Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 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 9:51-56.

This Scripture for today reminds me of John 3:17:  “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

However, we do know that not everyone in the world is saved.  The very next verse states:  “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  John 3:18.  And, there are so many more Scriptures that show that there will be those who will not be saved, such that no more Scriptures are needed for the reader to agree.

But, I think the need for this Scripture today is to remember that Jesus does not need our help to either literally or figuratively “command fire to come down from heaven and consume” unbelievers.

We must have more compassion and remember that “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”  Ephesians 2:3. 

“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),”  Ephesians 2:4-5. 

As an example for us to have compassion and that ” the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”, let the following phrase in today’s Scripture send shivers down your spine:  “He was determined to go to Jerusalem“.  Jerusalem represented the cross to Jesus, excruciating pain, death, and separation from God the Father.  Yet, Jesus was determined to go.  It was His work of salvation, His compassion to save.

In conclusion, for us, this example and lesson is clear.  “But go and learn what this means: ‘ I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  Matthew 9:13

Compared to this Scripture is Matthew 12:30:  “He who is not with Me is against Me;  and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”  At first reading and thought, these Scriptures seem inconsistent.

However, there is the distinction that in our Scripture for today, the person who “does not follow us” was casting out demons in Jesus’ name.  See also a similar Scripture in Mark 9:38-40.  “John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.”  But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.  “For he who is not against us is for us.”

I think Luke 11:14-23 puts it all together.

“¹⁴  And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.

 ¹⁵  But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”

 ¹⁶  Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven.

 ¹⁷  But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.

 ¹⁸  “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?  For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

 ¹⁹  “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out?  So they will be your judges.

 ²⁰  “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

 ²¹  “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.

 ²²  “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.

 ²³  “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.”  Luke 11:14-23.

First, we read “a house divided against itself falls”.  In other words, someone who is ruled by Satan is not going to cast out demons.  Only a person who is not ruled by Satan will cast out demons.  And, if that person is not ruled by Satan, that person must have been saved into the kingdom of God and will thus be on the same side as the disciples.

Second, the statement “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” refers to the antithesis between believers and unbelievers.  “Do not be bound together with unbelievers;  for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?  Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”   2 Corinthians 6:14-15.  

Going back to the Scripture for today, the lesson for us is that we will see those who are involved in other ministeries.  They may belong to other churches, even other denominations.  We may not be good at their work, and we may not even fully agree or understand the importance of their work.

1 Corinthians Chapter 12 recognizes this skepticism tendency to dismiss those who are not like us, and this chapter corrects it.  “And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”;  or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  1 Corinthians 12:21. 

But, we must realize:  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

Today’s devotion is Luke 9:37-45 which covers the event of Jesus casting out the demon in the boy which the disciples could not do. We focus on the following sentence in verse 43: “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. …” Luke 9:43.

Jesus’ miracle had the result that people were amazed at the greatness of God.

May God show us His greatness!  May we read about God’s greatness in Scripture, particularly about His Son, Jesus Christ!  May we show the greatness of God through our works and words, being God’s workmanship!

” ‘O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?”  Deuteronomy 3:24.

“You said, ‘Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire; we have seen today that God speaks with man, yet he lives.”  Deuteronomy 5:24.

“I prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O Lord GOD, do not destroy Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”  Deuteronomy 9:26.

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God!”  Deuteronomy 32:3.

“Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.”  Psalm 51:1.

“Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.”  Psalm 66:3

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.”  Psalm 69:13

“[The Greatness of God] “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.”  Isaiah 40:1

“[God’s Vengeance on the Nations] Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength?” It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”  Isaiah 63:1

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”  2 Corinthians 4:7

Particularly as Calvinists, it is our particular passion to ascribe greatness to God.

Most “christians” are willing to ascribe greatness to God in creation. However, few are willing to fully ascribe greatness to God in the areas of sovereignty and salvation.

Most “christians” want to elevate man’s goodness over God’s greatness.

Most “christians” want to talk more about man’s free-will to choose or reject God and to secure his own salvation or fall from grace, than they want to talk about God’s greatness in His sovereign election, substitutionary atonement by and through Christ, irresistible grace, and preservation of the saints for whom God handles all the points of salvation.

Most “christians” want to elevate God’s lovingkindness over God’s justice.

Most “christians” speak only of God’s greatness as some kind of “great Santa Claus” at man’s beck-and-call. Few “christians” speak of God’s greatness in punishing His enemies.

As Calvinists, let us not seek to be like all other “christians”. Let us be willing to be unique, retaining “the salt” within us. Let us fully ascribe greatness to God.

 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!”  Luke 9:28-35.

The right focus of this Scripture is Jesus, His glory, and the identification and command of God:  “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”

And yet, “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”.

Like Peter, we too can lose the right focus and be eager to build tabernacles.

So, what kind of tabernacles do we build?  Moses represents the Law.  Elijah represents signs.  We build a tabernacle of doctrine through which we focus on the Law.  We build a tabernacle of doctrine through which we focus on signs.  “For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;”  1 Corinthians 1:22.

Jesus admonished those who sought after signs.  “But He answered and said to them, ” An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign;  and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;”  Matthew 12:39

Paul admonished those who sought after the Law.  “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain–if indeed it was in vain?  So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”  Galatians 3:1-5.  “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:13-15.

So, as in “no sign will be given it”, and as in “where there is no law, there also is no violation”, Moses and Elijah disappeared.  “And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”  Matthew 17:8.  

“For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;  but we preach Christ crucified …”  1 Corinthians 1:22-23.  “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.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2.

We also remember the Scripture of the last devotion.  “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.  “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.”  Luke 9:26-27. 

How easy is it for us to take our eyes off of Jesus and our ears off of His words!  We would rather do things, like build tabernacles, and prove our own righteousness through the Law or tickle our own desire to be amazed and amused through signs.

But, in conclusion, we read the right focus including the command:  “This is My Son, My Chosen One;  listen to Him!”

 ²⁰  And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

 ²¹  But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,

 ²²  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 9:18-22.

Just knowing who Jesus is, such as the son of Mary and Joseph, is not sufficient.  Obviously, the twelve disciples knew Jesus’ name and identity.  Jesus was not asking for a Notary Public when he asked “Who do the people say that I am?”.

Jesus was asking His disciples to reveal their knowledge about His chief characteristics.  When Peter answered “The Christ of God”, Peter was saying, in effect:  “You are the One and Only Anointed One of God.  You are the Messiah.”  

Calvin in his commentary states:  “16. Thou art the Christ. The confession is short, but it embraces all that is contained in our salvation;  for the designation Christ, or Anointed, includes both an everlasting Kingdom and an everlasting Priesthood, to reconcile us to God, and, by expiating our sins through his sacrifice, to obtain for us a perfect righteousness, and, having received us under his protection, to uphold and supply and enrich us with every description of blessings. Mark says only, Thou art the Christ. Luke says, Thou art the Christ of God.  But the meaning is the same;  for the Christs (χριστοί) of God was the appellation anciently bestowed on kings, who had been anointed by the divine command. …” 

We are reminded of one of my favorite Scriptures.  I quoted it in my last devotion.  “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.  (Emphasis added.)

The vast majority of people believe that Jesus really existed.  Many religions hold Jesus in esteem.  Many would answer that question of “Who do people say that I am?” as a “Prophet” or a “Great Teacher”.  And, Jesus was both.  But, Jesus was much more than a Prophet and Great Teacher. 

Jesus is a Savior.  Jesus “exercises lovingkindness”. 

But, Jesus is also more than a Savior. 

Jesus is a King.  Jesus rules, punishes, and “exercises justice”. 

But, Jesus is also more than a Savior and a King. 

Jesus is “Our Righteousness”.  Jesus “exercises righteousness”.  Jesus does more than save us from our sins and the punishment of hell.  Jesus makes us “holy and righteous”.  “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

Why were there left-overs?  Why are there the details of the left-overs in verse 17? 

What is the importance of left-overs?  Isn’t it enough that the five thousand were fed?!

There are some interesting stories of left-overs in Scripture.

“Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack.  And he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.”  His attendant said, “What, will I set this before a hundred men?” But he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left over.'”  So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.”  2 Kings 4:42-44. 

2 Chronicles 31:10
Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok said to him, ” Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the LORD has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.”

“They also had a few small fish;  and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.  And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.  About four thousand were there; and He sent them away.”  Mark 8:7-9.

So, again, what is the importance of left-overs?

Left-overs show that God is “infinite” and that God is “the overflowing fountain of all good”.  Even five thousand cannot deplete God’s resources.  God’s goodness and supplies overflow into left-overs.  The Belgic Confession states:

Article 1: That there is One Only God.

We all believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth, that there is one only simple and spiritual Being, which we call God; and that he is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty, perfectly wise, just, good, and the overflowing fountain of all good.”  (Emphasis added.) 

God does not just give us what we need.  Our cup overflows.  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;  You have anointed my head with oil;  My cup overflows.  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.

In conclusion, these left-overs are not just for the purpose of our enjoyment.  These left-overs also serve to teach us about God.  “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.  (Emphasis added.)

 ³  And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money;  and do not even have two tunics apiece.

 ⁴  “Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city.

 ⁵  “And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

 ⁶  Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”  Luke 9:1-6. 

It is amazing that the twelve disciples, with no provisions, could go out and preach the gospel “everywhere”.  It reminds me of the parable of the mustard seed.  “And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?  “It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.”  Mark 4:30-32. 

Thus, not only were the twelve disciples proclaiming the kingdom of God, they were presenting it.

If the twelve disciples carried great provisions, then it could be argued that their success was based on their provisions.  But, if the twelve disciples carried no provisions, then their success would more likely be attributed to the power of the kingdom of God.

“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.

So, we preach the kingdom of God based on what Jesus Christ did on the cross:  “limited atonement”.  And, we don’t try to make up for it by great provisions and a great (but fabricated) story that Christ died for everyone and that, in effect, the kingdom of God is ultimately based on man’s free-will.  

So, we present the kingdom of God as “the wind blows”.  “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”  John 3:8. 

So, we present the kingdom of God as “the seed grows”.  “And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;  and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows–how, he himself does not know.  “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.  “But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”  Mark 4:27-29.

The examples of “the wind blows” and “the seed grows” not only illustrate the fact that we don’t know whom will be saved, those examples illustrate “irresistible grace”.  

This is God’s kingdom.  This is God’s work.  Yes, as Jesus sent out His disciples, we are sent out into the field to preach and present the kingdom of God.  And yes, we are called to faithfully and skillfully preach the Word of God.  But, let us keep first in mind God’s sovereignty and power in accomplishing His purpose.  “Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:28-29.

⁴²  for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying.  But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.  Luke 8:40-42

(“The Interruption” – Luke 8:43-48)

⁴⁹  While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died;  do not trouble the Teacher anymore.”

⁵⁰  But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.”  Luke 8:49-50. 

As you know from yesterday’s devotion, Jesus was interrupted from proceeding to handle the daughter of Jairus by the woman (“who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone”) who approached Jesus, touched Him, and received healing from Jesus.  The Scripture recognizes this interruption to “cut over” to cover that miracle.

We too are often faced with interruptions in our busy and important schedules.  Today is Monday, and many of you will wonder how you will get everything done that you absolutely “must” get done today.  And then, you will be interrupted, and you will face a decision as to whether you will dismiss the person with the need who interrupts you or whether you will handle it.

Let me make it very clear that I am not advising by this devotion that you handle every interruption. 

But, I am advising that you meditate on this Scripture and be sensitive and consider that it may be God’s will for you to handle the interruption (even though it may adversely affect your main scheduled agenda – “the daughter may die”).  I am advising that you pray at the beginning of the day that God will give you “the will” to do His Will and that God will work within you for His good pleasure”.  Philippians 2:13.

The priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan were all interrupted by the man “half dead” on the road.  We can assume that they all had busy and important schedules.  But, throughout history, only the Samaritan who helped that man is praised, whereas the priest and Levite are only remembered for their failure to stop.  Luke 10:30-37.

Jesus was also interrupted by the children.  “Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray;  and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me;  for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”   After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.”  Matthew 19:13-15.

How are we going to handle the interruptions that will certainly come our way even today?

Let us conclude and pray together with this prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father:

We are Your servants.  We want to do Your will, but we often do not know exactly what You want us to do.

Please use this Scripture and help us to meditate on the teaching that we must be more sensitive to interruptions and the possibility that You may want us to leave what we think is more important (even if it adversely affects our main agenda) to handle the interruption. 

Please give us wisdom and the will to do Your Will, whether it be to handle the interruption or whether it be to not handle the interruption.  Please work within us for Your good pleasure.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen. 

 ⁴⁵  And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?”  And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.”

 ⁴⁶  But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.”

 ⁴⁷  When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

 ⁴⁸  And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well;  go in peace.”  Luke 8:43-48.  (Emphasis  added.)

I see a connection  between this Scripture and the preceding Scripture:  “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.”  So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.”  Luke 8:39.

In Luke 8:39, we see the command “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.”  In Luke 8:47. we see the act of faith shown by the woman who “declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed”.  Jesus acknowledged that this action of the woman was an act of faith by His declaration “Daughter, your faith has made you well;  go in peace.”

“Describing what great things that God has done for you” is not only a command;  it is an act of faith. 

Scripture is full of the saints giving thanks to God and praising God for the great things that He has done for them.  Here is one (unfamiliar to me) that I discovered when I did a keyword search.  “He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.”  Deuteronomy 10:21

We need to be specific.  Notice how the woman described the specific need:  “the reason why she had touched Him”.  Notice how the woman described the specific great thing God had done for her:  “how she had been immediately healed”.  Notice the specificity in Deuteronomy 10:21:  “which your eyes have seen.”  

Imagine you are a witness in a courtroom.  Will your testimony be helpful if it is general?  Or, will your testimony be helpful if it is specific “which your eyes have seen”?  If you are asked what you witnessed last Tuesday, May 4, 2010, would your testimony be helpful if you just said something general like:  “I felt happy.”  or “I felt sad.”?  Of course not!  The value of your testimony, the value of your witness, is at least partially based on how specific your observations are and how those specific observations support the other evidence.

Let us put ourselves in the crowd of people in the Scripture for today.  We had never seen Jesus before, but we had heard some pretty amazing things about Him.  We were wondering if Jesus could really heal people.  Would it help us if that woman said something general like:  “Jesus was good to me.  I believe that I am saved and will go to heaven.”?  Or, would it help us more if that woman was specific and described her great need (“a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone”), what she specifically tried to do (“why she had touched Him”), and what specifically happened when she did touch Him (“how she had been immediately healed”)?

Certainly, we understand:  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1.  (Emphasis added.).  We don’t base our faith on what we see on the corner of Monroe and Division in downtown Grand Rapids to paraphrase Professor Hoeksema’s point.  Instead, we base our faith on what Scripture states.

However, when we specifically testify as to the great things that God has done for us, and it provides a specific example supporting what we read in Scripture, then such specific testimony can both build our faith and also build the faith of others who hear our specific testimony and who also hear such Scripture.

In addition to the value of building faith, let us consider what is more pleasing to God.  Let us think of ourselves as a parent at Christmas.  We had given much thought as to what specific gift would please our child.  We are watching our child open that gift under the Christmas tree.  Would it please us more if our child said something general:  “Thank you for the gift, but I am most thankful for the roof, shelter, and clothing that you provide me.”  Or, would it please us more if our child was specific and squealed with delight:  “Dad, you know I like to play with trucks in our back yard!  You know how I love it when Tommy comes over and brings his construction truck!  Now, I also have my very own construction truck!  And, it is my favorite yellow Caterpillar construction truck!!!” 

^“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’  Hebrews 13:15-16. 

In conclusion, “Describing what great things that God has done for you” is not only a command;  it is an act of faith.  “Describing what great things that God has done for you” not only builds your faith and the faith of others;  it pleases God.

As I reflect on what great things that God has done for me, I think of the 45 pounds of weight that I lost in the last six months.  My blood pressure went down from borderline high to normal.  My cholesterol went down to normal.  I don’t snore, at least not near as much and not near as loud.  I look better, and I feel better. 

I did not intend to lose this weight as a duty of discipline.  I had a common cold last October, and like most who have a cold, I was just not hungry.  I found myself just wanting to eat chicken soup and pudding. 

God caused that common cold to work for my good.  “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.

When I saw that I had dropped 10 pounds, I decided to continue and ride that blessing wave.  I stayed with soup for lunch, and for dinner, I added a “Healthy Choice” frozen dinner. 

As I lost more weight, I felt like I wanted to increase my exercises, and I did so.  And, I lost more weight.   But, I concluded that comparing the role of exercise with the role of diet, the more important element to weight loss is diet.  

But, most importantly, God blessed me.  God “healed” me.  God used the “common cold” to get me started.  God gave me the “will” to continue the diet.  God gave me the energy to increase the exercises.  God made me more healthy. 

“¹  Bless the LORD, O my soul,
         And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
    ²  Bless the LORD, O my soul,
         And forget none of His benefits;
    ³  Who pardons all your iniquities,
         Who heals all your diseases;
    ⁴  Who redeems your life from the pit,
         Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
    ⁵  Who satisfies your years with good things,
         So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”  Psalm 103:1-5