Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:49-56.

“49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name;  and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.”  50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him;  for he who is not against you is for you.”

51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem;  52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him.  53 But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem.  54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”  55 But He turned and rebuked them,  [and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;  56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”]  And they went on to another village.”  Luke 9:49-56.

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How do we understand Jesus’ statement in verse 50:  “he who is not against you is for you.” when compared to a seemingly opposite verse in the following Matthew 12:30?

“He who is not with Me is against Me;  and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”  Matthew 12:30.

The context of Matthew 12:30 is that the preceding section concerns demons and Satan in Matthew 12:25-29 and the foregoing section concerns those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit in Matthew 12:31-32.  They are not with Jesus but are against Him;  they do not gather with Jesus but scatter.

In answer to the question of how do we understand Jesus’ statement in verse 50, there are only two groups and a sharp divide between both groups.  Using the language of “vessels of mercy” and “vessels of wrath” in Romans 9:19-24, there is the group of God’s elect who are vessels of mercy prepared for heaven, who are with God and for God, and there is the group of the non-elect, vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, who are not with God and against God, such that if one is not in the group against God, then that one is in the group for God (using today’s verse 50) and that if one is not in the group with God, then that one is in the group against God (using the language of Matthew 12:30).

But, there is hope!

It may appear superficially that those who do not follow Jesus nor receive Jesus are against Jesus, but they could still be in the group of God’s elect but not yet regenerated by God.  They could be souls for Jesus to save.  Only God knows who are in both groups.  Thus, we see Jesus’ patience and unwillingness to condemn or bring fire down on the man who cast out demons but did not yet follow Jesus in verse 49 and the Samaritans who did not receive Jesus in verses 52 and 53.  Jesus came to save all of God’s elect, and only them, even though they may not appear worthy of salvation.  

We also consider the example of the Apostle Paul who persecuted the church of God.  Paul certainly did not follow Jesus nor receive Jesus at the time that he persecuted the church, and yet God showed grace to him and regenerated him and even made him an apostle.  “For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”  1 Corinthians 15:9-10.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt:

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, …  FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

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

“for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”  …”  Verse 56.

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:46-48.

“An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.  But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me;  for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”  Luke 9:46-48.

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Greatness is not determined by how we are received by others.  That is, it is not whether or not others “roll out the red carpet” for us, so to speak, that determines our greatness.

Rather, greatness is determined by how we receive others.  That is, it is how we receive Jesus, His preachers and teachers, and His children that determines our greatness.

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward;  and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”  Matthew 10:40-42.

Some would argue that we should treat everyone exactly the same based on the following Scriptures.

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12.  This is known as the “Golden Rule”.  “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  Galatians 5:14.

“… “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND;  AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  Luke 10:27.

But, there is a distinction about how we treat our spiritual family and how we treat those outside the church.

First, the above Matthew 10:40-42 Scripture is similar to today’s Scripture (Luke 9:46-48).  But, we notice that at least most of Matthew 10:40-42 concerns how we receive our spiritual family (Jesus, prophets, and the righteous).

Second, we note from other Scriptures that although we should do good to all people, we owe the superior duty to the household of faith.

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  Galatians 6:10.

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  1 Timothy 5:8.

Third, even within the church, priority was given to taking care of Godly widows.  “Honor widows who are widows indeed;  but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents;  for this is acceptable in the sight of God.  Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.  But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.”  1 Timothy 5:3-6.

Fourth, on closer examination of Luke 10:27, we notice that we owe the superior duty of love to God above the love that we owe to our neighbor.  Accordingly, it would make sense that we would owe a superior duty of love to God’s spiritual family (Jesus, His preachers and teachers, and His children) above that we owe to those outside God’s spiritual family.

Fifth, furthermore on closer examination of Luke 10:27, we do not owe a duty to love our neighbor more than our self.  For example, if we work to support our self, then we can reasonably expect others to work to support themselves, and not feel a duty out of Luke 10:27 to support those who do not work.  As another example, if we exercise self-control, then we can reasonably expect others to do so and not feel a duty to support those, using the language of the foregoing 1 Timothy 5:6, who give themselves to “wanton pleasure”.

“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order:  if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.  For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.”  2 Thessalonians 3:10-11.

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:43-45.

“And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears;  for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.”  But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it;  and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.”  Luke 9:43-45.

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They were amazed at what Jesus did (the miracles), and they were amazed at what Jesus said.  They did not understand the meaning of Jesus’ statement in verse 44:  “the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.”

We too may not understand the meaning of some of Jesus’ statements.  But, we remember God’s words in Luke 9:35:  “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”

We can follow the example of Mary.  “And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”  Luke 2:18-19.

We can also follow the example of the blessed man in Psalm chapter 1.

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

And, while we wait to understand, we can trust the Lord.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.”  Proverbs 3:5.

The Holy Spirit helps us.  “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.”  John 14:26.  “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.

“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.

… but just as it is written,

“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit;  for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.  For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?  Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.  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, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;  and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.  But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.  For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM?  But we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5 and 9-16.

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:37-42.

“On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him.  And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth;  and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves.  I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.”  And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?  Bring your son here.”  While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion.  But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father.”  Luke 9:37-42.

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We tend to focus only on the amazing miracle but do not listen to the amazing words of Jesus Who said in verse 41:  “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?”

And, what little that we listen to these words of Jesus, we silently judge and dismiss these words of Jesus as being too critical.

But, then we remember God’s words in the preceding Scripture in verse 35:  “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”

We should meditate on Jesus’ words and humble ourselves and ask:  “Are we also an unbelieving and perverted generation?”

Other doctrine does not admit it is an unbelieving and perverted generation, teaching that man has at least some goodness, wisdom, and alleged free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine admits that in its natural condition it is an unbelieving and perverted generation, teaching man’s “Total Depravity”, that is, man is dead in sin, hostile to God, unable to understand spiritual things and seek God, and enslaved to sin and Satan.

But, there is hope!

Reformed Doctrine teaches that the hope is not based on anything within man, rather, the hope is only in God.  The hope is that God provides all that is needed for salvation from the beginning to the end:  from the beginning of God’s “Unconditional Election” through God’s “Limited Atonement” through God’s “Irresistible Grace” to the end of God’s “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed creed Canons of Dordt.

In the language of the following Canons of Dordt, even faith is a gift of God:  “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” and “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”.

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

In conclusion, we live in a dangerous world, and we are not as good as we think.  Let us listen carefully to the words of Jesus and humble ourselves and trust only in God.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:27-36.

“27 But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

28 Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.  29 And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.  30 And behold, two men were talking with Him;  and they were Moses and Elijah, 31 who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.  32 Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep;  but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him.  33 And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here;  let us make three tabernacles:  one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying.  34 While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them;  and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”  36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.  And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.”  Luke 9:27-36.

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We think we listen to Jesus, but like Peter, we too quickly turn our attention to our own thoughts and words.  “… Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here;  let us make three tabernacles:  one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying.”  Verse 33.

“Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”  Verse 35.

As we listen to sermons and Bible studies, what is Jesus saying?

As we read Scripture, what is Jesus saying?

Do we meditate on Jesus’ words and compare His words with other words that Jesus said and other Scripture?

Three recent Scriptures beautifully illustrate the importance of meditating on Jesus’ words to help us understand other words that Jesus said and other Scripture.

Although most people would not include verse 27 with verses 28-36, I include it in today’s Scripture because I think the words of Jesus in verse 27 helps us understand what happened in verses 28-36.  Namely, that Peter and John and James saw a glimpse of the kingdom of God when they witnessed the Transfiguration.

Likewise, in yesterday’s devotion, Jesus’ words in Luke 9:22 help us understand the following section even though most people would not include it.  Jesus’ words (“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”) helps us understand His words in Luke 9:23 and the rest of the section in yesterday’s devotion (“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.)

Finally, Jesus’ words in the following Luke 9:26 helps us understand today’s Scripture:  “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”!

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:26.

Today’s devotion comes from Luke 9:23-26.

“And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.  For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:23-26.

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Jesus is our example, “saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”  Luke 9:22.

Jesus could have saved His life, maintaining that His primary mission was to preach and heal, but He denied Himself, took up His cross, and followed the will of God the Father to redeem God’s elect.

There are different ways to deny the self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus.

Some deny the self by refusing to “hang with” their family members and friends in order to best prepare themselves for church or work.

Some deny the self by refusing to take the most lucrative employment in order to follow the calling of God to be a mother taking care of her family at home or to be a preacher or to be a school teacher.

Some deny the self in order to follow the calling of God to do the best, not just what is good.  They may be doing some good Christian service in their church and be receiving much praise from fellow Christians for doing it, but they feel that God has called them to do what is best for them to do.  Such “best” work may not be as well respected and praised as the “good” work, but they deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow Jesus.

Some deny the self by giving up their own self-righteousness from the Law and praise from man in order to obtain that righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith in Christ.  “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ;  and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”  Galatians 2:19-21.

Some deny the self by giving up the big church with all the family, friends, business contacts, and social events in order to be part of a small church or fellowship that preaches and teaches Reformed Doctrine.

It is difficult, even impossible, to deny our self, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus do by our own will and by our own nature alone.

But, there is hope!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

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

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:6.