Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 17, 2022

“Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.” – “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, … having obtained eternal redemption.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 25:10:16.

“They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high.  You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it.  You shall cast four gold rings for it and fasten them on its four feet, and two rings shall be on one side of it and two rings on the other side of it.  You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.  You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them.  The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark;  they shall not be removed from it.  You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you.”  Exodus 25:10:16.

——————

The Ten Commandments were “the testimony” that was to be put into the ark.

“At that time the LORD said to me, ‘Cut out for yourself two tablets of stone like the former ones, and come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood for yourself.  I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered, and you shall put them in the ark.’  So I made an ark of acacia wood and cut out two tablets of stone like the former ones, and went up on the mountain with the two tablets in my hand.  He wrote on the tablets, like the former writing, the Ten Commandments which the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly; and the LORD gave them to me.  Then I turned and came down from the mountain and put the tablets in the ark which I had made;  and there they are, as the LORD commanded me.”  Deuteronomy 10:1-4.

What was the significance of the ark including “the testimony”?

“Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.  For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread;  this is called the holy place.  Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant;  and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”  Hebrews 9:1-5.

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;  and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”  Hebrews 9:11-12. 

“For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”  Hebrews 9:15.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.”  Hebrews 10:1.

“then He (Christ) said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.”  He takes away the first in order to establish the second.  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”  Hebrews 10:9-10.

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” Hebrews 10:14-17.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:24-25.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:4-7.

“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit;  for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?  For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.  For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it.  For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.  But their minds were hardened;  for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.  But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;  but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:4-18. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 16, 2022

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 25:1-9.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me;  from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.  This is the contribution which you are to raise from them:  gold, silver and bronze, blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, rams’ skins dyed red, porpoise skins, acacia wood, oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece.  Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.  According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.”  Exodus 25:1-9.

—————    

God did not impose a mandatory duty for everyone to give.  But rather, God told Israel to raise a contribution for Him:  “from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.”  Verse 1.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver.  

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”  2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

God gave a very specific reason for the contribution:  “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.”  Verse 8.

What a good reason!  Our hearts are moved to give at such a heavenly thought of God dwelling with us!!

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes;  and there will no longer be any death;  there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain;  the first things have passed away.”  Revelation 21:3-4.

In summary, let us use Scriptures in today’s devotion and elsewhere to eagerly meditate on the good that can happen when we give.  

When we give, we will be enriched in everything for all liberality.  God will give to us so we will have all sufficiency to do every good deed.     

When we give, we produce thanksgiving to God that pleases God.  

When we give, we fully supply the needs of the saints.

When we give, others pray for us.  

When we give, we demonstrate the surpassing grace of God in us.

When we give, others glorify God and yearn for us because of the surpassing grace of God in us. 

When we give, we show that we really believe God’s indescribable gift to us of His Son, Jesus Christ, Who saved us from our sins and hell and Who provided us with eternal life and heaven.         

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;  you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.  Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:10-15.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 14, 2022

“the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 24:12-18.

“Now the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction.”  So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.  But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you.  And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you;  whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.”  Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.  The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days;  and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud.  And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.  Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain;  and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”  Exodus 24:12-18.

——————–   

In today’s Scripture, we get another appearance of the LORD.  “And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.”  Verse 17.  We eagerly meditate on it. 

Many are preoccupied with their own appearance.  But, Reformed Doctrine is preoccupied with the appearances of the LORD, even consumed with the desire to know God.

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”  John 17:3.

So, what does the appearance of the LORD in today’s Scripture tell us about the LORD?

First of all, this appearance tells us the LORD is glorious:  “the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire”.  

Second, the closest thing that we know is like a consuming fire is the sun, and Scripture describes the LORD as a sun.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11.

As just one example of what the sun does, the sun gives light so we can see.  Like the sun, the LORD gives light so we can see.  

“And there will no longer be any night;  and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them;  and they will reign forever and ever.”  Revelation 22:5.  

Third, the LORD punishes His enemies like a consuming fire. 

“Sinners in Zion are terrified;
Trembling has seized the godless.
“Who among us can live with the consuming fire?
Who among us can live with continual burning?” Isaiah 33:14.

“27 Behold, the name of the LORD comes from a remote place;
Burning is His anger and dense is His smoke;
His lips are filled with indignation
And His tongue is like a consuming fire;
…
30 And the LORD will cause His voice of authority to be heard,
And the descending of His arm to be seen in fierce anger,
And in the flame of a consuming fire
In cloudburst, downpour and hailstones.
…
33 For Topheth has long been ready,
Indeed, it has been prepared for the king.
He has made it deep and large,
A pyre of fire with plenty of wood;
The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of brimstone, sets it afire.” Isaiah 30:27 and 30 and 33.

But, there is hope!

When we know the LORD is a consuming fire, such knowledge causes us to show reverence and awe to the LORD which leads us to salvation.

“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.  For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.  And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”  This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;  for our God is a consuming fire.”  Hebrews 12:25-29.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 13, 2022

“they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 24:9-11.

“Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel;  and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.  Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel;  and they saw God, and they ate and drank.”  Exodus 24:9-11.

————–

It was surprising that God “did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel”.  Who can stand before Him?!

Even Abraham’s wife, Sarai, wondered:  “…  Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?”  Genesis 16:13.

Consider Isaiah’s experience and statement.  

“Then I said,

“Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5.

“4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.
6 You destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
7 But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.” Psalm 5:4-7.

So, with reverence, even fear and trembling, we meditate on God’s appearance:  “they saw the God of Israel;  and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.”

Let us not merely think it was a beautiful sight.  What else does God’s appearance tell us about God’s position?  

As the sky is far above the earth, God is exalted far above the earth and all gods. God’s throne is in the heavens, and He rules over all.

“For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.” Psalm 97:9.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.

Is there any hope for us?

“11 “O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted,
Behold, I will set your stones in antimony,
And your foundations I will lay in sapphires.
12 “Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies,
And your gates of crystal,
And your entire wall of precious stones.
13 “All your sons will be taught of the LORD;
And the well-being of your sons will be great.
14 “In righteousness you will be established;
You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear;
And from terror, for it will not come near you.” Isaiah 54:11-14.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:4-7.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 12, 2022

“without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” – “He (Christ) is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, …. those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 24:1-8.

“Then He said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance.  Moses alone, however, shall come near to the LORD, but they shall not come near, nor shall the people come up with him.”

Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the LORD and all the ordinances;  and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do!”  Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.  Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.  He sent young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD.  Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and the other half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.  Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people;  and they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!”  So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”  Exodus 24:1-8.

———————–

“Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood.  For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU.”  And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood.  And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”  Hebrews 9:18-22.

“For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

For this reason He (Christ) is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”  Hebrews 9:13-15. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-8.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.  

To sum up the previous two Scriptures, we are in Christ by God’s doing, not be our doing, not by our works nor even by as little as our will.  He “chose us”.  “He predestined us”.  Christ is our sanctification and our redemption through God’s choice, God’s predestination, and God’s work.   

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 11, 2022

“you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:31-33.

“I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates;  for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.  You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.  They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me;  for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”  Exodus 23:31-33.

————————

“Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform miracles which have not been produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations;  and all the people among whom you live will see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful thing that I am going to perform with you.

“Be sure to observe what I am commanding you this day:  behold, I am going to drive out the Amorite before you, and the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite.  Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst.  But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God— otherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they would play the harlot with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might play the harlot with their gods and cause your sons also to play the harlot with their gods.”  Exodus 34:10-16.

The sad history of Israel is that despite the warnings and promises, and despite God’s guidance, protection, miracles, and provision of the promised land flowing with milk and honey, Israel rebelled against God and played the harlot with other gods.

But, there is hope!

Christ died for God’s elect, and His offering perfected God’s elect.

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” Hebrews 10:14-17.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 10, 2022

“But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:28-30.

“I will send hornets ahead of you so that they will drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before you.  I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.  I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.”  Exodus 23:28-30. 

———————–

“The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little;  you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you.”  Deuteronomy 7:22.

We may wonder.  If the LORD is going to do all these wonderful things for us in guiding us, protecting us, and otherwise blessing us, in summary establishing us in the promised land, then why does He allow any wicked to be around us? 

Today’s Scripture gives a specific clear answer for the specific situation facing Israel:  “that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.”  Verse 29.

For us today, I will give three Scriptures which gives us some insight as to why the LORD allows some wicked to be around us.

I will start with Jesus’ parable of the Tares among Wheat.  

“Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.  But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away.  But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also.  The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field?  How then does it have tares?’  And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’  The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’  But he *said, ‘No;  for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them.  Allow both to grow together until the harvest;  and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up;  but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”  Matthew 13:24-30.

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?  And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.”  Romans 9:22-24.

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope;  for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  Romans 8:24-25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 9, 2022

“In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:20-27.

“Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.  Be on your guard before him and obey his voice;  do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him.  But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.  For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites;  and I will completely destroy them.  You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds;  but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their sacred pillars in pieces.  But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water;  and I will remove sickness from your midst.  There shall be no one miscarrying or barren in your land;  I will fulfill the number of your days.  I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.”  Exodus 23:20-27.   

—————–

“11 “Who is like You among the gods, O LORD?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?
12 “You stretched out Your right hand,
The earth swallowed them.
13 “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed;
In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.
14 “The peoples have heard, they tremble;
Anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 “Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed;
The leaders of Moab, trembling grips them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
16 “Terror and dread fall upon them;
By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;
Until Your people pass over, O LORD,
Until the people pass over whom You have purchased.
17 “You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance,
The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling,
The sanctuary, O LORD, which Your hands have established.
18 “The LORD shall reign forever and ever.” Exodus 15:11-18.

God guides, protects, and also otherwise blesses His people, the people who He has redeemed, the people whom He has purchased, His elect, His chosen ones, with the goal of bringing them into the place that He has prepared, His holy habitation, the promised land, heaven.   

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-8.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination which states “election is the fountain of every saving good”.  

Article 9.  This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended;  but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle:  “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,”  Ephesians 1:4.

We treasure the fictional thought of the “Fountain of Youth” and chase after products that are promoted as coming from it.  

How much more should we treasure the truth that “election is the fountain of every saving good” and chase after election from which proceeds salvation, heaven, and immortality!     

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-32.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 2, 2022

“For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:14-19.  I am going on a vacation.  Next devotion, God willing, will be next Sunday, October 9, 2022.

Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+23&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me.  You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt.  And none shall appear before Me empty-handed.  Also you shall observe the Feast of the Harvest of the first fruits of your labors from what you sow in the field;  also the Feast of the Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather in the fruit of your labors from the field.”  Exodus 23:14-16. 

——————-

“And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”  Exodus 5:1.

“Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.  Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”  1 Corinthians 5:7-8.

“While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat;  this is My body.”  And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you;  for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”  Matthew 26:26-28.

“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11.

“Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.” Psalm 33:1.

“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4.

“O sing to the LORD a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” Psalm 98:1.

“Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3 Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

…

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
Bring an offering and come into His courts.
9 Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.” Psalm 96:1-3 and 8-10.

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm chapter 100.

“Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonders to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will remember His covenant forever.” Psalm chapter 111:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 30, 2022

“be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:13.

“Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard;  and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.”  Exodus 23:13.

—————–

This law follows the first commandment:  “You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Exodus 20:3.

Sometimes, laws give the reason for their existence as we saw yesterday in the immediate preceding verse.  For example, we read:  “Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves.”  Exodus 23:12. 

We could speculate on the reason for the law in today’s Scripture, but we may be wrong, and this law stands alone without stating the reason for its existence.   

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7.

But, how often does a preacher and teacher think he is excused from the law to not mention the name of other gods, because he is teaching history or supporting his good point which justifies it!

“… be on your guard;  and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.”  Verse 13.

Is it profitable to personify and name things as if she or he had a mind of her own?  Could that not tempt others to fear them as a god?

There could be a better way to describe those things.   

But, whether or not there is a better way to describe those things, “… be on your guard;  and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.”  Verse 13.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God;  there is no other besides Him.  Out of the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you;  and on earth He let you see His great fire, and you heard His words from the midst of the fire.  Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them.  And He personally brought you from Egypt by His great power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today.  Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below;  there is no other.  So you shall keep His statutes and His commandments which I am giving you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may live long on the land which the LORD your God is giving you for all time.”  Deuteronomy 4:35-40.

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