their blood boil. Who was he to call them hardened, insensitive sinners in need of a Savior? What made him think he could damn them with his words? Who did he think he was? God?

Verse 30 is going to be one of the most popular DVD’s checked out at the PLH (Public Library of Heaven). How was it that “He walked right through the crowd”? Did they freeze for an instant? Were their hands bound at their sides? One thing is sure - His Word will never be bound. Nothing can stop it.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 16)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 15-16

On the Day of Atonement, Aaron was instructed to take “two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (Lev. 16:7). Lots were then cast and the first goat was to be offered to the Lord (Lev. 16:8). The problems start with the second goat. It was supposed to be la’aza’zel (“for azazel”).

Some scholars say that this is the proper name of a desert demon that fed on an animal laden with the sins of the entire nation of Israel. Why then does Leviticus 17:7 forbid making offerings or sacrifices to demons? Is this name connected to other demons named in Scripture such as Lilith (“the night hag” in Isa. 34:14) or the Shedim (“hairy ones” or “goat idols” in II Chron 11:15; Isa. 13:21, etc.)? Later Jewish apocryphal literature (c. 200 BC) like the book of Enoch uses Azazel as a proper name but there’s no evidence that it was used that way in Moses’ day (1400 BC).

The translators of the Septuagint did not regard 'azazel as a proper name. They connected it to the Hebrew verb ‘azal (which doesn’t appear in the Old Testament) meaning “to send away”. Their understanding was that the term came from two words, ‘az (goat) and ‘azal (send away) and this led to the word “scapegoat”. Actually, a better term in English would be “escape goat” (since a “scapegoat” is one who always gets blamed or always gets stuck with doing the dirty work).

Since this God-ordained ceremony is part of a sin offering, there is no sense in which it is an offering to the Devil or his demons. On this most holy of all days, the Day of Atonement, Aaron was first required to offer a sacrifice for his own sins and those of his household. He then proceeded to offer sacrifices for the whole nation. The first goat was to die in order to picture the atonement, for “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” (Heb. 9:22). The second goat provided a picture of the removal of sin. By being released into the wilderness, it symbolized the removal of the forgiven sins on the basis of the slain substitute.

What a perfect picture of how our redemption is accomplished by the Lamb of God who brings both of these pictures together in what He did for us on the Cross. He bore our sins for us and He died for us.

Man of Sorrows! what a name for the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we; spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die; “It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Phillip P. Bliss


New Testament: Luke 3

Why did God let Herod Antipas throw John the Baptist in prison? John was being faithful to his calling. He was doing what God commissioned him to do. He was a trustworthy and obedient servant. So why did God let him go to jail?

We can never know the final answer to such questions this side of glory, but consider for a moment some of these possibilities:

• Maybe jail was the safest place for John at that moment. His preaching was meeting with increasing resistance and it wouldn’t have been long before his death warrant would be signed in any case. So maybe jail was a good thing.
• Maybe John’s disciples needed this imprisonment. Now that the Master had appeared, maybe they were struggling with the idea of their master being eclipsed. John himself clearly understood that “He must increase but I must decrease (John 3:30), but did they? Maybe they needed some enforced downtime.
• Maybe John himself needed some downtime. We know he occasionally struggled with some doubts (e.g. Mat. 11:2). Could it be that he’d been so busy in recent days that he was headed for a blowout and God knew he needed to be removed from circulation at that moment in his life? Maybe jail was a good place for John to slow down and reorient his own spirit.
• Maybe preaching from jail was actually the most effective means at that moment. Like John Bunyan from the Bedford jail or Richard Wurmbrand in his various imprisonments, maybe John the Baptist found a more effective pulpit in his prison cell. His voice was not silenced by being behind bars!
• Maybe the world (and that would include you and me) needed this example to pause and think a little deeper about such things. Could it be that our own comfortable lifestyles are not the most productive or effective means of service for the Lord. Maybe a little persecution would result in our greater strength and courage to serve our Master.

Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own his cause, or blush to speak his name?

Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?

Sure I must fight, if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord.
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by thy Word.

Isaac Watts

THE LORD SPOKE (February 15)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 14

The key thought in the book of Leviticus is holiness - both the holiness of God and the holiness of man. God’s holiness is innate; it’s one of His attributes. Some would say the most important, because it is one of His “essential” attributes, but does He have any non-essential attributes? It is sometimes called a “communicable” attribute, for He says to man, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” (Lev. 11:44). Thus, man’s holiness is also emphasized in the book but his holiness is a learned attribute, or one that he must pursue. Since the fall, it doesn’t just come naturally though God has made man in such a way that there is a cord that resonates with God’s holiness. It’s part of what distinguishes us from the animals. It’s a component of “the image of God” in man.

The word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Spiritual holiness is symbolized by physical perfection. That’s why only perfect animals were acceptable for sacrifice (chapters 1-7), a priest could not have any deformity (chapters 8-10), and various human blemishes had to be dealt with ceremonially (chapters 12-15).

All may be signs of blemish (a lack of perfection) and may symbolize man’s spiritual defects, which break his spiritual wholeness. The person with visible skin disease must be banished from the camp, the place of God’s special presence, just as Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. Such a person can return to the camp (and therefore to God’s presence) when he is pronounced whole again by the examining priests. Before he can reenter the camp, however, he has to offer the prescribed, perfect sacrifices (symbolizing the perfect, whole sacrifice of Christ). (The NIV Study Bible, p. 145)

The way to “be holy” is to bathe yourself in the Word of God so that you will begin to think God’s thoughts after Him. Then you will begin to reflect His attributes in the way you think and live. Copying Him is the highest form of worship!


New Testament: Luke 2

Don’t you wish you could have been there? You can almost imagine the scene and the sounds in the Temple court as ol’ Simeon held the Baby and lifted his voice to heaven.

Now he’s ready to die. Unlike any other individual on earth, the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. He had received a promise and now he was beholding (and holding!) the Promise. This was a man who walked with God. Three times in quick succession (vs. 25, 26, and 27) we’re told he maintained an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Of him you could say, he communed with God. We’re told he was “righteous and devout” (2:25). Be sure to read that in the context of a Jewish man standing in the Temple courts in Jerusalem.

His song of praise is known as the Nunc Dimittis from the opening phrase in Latin, “You now dismiss....” Yup, old Simeon was ready to die. His prophetic dream had been fulfilled and he was holding the Lord’s Salvation in his arms. The Hebrew term for “salvation” is yeshuah: Jesus’ name in Hebrew is Yeshua. Remember? The angel had said, “You shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mat. 1:21). If you’re not Jewish, you should be especially glad for Simeon’s words for he emphasizes that this Savior is not just for Israel but is to be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (2:32). That is where we get in the door too!

No wonder “the child’s father and mother marveled at what was said” (2:33). They’d heard some pretty amazing things over the last few months. One of the next sentences must have given them even more to ponder: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel...” (2:34). Usually we speak of the “rise and fall” of someone. But this One is so different. He begins with the fallen so He can raise them.

How about you? Will you fall before this Savior in order that He might raise you up?

THE LORD SPOKE (February 14)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 12-13

Whether we can understand the reasons for these regulations or not, there is nothing in Leviticus 12 to imply that human sexuality is “dirty,” that pregnancy is defiling, or that babies are impure. Procreation was created and commanded by God (Gen. 1:28). The law regarding the time of uncleanness after childbirth may not be something familiar to us but it certainly had a socially beneficial effect in ancient Jewish society, in that it gave the mother a period of postnatal seclusion and privacy.

After giving birth, a woman was required to bring two offerings to the Lord (Lev. 12:6).

1. She was to bring a burnt-offering - a lamb (if she was able) or a pigeon (if she was too poor to afford the larger sacrifice). This was to express her thankfulness to God for his mercy in bringing her through the dangers and the pains of child-bearing.
2. She also offered a sin-offering, which was the same for rich or poor - a dove or a pigeon - to signify that atonement is the same for both.

The link with the New Testament story of Jesus’ birth is of great significance. This law expresses, among other things, God’s concern for the poor. It is of value for us to note that God placed His own Son in a poor family rather than a family of wealth. The heir of the throne of David was born to a woman too poor to afford the cost of a lamb for the sacrifice.

When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." (Lk. 2:22-24)

Can we sing a “Christmas carol” in a month other than December? It seems this one fits here:

Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing;
Christ, the Babe is Lord of all!
Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping; shepherds keeping vigil til the morning new
Saw the glory, heard the story - tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing greet the morrow;
Christ, the Babe, was born for you!
Christ, the Babe, was born for you!

Edith E.M. Reed


New Testament: Luke 1

What were Luke’s REASONS FOR WRITING? In verses 1-3a he tells us that:

1. Many other Gospels were being written and it was becoming very important to evaluate them to discern the truthfulness of each one. That still bears some importance for us today - witness the recent appearance and renewed interest in texts like the so-called “Gospel of Thomas” and the “Gospel of James”.
2. There was a need to consult the actual eyewitnesses while they were still alive. Remember, this is Dr. Luke speaking (an academic, involved in research). For example, how did he know things like what Mary “treasured up in her heart” (Lk. 2:19), except by personal conversation with her?
3. It is important to keep the accuracy and chronology of the events clear. Consequently, Luke’s is the most chronological of the four gospels.

As for the RECIPIENT OF THE WRITING (vs. 3b), Theophilus’ name means “lover of God”. Some of the suggestions to explain who this person might have been include the idea that perhaps he was:

1. some high dignitary - “most excellent” was often used for governors, etc.
2. the sponsor of the writing project
3. some “seeker” who had “been [partially] taught” (vs. 4 uses the word which is the source of catechumen, i.e. “someone who is being taught the basics of Christianity”)
4. simply some unknown believer.

Of note is the fact that Acts 1:1 also mentions Theophilus. Given the abrupt ending of Acts, was a third volume planned?

But what’s the REAL REASON WHY IT’S WRITTEN DOWN?

Luke wishes to record for us the “good news” of the Gospel that we might “know the certainty of the things [we] have been taught” (vs. 4), that is, “the things that have been fulfilled among us” (vs. 1).

This Gospel makes a rich contribution to our understanding of Jesus as the “Son of Man”. Dr. Luke’s contribution is unique in numerous ways. For example, his interest in medical matters throws light on several of Jesus’ miracles of healing. Luke’s special emphases on spirit beings, prayer, praise and rejoicing, forgiveness, poverty and wealth, and women also enrich our knowledge of Christ.

Enjoy reading this Gospel!

THE LORD SPOKE (February 13)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 10-11

Did Nadab and Abihu deserve to die? Obviously, since it was God who required their lives, the answer to that question has to be “yes”. But have you ever wondered what was so bad about what they did? They were ordained priests, doing what priests were supposed to do.

Or were they? They did something that was “unauthorized”. Webster’s definition of “authorize” includes: “to invest with legal authority, empower, sanction, justify”. What then was the evil committed by Nadab and Abihu?

1. In their case, every detail was spelled out. They were not free to improvise. Originality was not in their job description.
2. If they were doing something unauthorized, it’s very likely that they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing at that moment.
3. They did not properly value God’s commandments. Their job was very simple - just do what God says.
4. Every detail of their work and their environment had typological significance. If God didn’t command it, then what they were doing did not accurately depict theological truth. In other words, they were demonstrating theological error in what they were doing.

God is a stickler for truth! When it comes to teaching His truth - or preaching it, or singing it, or depicting it visually, or illustrating it physically, or any other means of portraying it - He requires accuracy. He is loving and He is forgiving, but He is also demanding. Truth with a little error mixed in with it ceases to be truth.


New Testament: Mark 16

Should they be in there or not? The last few verses of the Gospel of Mark (16:9-20) are problematic! The arguments against their inclusion are:

1. They’re not found in several important early manuscripts. They do appear in most later manuscripts but if they’re original, why are they missing in the most important early ones?
2. They are peculiar to the rest in vocabulary and style. For example, the word “week” in vs. 9 is different from the word used in vs. 2, although the two phrases are otherwise parallel. Or, why is the detail about Mary Magdalene given in vs. 9 when she has already been introduced in vs. 1?
3. Some of the theological content presents major difficulties and is not found elsewhere in Scripture. For example, “believe and be baptized” for salvation (vs. 16) or the snake-handling and drinking of poison (vs. 18).
4. Eusebius (c. 265-340), the earliest “church historian” after the book of Acts, and other early Church fathers expressed doubt about their genuine character.

The external evidence (#1 & 4) confirms the internal evidence (# 2 & 3). The abrupt ending seems to cry out for some supplement but that alone is not sufficient reason to accept this or any other addition without much better textual evidence. Sadly, that is lacking. Consequently, almost all editions of the English New Testament place some kind of marker or footnote here to indicate the problematic nature of Mark 16:9-20.

Though it leaves us with some unanswered questions, the established principles of textual criticism favor the abrupt ending. The passage may be genuine but it doesn’t appear likely and caution should be used in basing any doctrine on this passage without finding support elsewhere in Scripture.

This is one of those “hard nuts” of Scripture which we’re not presently able to crack.

THE LORD SPOKE (February 12)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 8-9

How much ceremony is appropriate for an installation service? Judging by the ordination of Aaron and his sons, quite a lot. But the emphasis was, and must always be, on what is “commanded by the Lord” (Lev. 8:34). In the pre-Cross, Old Covenant economy, the requirements were detailed , quite involved, and very specific. It was literally a matter of life and death (Lev. 8:35).

Today we might have an installation service for a new pastor, for newly-elected deacons, or for recently appointed Sunday School teachers. Is any form of ceremony appropriate? Yes, for the following reasons:

1) It involves a sign of dedication, or setting-apart for the ministry of God’s Word.

2) It represents a new beginning - the start of a term of service or the assumption of a sacred duty.

3) It symbolizes the weight of responsibility that falls upon the one who accepts the mantle of service.

4) It demonstrates publicly the requirement of a holy life for those who would lead others.

5) It identifies the one(s) chosen by God for service.

But how much ceremony is appropriate? Enough that all the above is evident to both those who are being installed and to those who are observing. Enough that all might sense the weight of responsibility involved. Enough that God is truly exalted and His servants get a sense of the awesomeness of their duty to Him.

Can this be taken too far? To be sure! A line is crossed when the emphasis is upon the one serving rather than the One being served. Pomp and ceremony are worthless if we forget our main purpose. In fact, they’re detrimental. Let us, like the Israelites who experienced God’s presence on the occasion of Aaron’s installation, “shout for joy and fall facedown” (Lev. 9:24) before our Master - the One whom we serve.


New Testament: Mark 15

The day probably didn’t come out quite like Simon had planned. His Jewish name and the Passover holiday provide the clue to understand why he was so far from home. Like many others, he had made the pilgrimage from Cyrene, an important city in Lybia on the North Atlantic coast, to visit Jerusalem for the festival. Not being from Jerusalem, he’d probably made arrangements to rent an apartment for his little family for the eight-day holiday in the Holy City. No doubt, anticipation ran high as his two little boys got up early that morning (see Mk. 15:1 and following context, down to vs. 21) to go to the Temple. Did Mom stay back to fix some breakfast for when they returned? Alexander and Rufus were excited to see everything they’d been hearing about for so long before the trip. With expectation they poked their way through the narrow streets, sensing the right direction by the general flow of traffic.

But suddenly the traffic stopped flowing and the shouts of an angry crowd were heard. Roman soldiers were moving through and that always meant trouble. Then the Object of the tumult rounded the corner and fell right in front of their frightened eyes. He was so bloody and weak, he could hardly be recognized. Like everyone else, they’d heard some of the stories about this man from Nazareth but he didn’t look like much of a miracle-worker right now. In fact, he looked more like the lamb they’d just watched being slaughtered the night before!

Things got worse. The soldiers yanked Simon from the crowd and made him take up the heavy crossbar as he tried to give the boys some hurried instructions to stay close. The blood smeared his new robe, bought specially for the holiday visit to Jerusalem. Mom would be mad. Simon was shoved back into the line-up and the procession continued toward the city gate and outside the city. The boys tried hard to keep up but the press of the crowd made it impossible. They got pushed farther and farther behind. As long as they could see him, their eyes were riveted on the Man who had been carrying the cross. All the time the crowd chanted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Two others were being led out to the execution site also but the people didn’t seem to pay them much attention.

By the time Alexander and Rufus caught up, their father was watching the Roman soldiers drive nails into the Man’s hands and feet. There wasn’t much reason any more to shade the boys’ eyes - they’d seen too much already and there was something spell-binding about this Man. Though He was writhing in agony, they heard Him whisper, “Father, forgive them.”

They all witnessed an unexpected lesson that Passover. It had to do with a lamb that could cover over their sin, like every previous Passover they’d celebrated back in Cyrene. But this time they got the bigger message that had been implanted in that story clear back at the very first Passover. What they really needed was the Lamb that could take away their sin.