Date: March 31, 2013 11:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Covenant People [17 of 27]
By Grace: A Covenant People [17 of 27]
"I, the LORD, have called you... to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes of the blind, ...to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." (Isaiah 42:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 42:3-9; Jeremiah 31:31
The Creator of the universe - the One who gives breath and life to every creature - continues to speak about His chosen Servant. The central idea here is that the only One who can make promises that come true all the time is the One who created and sustains all creation. Notice the four main verbs in verse 5 - "created, stretched, spread, and gives." Then in verse 6, these verbs - "I have called, I will take, I will keep, I will make." These are the words of Almighty God. He has made a covenant with His people - Jews and Gentiles alike - through His Son, Jesus.
The Bible is all about covenants that God makes with His chosen people. You might translate the word "covenant" as "promise," because biblical covenants are all are based on God's promises. Even God's covenant with Moses and the giving of the Law was a gracious promise with a gracious purpose - to save His people from their sins. God's promises are always true and not binding because the sovereign Creator is faithful to do what He says He will do.
Insight: The entire world is in a "dungeon of darkness." But by grace, God has shed His light in Christ and His New Covenant.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: A Chosen Servant [16 of 27]
Date: March 28, 2013 9:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Chosen Servant [16 of 27]
By Grace: A Chosen Servant [16 of 27]
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations." (Isaiah 42:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 3:17
Chapter 42 begins a segment of Isaiah that speaks of a coming "Servant" who will be the answer to the world's plight. His key role is to "bring justice to the nations" (vs. 1). Biblical "justice" is indeed the revealed truth of God compressed into a single word. The Servant will bring the truth of God to a dying world, and He will bring justice to His people who would otherwise face the wrath of God. The Servant is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth.
When Christ went to the cross to die for His people's sins, He satisfied the justice of God that would have otherwise fallen upon us. Jesus came into this world to do the will of His Father in heaven. His Father was delighted with Him in every way (Matthew 3:17). He came in meekness, serving others, not dominating them. The "islands" of verse 4 are the many nations of the world. People from every nation have and will put their hope for eternal life in Him. The Servant will not disappoint, but will fulfill the promises of God.
Insight: The justice that befell Christ should have fallen upon you and me. This is the gospel that rests on grace alone.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Chosen Servant [16 of 27]
By Grace: A Chosen Servant [16 of 27]
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations." (Isaiah 42:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 3:17
Chapter 42 begins a segment of Isaiah that speaks of a coming "Servant" who will be the answer to the world's plight. His key role is to "bring justice to the nations" (vs. 1). Biblical "justice" is indeed the revealed truth of God compressed into a single word. The Servant will bring the truth of God to a dying world, and He will bring justice to His people who would otherwise face the wrath of God. The Servant is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth.
When Christ went to the cross to die for His people's sins, He satisfied the justice of God that would have otherwise fallen upon us. Jesus came into this world to do the will of His Father in heaven. His Father was delighted with Him in every way (Matthew 3:17). He came in meekness, serving others, not dominating them. The "islands" of verse 4 are the many nations of the world. People from every nation have and will put their hope for eternal life in Him. The Servant will not disappoint, but will fulfill the promises of God.
Insight: The justice that befell Christ should have fallen upon you and me. This is the gospel that rests on grace alone.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ By Grace: A Great Shepherd [15 of 27]
Date: March 28, 2013 1:58 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Great Shepherd [15 of 27]
By Grace: A Great Shepherd [15 of 27]
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:9-41; John 10:1-30
In these verses, we find a picture of our Lord Jesus as the gracious Shepherd of His flock. Jesus is called "Yahweh Adonai"(vs. 10), the Sovereign Lord of all power and majesty. He comes in humility as a shepherd, but He is much, much more. In the rest of the chapter we are told who this Shepherd truly is - "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth" (v. 28). There is none other like Him who "brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls them each by name" (vs. 26).
The parallel New Testament chapter to Isaiah 40 is John 10. Here is what Jesus claims in its verses: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (vs. 11). "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (vs. 14). "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish..." (vs. 28-29). The Great Shepherd of Isaiah 40 is the Great Savior of John 10, the great Friend of sinners like us.
Insight: Have you heard the voice of the Shepherd? Be assured, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Great Shepherd [15 of 27]
By Grace: A Great Shepherd [15 of 27]
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:9-41; John 10:1-30
In these verses, we find a picture of our Lord Jesus as the gracious Shepherd of His flock. Jesus is called "Yahweh Adonai"(vs. 10), the Sovereign Lord of all power and majesty. He comes in humility as a shepherd, but He is much, much more. In the rest of the chapter we are told who this Shepherd truly is - "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth" (v. 28). There is none other like Him who "brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls them each by name" (vs. 26).
The parallel New Testament chapter to Isaiah 40 is John 10. Here is what Jesus claims in its verses: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (vs. 11). "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (vs. 14). "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish..." (vs. 28-29). The Great Shepherd of Isaiah 40 is the Great Savior of John 10, the great Friend of sinners like us.
Insight: Have you heard the voice of the Shepherd? Be assured, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
Date: March 27, 2013 1:36 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Peter 1:23-25
Throughout this entire chapter, the grace of God is evident. Notice the doubling of the word "comfort" in verse 1, signifying the intense comfort of God's grace. The word "double" at the end of verse 2 reminds us of our gracious double salvation. Christ took our sins upon Himself and gave His righteousness to us. Verse 3 looks forward to John the baptizer, who would introduce the coming King. Salvation for God's people is coming! The LORD's glory will be revealed! The mouth of the LORD has spoken!
The things of this world are changing and eventually passing away. Nations come and go. People are likened to the flowers and the grass. But one thing never changes, one thing we can grab on to that we know is solid and secure in this ever-changing world: "the Word of our God." God's gracious Word, written down by numerous authors over thousands of years, never changes. It speaks the truth (John 17:17). "Jesus Christ - the Word of God - is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Insight: The eternal God who spoke His Word into being defines and ordains all past and future events - the beginning and the end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Peter 1:23-25
Throughout this entire chapter, the grace of God is evident. Notice the doubling of the word "comfort" in verse 1, signifying the intense comfort of God's grace. The word "double" at the end of verse 2 reminds us of our gracious double salvation. Christ took our sins upon Himself and gave His righteousness to us. Verse 3 looks forward to John the baptizer, who would introduce the coming King. Salvation for God's people is coming! The LORD's glory will be revealed! The mouth of the LORD has spoken!
The things of this world are changing and eventually passing away. Nations come and go. People are likened to the flowers and the grass. But one thing never changes, one thing we can grab on to that we know is solid and secure in this ever-changing world: "the Word of our God." God's gracious Word, written down by numerous authors over thousands of years, never changes. It speaks the truth (John 17:17). "Jesus Christ - the Word of God - is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Insight: The eternal God who spoke His Word into being defines and ordains all past and future events - the beginning and the end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Date: March 27, 2013 1:36 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Peter 1:23-25
Throughout this entire chapter, the grace of God is evident. Notice the doubling of the word "comfort" in verse 1, signifying the intense comfort of God's grace. The word "double" at the end of verse 2 reminds us of our gracious double salvation. Christ took our sins upon Himself and gave His righteousness to us. Verse 3 looks forward to John the baptizer, who would introduce the coming King. Salvation for God's people is coming! The LORD's glory will be revealed! The mouth of the LORD has spoken!
The things of this world are changing and eventually passing away. Nations come and go. People are likened to the flowers and the grass. But one thing never changes, one thing we can grab on to that we know is solid and secure in this ever-changing world: "the Word of our God." God's gracious Word, written down by numerous authors over thousands of years, never changes. It speaks the truth (John 17:17). "Jesus Christ - the Word of God - is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Insight: The eternal God who spoke His Word into being defines and ordains all past and future events - the beginning and the end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
By Grace: The Eternal Word [14 of 27]
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Peter 1:23-25
Throughout this entire chapter, the grace of God is evident. Notice the doubling of the word "comfort" in verse 1, signifying the intense comfort of God's grace. The word "double" at the end of verse 2 reminds us of our gracious double salvation. Christ took our sins upon Himself and gave His righteousness to us. Verse 3 looks forward to John the baptizer, who would introduce the coming King. Salvation for God's people is coming! The LORD's glory will be revealed! The mouth of the LORD has spoken!
The things of this world are changing and eventually passing away. Nations come and go. People are likened to the flowers and the grass. But one thing never changes, one thing we can grab on to that we know is solid and secure in this ever-changing world: "the Word of our God." God's gracious Word, written down by numerous authors over thousands of years, never changes. It speaks the truth (John 17:17). "Jesus Christ - the Word of God - is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Insight: The eternal God who spoke His Word into being defines and ordains all past and future events - the beginning and the end.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, March 25, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]
Date: March 25, 2013 11:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]
By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]
"[The LORD] will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 33:1-6
Back in the early 1980s, I studied Proverbs in some depth. The key to understanding any book of the Bible is the key of which Isaiah speaks here - "the fear of the LORD." To define its meaning, I developed an acronym using the word FEAR.
"F" stands for "faith." The key to a rich store of salvation is faith in Christ - trusting in His life, death, and resurrection.
"E" stands for "enjoyment." The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that we are to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Christ is to be our real and only source of satisfaction.
"A" stands for "active obedience." I will never understand the Bible unless I am eagerly willing to do what it says. Many scholars know the Bible intellectually, but do not know its Author because they've never sought to obey Him.
Finally,
"R" stands for "reverential awe." Jesus is our great Friend by His grace. But He's not our buddy. We approach Him in His rich majesty and in the respect due to Almighty God. This treasure is ours by His grace alone.
Insight: The "treasures" of this world are nothing compared to knowing the rich and everlasting treasure we have in Christ.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]
By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]
"[The LORD] will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 33:1-6
Back in the early 1980s, I studied Proverbs in some depth. The key to understanding any book of the Bible is the key of which Isaiah speaks here - "the fear of the LORD." To define its meaning, I developed an acronym using the word FEAR.
"F" stands for "faith." The key to a rich store of salvation is faith in Christ - trusting in His life, death, and resurrection.
"E" stands for "enjoyment." The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that we are to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Christ is to be our real and only source of satisfaction.
"A" stands for "active obedience." I will never understand the Bible unless I am eagerly willing to do what it says. Many scholars know the Bible intellectually, but do not know its Author because they've never sought to obey Him.
Finally,
"R" stands for "reverential awe." Jesus is our great Friend by His grace. But He's not our buddy. We approach Him in His rich majesty and in the respect due to Almighty God. This treasure is ours by His grace alone.
Insight: The "treasures" of this world are nothing compared to knowing the rich and everlasting treasure we have in Christ.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: A Sure Foundation [12 of 27]
Date: March 24, 2013 9:59 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Sure Foundation [12 of 27]
By Grace: A Sure Foundation [12 of 27]
"So this is what the Sovereign LORD says;'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.'" (Isaiah 28:16)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 28:16-19; Ephesians 2:20
When I came to Christ over 40 years ago, my trust in Him was relatively weak. But as I have come to know Him better, my trust in Jesus and His Word has strengthened. Besides growing spiritually, I have grown emotionally and intellectually. Some in the evangelical church might react negatively to my claim of "intellectual" growth, saying, "I have Jesus in my heart, not just in my head." But to get to one's heart, trust in Christ must first pass through the mind. Christ's "sure foundation" is laid there.
And this verse is about Christ. He is the stone whom "the builders rejected" (Matthew 21:42). He is the cornerstone from Judah (Zechariah 10:4). He is the spiritual "rock" in the desert from which water poured (1 Corinthians 10:4). He is the "rock" on which the wise man built his house (Luke 6:48) and the "rock" of Peter's confession (Matthew 16:18). He is the earth's foundation - its "cornerstone" (Job 38:6). The Scriptures prove overwhelmingly to the mind that Jesus is the "sure foundation."
Insight: Do I know Jesus loves me because "he lives within my heart?" Or, do I know that because "the Bible tells me so"?
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Sure Foundation [12 of 27]
By Grace: A Sure Foundation [12 of 27]
"So this is what the Sovereign LORD says;'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.'" (Isaiah 28:16)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 28:16-19; Ephesians 2:20
When I came to Christ over 40 years ago, my trust in Him was relatively weak. But as I have come to know Him better, my trust in Jesus and His Word has strengthened. Besides growing spiritually, I have grown emotionally and intellectually. Some in the evangelical church might react negatively to my claim of "intellectual" growth, saying, "I have Jesus in my heart, not just in my head." But to get to one's heart, trust in Christ must first pass through the mind. Christ's "sure foundation" is laid there.
And this verse is about Christ. He is the stone whom "the builders rejected" (Matthew 21:42). He is the cornerstone from Judah (Zechariah 10:4). He is the spiritual "rock" in the desert from which water poured (1 Corinthians 10:4). He is the "rock" on which the wise man built his house (Luke 6:48) and the "rock" of Peter's confession (Matthew 16:18). He is the earth's foundation - its "cornerstone" (Job 38:6). The Scriptures prove overwhelmingly to the mind that Jesus is the "sure foundation."
Insight: Do I know Jesus loves me because "he lives within my heart?" Or, do I know that because "the Bible tells me so"?
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)