Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 25, 2019

“If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” – “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” – “My grace is sufficient for you”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:18-25.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished;  but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”  Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.  And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”

Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them;  the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”  So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”  Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”  Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die;  yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”  John 21:18-23.

—————-

We tend to get jealous of parts of other people’s lives.

We covet Bob’s athleticism, Mary’s wealth, Sue’s good looks, John’s job, etc.

We suffer and serve in a certain area and grumble that another person does not seem to have any problems in that area.

In today’s Scripture, Peter felt that it was unfair that Jesus signified what kind of death he (Peter) would experience while Jesus said nothing about John, thus Peter thought Jesus implied John would not suffer such death.

But, Jesus only said:  “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me!”

In other words, Jesus was telling Peter then and us today:  “Don’t grumble about what suffering and service God has given to you.  Don’t be jealous of others.  Trust God!  Follow Me!”

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”  Matthew 16:24.

Cross signifies the suffering and service God has given to us to endure.  We are called to accept it, not grumble nor rebel nor bristle against it.  We are called to not get jealous of others.  We are called to trust Jesus and follow Jesus.  Thereby, with such proper attitude and actions, we “take up our cross and follow Jesus”.

And, there is hope!

Whatever cross that we are called to bear, Jesus gives us grace to bear it.  

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 23, 2019

“Tend My sheep.” – “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. … for the equipping of the saints for the work of service”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:15-17.

“So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord;  You know that I love You.”  He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.”  He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”  He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord;  You know that I love You.”  He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”  He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”  Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things;  You know that I love You.”  Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.”  John 21:15-17.

——————–

Other doctrine uses today’s Scripture to teach a lesson on man’s alleged free-will, teaching that Jesus was trying to motivate Peter to tend sheep. 

But, Reformed Doctrine uses today’s Scripture to meditate on the qualities of God and the work of God.  

What quality of God and work of God does today’s Scripture lead us to meditate?

Our first meditation may be on Psalm 23.

“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

But, then we quickly remember how Jesus labeled Himself “the good shepherd” in John chapter 10.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father;  and I lay down My life for the sheep.  I have other sheep, which are not of this fold;  I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice;  and they will become one flock with one shepherd.  …

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;  and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:14-16 and 27-29.

We remember Revelation 7:17 and what our good shepherd does.

“for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life;  and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:17.

With that understanding of Who God is and what God does, Reformed Doctrine does not view today’s Scripture as teaching that we need to pump up our alleged free-will to tend sheep as other doctrine teaches.  But rather, Reformed Doctrine studies how God accomplishes His work of tending to the sheep.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore it says,

“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”

…  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:7-13.

God totally and perfectly accomplishes all of His good pleasure in tending the sheep.

“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 22, 2019

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; … My cup overflows.”

Today’s devotion comes from John 21:1-14.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach;  yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.”  And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.”  So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

…

So when they got out on the land, they *saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.  Jesus *said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”  Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three;  and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus *said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”  None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord.  Jesus *came and *took the bread and *gave it to them, and the fish likewise.”  John 21:4-6 and 9-13.

——————–

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on God’s providence.  We will focus on God providing presence, prompting, productivity, and preparation.

The disciples did not at first recognize Jesus on the beach, but He was present.  In our time of need, we too often do not recognize God’s presence, but He is also present.

“…  “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”  Hebrews 13:5.

Jesus prompted the disciples:  “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.”  In our time of need, if we knew what to do, we would do it.  But, we do not know what to do, and God prompts us what to do.

“For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.”  Psalm 48:14.

Jesus caused the action of the disciples to be productive:  “Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three”.  God also causes the action (which He prompts us to do) to be productive.

“I, even I, have spoken;  indeed I have called him,
I have brought him, and He will make his ways successful.”  Isaiah 48:15.

“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.”  Romans 8:28.

It would have been much more than sufficient for Jesus to “only” cause the net to be full of large fish, but in addition, Jesus prepared a meal of fish and bread on the beach for the disciples.  God also makes many preparations for us that are unnecessary but abundant showing His Fatherly love and lavish care for us.

“5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”  Psalm 23:5-6.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 21, 2019

“these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Today’s devotion comes from John 20:30-31.

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;  but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;  and that believing you may have life in His name.”  John 20:30-31.

——————

Many use Scriptures for the purpose of practical tips on how to achieve health, wealth, and better relationships with others (like a “How to Live Your Life” manual).

Others use Scriptures for the purpose of appearance, looking religious and superior to others by the practice of reading Scriptures and attending church and Bible study (or at least to give an appearance to satisfy family and friends).

But, what does today’s Scripture state the purpose of Scriptures is?

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;  and that believing you may have life in His name.”  Verse 31.

Article 7:  The sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, to be the only rule of faith.

We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe, unto salvation …”  Belgic Confession. 

Q5:  What do the scriptures principally teach?

A5:  The scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.  Westminster Larger Catechism.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;  it is these that testify about Me;  and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.”  John 5:39-40.

“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 3:15.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 20, 2019

“Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” – “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.”

Today’s devotion comes from John 20:24-29.

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them.  Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then He *said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands;  and reach here your hand and put it into My side;  and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”  Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”  John 20:24-29.

——————–

By His question, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?” and his follow-up statement, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”, Jesus taught that faith is not based on what we see.

“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.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old gained approval.”  Hebrews 11:1-2.

“Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;  yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.  Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Romans 4:19-22.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.

“Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith.”  Habakkuk 2:4.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;  as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”  Romans 1:16-17.

“Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident;  for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.  However, the Law is not of faith;  on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.”  Galatians 3:11-12.

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”  Hebrews 10:35-39.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:6-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 19, 2019

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,”

Today’s devotion comes from John 20:19-23.

“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.”  And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side.  The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you;  as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”  And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them;  if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”  John 20:19-23.

——————

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”  John 14:26-27.

“… “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  Verse 22.

“… “Peace be with you.”  Verse 19.

“So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you;  …”  Verse 21.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  Galatians 3:13-14.

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:  …  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;  …”  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby of Canons of Dordt.

Article 11.  But when God accomplishes his good pleasure in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only causes the gospel to be externally preached to them, and powerfully illumines their minds by his Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God;  but by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the inmost recesses of the man; he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens;  from being evil, disobedient and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable;  actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions.  THIRD AND FOURTH HEADS OF DOCTRINE Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof of Canons of Dordt.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2.

“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:5.

“For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”  Galatians 5:5.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,”  1 Corinthians 2:12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 18, 2019

God “raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” – “Set your mind on the things above”

Today’s devotion comes from John 20:11-18.

“But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping;  and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;  and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.  And they *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”  She *said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”  When she had said this, she turned around and *saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?”  Supposing Him to be the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”  Jesus *said to her, “Mary!”  She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher).  Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father;  but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”  Mary Magdalene *came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.”  John 20:11-18.

—————-

Jesus did not only rise just a little, so to speak, from the prone position of being dead to the standing position of being alive.

Jesus kept rising, ascending, to the heavenly position of being with God the Father in heaven.

That is why Jesus said:  “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father”.  Jesus did not say it to be cold to Mary.  Jesus loved Mary and His disciples, but Jesus did not want to be stopped from rising.  It was far more important for Jesus to ascend to God the Father and complete His mission.  Jesus did not want to lead Mary to believe that He would be physically on earth with her and others much longer (only 40 days).

For us too, there is more involved when we were made alive after being dead in our transgressions.  We also did not rise just a little.  We too were “raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ”.

“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.

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”  Colossians 3:2-3.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 16, 2019

“For as yet they did not understand the Scripture” – “in His law he meditates day and night” – “He will guide you into all the truth”

Today’s devotion comes from John 20:1-10.

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene *came early to the tomb, while it *was still dark, and *saw the stone already taken away from the tomb.  So she *ran and *came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and *said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”  So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb.  The two were running together;  and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first;  and stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings lying there;  but he did not go in.  And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb;  and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.  So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed.  For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.  So the disciples went away again to their own homes.”  John 20:1-10.

—————-

When we do not understand Scripture, we can at least remember the Scripture (as compared to dismissing it altogether from our thought).

We can continue to meditate on the difficult to understand Scripture.

We can also compare the Scripture that is difficult to understand with other Scriptures.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1:2.

The disciples could have thought:  “Is the evidence of “the linen wrappings lying there” and the face-cloth “rolled up in a place by itself” more consistent with Jesus’ resurrection or Mary’s initial belief (“They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb”)?

With just a little thought, the disciples could have thought that it is not believable that people who would be inclined to take away Jesus’ body, probably in a rush at night, would take the time to first unwrap the body in the tomb and leave all the linen wrappings there (including neatly roll up the face cloth), rather than just take away it all with the linen wrappings remaining wrapped around the body.

Who would want to face the punishment of breaking the seal on stone the tomb?!  Who would want to linger in the tomb?!  Who would prefer to touch a dead body over touching linen wrappings?!  Who would want to remove a spice barrier to the stench of a dead body?!  

They disciples could also have remembered the resurrection of Lazarus.  If Jesus could resurrect Lazarus, then it is possible that God could raise Jesus.  Moreover, the disciples could remember how Lazarus’ linen wrappings were removed.  “The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.  Jesus *said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”  John 11:44.

The disciples could have concluded after all of this thought and meditation:  “Maybe, Jesus is risen.”

When we do not understand Scripture, we can also trust the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to us.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;  and He will disclose to you what is to come.”  John 16:13.

In conclusion, none of this is critical of the disciples nor impinges on the sovereignty of God.  God forbid!  Rather, all of this is intended to teach us to remember Scripture, compare Scriptures, meditate on Scriptures, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 15, 2019

“His sovereignty rules over all.”

Today’s devotion comes from John 19:38-42.

“After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus;  and Pilate granted permission.  So he came and took away His body.  Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight.  So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.  Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.  Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.”  John 19:38-42.

———————–

Preparation is the theme of today’s devotion.  God prepared Jesus’ burial by using Joseph to obtain Jesus’ body from Pilate, Nicodemus to bring spices and help bury Jesus, and “the Jewish day of preparation” to make sure everything was done on time.

Other doctrine only see chance encounters and actions.

But, Reformed Doctrine sees God’s sovereign hand preparing everything.

Q. 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?

A.  The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures;  so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand. 

Q. 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

A.  That we may be patient in adversity;  thankful in prosperity;  and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love;  since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.  Heidelberg Catechism.

Article 13:  Of Divine Providence.

We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment:  …”  Belgic Confession.

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

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”  Hebrews 11:3.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;  if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.”  John 14:2.

“…  ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”  Matthew 25:34.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 14, 2019

“I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced”

Today’s devotion comes from John 19:31-37.

“Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.  So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him;  but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.  But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.  And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true;  and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.  For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.”  And again another Scripture says, “THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.”  John 19:31-37.

——————–

“NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN.” leads us to meditate that Jesus was without blemish, the perfect Passover sacrifice.

Regarding the Passover meal, Exodus 12:46 commands:  “It is to be eaten in a single house;  you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it.”

“…  For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”  1 Corinthians 5:7.

“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?”  Hebrews 9:13-14.

“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;  but He (Jesus), having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.  For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:11-14.

“THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED.” leads us to meditate that God gives grace SO THAT we look to Christ and mourn about our sins and receive forgiveness.  

“I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced;  and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.”  Zechariah 12:10.

Other doctrine teaches that we first repent out of our own wisdom and our own alleged free-will, and then based on our wisdom and our will to repent, God grants forgiveness.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches that God first gives us grace and then we repent out of God’s grace.  Simply, God grants repentance based on His wisdom and His will.  

Other doctrine praises man for his wisdom and his will to repent.

But, Reformed Doctrine glorifies God for giving grace and granting repentance.

“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 5:31.

“When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”  Acts 11:18.

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