THE LORD SPOKE (April 29)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 23-25

In sharp contrast to Saul, we frequently find that David "inquired of the Lord" (23:2,4,10,12 et al.). He did so through prayer and by listening to the Holy Spirit's voice through his own conscience (see 24:5). Beyond that, he frequently sought out and listened to (!) godly people who helped him determine God's direction for him. Look at the four examples given in these chapters:

Abiathar (23:10) - one who went through a personal holocaust (all his family was killed by Saul - ch. 22) and knew how to trust God through severe stress

Jonathan (23:16) - a man who was learning how to deal with an abusive father and could help David "find strength in God" (23:16) - what a friend!

The Giborim (25:13) - a motley crew of "mighty men" in distress, debt, and discontent (22:2) who, nevertheless, served David faithfully and were frequently his spiritual eyes and ears

Abigail (25:32) - a godly woman who learned how to deal with a worthless husband (ch. 25) and gave David some of the best advice he ever received (25:26-31)

Take a closer look at one phrase in Abigail's wise counsel to David: "The life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God." What is that "bundle of the living"? I believe it was exactly those spiritual friends around David who protected and preserved him from sin. Just as a valuable possession is carefully wrapped for safe-keeping, so we need some bubblewrap around our souls. Make sure you have friends like Jonathan who help you find your strength in God.


New Testament: Romans 2

The first sixteen verses of Romans 2 are written primarily for/about Gentiles. At verse 17, Paul switches his focus to Jews. He speaks of their privileges (vs. 17-20), their practices (vs. 21-24), and their position (vs. 25-29). In the next chapter he continues talking about the promise they received.

That’s an important observation if we’re to understand Romans 2:28-29 properly. A person is saved not by what he does but by faith in Jesus Christ. That’s true for both Jew and Gentile. The privilege came first for the Jews (Rom. 2:9-10) but with that privilege came responsibility. Being born Jewish, even being circumcised, is no guarantee of God’s favor.

True circumcision, the sign of a covenant relationship, must be that of the heart (Rom. 2:28-29). It is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that marks us as belonging to God. God evaluates us on the basis of truth (Rom. 2:2), good deeds (Rom. 2:6-11), and our response to the light He has given to us (Rom. 2:12-15). But does that mean our good works get us into heaven or that God grades on a curve? No! These things are meant to be the evidence of heart conversion.

It’s our own “stubbornness and unrepentant heart” that deserves God’s wrath (Rom. 2:5) but His grace is characterized by kindness, tolerance, and patience (Rom. 2:4).

Christ has for sin atonement made
What a wonderful Savior!
We are redeemed, the price is paid
What a wonderful Savior!

What a wonderful Savior
Is Jesus, my Jesus!
What a wonderful Savior
Is Jesus, my Lord!

I praise Him for the cleansing blood
What a wonderful Savior!
That reconciled my soul to God
What a wonderful Savior!

He cleansed my heart from all its sin
What a wonderful Savior!
And now He reigns and rules therein
What a wonderful Savior!

He gives me overcoming pow'r
What a wonderful Savior!
And triumph in each trying hour
What a wonderful Savior!