Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

We can breeze past this devotion thinking:  “Ya, ya, I know that I need to rest.”  But, there is more here.

Notice how the apostles (disciples) were the ones who “did not even have time to eat” and that it was Jesus Who made them get away to rest.  This Scripture should encourage us that Jesus takes good care of us and makes us rest from time to time. 

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

But, even beyond the invitation, Jesus makes us rest.                                                                                                                                      ^“1  The LORD is my shepherd,
         I shall not want. 
  ²  He makes me lie down in green pastures;
         He leads me beside quiet waters. 
  ³  He restores my soul;
         He guides me in the paths of righteousness
         For His name’s sake.”  (Emphasis added.)  Psalm 23:1-3.

I have read somewhere that sheep sometimes tend to want to stand up longer than they should and that a shepherd has to actually make them lie down.  Whether or not that is true, I can not independently confirm.  But, most of us have direct experience with young children.  We know that they tend to want to stay up later than they should, and we must make them go to bed to lie down and sleep to get their needed rest.

We can thank God for His provision of the Sabbath.  If we were left to our own wisdom to decide how often that we would take a whole day off from work, it is unlikely that we would choose to rest as much as once every seven days.  We know through Scripture and throughout history how often man has resisted obedience to this command.

Beyond even one day a week, think of the “seasons” of our lives.  God could have made us develop much quicker into working adults and stay that way much longer, but He made us to go through years of first being a baby, then a small child, then a teenager (who are sometimes immature or even rebellious), and only thereafter a working adult.  And then, at the end of our lives, God made us to age into the elderly who need to rest more even to the point of full retirement from some types of work (although we can still “yield fruit in old age”  Psalm 92:14). 

There are also periods within our prime working adult lives that God “makes us lie down”.  Sometimes, God provides vacations or Sabbaticals where we intentionally take extended period of times off.  Sometimes, God causes us to unintentionally take time off such as intermissions between jobs.  I think of my time of five months in Gainesville, Georgia in 1997 as one of those times.  We moved permanently to my wife’s hometown, but I did not find the employment that I sought and we also missed St. Petersburg, Florida, so five months later we moved back home to St. Petersburg, Florida.  This time turned out to be a period of time for great rest.  I also put together my Gold Mining book at that time.  Click here: Gold Mining « Reformed Doctrine Blog

Sometimes, God uses even sickness as an extreme measure when we are fighting against taking needed time off.  God “makes us lie down” by using that sickness. 

It may help us to be more willing to lie down, without the necessity of sickness to make us lie down, when we consider that God made us like trees to bear fruit in its season.  ^“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither;  And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:3.  I have a grapefruit tree in my backyard, and I can tell you that it only yields fruit once a year bearing ripe fruit best for picking and eating in the coldest time of the year around December through February. 

In conclusion, obviously, we do not want to use these examples as an excuse for laziness.  We also do not want to negate nor minimize the importance of different kinds of work that we can do, even as a young child at home or even as an old adult in a nursing home.  But rather, we can consider these examples as encouragement that God provides times for rest, even extended periods of rest, for which we should be more cognizant and more willing to gratefully accept.  Thank you.

 ³  “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?  Are not His sisters here with us?”  And they took offense at Him.

 ⁴  Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.”

 ⁵  And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

 ⁶  And He wondered at their unbelief.  And He was going around the villages teaching.”  (Emphasis added.)  Mark 6:1-6.

There may be reasons why “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown …”.  Relatives and neighbors may be jealous of the prophet.  They may be defensive and even offensive, because the prophet makes them look less righteous and less successful in comparison.  With outsiders, it is easy to attribute their success to special surroundings and better opportunities.  But, if they all have the same surroundings and the same opportunities, then they are confronted with the thought that they should all achieve the same.  If the relatives and neighbors belittle what the prophet does, then they feel better about themselves.

We just need to be aware of this truth.  For some of us, we will still be called by God to remain in our hometown, and despite this jealousy and resistance to us, still be salt and light in our hometown.  For others, we will be called by God to move away from our hometown, and this truth may help us to make this move, understanding that we may be more fruitful and receive more honor elsewhere.   

“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”  1 Corinthians 12:18

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”  Philippians 4:11

In conclusion, whether we serve God in our hometown or elsewhere, understanding this truth will help us.  If we stay home, then we can be prepared and guard against such jealous reactions from our relatives and neighbors.  If we move away from home, then we can appreciate that such a move may be best according to this truth.

 ²⁷  after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.

 ³⁰  Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?”

 ³¹  And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?'”

 ³²  And He looked around to see the woman who had done this.

 ³³  But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

 ³⁴  And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well;  go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”  Mark 5:25-34. 

Today, Jesus is not physically present in the same body, capable of being physically touched, as He was at the time of this event of the healing of the woman had a hemorrhage for twelve years.  However, today, Jesus is spiritually present with as much power. 

Many, if not most or all, of the miracles that were done in that day had the primary purpose of proving that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah and Savior.  Today, we do not have that need of such miracles to so establish Jesus Christ’s position, authority, and power.  It already was done back then.   

But, our need for faith is as great as it was in that day.  We need faith for salvation and for eternal life to the extent that all other needs pale into nothing by comparison.  “There is none that I desire beside thee.”  That is a lesson for which I particularly thank you, Protestant Reformed Churches ministers. 

One of you PRC ministers shared the following Psalm 73:23-26 text to comfort in reply to the news and request for prayer concerning the recent death of Blake and Josh, two good friends of my son John. 

^“23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 

 ²⁴ Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.”

So, how do we draw the Scripture text and these conclusions together?  How do we “touch” Jesus?  How do we get this faith? 

The following Romans 10:6-17 text answers these questions.   

 ²²  One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet

 ²³  and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.”  Mark 5:21-23.  (Emphasis added.) 

Third, Jarius is very specific about his need (“My little daughter is at the point of death.”) and about his request (“come and lay Your hands on her”).  Too often, we are too general and too verbose about our prayers.  Remember the “KISS” principle.  “Keep it simple, stupid.”     “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”  Matthew 6:7

Obviously, what transpired yesterday in the death of two of my son’s very good friends is still on my mind as I write this devotion.  Yet, I must also remember the words of Rev. Herman Hoeksema who said something like:  “Don’t form your theology on the basis of what you observe at the intersection of Monroe and Division (downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan).  However, there is a connection between what happened yesterday and the Scripture for today which I think is appropriate to mention. 

I received very comforting emails for which I intend to thank you personally and privately.  But, I think it is OK, without disclosing the name of the sender, to mention one point of what one of you wrote in reply to my email of this tragic news.  “It is good to share griefs as well as joys.”

While we may be eager to report the joys of the blessings of grace that we receive, we may be more hesitant to report our griefs which are necessary for others to understand the mercy that we received.  Consider that it may have been embarrassing for the former Gerasene Demoniac to admit that he formerly was possessed by demons, that he was extremely violent, and that he may have been running around naked.  Yet, such details of these griefs are important for the listeners to know in order to fully appreciate the mercy that he received. 

We read in yesterday’s devotion:  “”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.”  (Emphasis added.)  2 Corinthians 12:9 .  Paul admitted that he was chief of the sinners, but such admission better highlighted and displayed the mercy that he received and the patience of Christ in pursuing sinners.  “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.’ ”  1 Timothy 1:15-16.

If we just pridefully show to others our Christian virtues and the joys of the blessings of grace that we receive, then they may conclude:  “Well, that is good for him, but what help is there for me, a weak sinner struggling with these griefs???”

However, if we are like Paul and humbly share with others our weaknesses and our griefs and that God still was patient with us and still showed mercy on us, then it may encourage others and build their faith that God may likewise be patient with them and may likewise show mercy to them.

 ³²  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.”  (Emphasis added.) Mark 4:30-32.

Much has appropriately been taught about the growth of the kingdom of God from this parable.  That is the primary message.  But, I also see a secondary message in this parable on which I would like to focus this devotion.

The kingdom of God provides refuge, rest, and comfort to the lowly as described by the phrase “so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.”  

In a strikingly similar verse, Psalm 84:3 states:  “The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.” 

Obviously, the concern of the kingdom of God is not just for the birds themselves, but the birds are representative of the lowly.  If God cares for the birds, then we can trust God to also care for us.  “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:29-31.     

Explaining this favor and provision for the lowly, James 4:6 simply states:  “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

In conclusion, these images help us better understand and appreciate Matthew 11:28-29:  “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.”

 ²³  “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Mark 4:21-23.

Matthew 5:14-16 states:  “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  (Emphasis added.) 

Thank you all for letting your light shine!  It inspires me, uplifts me, and helps me in other ways so much to hear the good things that you all are doing.  This devotion is so appropriate after yesterday’s devotion which I feared was too much about me and my Reformed doctrine blog.

We may fear that we are boasting or that we are too proud if we let others see our light.  Although it is true that we should be humble, it does glorify God and help others to see the good things that we are doing. 

First, it draws the lost to the truth.  Like ships lost at sea, it shows the lost ships where the safe haven is. 

Second, it stimulates others to do good works.  It is easier to join a good work than to start your own good work from scratch. 

Third, it knits us all together in communion as the church.  We better see ourselves, not as independent individuals, but as part of the church. 

In the following two paragraphs are three examples. 

A large group of you are Protestant Reformed Church ministers.  You have most faithfully kept preaching and teaching Reformed doctrine entrusted to you.  You let your light shine like a lighthouse beacon to me and others.  I was a like that ship drifting in the sea from church to church, denomination to denomination, doctrine to doctrine, and you brought me back to the truth of Reformed doctrine. 

One of you picks up a small child who has no legs and takes that child “hiking”.  You met this child when you taught her Sunday school, and God developed in you a compassion and a desire to help her further.  You carry her, so that she can experience the beauty and fresh air of the outdoors.  Now, because you told another friend of mine and invited him to go with you, you both go together, and you all can now also bring the girl’s other special needs siblings with you for a group hike.  You tell me that you are the ones who are blessed to be around such children.

Another one of you operates a Christian rescue mission in my county, appropriately called Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, which feeds and clothes the homeless.  I feel that I do not have compassion or desire to help the homeless, but when I talk to you and read your newsletter, I feel like encouraging you, praying for you, and sending you an occasional check to help support your work.  I feel that “we” are fulfilling Christ’s mandate to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger etc.  Thank you for also encouraging me to start my Reformed doctrine blog and for also referring me to your computer specialist so that I could do it!

Thank you all for letting your light shine!

 ¹²  so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.”  Mark 4:10-12. 

It may seem strange, even harsh, that Jesus would say:  “those who are outside get everything in parables,  so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.”  Doesn’t  Jesus want everyone forgiven and saved???

First, we need to be careful that we don’t curtail our preaching and teaching or “veil it” to make it less clear and understandable.  We are commanded to “… Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”  Mark 16:15  “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;  reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:1-2. 

But, today’s Scripture does support Reformed doctrine, “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP” that God does unconditionally elect those whom He chooses to save.  “For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16. 

Consistent with this doctrine is the teaching of regeneration or birth by the Spirit in John Chapter 3.  “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  “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 3:5-8.  Just as the wind blows where it wishes, the Spirit of God regenerates or gives spiritual birth to those whom He wishes.  Only those whom are regenerated or given spiritual birth by the Spirit of God will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Consider that even if one received “around the clock” (24/7) crystal-clear preaching and teaching by the best preachers and best teachers but was not regenerated or given spiritual birth by the Spirit of God, that person would still not understand, would still not seek God, and would still not be forgiven and saved.  “¹⁰as it is written,
         “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 
          THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
          THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 
          ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
          THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
          THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 3:10-12