THE LORD SPOKE (June 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 6-7

Though it was especially "crafted" for a specific occasion, Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple is in many ways a model prayer for us. His introductory remarks to the people gathered (II Chron. 6:4-11) incorporate the five main points of Old Testament biblical theology in an anthem of praise:

PRESERVATION (II Chron. 6:5) - "out of Egypt"

POSSESSION (II Chron. 6:6) - "I have chosen Jerusalem" (and all that relates to Eretz Israel)

PROMISE (II Chron. 6:10) - "the Lord has kept the promise that he made"

PRINCE (II Chron. 6:10) - "David...sit on the throne"

PEOPLE (II Chron. 6:11) - "the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel"

(Note: The fact that these five points invariably appear at such defining moments in Scripture is a confirmation of their importance as a synopsis of biblical theology.)

Solomon's public prayer continues with adoration (II Chron. 6:14-18) and moves to confession. In this case it is thoroughly mixed with supplication. He defines the proper occasions for approaching the throne of grace:

• when we have sinned against another person (II Chron. 6:22-23)
• when we have been defeated because of our sin (II Chron. 6:24-25)
• when we are distanced from God because of our sin (II Chron. 6:26-27)
• when we face natural disasters or disease (II Chron. 6:28-31)
• when we are distanced from God's people (II Chron. 6:32-33)
• when we are doing battle with an enemy (II Chron. 6:34-35)
• when we are captive to anyone or anything because of our sin (II Chron. 6:36-39)

Just look at what this prayer teaches us about our need to repent and the promise of God's forgiveness and restoration:

• "when they turn back and confess" (II Chron. 6:24)
• "forgive the sin...and bring them back" (II Chron. 6:25)
• "teach them the right way to live" (II Chron. 6:27)
• "deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)" (II Chron. 6:30)
• "so that they will fear [= reverential awe] you and walk in your ways all the time" (II Chron. 6:31)
• "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chron. 7:14)

Those words were addressed to Israel (note the context carefully) but they are forever applicable to any people whose God is the Lord - people group or individual.


New Testament: Philippians 2

It’s hard to read Philippians 2 - or even to think about it - without your mind sticking on vs. 5-11. That great passage about the self-emptying (Greek: kenosis) of Christ dominates the landscape. The explanation of how He voluntarily suspended the independent exercise of His divine attributes will captivate your thought for a long time. This amazing Christological gem will make you love Him even more every time you think about it.

But there’s much more in the same chapter. From the pristine statement on Christian unity (vs. 1-4) to the positive examples of Christian friendship (vs. 19-30), the chapter rings with hope and encouragement. If we would follow Paul’s Spirit-directed advice, what a difference it would make: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

If we would follow the examples of men like Timothy and Epaphroditus, what a difference it would make. Paul’s relationship with Timothy was like that of a father and son, happily joined together in the family business (Phil. 2:22). Paul could trust him implicitly and often leaned on him for encouragement and strength. Consider the evidence of this in the first and second epistles of Timothy.

Epaphroditus too. As an emissary from the Philippian church (Paul calls him a “messenger” but the same word is translated as “apostle” elsewhere), Epaphroditus had ministered to Paul’s needs. We’re not told the exact nature of that situation but Epaphroditus got sick (vs. 27) and almost died (vs. 30) in the process. What a friend!

But we’re back again to the supreme example of our Savior. The Lord Jesus did die for us (vs. 8). He came down - oh, what meaning there is in that phrase. He left heaven’s glory to take on human flesh and all its weakness. He “humbled Himself” for sinners such as I. As a result, His name is above every name and God has highly exalted Him. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. I gladly do so now.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

THE LORD SPOKE (June 16)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Chronicles 17

It wasn't easy for the prophet Nathan to reverse his earlier enthusiasm (vs. 2) for David's temple building project. After hearing God's word on the matter, he went straight to King David and relayed just what the Lord spoke (vs. 4,7,15). Those difficult words were followed by a significant covenant promise. In vs. 11-14 we hear GOD'S PROMISE TO DAVID.

The next section (vs. 16-27) gives us DAVID'S PRAYER TO GOD. Incorporated into that prayer are the five key themes that define Old Testament biblical theology:

PEOPLE - Israel ("you made your people Israel your very own forever" - vs. 21-22)

PRESERVATION - redemption ("God went out to redeem a people for himself - vs. 21)

PROMISE - covenant ("Do as you promised so that it will be established forever - vs. 23-24)

PRINCE - Messiah (the house of your servant David will be established - vs. 24)

PLACE - land of Israel (the "great and awesome wonders" included driving out the nations before them - vs. 21)

The words to "Amazing Grace" were penned by John Newton in 1773 as he prepared a sermon on I Chronicles 17:16-17. His own experience as a slaver saved by God's grace was a reminder of the same unmerited favor that King David had received from the God who has no equal.

The Lord has promised good to me;
His word my home secures.
He will by shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.


New Testament: Galatians 5

If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:15

There once were two cats of Kilkenny.
They each thought there was one cat too many.
So they fought and they fit,
And they scratched and they bit
Until, instead of two cats,
There weren’t any.

Are we more guilty than the world in this area? Is it a congenital ailment of believers to be so verbally critical of other believers? Why do we do it so often and why are we so good at it?

At least part of the answer is that, to the extent that we are walking in the Spirit, we are more conscious of our guilt. Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit we are more aware of our sin. He brings conviction and we recognize our wrong behavior. An unbeliever has only his conscience as his guide. So, it’s probably not that believers sin more in this area than unbelievers - they’re just more conscious of it.

But, it’s still a problem that we need to deal with much more seriously than we do. The solution to this problem for a believer is tucked into this same chapter. Immediately after Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians (vs. 13-15), he tells them to “live by the Spirit” (vs. 16). Again, at the end of the chapter, he reminds them to “keep in step with the Spirit” which is the best way to “not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (vs. 25-26). That’s exactly what produces such bickering and in-fighting.

What a difference this would make in our churches, in our families, and in our relationships with individuals. “Living by the Spirit” is explained in the middle of this chapter as producing the fruit of the Spirit. This is seen in the qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That’s a plate full! But God expects no less than that from us.

Let us commit ourselves to pursuing these qualities and to growing daily in our walk with the Lord. “Keep in step with the Spirit!”

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 (December 29)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Zechariah 8-10

The Lord promises to bless Jerusalem. There was an immediate promise for Zechariah’s day (fulfilled) but this passage builds to fantastic heights by the end of the book (still unfulfilled).

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion;
I am burning with jealousy for her.”
This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.
Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth,
and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
(Zechariah 8:2-3)

It seemed marvelous at that time (Zech. 8:4-6). It seems marvelous today when you walk the streets of Jerusalem and see what God has done in our day with regard to the return of the Jewish people to the city of Jerusalem. Once again “men and women of ripe old age sit in the streets of Jerusalem with cane in hand” and “the city streets are filled with boys and girls playing there”. Why should it seem marvelous in our eyes if God is in it?

But you ain’t seen nutin’ yet. The King is coming! We had a glimpse of it in His triumphal entry (Zech. 9:9; Mat. 21:5; Jn. 12:15) but there is a dispensational gap in Zechariah 9:10. Only part of the prophecies about Messiah were fulfilled in His first advent. He will yet return to “proclaim peace to the nations”. In His second advent, “His rule will extend from sea to sea”. “Then the Lord will appear over them” (Zech. 9:14).

Here are the basic elements of Old Testament biblical theology once again:

PEOPLE - Zech. 10:6 - “the house of Judah...the house of Joseph”
PROMISE - Zech. 10:6 - “I will strengthen...I will restore...I will answer them”
PRESERVATION - Zech. 10:8 - “I will redeem them”
POSSESSION - Zech. 10:9 - “they will return”
PRINCE - Zech. 9:9 - “your king comes to you” (quoted as messianic in Mat. 21:5 and Jn. 12:15)


Proverbs 29

“Vent your rage!” So say some psychology books. But not the Bible. One who does so is termed a “fool” and unworthy of trust.

A fool gives full vent to his anger,
But a wise man keeps himself under control. (Prov. 29:11)

A fool shows his annoyance at once,
But a prudent man overlooks an insult. (Prov. 12:16)

A fool is “hot-headed and reckless” (Prov. 14:16) and “a quick-tempered man does foolish things” (Prov. 14:17). For this reason he “stirs up dissension” (Prov. 15:18) and “commits many sins” (Prov. 29:22). We are instructed:

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
Do not associate with one easily angered,
Or you may learn his ways
And get yourself ensnared. (Prov. 22:24-25)

Is the only alternative to venting your rage, holding it in? Not at all! It needs to be dealt with properly and that is by obtaining a calm spirit from the Lord. By submitting to Him in our thoughts and emotions, we can overcome our tendency to be hot-headed, quick-tempered, and short-fused. Listen to the collected wisdom of Scripture on this:

• Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
• Psalm 37:8 - Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil.
• Proverbs 19:11 - A man’s wisdom give him patience. It is to his glory to overlook an offense.
• Colossians 3:5,8 - Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature.... Rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Now do it!

THE LORD SPOKE (December 08)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Hosea 1-3

The two prophesied at almost the same time. The introductory verses of Isaiah and Hosea both mention the same kings - Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Since both ministered to the southern kingdom of Judah, the main difference was that Hosea hailed from the northern kingdom (Israel) and therefore mentions “Jehoash, king of Israel”. His ministry began shortly after that of Amos who spoke of God’s judgment coming upon the northern kingdom. He represented God to the people for nearly 40 years and probably wrote his book in Judah some time after the fall of Israel.

Of great interest (and worthy of some serious research!) is the similarity of content between the two prophets. Though God used them in very different ways, compare the message of Hosea 2 with Isaiah 61 in terms of the key terms of Old Testament biblical theology.

Hosea 2

PRINCE (Messiah) - use of “I” throughout
PROMISE (Covenant) - “I will make a covenant for them” (vs. 18)
PRESERVATION (Salvation) - “I will betroth you to me forever” (vs. 19-20)
POSSESSION (Land) - “I will plant her for myself in the land” (vs. 23)
PEOPLE (Israel) - “I will say to those called ‘Not my people’, ’You are my people’” (vs. 23)

Isaiah 61

PRINCE (Messiah) - Jesus read from this section (vs. 1-5) in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21) and said it was written about Himself
PROMISE (Covenant) - “I will...make an everlasting covenant with them” (vs. 4-9)
PEOPLE (Israel) - “all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed” (vs. 6,9)
POSSESSION (Land) - “they will inherit a double portion in their land” (vs. 7)
PRESERVATION (Salvation) - “he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (vs. 10)

The next several chapters of Hosea will be depressing. Judah’s sin is brought forcefully to her attention again and again. Yet, sandwiched in at chapter 3 is one of the most amazing promises of the Old Testament:

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days. (3:4-5)

Proverbs 8

Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8. The entire chapter is written as if it is her campaign speech just before the elections in chapter 9. She’s running against “Folly” and it’s a close race.

Not that they both have the same to offer. The two are as different as day and night. But the constituency to which they both appeal is leaning towards Folly. The voting public has a tendency toward sin so what Folly has to offer has the advantage of being flashy and catches the public’s fancy rather easily. Folly has many quick fixes and immediate pleasures to promise and she is a sly politician who knows well how to package her presentation for maximum effect.

Wisdom, on the other hand, has the rare distinction of being an honest politician (Prov. 8:4-8). What she has to offer is presented with a long-range vision. No lies about how easy her program is going to be. In fact, she promises it will be costly (Prov. 8:10-11) and take some time to implement. It will require discipline and some significant effort (8:32-36). It is based on thorough research and a wide base of excellent counsel (Prov. 8:14). It has a long history (Prov. 8:22-23) and a good record in the field (Prov. 8:15-16). The dividends are clearly defined, as it is the path to arrive at that goal (Prov. 8:17-21).

Clearly, what Wisdom has to offer is the better program (Prov. 8:35-36). Why would anyone vote for Folly? Her program is self-destructive and guaranteed to fail because of internal defects and inconsistencies.

Vote for Wisdom!

THE LORD SPOKE (November 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Ezekiel 37-38

Same song; stanza two. The tune is definitely the same and the chorus is repeated. Both chapter 36 and chapter 37 give melody to the restoration of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel. Both repeat the refrain, “Then they will know that I am the Lord” (36:38 and 37:6). Both bring in the harmonic theme: “I will put my Spirit in them” (36:27 and 37:14).

The new variation that is introduced in chapter 37 is the resurrection of David as their king (vs. 24). But in that same paragraph (vs. 24-28) the dominant chords of Old Testament biblical theology are all struck:

POSSESSION/LAND (vs. 25) - “they will live in the land”
PRINCE (vs. 25) - “David my servant will be their prince forever”
PROMISE (vs. 25) - “I will make a covenant of peace with them”
PRESERVATION (vs. 25) - “I will establish them”
PEOPLE (vs. 25) - “I will be their god and they will be my people”

And did you notice? Five times in four verses it’s repeated that this is everlasting and forever!

What we have seen in Israel in the last 60+ years is exactly what we should have expected from this prophecy. First, dry (and often smelly) bones coming together (vs. 1-3). Then flesh and tendons appearing; some skin spreading (vs. 4-6). More flesh appearing as the bones came together and began to stand erect (vs. 7-8). What hasn’t happened yet is the Spirit of God breathing true Life into those bones (vs. 9-10) but, by the order of the prophecy, that day must be close!

With Paul we cry out:

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they might be saved. (Romans 10:1)

Check out the context of that verse and see how it is to happen in Romans 10:14-15.


Psalms 133-134

May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134:3

How is it possible to be blessed from Zion? Isn’t that place just all messed up and about to be blown up? Aren’t they all just killing each other over there?

No! That’s the warped view you’ll get from the media but it’s not an accurate description of Israel today. Here are some suggestions for how you can experience the Lord’s “blessing from Zion”.

1. Inform yourself of the Jewish believers in Israel today. Over 80 messianic congregations are actively preaching the Gospel. Many of them would put us to shame by what they’re doing in terms of evangelism. They’ll bless and challenge you!
2. Visit Israel and see for yourself. It’s a thriving democracy (the only one in the Middle East!) And experiencing growth in almost every sector. Thousands of new immigrants continue to pour in every year. It is arguably the most dynamic society anywhere on earth.
3. Study the history of modern Israel. (Graduate from the Zion Chronicles to the real thing.) It’s a story of real heroes and amazing exploits. At many points you’ll have to shake your head and say “only God”. You’ll be blessed from Zion when you know the historical accounts of what’s happened in our generation.
4. Learn some Hebrew so you can read the biblical text in the original language. It will open up many new vistas and you’ll be “blessed from Zion” again and again when you see the links to the Land, the culture, and the people of Israel.

We know it must be done,
For God hath spoke the word.
And all Israel shall their Savior own,
To their first state restored;
Rebuilt by His command,
Jerusalem shall rise;
Her temple on Moriah stand
Again and touch the skies.

Send then Thy servants forth,
To call the Hebrews home.
From East and West and South and North,
Let all the wanderers come.
Wherever in lands unknown,
The fugitives remain,
Bid every creature help them on,
Thy holy mount to gain.

(from John Wesley’s unpublished “Zionist Hymn”)

THE LORD SPOKE (October 9)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 59-61

Read this passage with the eyes of a Jewish person. Remember the history of your nation. Consider the years of dispersion and national disaster - now stretched into centuries. Recall the interminable suffering and grief of being “a wandering Jew” with no place to turn. Hatred, bitterness, and rejection have been our portion everywhere you’ve gone. Antisemitism raises its ugly head at every fork in the long road.

Now you’re told...

• Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Is. 60:1)
• Nations will come to your light...to you the riches of the nations will come. (Is. 60:3,5)
• Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will serve you. (Is. 60:10)
• For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. (Is. 60:12)
• The sons of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet. (Is. 60:14)
• No longer will violence be heard in your land nor ruin or destruction within your borders. (Is. 60:18)
• Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. (Is. 60:21)

As if that weren’t enough (daiyenu is how they say it at the Passover seder), the next chapter tells of the glorious presence of the long-awaited Messiah. When Jesus taught in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30), this was the text He chose! In fact, Isaiah 61 is one of the truly pivotal chapters of the whole Old Testament. All five of the basic points of OT biblical theology are clearly developed right here:

PRINCE (Messiah) - Is. 61:1-5
PROMISE (Covenant) - Is. 61:4-9
PEOPLE (Israel) - Is. 61:6,9
POSSESSION (Land) - Is. 61:7
PRESERVATION (Salvation) - Is. 61:10

What a glorious prospect! It’s enough to keep you faithful to the Lord, to keep pressing on, to remind you that your present affliction is momentary. There is a better day ahead that rests on nothing less than the promises of God Almighty.

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. (Is. 60:19-20)

So, what if you’re not Jewish? Take a look at I Corinthians 10:11-13 and find your own promise there.


Psalms 45-46

The superscription of Psalm 45 tells us it’s a wedding song. It was written by the Levitical temple choir (“the sons of Korah”) and was probably originally used for the wedding of one or more of David’s sons. The language and vocabulary of the psalm is strikingly similar to the Song of Solomon throughout. The bride is a foreign princess (Ps. 45:10,12) and it was an event of international importance (Ps. 45:9) as “daughters of kings” are in attendance.

The psalm itself has two halves: (1) words addressed to the king (Ps. 45:3-9) and (2) words addressed to the princess bride (Ps. 45:10-15). Each half has two parts: (1a) instructions to the king (Ps. 45:3-5) and (1b) a description of the king’s glory (Ps. 45:6-9) followed by (2a) instructions to the bride (Ps. 45:10-11) and (2b) a description of the bride’s glory (Ps. 45:12-15). The first and last verse of the psalm provide a frame for the picture (Ps. 45:1,17) and there is even an inner frame of sorts (Ps. 45:2,16) to emphasize the portrait.

The crafting of the psalm is a thing of beauty in itself. But the element that keeps bringing you back to contemplate the painting is the messianic undertones. “Noble theme” indeed! The writer of Hebrews makes it explicit when he applies Ps. 45:6-7 to Christ (Heb. 1:8-9). The Davidic Covenant (II Sam. 7:16 and see Ps. 89:28-37) always pointed to the ultimate fulfillment in the royal Son of David whose throne would be established forever. His scepter of justice will be raised for eternity and the nations will praise him for ever and ever.

Psalm 47 provides a very fitting climax to this one. Let the words sink into your heart:

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
Selah

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing to him a psalm of praise.
God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham,
For the kings of the earth belong to God;
He is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47

THE LORD SPOKE (January 24)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Exodus 6-7

If you had to summarize the whole of the Bible in one word or phrase, what would it be? Keep in mind, this “center” of Scripture must work for both Old and New Testaments. At least 23 different answers to that question have been proposed in the last 100 years of theological studies. The problem is that a single point probably has to be so broad (e.g. God, revelation, sovereignty, etc.) that it fails to really help define things, or a single point ends up being too exclusive of other significant points (e.g. love, salvation, etc.). Consequently, what is proposed here is not a single word but a collection of key words under the umbrella of the Sovereignty (power, rule, kingdom) of God.

Exodus 6 is one of the pivotal passages of the entire Bible and helps us to identify the major themes of Scripture. They are:

(1) PRINCE / Messiah (Ex. 6:2) - Moses is God’s anointed one to do the job here. He is the receptor and transmitter of revelation and a type of the Messiah.

(2) PROMISE / Covenant (Ex. 6:4-5) - God says, “I established my covenant” and “I have remembered my covenant”. In fact, this theme is repeated 264 times in Scripture, most notably in the Pentateuch, Psalms, Isaiah, and Malachi. It’s all founded on the fact that “I am the Lord”, used four times just in this chapter and 161 times elsewhere in Scripture (the holy name Yahweh appears a total of 5512 times!).

(3) PRESERVATION / Redemption, Salvation (Ex. 6:6-7) - Four verbs affirm what God will do to preserve His people: “I will bring you out”, “I will free you”, “I will redeem you”, and “I will take you”.

(4) PEOPLE / Election (Ex. 6:7) - That last phrase goes on to say “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” Verse three makes mention of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and verse five speaks of the Israelites. These were the people of the covenant, the people God preserved through thick and thin, the people chosen by God for himself.

(5) POSSESSION / Land, Life (Ex. 6:8) - “I will bring you to the Land.” This was, after all, part of the promise “to give them the Land”.

Thus you have in five words, the basic content and themes of the entire Old Testament and they work well for the New Testament also. The experience of believers today as the chosen people of God fits into this picture like a hand in a glove. Without doing damage to God’s special relationship with Israel, we have been grafted in and made partakers of the Promise. Praise God!


New Testament: Matthew 24

“Blast the bones of those who calculate the end!” So said Moses Maimonides, a great rabbi and Torah scholar from the 12th century. Apparently the calculators never got blasted very far, for we frequently hear them rattling in our theological closets. Calculating the end times has been a favorite sport for a variety of individuals and many groups have taken a cultic twist in doing so.

That’s what scares us. We’ve seen it before. People get to spending so much time and effort on prophetic questions that it seems they don’t have their feet on the ground or their head screwed on right. Besides, doesn’t the Bible say, “no one can know the day or the hour”?

In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks in response to the disciples’ question, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” He answers those two aspects with lots of detail. But look again at the disciples’ question (vs. 3). They begin with “tell us when” and He doesn’t give them an answer to that. The first part of Jesus’ answer (vs. 4-8) describes the first half of the Tribulation with its “wars and rumors of wars”. At the beginning of vs. 9 He uses a chronological marker “then...” to signal a shift. What follows (vs. 9-14) describes the second half of the Tribulation with its “increase of wickedness”. Again, that is followed with a “then”. In this case He says, “then the end will come”. The more you look, the more you’ll see phrases like “at that time”, “then will be”, and other uses of “then”.

What Jesus never answers is, “when” will this start? At the time not even He knew the answer to that question, but the Father only (vs. 36). That has to do with His voluntary and temporary self-emptying (Phil. 2:6-8). For a time, He laid aside the independent use of some of His attributes. Today, exalted at the right hand of the Father, He does know when His return will be.

But He’s not telling us because His message to us is, “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (vs. 42). We are encouraged (commanded!) to “be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when [we] do not expect him” (vs. 44). In His sovereign wisdom, He has chosen not to give us those specifics because it’s better that we don’t know. We are encouraged to walk closely with Him and to live expectantly. That’s what He wants of us more than anything.

There is nothing else on the prophetic calendar that must be fulfilled before His return. He is coming - that is certain. Are you ready? Are you watching?