THE LORD SPOKE (March 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 14-16

Do you root for the underdog? Do you always take sides with the down-trodden? Is your heart soft for those who have little in this world?

It should be. It should be because God’s heart is just that. There are many references in Scripture to caring and providing for the poor.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deut. 15:10-11)

In the previous chapter (Deut. 14:28-29), God had made provision to feed the needy. Earlier in this same chapter (Deut. 15:1-4), He also created a system to balance society more equitably, saying “there should be no poor among you”. In fact, little Israel was to be the lender and caretaker of many nations around them - borrowing or dependent on none.

That’s amazing and also true to modern history. It is also a true principle whereby you may live your own life. It applies to individuals equally well.

Are you generous? Are you “openhanded” towards those who have less? Remember, “the Lord loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).


New Testament: John 8

It’s quite a litany of condemning phrases. All the dirty linen was out on the line that day. Jesus had come to a showdown with the Pharisees and He brought ten railing accusations against them:

1. “you have no idea where I come from” (8:14)
2. “you have no idea where I am going” (8:14)
3. “you do not know me” (8:19)
4. “you do not know my Father” (8:19)
5. “where I go you cannot come” (vs. 21)
6. “you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be” (8:24)
7. “you have no room for my word” (8:37)
8. “you are unable to hear what I say” (8:43)
9. “you do not believe me” (8:45)
10. “you do not hear” (8:47)

Four times He challenges them to change their behavior:

1. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (Jn. 8:31)
2. “If you were Abraham’s children, then you would do the things Abraham did.” (Jn. 8:39)
3. “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God.” (8:42)
4. “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (Jn. 8:51)

The resounding conclusion of the manifesto comes with His declaration of deity. Let no man say He never claimed to be God. For His “blasphemy” they were ready to execute Him by stoning. What was the statement that did it? He claimed to be greater than Abraham. In fact, He equated Himself with the great “I AM” - the Ancient of Days.

Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.... Before Abraham was born, I am! (Jn. 8:56,58)

THE LORD SPOKE (September 6)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Proverbs 11-13

Scrooge. The very word immediately brings up mental images and not just Dickens’ character by that name. We’ve all known a stingy person somewhere and the memories leave a sour taste in the mouth like a bad burp.

“Scrooge” has become the personification of a stingy, self-centered person. The Bible has a lot to say about stinginess and even more to say about being generous. Both Testaments commend repeatedly the practice of generosity:

• Proverbs 11:25 - A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
• Proverbs 22:9 - A generous man will himself be blessed.
• Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 - Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
• I Timothy 6:18 - Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Our generosity should begin with generosity to the Lord. How does that thought strike you? How can we be generous to the Lord? The Bible tells us:

• Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.
• Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

While “storehouse tithing” is not a NT principle for the Church, we do certainly find faithful, proportional, and generous giving commanded for today. The Lord’s promise of blessing upon the man who is generous to Him is a promise for all time. There it is again - generous to Him? How absurd. First of all, what could he ever need from us? Secondly, everything we have originates in Him so how could we possibly “give” Him anything? And yet, He desires our generosity and promises to bless us for it.

Can you believe that? God tells us to put Him to the test in this area! Again, can you believe that? Do you believe it? Prove it.


New Testament: Revelation 12

“A great and wondrous sign.” That’s how this chapter begins, in a book full of wondrous signs! We’re not left to wonder who or what this dragon represents for he is identified for us in verse nine as Satan. There are actually quite a number of names or descriptions for him in this short chapter:

• enormous red dragon (vs. 3a) - a mythological picture also used in Scripture to depict the enemies of God and Israel (Ps. 74:14; Isa. 27:1; Ezek. 29:3)
• with seven heads and ten horns (vs. 3b) - which symbolize advanced knowledge and great strength
• with seven crowns on his heads (vs. 3c) - having all the political power to go with his knowledge and strength, he constitutes a formidable enemy!
• with a following of one-third of the stars of heaven (vs. 4)
• at war with Michael and his angels (vs. 7) - this is not the first time (see Dan. 12:1; Jude 9)
• “that ancient serpent” (vs. 9a) - a direct link back to Satan in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1)
• called the devil (vs. 9b) - from the Greek, diabolos, meaning “accuser”, mentioned again in vs. 10
• called Satan (vs. 9b) - the equivalent term from Hebrew; the picture is that of the book of Job where Satan accuses us night and day before God
• leads the whole world astray (vs. 9c) - he’s had lots of practice and has a well-developed army around him

It’s a cosmic conflict but, praise be to God, “he was not strong enough” (Rev. 12:8). Our enemy is a defeated foe. The dragon is really just a lizard. He will still pursue his evil designs but ultimately he will be blocked at every turn.

Our victory is secured by none other than the Lamb. As Isaac Watts worded verse 11...

I ask them whence their victory came,
They, with united breath,
Ascribe their conquers to the Lamb;
Their triumph to His death.