Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 14, 2019

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 23:26-32.

“When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.

And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.  But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.  For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’  Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, ‘FALL ON US,’ AND TO THE HILLS, ‘COVER US.’  For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.”  Luke 23:26-32.

—————————

In today’s Scripture, what do Simon of Cyrene, the daughters of Jerusalem, and the two criminals have in common?

They would suffer.

But, they were very different also.

Simon of Cyrene suffered for doing what is right.  But, the daughters of Jerusalem were part of the group who suffered for doing what is wrong by rejecting Christ.

The theme of this devotion is the subject of suffering. 

First, it is important to note that we should not live in fear.  “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?”  1 Peter 3:13.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,”  2 Timothy 1:7-8.

Second, even if we do suffer for the sake of righteousness, we should consider ourselves blessed.

“Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;  and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.  For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”  1 Peter 3:13-17.

The Apostle Paul recognized “the fellowship of His sufferings” that we have with Christ.

Paul said:  “… I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, … that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:8-11.

One of the criminals who were being led away to be crucified with Jesus exhibited on the cross this “fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”.  And, we see from Jesus’ promise, that he also did “attain to the to the resurrection from the dead”.  See Luke 23:39-43.

Third, God gives us grace sufficient to handle any sufferings that we may experience.

“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.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.  After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11.

Fourth, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us“.”  Romans 8:18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 12, 2019

You were redeemed “with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 23:13-25.

“Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.  No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us;  and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.  Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”  [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]

But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!”  (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)  Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!”  And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done?  I have found in Him no guilt demanding death;  therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”  But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified.  And their voices began to prevail.  And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.  And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.”  Luke 23:13-25.

———————

Today’s Scripture emphasizes Jesus’ innocence.  “I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.  No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us;  and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.”

The importance of Jesus’ innocence may be seen from the following quote from Westminster Larger Catechism and Scriptures.  

Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be reconciliation for the sins of his people;  and in making continual intercession for them.

“The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29.

“knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”  1 Peter 1:18-19.

“7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living
For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?
9 His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

10 But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
11 As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the transgressors.”  Isaiah 53:7-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 11, 2019

“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate … to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 23:8-12.

“Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus;  for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.  And he questioned Him at some length;  but He answered him nothing.  And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently.  And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate.  Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day;  for before they had been enemies with each other.”  Luke 23:8-12.

—————–

“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.”  Acts 4:27-28.

Other doctrine teaches us that man has free-will and that all that Pilate and Herod did to Jesus was determined by their free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches that man does not have free-will and that all that Pilate and Herod did to Jesus was determined by what God’s sovereignty and purpose predestined to occur. 

The three verses before the Scripture quoted above quote verses from Psalm chapter 2 to show that although man may rage and appear that he has free-will, God is in total control.

“And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,
AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,
AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER
AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’”  Acts 4:24-26.

Other doctrine expresses the desire of man to be free from the control of God.  

Acts 4:25-26 above quote verses in Psalm chapter 2 which were immediately followed by the following verse.

“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”  Psalm 2:3.

But, Reformed Doctrine points to the very next verses of Psalm chapter 2 which teaches the sovereignty of God despite man’s desire to be free from the control of God.

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”  Psalm 2:3-6.

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

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 10, 2019

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 23:1-7.

“Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate.  And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”  So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”  And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”  Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”  But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”

When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.  And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.”   Luke 23:1-7.

———————-

It is noteworthy that despite the accusations, Pilate did not ask any question to Jesus about the accusations that Jesus was misleading the nation or forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar.

Pilate did not have to do so;  he knew that the accusations were not true.

And, it is also noteworthy that he did not care about how Jesus would answer the only one question that he did ask:  “Are You the King of the Jews?”.  If Pilate did care about how Jesus answered the question, then he would either have found him guilty or asked follow-up questions.  Instead, in response to Jesus’ simple and unequivocal admission (“It is as you say.”), Pilate immediately “said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”

“But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”

When Pilate heard their insistence, Pilate conceived an excuse and “passed the buck”, so to speak, and “sent Him to Herod”.

In summary, Pilate made it appear that He was sincerely searching for the truth.  But, He was trying to deceive with the goal of pacifying the chief priests and the crowds.

The purpose of this review is to not specifically condemn Pilate but rather to generally consider that Pilate exhibited a trait that is common to man.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 3:10-12.

When we are presented with the Jesus of Scripture by Reformed preachers and teachers, we may be like Pilate and try to deceive the Reformed preachers and teachers and others in the crowd by asking questions that seem to be sincere, but we do not care how those questions are answered.  We may also be like Pilate and admit certain truths about Jesus.  We may be like Pilate and try to “pass the buck” by promising that we will study Reformed Doctrine more.  But, we may be doing all of these things and other things to deceive without any sincere intent to pursue truth.  

But, there is hope!

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:26-27.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 9, 2019

“your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:66-71.

“When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, “If You are the Christ, tell us.”  But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe;  and if I ask a question, you will not answer.  But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.”  And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?”  And He said to them, “Yes, I am.”  Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony?  For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”  Luke 22:66-71.

——————

The chief priests and scribes did not believe.  Although they asked the question, “If You are the Christ, tell us.”, Jesus recognized their unbelief and said to them:  “If I tell you, you will not believe”.

And even though they did not believe, they were not interested in further testimony that would show that they pursued truth.  There were many witnesses who could testify, but the chief priests and scribes were only interested in getting enough evidence through which they could crucify Jesus.  “What further need do we have of testimony?”

Their own words condemned them.  “For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

So, it should not surprise us that there are those today who do not believe but are not interested in pursuing truth.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 3:10-12.

And yet, other doctrine is built upon a belief in man and in man’s goodness, man’s wisdom, and man’s alleged free-will.  Other doctrine plans its strategy of evangelism accordingly.  “If only our evangelism was more seeker sensitive and our evangelists were wiser and more eloquent!”

But, Reformed Doctrine is built upon God, His wisdom, His will (“Unconditional Election”), and His work (“Limited Atonement”, that is, Christ’s death for God’s elect providing all the  gifts needed for salvation included faith).  Reformed Doctrine plans its strategy of evangelism accordingly.  “Our evangelism is God sensitive, that is, our evangelism is directed and powered by God Who is at work within us for His good pleasure!”  

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation …”  Romans 1:16.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

““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 | April 8, 2019

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:54-65.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest;  but Peter was following at a distance.  After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them.  And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.”  But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”  A little later, another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!”  But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”  After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.”  But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.”  Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”  And he went out and wept bitterly.”  Luke 22:54-62.

———–

“Peter *said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.”  Matthew 26:35.

And, as we read today’s Scripture, we may think the same thing, that we would never deny Jesus.

But, we can deny Jesus through our actions as well as through our words.

Do we deny Jesus by neglecting to be with Him and His people through attending church?

Do we deny Jesus by our behavior which is too much like the world around us?

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”  1 Corinthians 10:12.

But, there is hope!

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”   1 Corinthians 10:13.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;”  1 John 2:1.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;  but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;  and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  Luke 22:31-32.

Other doctrine trusts in its own wisdom, its own alleged free-will, its own strength, and its own works.

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts in God and His “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

Consider the following articles from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings;  which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace;  and the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13:11-14.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 7, 2019

“Stop! No more of this.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:47-53.

“While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.  But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”  When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”  And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus answered and said, “Stop!  No more of this.”  And He touched his ear and healed him.  Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber?  While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me;  but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”  Luke 22:47-53.

———————

It is easy for us to lash out in revenge at others for the slightest offenses, even when we deserve it or even when the perceived offense may not have been intentional.

But, here was the greatest offense.  Jesus knew that they would beat Him, cause him other great suffering, and then crucify Him.

Jesus also knew that He did not wrong:  “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber?”  Verse 52.

Jesus had every justification and ability to destroy them.  “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”  Matthew 26:53.

But, Jesus did not defend Himself.  When one of Jesus’ followers in the crowd.cut off the ear of the slave of the high priest, Jesus said:  “Stop!  No more of this.”  Moreover, Jesus even healed him.

Other doctrine believes that what comes to us comes to us through man’s alleged free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine believes that what comes to us comes to us through God’s sovereignty.

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.  

Jesus entrusted Himself to God and knew that the suffering and death that He would experience was part of God’s will for him.

We may pray that we do not experience persecutions, trials, and troubles, “saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me”, but, we also add in our prayer as Jesus did, “yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  Luke 22:42.

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.  “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK;  FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:19-21.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven;  for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?  Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:43-48.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 5, 2019

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:39-46.

“And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.  When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.  And being in agony He was praying very fervently;  and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.  When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, “Why are you sleeping?  Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  Luke 22:39-46.

—————–

During this time of Jesus’ great agony, Jesus commanded His disciples twice (verses 40 and 46) to pray that they not enter into temptation.

When we feel agony, sorrow, or slight adversity, we tend to pray for relief, comfort, and prosperity.

But, today’s Scripture shows us what is most important.

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation;  the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41.

But, there is hope!

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did:  sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;  for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.  If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die;  but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba!  Father!”  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  Romans 8:3-18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 4, 2019

“patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity” – “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:35-38.

“And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?”  They said, “No, nothing.”  And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.  For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’;  for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”  They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”  And He said to them, “It is enough.”  Luke 22:35-38.

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Jesus points to two very different times.

One time represents prosperity.  ““When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?”  They said, “No, nothing.”

The other time represents adversity.  “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.”

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.  

The concluding verse represents that even in adversity, we can be patient and content with what God provides.  “They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”  And He said to them, “It is enough.”

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;  in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:11-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 3, 2019

“but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 22:24-34.

“24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.  25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them;  and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’  26 But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.  27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves?  Is it not the one who reclines at the table?  But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials;  29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;  32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;  and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”  34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”  Luke 22:24-34.

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These three separate paragraphs could be subject to separate devotions, but I do not think it is coincidence that Luke joined them together.  They each teach a facet of the one theme of greatness.

The first paragraph (verses 24-27) is the lead Scripture which teaches that those who want to be great must be humble and willing to serve the others.

The second paragraph (verses 28-30) teaches that those who want to be great must endure like the disciples who stood by Jesus in His trials, but there is also the promise that they will be rewarded.

The third paragraph (verses 31-34) teaches that those who want to be great must receive God’s grace.  They will experience times of weakness, but through God’s grace, they must turn from their own weakness to strengthen their brothers.

But, there is hope!

Jesus prays for us.  We may be weak, “but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail;  and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  Verse 32.

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