Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁴⁶  And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last.

 ⁴⁷  Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”

 ⁴⁸  And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.

 ⁴⁹  And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.”  Luke 23:44-49.

The innocence of Jesus was proclaimed throughout this chapter.  The repetition deserves our notice.

^“Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”  Luke 23:4. 

“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.”  Luke 23:14. 

“No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.”  Luke 23:15. 

“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.”  Luke 23:22.

“And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds;  but this man has done nothing wrong.”  Luke 23:41. 

“Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”  Luke 23:47.

Why is the innocence of Jesus so emphasized and repeated?

The following sections of The Heidelberg Catechism explain that God will have His justice satisfied and that we can not make this satisfaction.  We need a mediator and deliverer that is man, but Who is also perfectly righteous, and Who is also God to be able to sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin.

V. LORD’S DAY.

Question 12.  Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserved temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment, and be again received into favor?

Answer.  God will have his justice satisfied; and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves, or by another.

Question 13.  Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?

Answer.  By no means;  but on the contrary we daily increase our debt.

Question 14. Can there be found anywhere, one, who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?

Answer. None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man hath committed;  and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.

Question 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?

Answer.  For one who is very man, and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures;  that is, one who is also very God.

VI. LORD’S DAY.

Question 16.  Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?

Answer.  Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which hath sinned, should  likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others.

Question 17.  Why must he in one person be also very God?

Answer.  That he might, by the power of his Godhead sustain in his human nature, the burden of God’s wrath; and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life.

Question 18.  Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, and a real righteous man?

Answer.  Our Lord Jesus Christ:  “who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

Question 19.  Whence knowest thou this?

Answer.  From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise;  and afterwards published by the patriarchs and prophets, and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son.

 ⁴⁰  But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

 ⁴¹  “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴²  And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

 ⁴³  And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”  Luke 23:39-43. 

Because only one of the two criminals was saved, it is particularly worthwhile to compare the attitude and approach of the two criminals.  The first criminal was prideful, abusive, and demanding;  the second criminal was humble, first concerned with fearing God and honoring God, and was reasonable.

Certain Bible verses rush to our mind in support. 

The fear of God leads to life. 

 ³⁴  But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them;  for they do not know what they are doing “  And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

 ³⁵  And the people stood by, looking on.  And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others;  let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

 ³⁶  The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,

 ³⁷  and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”

 ³⁸  Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”  Luke 23:33-38.

Sometimes Scripture provides clues or shadows like the coats of skins covering Adam and Eve.  Sometimes Scripture provides more helpful hints or images like the Passover Lamb.  Sometimes, Scriptures provides parables like the Lost Sheep.  Sometimes, Scripture provides direct and full explanations like the exact representation of the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and also like the doctrine that we read in much of the New Testament beginning with the book of 1 Corinthians.

Here, in this Scripture for today, we have clues or shadows that should cause us to ask questions and meditate on this Scripture.

What is the significance of Jesus not saving Himself?

What is the significance of Jesus being the King of the Jews?

We can look to the Heidelberg Catechism for help with at least the first question.

Question 40.  Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death?

Answer.  Because with respect to the justice and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death of the Son of God.

We can also look to the Canons of Dordt (Second Head of Doctrine) for help with at least the first question.

Article 1.  God is not only supremely merciful, but also supremely just.  And his justice requires (as he hath revealed himself in his Word), that our sins committed against his infinite majesty should be punished, not only with temporal, but with eternal punishment, both in body and soul;  which we cannot escape, unless satisfaction be made to the justice of God.

Article 2.  Since therefore we are unable to make that satisfaction in our own persons, or to deliver ourselves from the wrath of God, he hath been pleased in his infinite mercy to give his only begotten Son, for our surety, who was made sin, and became a curse for us and in our stead, that he might make satisfaction to divine justice on our behalf.

Article 3.  The death of the Son of God is the only and most perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for sin;  and is of infinite worth and value, abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world.

Regarding the second questions, we see clues, helpful hints, and direct and full explanations through the following Scripture that can help us.  Although, in one sense, Jesus is King over everyone, there is another sense as hinted in this Scripture that there is a specific and chosen people for whom Christ died and for whom Christ reigns.  

1 Peter 2:9
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

 ²⁸  But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

 ²⁹  “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.’

 ³⁰  “Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, ‘FALL ON US,’ AND TO THE HILLS, ‘COVER US.’

 ³¹  “For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

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

These people (Simon, “Daughters of Jerusalem”, and the two criminals) represent those who suffer, one unjustly (Simon) and the others justly (although one of the two criminals was still saved).  The following Scripture exhorts us, when we suffer unjustly, to follow the example of Christ and endure it patiently.  

^“19  For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

 ²⁰  For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience?   But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

 ²¹  For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

 ²²  WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;

 ²³  and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

 ²⁴  and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness;  for by His wounds you were healed.

 ²⁵  For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:19-25.

 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 22:28-34.

Going on vacation …

Next post, God willing, will be September 13, 2010.

“strengthen your brothers.”

Today’s devotion is Luke 22:24-27.  

“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.”  Luke 22:24-27. 

Jesus is “The Greatest” and provides the example of leadership for us to follow.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.  “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

As many who “lord it over others”, the Pharisees laid law upon law on the people:  “And they tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.”  Matthew 23:4.

In sharp contrast, Christ tied up the heavy loads of the law and laid them on His own shoulders and gave us His Spirit as a yoke: “in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”.  Romans 8:4.

How do we help others?

Do we just show others how great we are?

Or, do we help others be great?

Do we lay burdens on others’ shoulders?

Or, do we take others’ burdens and lay them on our own shoulders?

Do we give unrest to others?

Or, do we give rest to others?

 ¹⁹  And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

 ²⁰  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”

Notice how Jesus “earnestly desired” to eat this Lord’s Supper with His disciples.  I think that this is a good topic for this devotion.  The following Scriptures show the importance of being earnest in our Christian walk.

Let us get a better understanding of the meaning of the word “earnest“.  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “earnest” as “a serious and intent mental state“.  Click here: Earnest – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 ²  The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death;  for they were afraid of the people.

 ³  And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve.

 ⁴  And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them.

 ⁵  They were glad and agreed to give him money.

 ⁶  So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.

 ⁷  Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

 ¹⁰  And He said to them, “When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters.

 ¹¹  “And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘

 ¹²  “And he will show you a large, furnished upper room;  prepare it there.”

 ¹³  And they left and found everything just as He had told them;  and they prepared the Passover.”  Luke 22:1-13. 

It is interesting to compare the preparations.  In verses 1 through 7, we read about the preparation for seizing the Passover Lamb of God (Jesus) through Judas. In verses 8 through 13, we read about the preparation for the place and other details of the Passover dinner through Peter and John.

Both activities were preparations.  Yet, a first time reader, not acquainted with other Scripture, might conclude that Judas was ultimately in control of the preparation for seizing the Passover Lamb of God (Jesus);  whereas Jesus was ultimately in control of the preparation for the place and other details of the Passover dinner.

But, we are not first time readers.  We are acquainted with other Scriptures, and we think of Scriptures such as Matthew 26:24 .  “The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him;  but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

We may like and teach God’s sovereignty over His creation.

Isaiah 45:12
“It is I who made the earth, and created man upon it I stretched out the heavens with My hands And I ordained all their host.”

We may even like and teach God’s sovereignty in preparing nice things for the righteous (like God’s sovereignty over the preparation of the Passover dinner).

Jeremiah 29:11
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

But, do we like and teach God’s sovereignty over all, including the “bad” actions of the wicked (like God’s sovereignty over Judas’ betrayal of Jesus)?

The Scripture for today reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all, the bad and the good.  “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.”  Proverbs 16:4

“Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?  What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?”  Romans 9:21-22. 

We read about Pharoah whom God hardened.  “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.”  So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.”  Romans 9:17-18. 

Isaiah 46: 9-11 provides a good summary and conclusion of God’s sovereignty over everything.

“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.”

Here is a final warning for those who resist such sovereignty. 

“²  The kings of the earth take their stand
         And the rulers take counsel together
         Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
    ³  “Let us tear their fetters apart
         And cast away their cords from us!”
    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,”  Psalm 2:2-5.

The use of the phrase “to come” interests me.  Why not use the phrase “to go”?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “come” in part as “a : to move toward something : approach <come here> b : to move or journey to a vicinity with a specified purpose <come see us> <come and see what’s going on>”.  Click here: Come – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Jesus is that “something”.  We move toward Him.  Jesus is our destination.  We are attracted to Jesus.  Here, in this Scripture, the people came to Jesus “with a specified purpose” which was “to listen to Him”. 

We “come” to Jesus, because God draws us to Jesus.  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;  and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:44. 

^“And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”  John 6:65.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

Consider Jeremiah 31:3. 

“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
         “I have loved you with an everlasting love;
         Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” 

Jeremiah Chapter 31 continues.  And what is the conclusion of God’s irresistible grace? 

“¹²  “They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
         And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD–
         Over the grain and the new wine and the oil,
         And over the young of the flock and the herd;
         And their life will be like a watered garden,
         And they will never languish again.
    ¹³  “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
         And the young men and the old, together,
         For I will turn their mourning into joy
         And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
    ¹⁴  “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance,
         And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:12-14.