Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (He 12:2). Amen.
What did they see when they looked around? Persecution of some kind. And it wasn’t getting better. That led to questions. What is happening?
What do we see when we look about. Problems of some sort. And it isn’t getting easier. That results in concerns. Why is this happening?
It makes no difference if it is the Hebrew Christians or us. They needed, we need, the letter of Hebrews. The eyes on our faces are valuable. The eyes of our faith are vital. And what do we spot? We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan and who confesses his perfect family. We read from …
Hebrews 2:9-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our heavenly Brother who helps us,
I learned about it as a senior in college in psychology class. (That is a shout out to my liberal arts education.) It is called a “Rorschach test.” A person tells what they think an inkblot is when they glance at it. This test is to examine an individual’s characteristics and emotional functioning. That is the extent of my knowledge. That is because I know a little about a lot.
I don’t know if one of the blobs resembles a cross. But that is what the author of Hebrews holds out to us so that we hold on to it.
We See Jesus
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
In the Nicene Creed this morning, we asserted: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen” (CW p. 18).
His power is evident and he simply says, “Let there be,” and there was (Ge 1:3).
His wisdom is apparent as he carefully forms things in an orderly way—beginning with light and ending with mankind.
His love is obvious as he really institutes marriage—giving Eve to Adam: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Ge 2:24).
All of that is true as we view our own bodies—how he has fashioned us. With the psalmist, we sing: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14).
When our first parents believed the lie of the devil and sinned, that did not stop our God. He formulated a way to rescue all. That is the one the unknown writer points to. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan.
With our spiritual vision, “We see Jesus” (He 2:9). We pause for a moment to remember, to reflect on that name. Recall it was the angel who reported to Joseph about Mary’s miracle baby: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). Jesus translates as “the Lord saves.” That is what he did—according to the Father’s plan.
Jesus, true God, became true man. We also acknowledged that: “For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate [In other words, “he was ‘in the flesh.’”] of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human” (CW p. 18). In the process, “we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels” (He 2:9). He gave up the majesty of heaven and was put in a manger in Bethlehem (Php 2:6-8). That must have been quite a sight as one of the messengers from on high stated to some scared shepherds at work: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).
But that was for a short time and for a specific purpose. “We see Jesus … now crowned with glory and honor” (He 2:9). He sits on his throne—having come out of his three-day grave and going back to his eternal position, deserving of all respect and reverence as THE King, exalted to the highest place (Php 2:10). “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:11).
Why? All “because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (He 2:9). He didn’t sniff at it or sip it like if we are sampling something in another’s glass to find out if we like it. No. He drained the “cup of suffering” to its very dregs according to the Father’s will (Mt 26:42). He gulped down our guilt as he suffered our punishment on the cross—for our sin. The author highlights the fact that is “grace”—unmerited favor, a free gift. Jesus died “for everyone” (He 2:9). We can all contend individually, “In my place and for my sake and for my benefit. For me.” That is not selfish, but that is certain (He 11:1).
The Father did not sit back and let us flounder with our feeble, futile efforts. Quite the opposite. Not one thing that Jesus did was by accident. “It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (He 9:10). He is the Cause and Creator of the entire universe. And it was proper and appropriate that he deal with our sin. He sent his Son to be “the author of salvation.” Jesus didn’t just blaze a trail to heaven, he is the way to heaven (Jn 14:6). And Jesus reached the goal of rescuing us from Satan and sin like a when a team scores a touchdown. That is the objective. So Jesus’ pain gives us perfection. His cry from the cross is correct: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). He has done it all. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan entirely.
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
It was in the Apostles’ Creed that we announce under the article of the Holy Spirit: “I believe in … the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints” (CW p. 19). Those who have been called together are a joining of holy ones. That is what the unnamed writer of Hebrews points out. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family.
The Father through his suffering Son has succeeded “in bringing many sons to glory” (He 2:10). Sons—that is our status no matter what age or gender. And we have a never-ending home with him forever—by his side and in his presence (Jn 14:2,3). Jesus has provided it and prepared it by becoming one of us. “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family” (He 2:11). Holy—free from sin and far from it. And so we often define it as “perfect” or “pure”—just like Jesus.
“So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers” (He 2:11). He is not embarrassed by us as one sibling may be of another because of something that they have done. (Who wants to be kissed by his sister?) No one is insignificant or irrelevant. It is hard to miss that in that short scene. The disciples wanted to push the little ones away, but Jesus pulled them close: He was not above them and they were not below him. “Let the little children come to me” (Mk 10:14). Jesus came as our brother and calls us his brothers. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family eagerly.
To me, a blot of ink is more suited for an exhibition in an art gallery (even though I am not a fan of abstract art) than for an evaluation of a disorder. (I am not speaking against the medical profession.) But we have something concrete to stare at in the middle of persecution and in the midst of problems. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan to save us and who confesses his perfect family to claim us. That is no doubt what we see. Jesus. Amen.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
October 7, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Monday, October 1, 2018
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Philippians 1:12-18)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Php 1:2). Amen.
Joseph is my go-to guy—the one who comes to mind right away to make something that is abstract clear. It would be like saying, “Practicing piano leads to playing it better.” That is the theory. Then the reality: “That is why Ludwig van Beethoven could tickle the ivories so well.”
For that reason, I always use Joseph to connect a person in the Bible with a promise from the Lord. I realize that there is some distance between the two—when it comes to the aspect of time (The person is in the Old Testament.) and the place in the Scripture (The promise is in the New Testament). But he helps to illustrate a certainty that spans the ages and speaks the truth—all the way to today. The guarantee becomes more than a general concept for us. We have God’s Word on it. But it is a comfort to us. We have a concrete example of it.
First the assurance. The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). (That is worth memorizing, if you haven’t already.) Notice that Paul didn’t remark: “We wish that or want that” or “we suppose that or suspect that” all things—not many or most things, some or several things, all things, including both our sufferings and our blessings—are under God’s guidance for one goal—our good. That is the case even when it doesn’t seem apparent or evident or when we are in the middle or midst of something. We might compare it to reading one sentence in a paragraph rather than every page of the entire book. You miss a lot if you don’t have the correct perspective of the whole novel.
Then the account. Someone asked me this week to give an elevator account of my life. That is when you condense things so they are short and sweet—as much as you can get out on the ride up before the doors open. That is not so easy with Joseph (Ge 37-50). He might need the trip to go to the 56th floor, stopping at each one to let people on and off (and maybe even get stuck for a while, waiting for the fire department). Here is an attempt:
Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him. (Maybe that is an understatement. But we will go with it.) So they decided to get rid of him without killing him.
They sold him to some Midianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.
Those traders took him to Egypt where Potiphar bought him.
Joseph was successful, as successful as you can be as a slave, because the Lord was with him. That is until Mrs. Potiphar took a shining to him and propositioned him—repeatedly. When Joseph refused to sin against God, she lied that he had tried to harass her rather than the other way around.
Joseph found himself in prison. When Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, the cupbearer recalled that his fellow inmate had interpreted one of his when he was doing time. After Joseph provided the meaning (7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine), Pharaoh elevated Joseph to second in command of Egypt.
When the lack of food reached Israel, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. After a while, Joseph revealed himself to his siblings. And later on, Joseph commented because he had the correct perspective: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Ge 50:20). The line of the Messiah stayed alive and intact. At the time, Joseph’s brothers didn’t assume that as they collected the cash. At the moment, Joseph didn’t anticipate that as he took the trip. No. God took an evil plan turned it into a proper end.
That is critical for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We hang on to that firmly and hold on to that tightly. That correct perspective is for the greatest apostle to the humblest Christian.
But here is the thing: the one who shared that with a pen when writing to the Romans is the same one who showed that with an event when writing to the Philippians. The Christians in the city of Philippi had a close relationship with the apostle after his time among them. They had the same faith in God and were part of the same family of God. When Paul was transported to Rome and placed under house arrest in the capital city, they wondered things were going for him. So as Paul awaited his trial, he answered them in the form of an epistle.
Paul puts any of their concerns to rest: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Php 1:12). It was his desire that they understand these things in this circumstance. What seemed to be a negative God had it serve a positive. The incarceration did not hurt the good news of Jesus, but helped it. The messenger might be bound; the message was not (2 Ti 2:9). Like a ship making headway across the ocean, the gospel was making progress through the region and the ranks.
The apostle points to two instances since he had the correct perspective:
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Php 1:13). As the soldiers cycled through their rotation of watching Paul, they saw that the only grounds for why he was in their custody was because of his connection to Christ. Hardly a crime and definitely not a criminal. And Paul had the opportunity to speak to them about the One who was obedient to death—even death on a cross (Php 2:8). The One whom God also raised and exalted (Php 2:9). And that significance of a Savior spread through the city and became widely known. In today’s terms, it would have been a trending story on an internet news home page.
The Lord can use any of our situations to foster the growth of the gospel—from chronic pain (“I get my strength from God” [2 Co 12:9]) to a coming possibility (“I get my blessings from my heavenly Father” [Ja 1:17].) We have that correct perspective as we proclaim Christ.
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Php 1:14). Those who labored for the Lord in Rome dared to do so with great boldness. This inspired them to be brave.
Others may do the same with us. They encourage us to look for moments to assert our confidence in Christ. If they can, so can I.
There is a sad side note. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. … [They] preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Php 1:15,17). Did the jealousy come because of Paul’s “hero status?” Along the lines of, “What about us? We have been here for more time and heralded with more trials.” Shouldn’t they get some admiration too? But that is looking out for one’s own glory than one’s God. There were some mixed intentions.
It is sad if professional resentment or personal reward get in the way. It is vital for a pastor to pray, “Lord, have them look past the servant to the Savior—not to applaud me, but to appreciate you.” It is valuable for a person to pray, “Lord, it is not about me, but about you—not to call attention to me, but to draw attention to you.” Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
And that is what the focus of many was. “But others out of goodwill. [They] do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (Php 1:15). Paul was a genuine role model for them as they preached Christ crucified.
We would do well to imitate that group—respect for the worker and reverence for the work.
Again it comes down to the correct perspective. Paul concludes: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Php 1:18). He is not excusing false teaching—“as long as they mention Christ.” It is not a matter of who announces, but what is announced. That sounds similar to what Moses explained when Joshua got excited: “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Nu 11:29). Jesus echoed the same idea: “for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk 9:40).
We continue to tell with conviction what Christ has accomplished. He took on our guilt and took it away with his life and death and resurrection. God has done something exceptional and extraordinary in answer to our request: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10). And he does just that. Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
I will stick with Joseph and maybe give a shout out to Paul as my go-to guy that God makes a promise and he keeps it. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). In a sense, we have an individual in the Old and New Testaments. They both saw it—even in desperate or difficult times. The focus is not on me, but on Christ. Proclaim Christ with that correct perspective and the gospel goes forward. And because of that, we rejoice.
We read from Philippians 1:12-18:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Php 4:23).
September 30, 2018
Joseph is my go-to guy—the one who comes to mind right away to make something that is abstract clear. It would be like saying, “Practicing piano leads to playing it better.” That is the theory. Then the reality: “That is why Ludwig van Beethoven could tickle the ivories so well.”
For that reason, I always use Joseph to connect a person in the Bible with a promise from the Lord. I realize that there is some distance between the two—when it comes to the aspect of time (The person is in the Old Testament.) and the place in the Scripture (The promise is in the New Testament). But he helps to illustrate a certainty that spans the ages and speaks the truth—all the way to today. The guarantee becomes more than a general concept for us. We have God’s Word on it. But it is a comfort to us. We have a concrete example of it.
First the assurance. The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). (That is worth memorizing, if you haven’t already.) Notice that Paul didn’t remark: “We wish that or want that” or “we suppose that or suspect that” all things—not many or most things, some or several things, all things, including both our sufferings and our blessings—are under God’s guidance for one goal—our good. That is the case even when it doesn’t seem apparent or evident or when we are in the middle or midst of something. We might compare it to reading one sentence in a paragraph rather than every page of the entire book. You miss a lot if you don’t have the correct perspective of the whole novel.
Then the account. Someone asked me this week to give an elevator account of my life. That is when you condense things so they are short and sweet—as much as you can get out on the ride up before the doors open. That is not so easy with Joseph (Ge 37-50). He might need the trip to go to the 56th floor, stopping at each one to let people on and off (and maybe even get stuck for a while, waiting for the fire department). Here is an attempt:
Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him. (Maybe that is an understatement. But we will go with it.) So they decided to get rid of him without killing him.
They sold him to some Midianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.
Those traders took him to Egypt where Potiphar bought him.
Joseph was successful, as successful as you can be as a slave, because the Lord was with him. That is until Mrs. Potiphar took a shining to him and propositioned him—repeatedly. When Joseph refused to sin against God, she lied that he had tried to harass her rather than the other way around.
Joseph found himself in prison. When Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, the cupbearer recalled that his fellow inmate had interpreted one of his when he was doing time. After Joseph provided the meaning (7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine), Pharaoh elevated Joseph to second in command of Egypt.
When the lack of food reached Israel, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. After a while, Joseph revealed himself to his siblings. And later on, Joseph commented because he had the correct perspective: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Ge 50:20). The line of the Messiah stayed alive and intact. At the time, Joseph’s brothers didn’t assume that as they collected the cash. At the moment, Joseph didn’t anticipate that as he took the trip. No. God took an evil plan turned it into a proper end.
That is critical for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We hang on to that firmly and hold on to that tightly. That correct perspective is for the greatest apostle to the humblest Christian.
But here is the thing: the one who shared that with a pen when writing to the Romans is the same one who showed that with an event when writing to the Philippians. The Christians in the city of Philippi had a close relationship with the apostle after his time among them. They had the same faith in God and were part of the same family of God. When Paul was transported to Rome and placed under house arrest in the capital city, they wondered things were going for him. So as Paul awaited his trial, he answered them in the form of an epistle.
Paul puts any of their concerns to rest: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Php 1:12). It was his desire that they understand these things in this circumstance. What seemed to be a negative God had it serve a positive. The incarceration did not hurt the good news of Jesus, but helped it. The messenger might be bound; the message was not (2 Ti 2:9). Like a ship making headway across the ocean, the gospel was making progress through the region and the ranks.
The apostle points to two instances since he had the correct perspective:
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Php 1:13). As the soldiers cycled through their rotation of watching Paul, they saw that the only grounds for why he was in their custody was because of his connection to Christ. Hardly a crime and definitely not a criminal. And Paul had the opportunity to speak to them about the One who was obedient to death—even death on a cross (Php 2:8). The One whom God also raised and exalted (Php 2:9). And that significance of a Savior spread through the city and became widely known. In today’s terms, it would have been a trending story on an internet news home page.
The Lord can use any of our situations to foster the growth of the gospel—from chronic pain (“I get my strength from God” [2 Co 12:9]) to a coming possibility (“I get my blessings from my heavenly Father” [Ja 1:17].) We have that correct perspective as we proclaim Christ.
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Php 1:14). Those who labored for the Lord in Rome dared to do so with great boldness. This inspired them to be brave.
Others may do the same with us. They encourage us to look for moments to assert our confidence in Christ. If they can, so can I.
There is a sad side note. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. … [They] preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Php 1:15,17). Did the jealousy come because of Paul’s “hero status?” Along the lines of, “What about us? We have been here for more time and heralded with more trials.” Shouldn’t they get some admiration too? But that is looking out for one’s own glory than one’s God. There were some mixed intentions.
It is sad if professional resentment or personal reward get in the way. It is vital for a pastor to pray, “Lord, have them look past the servant to the Savior—not to applaud me, but to appreciate you.” It is valuable for a person to pray, “Lord, it is not about me, but about you—not to call attention to me, but to draw attention to you.” Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
And that is what the focus of many was. “But others out of goodwill. [They] do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (Php 1:15). Paul was a genuine role model for them as they preached Christ crucified.
We would do well to imitate that group—respect for the worker and reverence for the work.
Again it comes down to the correct perspective. Paul concludes: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Php 1:18). He is not excusing false teaching—“as long as they mention Christ.” It is not a matter of who announces, but what is announced. That sounds similar to what Moses explained when Joshua got excited: “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Nu 11:29). Jesus echoed the same idea: “for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk 9:40).
We continue to tell with conviction what Christ has accomplished. He took on our guilt and took it away with his life and death and resurrection. God has done something exceptional and extraordinary in answer to our request: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10). And he does just that. Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
I will stick with Joseph and maybe give a shout out to Paul as my go-to guy that God makes a promise and he keeps it. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). In a sense, we have an individual in the Old and New Testaments. They both saw it—even in desperate or difficult times. The focus is not on me, but on Christ. Proclaim Christ with that correct perspective and the gospel goes forward. And because of that, we rejoice.
We read from Philippians 1:12-18:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Php 4:23).
September 30, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (James 3:13-18)
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
Maybe this has happened. You ask a question of someone or want a comment from someone and the person looks up—in the air or to the sky or toward the ceiling. (Rubbing the chin or scratching the head is optional.) As if the answer or observation is going to be there. It is not a bad thing. It may be because he is just considering how to reply or it is that she is just contemplating how to respond. There is a glance up before something comes out.
In a sense, that is where James wants our eyes to be in order to be wise—upwards. Get your wisdom from above.
Perhaps we need to define wisdom. With the first semester of school underway, we might think of the student who is all about the accumulation of information from instructors or the acquisition of insight from professors. And nothing wrong with that. That is useful when it comes to quizzes and tests or helpful when writing papers or reports. But we can aim a bit higher. Even more than reciting the books of the Bible in order or remembering some Bible passages from catechism class. Wisdom from above is a way of thinking and a manner of living.
Real wisdom is knowing that Jesus has come from above (Jn 3:31)—just like every good and perfect gift (Ja 1:17). He appeared to be our Savior—One who was lifted up on a cross for our sin and raised from a tomb for our freedom (Ro 4:25). The apostle Paul once pointed out: Jesus is “wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Co 1:30). We stand before God, dressed in Jesus’ perfection (Jesus is our righteousness), set free from sin and separate from it (Jesus is our holiness.) because Jesus has paid the price with his blood to release us (Jesus is our redemption.). Jesus explained that to his disciples very clearly and concisely: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise” (Mk 9:31). Don’t miss that: death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit has recorded that for us in the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Ti 3:15). That wisdom comes from God to us—from above.
But the book of James is like a follow up with the doctor. You have a procedure done and then schedule another appointment for him to see how you are healing. The faith in our hearts will show in our lives. And so James inquires in order for us to evaluate: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (Ja 3:13). Faith goes on display through our noble behavior. “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Ja 3:13). There is a genuine gentleness. That is not weakness, but wisdom.
How does that look? Sometimes we learn through contrasts. We know the difference between hot and cold because we have experienced them. James begins with wisdom “from below.” The difference is detectable from what is “from above.” “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth” (Ja 3:14). Exhibit A is the discussion of the disciples (or better, disagreement). Jesus was focusing on ascending an instrument of torture and they were fixated on climbing a ladder of promotion—arguing “about who was the greatest” (Mk 9:34). I wonder if they were a little nicer than some of those TV commercials about his coming November. Speaking arrogantly and falsely does not reflect wisdom.
In fact, James can conclude: “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven” (Ja 3:15). And then he adds three ugly qualifiers. “But is …”
“Earthly” (Ja 3:15)—opposite of heavenly.
“Unspiritual” (Ja 3:15)—according to our sinful, human nature.
“Of the devil” (Ja 3:15)—demonic. And Satan’s goal is to devour and destroy (1 Pe 5:8), pulling us away from God and pulling us down to hell.
And then James highlights what it leads to: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Ja 3:16). Selfish actions—demanding one’s own way at the expense of others (a “me first” outlook)—results in no good thing. We see that play out over and over again in our community and in our country. Not to mention, sin can grow, starting with an attitude in our hearts and coming out in an action in our lives (Ja 1:14,15)—coveting something could end up in stealing, wanting something that is not ours to making it ours.
James does not stay there or stop there. And that is valuable. There is a different kind of wisdom. And there is quite a lineup. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is …” (Ja 3:17)
“first of all pure”—There is no moral defect as an unwanted additive in food, but definite integrity.
“then peace-loving”—It fosters peace. It might look like allowing another to merge on the highway rather than speeding up to cut him off, or an employee not talking under one’s breath about a boss or a child behind a parent’s back, or siblings not arguing whose turn it is to wash the dishes.
“considerate”—It remains steadfast even in the face of injustice. Jeremiah typifies that. He continued to proclaim the truth even when those around him plotted against his life—leaving it in the Lord’s hands. “To you I have committed my cause” (Je 11:20). Or as the psalmist David had us sing: “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; deliver me in your righteousness” (Ps 31:1).
“submissive”—There is a willingness to obey as one observes the speed limit on the road.
“full of mercy and good fruit”—Fall is right around the corner. A common decoration is a cornucopia. It is a horn-like wicker tube from which fruit or vegetables spill out. Such is a wise life—overflowing with beneficial works—fruits of faith, like apples on a tree. There are kindness and compassion, for example.
“impartial”—There is no prejudice.
“sincere”—There is no hypocrisy, a phony pretense or show. [Notice the last two positive qualities we describe negatively—what it is not.]
So does that describe your last week? This morning? If we are fair, we fail. So then what? We go back to the peace that Jesus gives (Jn 14:27)—perfect peace between us and God, purchased on Good Friday and provided by Easter Sunday. All is right between us and God.
Those who know peace sow that peace like seeds. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (Ja 3:18). And we are “blessed” (Mt 5:9) as we do that in our homes and in our churches and in our relationships—planting kernels of peace which leads to a plentiful crop of peace.
There are also those who look down before they have a reaction or a comeback. I don’t know if it is to hide embarrassment or to buy time. But not us. We look up—not to a mountaintop guru, but a merciful God. Get your wisdom from above. It is not a bunch of facts and figures. It is faith and fruitfulness. We are truly wise.
We read from James 3:13-18:
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 22, 2018
Maybe this has happened. You ask a question of someone or want a comment from someone and the person looks up—in the air or to the sky or toward the ceiling. (Rubbing the chin or scratching the head is optional.) As if the answer or observation is going to be there. It is not a bad thing. It may be because he is just considering how to reply or it is that she is just contemplating how to respond. There is a glance up before something comes out.
In a sense, that is where James wants our eyes to be in order to be wise—upwards. Get your wisdom from above.
Perhaps we need to define wisdom. With the first semester of school underway, we might think of the student who is all about the accumulation of information from instructors or the acquisition of insight from professors. And nothing wrong with that. That is useful when it comes to quizzes and tests or helpful when writing papers or reports. But we can aim a bit higher. Even more than reciting the books of the Bible in order or remembering some Bible passages from catechism class. Wisdom from above is a way of thinking and a manner of living.
Real wisdom is knowing that Jesus has come from above (Jn 3:31)—just like every good and perfect gift (Ja 1:17). He appeared to be our Savior—One who was lifted up on a cross for our sin and raised from a tomb for our freedom (Ro 4:25). The apostle Paul once pointed out: Jesus is “wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Co 1:30). We stand before God, dressed in Jesus’ perfection (Jesus is our righteousness), set free from sin and separate from it (Jesus is our holiness.) because Jesus has paid the price with his blood to release us (Jesus is our redemption.). Jesus explained that to his disciples very clearly and concisely: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise” (Mk 9:31). Don’t miss that: death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit has recorded that for us in the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Ti 3:15). That wisdom comes from God to us—from above.
But the book of James is like a follow up with the doctor. You have a procedure done and then schedule another appointment for him to see how you are healing. The faith in our hearts will show in our lives. And so James inquires in order for us to evaluate: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (Ja 3:13). Faith goes on display through our noble behavior. “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Ja 3:13). There is a genuine gentleness. That is not weakness, but wisdom.
How does that look? Sometimes we learn through contrasts. We know the difference between hot and cold because we have experienced them. James begins with wisdom “from below.” The difference is detectable from what is “from above.” “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth” (Ja 3:14). Exhibit A is the discussion of the disciples (or better, disagreement). Jesus was focusing on ascending an instrument of torture and they were fixated on climbing a ladder of promotion—arguing “about who was the greatest” (Mk 9:34). I wonder if they were a little nicer than some of those TV commercials about his coming November. Speaking arrogantly and falsely does not reflect wisdom.
In fact, James can conclude: “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven” (Ja 3:15). And then he adds three ugly qualifiers. “But is …”
“Earthly” (Ja 3:15)—opposite of heavenly.
“Unspiritual” (Ja 3:15)—according to our sinful, human nature.
“Of the devil” (Ja 3:15)—demonic. And Satan’s goal is to devour and destroy (1 Pe 5:8), pulling us away from God and pulling us down to hell.
And then James highlights what it leads to: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Ja 3:16). Selfish actions—demanding one’s own way at the expense of others (a “me first” outlook)—results in no good thing. We see that play out over and over again in our community and in our country. Not to mention, sin can grow, starting with an attitude in our hearts and coming out in an action in our lives (Ja 1:14,15)—coveting something could end up in stealing, wanting something that is not ours to making it ours.
James does not stay there or stop there. And that is valuable. There is a different kind of wisdom. And there is quite a lineup. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is …” (Ja 3:17)
“first of all pure”—There is no moral defect as an unwanted additive in food, but definite integrity.
“then peace-loving”—It fosters peace. It might look like allowing another to merge on the highway rather than speeding up to cut him off, or an employee not talking under one’s breath about a boss or a child behind a parent’s back, or siblings not arguing whose turn it is to wash the dishes.
“considerate”—It remains steadfast even in the face of injustice. Jeremiah typifies that. He continued to proclaim the truth even when those around him plotted against his life—leaving it in the Lord’s hands. “To you I have committed my cause” (Je 11:20). Or as the psalmist David had us sing: “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; deliver me in your righteousness” (Ps 31:1).
“submissive”—There is a willingness to obey as one observes the speed limit on the road.
“full of mercy and good fruit”—Fall is right around the corner. A common decoration is a cornucopia. It is a horn-like wicker tube from which fruit or vegetables spill out. Such is a wise life—overflowing with beneficial works—fruits of faith, like apples on a tree. There are kindness and compassion, for example.
“impartial”—There is no prejudice.
“sincere”—There is no hypocrisy, a phony pretense or show. [Notice the last two positive qualities we describe negatively—what it is not.]
So does that describe your last week? This morning? If we are fair, we fail. So then what? We go back to the peace that Jesus gives (Jn 14:27)—perfect peace between us and God, purchased on Good Friday and provided by Easter Sunday. All is right between us and God.
Those who know peace sow that peace like seeds. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (Ja 3:18). And we are “blessed” (Mt 5:9) as we do that in our homes and in our churches and in our relationships—planting kernels of peace which leads to a plentiful crop of peace.
There are also those who look down before they have a reaction or a comeback. I don’t know if it is to hide embarrassment or to buy time. But not us. We look up—not to a mountaintop guru, but a merciful God. Get your wisdom from above. It is not a bunch of facts and figures. It is faith and fruitfulness. We are truly wise.
We read from James 3:13-18:
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 22, 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 9)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). Amen.
How is your day so far? Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to formulate an opinion yet. Possibly you would put it into the category of “normal.” You got up and got ready. You showered and shaved. And now you are sitting here. It is an ordinary Sunday.
That was not the case for a lame man. His life was completely changed. He would say and we could state it: This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. We read from …
Acts 3:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who has all power and deserves all praise,
I don’t know when any given day goes from normal to abnormal. We all woke with things that bug us or bother us. Each of us has them—to various degrees. And they are real—for you and for me. My concerns. Your cares. And it will be that way this side of heaven. It will never be painless or pain-free.
But here is the reminder. Even though they are made up words, our day is not “Jesus-less” or “Jesus-free.” For that reason, …
This Is No Ordinary Day
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
It just may be me. I am not sure where to put the stress on the adjective. Is it extraordinary? Or is it extraordinary? It refers to something phenomenal. That describes what occurred with a crippled man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
There was no indication that the present day was going to be different from the previous day. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the believers assembled in the temple courts (Acts 2:46), gathering around God’s Word. So it is not surprising that Luke reports: “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1). The ninth hour was one of the three hours of prayer. The others were 9:00 AM and sunset. Peter and John are mentioned together and often worked together. So far, pretty ordinary—Peter and John making their way to the temple.
And there was that nameless man. For 40 years he had struggled with the same situation—he had no use of his legs (Acts 4:22). Since there was no welfare system, he went about his daily activity, stationed in his usual place like people position themselves at stoplights here in town. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts” (Acts 3:2). He was at the mercy of passersby for charitable gifts. So far, pretty ordinary—this man making a living at the temple.
But that all changed. Peter and John met this man. They were strolling and he was soliciting. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money” (Acts 3:3). He stretched out his hand for some help—a coin of some sort, if they could spare some change.
The two men stopped. Who wouldn’t feel for this one with his withered legs? “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’” (Acts 3:4). Peter wanted his undivided attention as a teacher does with her students. No looking down or looking up. “Eyes right here.” Could this be his payday? He was ready. “So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them” (Acts 3:5).
Was he upset at what Peter uttered next? “Silver or gold I do not have” (Acts 3:6). What good was that? But there was more, much more. Bigger and better. A student wants a day off of school around Christmas time and he gets a two week of vacation. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). He requested some money and received a miracle. “Taking him by the right hand, he [that is, Peter] helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong” (Acts 3:7). Four decades of an ailment reversed with a few words from a disciple. And it was immediate. No physical therapy or fancy exercises like after knee surgery. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk” (Acts 3:8). No stumbling or staggering like a toddler’s first steps. We can only imagine what that must have been like. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
When Jesus was on earth, he performed miracles—just like he did in the region of the Decapolis (Mk 7:31). There was that man who had deafness in his ears and difficulty with his speech. Jesus gave him the ability to hear clearly and talk correctly. Mark even recorded the Aramaic word: “‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’)” (Mk 7:34). He fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah predicted: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Is 35:5,6). Those were marks of the Messiah whom God promised to send to save from sin (Is 34:4).
What Peter did was not by himself of on his own. That ability came from Jesus—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). In other words, “by the power of and the authority of Jesus.” This is an example of one of the signs that the apostles did (Acts 2:43). Jesus gave them that capability to back up their message. They were his instruments. The people could connect the dots. What Jesus did, his followers do. They must be from him. And those proofs confirmed their message about Jesus who came to rescue all from the stranglehold of sin and Satan. That let them proclaim that significance.
When we hold our tin cup up to God, what are we looking for? Since we have nothing to offer him, he offers us everything. Instead of a dollar or two (and that does come from him too), we get deliverance from sin and Satan. Instead of some pocket change, we get a perfect change. He sends away our sin because he set it on Jesus’ cross and supplies us with Jesus’ holiness. What he has, he gives to us—the removal of guilt and the eternity with him. And he follows that up with good and perfect gifts on earth—other things (Ja 1:17; Ro 8:32). This is no ordinary day with an extraordinary deliverance from the Lord—undeserved gifts to us.
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
It really makes no difference how we pronounce it—extraordinary or extraordinary. The meaning remains the same. It is something remarkable. That depicts what transpired with a paralyzed man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There was no stopping him. How could anyone? Can you picture him trying out his new legs? This was not a sad dream, but sheer delight. “Then he [that is, the lame man] went with them [that is, Peter and John] into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). All three are significant—walking, jumping, and praising. He checked out his long stride and vertical leap. But the words of worship were not directed to Peter, but to God. He was the One to honor for what had taken place.
It certainly drew the notice of those who had congregated on the temple grounds. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (Acts 3:9,10). They were almost beside themselves with astonishment at what was so unusual. This gave Peter an opportunity to address them with a lengthy explanation (Acts 3:11ff.). But this is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There may have been other beggars there that day who were not healed. Jesus didn’t come to get rid of all physical problems. He came to take care of our spiritual issues. And he did. That doesn’t make him powerless to handle the others. That reminder is in place. He can and does keep some suffering from us. We praise him for that. But when there is hurt or heartaches, cancer or colds, if he doesn’t clear them up, he bears us up—strengthening us and supporting us each day. We praise him for that too. In them we look to the Lord. Through them we lean on the Lord. Even others take note as we take comfort in his goodness and faithfulness. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight in the Lord—undeniable gratitude from us.
So what about today? Normal? Whatever that is for a Sunday—an afternoon nap in a comfy chair or a nice lunch in front of the TV since football is back on. Or any other day. It doesn’t matter. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. God cancels our sin and keeps us strong. With the psalmist we sing: “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Ps 146:1). Amen.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 9, 2018
How is your day so far? Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to formulate an opinion yet. Possibly you would put it into the category of “normal.” You got up and got ready. You showered and shaved. And now you are sitting here. It is an ordinary Sunday.
That was not the case for a lame man. His life was completely changed. He would say and we could state it: This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. We read from …
Acts 3:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who has all power and deserves all praise,
I don’t know when any given day goes from normal to abnormal. We all woke with things that bug us or bother us. Each of us has them—to various degrees. And they are real—for you and for me. My concerns. Your cares. And it will be that way this side of heaven. It will never be painless or pain-free.
But here is the reminder. Even though they are made up words, our day is not “Jesus-less” or “Jesus-free.” For that reason, …
This Is No Ordinary Day
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
It just may be me. I am not sure where to put the stress on the adjective. Is it extraordinary? Or is it extraordinary? It refers to something phenomenal. That describes what occurred with a crippled man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
There was no indication that the present day was going to be different from the previous day. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the believers assembled in the temple courts (Acts 2:46), gathering around God’s Word. So it is not surprising that Luke reports: “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1). The ninth hour was one of the three hours of prayer. The others were 9:00 AM and sunset. Peter and John are mentioned together and often worked together. So far, pretty ordinary—Peter and John making their way to the temple.
And there was that nameless man. For 40 years he had struggled with the same situation—he had no use of his legs (Acts 4:22). Since there was no welfare system, he went about his daily activity, stationed in his usual place like people position themselves at stoplights here in town. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts” (Acts 3:2). He was at the mercy of passersby for charitable gifts. So far, pretty ordinary—this man making a living at the temple.
But that all changed. Peter and John met this man. They were strolling and he was soliciting. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money” (Acts 3:3). He stretched out his hand for some help—a coin of some sort, if they could spare some change.
The two men stopped. Who wouldn’t feel for this one with his withered legs? “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’” (Acts 3:4). Peter wanted his undivided attention as a teacher does with her students. No looking down or looking up. “Eyes right here.” Could this be his payday? He was ready. “So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them” (Acts 3:5).
Was he upset at what Peter uttered next? “Silver or gold I do not have” (Acts 3:6). What good was that? But there was more, much more. Bigger and better. A student wants a day off of school around Christmas time and he gets a two week of vacation. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). He requested some money and received a miracle. “Taking him by the right hand, he [that is, Peter] helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong” (Acts 3:7). Four decades of an ailment reversed with a few words from a disciple. And it was immediate. No physical therapy or fancy exercises like after knee surgery. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk” (Acts 3:8). No stumbling or staggering like a toddler’s first steps. We can only imagine what that must have been like. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
When Jesus was on earth, he performed miracles—just like he did in the region of the Decapolis (Mk 7:31). There was that man who had deafness in his ears and difficulty with his speech. Jesus gave him the ability to hear clearly and talk correctly. Mark even recorded the Aramaic word: “‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’)” (Mk 7:34). He fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah predicted: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Is 35:5,6). Those were marks of the Messiah whom God promised to send to save from sin (Is 34:4).
What Peter did was not by himself of on his own. That ability came from Jesus—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). In other words, “by the power of and the authority of Jesus.” This is an example of one of the signs that the apostles did (Acts 2:43). Jesus gave them that capability to back up their message. They were his instruments. The people could connect the dots. What Jesus did, his followers do. They must be from him. And those proofs confirmed their message about Jesus who came to rescue all from the stranglehold of sin and Satan. That let them proclaim that significance.
When we hold our tin cup up to God, what are we looking for? Since we have nothing to offer him, he offers us everything. Instead of a dollar or two (and that does come from him too), we get deliverance from sin and Satan. Instead of some pocket change, we get a perfect change. He sends away our sin because he set it on Jesus’ cross and supplies us with Jesus’ holiness. What he has, he gives to us—the removal of guilt and the eternity with him. And he follows that up with good and perfect gifts on earth—other things (Ja 1:17; Ro 8:32). This is no ordinary day with an extraordinary deliverance from the Lord—undeserved gifts to us.
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
It really makes no difference how we pronounce it—extraordinary or extraordinary. The meaning remains the same. It is something remarkable. That depicts what transpired with a paralyzed man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There was no stopping him. How could anyone? Can you picture him trying out his new legs? This was not a sad dream, but sheer delight. “Then he [that is, the lame man] went with them [that is, Peter and John] into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). All three are significant—walking, jumping, and praising. He checked out his long stride and vertical leap. But the words of worship were not directed to Peter, but to God. He was the One to honor for what had taken place.
It certainly drew the notice of those who had congregated on the temple grounds. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (Acts 3:9,10). They were almost beside themselves with astonishment at what was so unusual. This gave Peter an opportunity to address them with a lengthy explanation (Acts 3:11ff.). But this is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There may have been other beggars there that day who were not healed. Jesus didn’t come to get rid of all physical problems. He came to take care of our spiritual issues. And he did. That doesn’t make him powerless to handle the others. That reminder is in place. He can and does keep some suffering from us. We praise him for that. But when there is hurt or heartaches, cancer or colds, if he doesn’t clear them up, he bears us up—strengthening us and supporting us each day. We praise him for that too. In them we look to the Lord. Through them we lean on the Lord. Even others take note as we take comfort in his goodness and faithfulness. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight in the Lord—undeniable gratitude from us.
So what about today? Normal? Whatever that is for a Sunday—an afternoon nap in a comfy chair or a nice lunch in front of the TV since football is back on. Or any other day. It doesn’t matter. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. God cancels our sin and keeps us strong. With the psalmist we sing: “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Ps 146:1). Amen.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 9, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is our annual commemoration of the contributions of the American worker to the well-being of our nation. Certainly nothing wrong with that. We recognize that the ability to work is a gift of God and from God. Honest effort promotes an ongoing economy.
Not to take away from tomorrow, but today we focus on a different strength—not inside of us, but outside of us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy and there is an armory. We read from …
Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who protects us perfectly,
Our country is at war. That is serious. Perhaps at times we forget that. We thank the men in women in the armed forces for their service. I know that we have other holidays for them, but we are grateful that their labor is to keep us safe.
Christians are at war. That is significant. Possibly on occasion we overlook that. And Satan smiles. But the Savior supplies. And so the imperative is not impossible.
Be Strong in the Lord
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
2. There is an armory (14-20)
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
It can be a bit of an exaggeration. I appreciate the attempt of a color commentator to get our attention with fancy phrases when it comes to an NFL preseason game or an opening weekend college matchup. “It is a battle of epic proportions.” Even if it is a rivalry, that is an overstatement. It is not a matter of life and death. Just a win or a loss. That is not the case with the apostle Paul. He is not being dramatic, but realistic. It is a contest of comic magnitudes. As he enlightens us, he encourages us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in the city of Ephesus, he closes with a command as they faced the future skirmishes of temptation. “Finally, be strong” (Eph 6:10). But they didn’t have to work that up like a workout at the gym—not from themselves, but from their Savior (Jos 1:6-9). “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). They would find help in connection with and in the sphere of the Lord (Eph 1:3). He is the One who is above all and over all. In love, he has the capability to accomplish anything and the ability to finish everything. We keep on turning to him for strength (Ps 46:1). Be strong in the Lord. He makes the powerless powerful.
Paul tells us to dress for success. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11). He will describe that in more detail in a bit. But he emphasizes the fact that we have an enemy (1 Pe 5:8). And the slanderer is stealthy and sneaky as he tries to convince us to relax our moral standards in a situation. He is crafty and cunning as he persuades us to remove a major teaching in the Scripture. “Did God really say?” (Ge 3:1). It is not out of his curiosity, but for our confusion. But we can hold our position against his deception. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10).
And Satan is not alone in trying to do us harm. And Paul heaps up terms to highlight that it is not a batch of ragtag ruffians, but a bunch of well-trained warriors. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). In a wrestling match, the opponent is obvious. One can grab on to him as he grapples with him. But not us. The foe is unseen and invisible. And they have tricky moves in their arsenal and slippery tactics at their disposal. They have a few more years of experience than we do of expertise. It would be like us taking on an Olympic gold medalist on the mat. We would be no match for that kind of a professional.
Paul is not trying to scare us, but prepare us like a sergeant with his troops on the frontline of a foreign conflict. There needs to be a healthy respect for the other side. We need to keep that in mind and not underestimate them thinking that we are too smart to be sucked in the first time or too sturdy to stumble the second time. The battle is bad. And the fight is fierce. Be strong in the Lord. We can. There is an enemy. But “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). We are.
2. There is an armory (13-20)
I cannot imagine a scenario that football player would head out onto the field for a game (again, not the battle) in street clothes. That would be foolish not to put on the uniform with the momentum and muscle of the participants nowadays. He would be risking severe injury. Paul would contend the same about a legionnaire. We head into combat clothed. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
When Paul penned this epistle, he was under house arrest, awaiting his trial in Rome. He may have been tied to a soldier. So he employs a military illustration using the standard equipment of an infantryman. We are not unarmed. We have some major hardware. “Therefore [that is, since you have an enemy] put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:13). Note that it is not an “if,” it is a “when”—“when the day of evil comes” (Eph 6:13). Sometimes it is fast and furious; other times it is slow and steady. But the devil watches and waits with patience, pokes and prods for our weakness—what distracts us and what disturbs us. It may be different for all of us. But where is our Achilles’ heel? That is where that great Greek hero was vulnerable because that is where his mother held him as she dipped him in the River Styx. We are not invincible on our own. Jesus pointed that out. “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mk 7:21,22). Satan works off that and with that.
But be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. God outfits us very well. We take it up and strap it on.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph 6:14). The belt safeguarded the midsection. And the belt of truth is invaluable to us. Because when the devil opens his mouth out spew lies because he is “a lair and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He tries to convince you what God really thinks of you—that he doesn’t take an interest in you either with his compassion or care.
But we have the truth. Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6). And so is God’s Word (Jn 17:17). Jesus explains and the Bible expresses that God does love you. He demonstrated that by giving his Son so that we would have the forgiveness of sins and the home in heaven (Jn 3:16). We sing with the psalmist: “Oh, how I love your law! [that is, instruction, teaching]” (Ps 119:97). And we will follow the admonition of Moses: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Dt 4:2). We will not tamper with it, but trust in it.
“with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Eph 6:14). That might be like a bullet-proof vest. But this is better than Kevlar. The devil can accuse us of sin (and he would be right because we don’t measure up to God). But God clears our account of any accusation (Ro 3:21-26). That is because Jesus carried our sin so God can cancel our guilt. God put it all on Jesus so he can place Jesus’ holiness on us (2 Co 5:21).
“with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15). We have the good news that all is right between us and God (Eph 2:16,17). Like cleats, we have good traction and firm footing. We will not falter or fall.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). This was long and covered the whole body to ward off flying and fiery projectiles. Maybe we compare it to a going up against flamethrower. It was to start a fire and have it spread. But what we believe can snuff out what the devil tries to shoot at us.
“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph 6:17). A blow to the head could/would be dangerous, if not deadly. It wouldn’t just put them in concussion protocol or lead to CTE. But Jesus rescued us, redeemed us. The devil can’t destroy us because Jesus has delivered us.
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17). We can read what the Holy Spirit has recorded for us (2 Pe 1:20,21; He 4:12,13). We can apply it to what is happening in life to where we are going in death. When we question God’s presence, he reminds us that he will never leave us (He 13:5). When he calls us to his side, we will reside in paradise (Lk 23:43). But in order to swing the sword of the Spirit, we need to stay in the Word—in Sunday worship, in Bible Class, in confirmation class, in Little Lights, in home devotions. We will continue to dig into and dive into it to ward off the devil (Ja 4:7).
Furnished in such a way with every piece in place, don’t set it down or let it slip it off. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
But there is one more formidable weapon in the fine arsenal. Prayer—speaking to the one true God. Paul gives us a quick lesson on that gift which is our battle-cry.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Eph 6:18). There is no certain instant—whenever. Every moment—morning, evening, at night.
“with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph 8:18). There is no specific issue—whatever. Everything—from giving thanks to getting things.
“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). There is no special individual—whomever. Everyone. Look around at you fellow holy ones. They need your prayers as you need theirs in the fray as the devil comes at us with all his fury.
The apostle also appeals to them: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph 6:19,20). Paul is not shy in asking for their prayers. And he is precise. He requests boldness and openness whenever he starts to speak while he is in custody.
In the same way, pray for your pastor and pastors, professors, teachers, missionaries all around the world so that they proclaim the good news with confidence and conviction. (In a few weeks we will be hearing from one who serves in Africa.) Be strong. There is an armory. The victory is ours.
On Tuesday we will return to what we celebrate on Monday—to our various labors, from school to office to factory. It is fine to take a day off—especially to thank the Lord for what we achieve through him and by him. We also pray that we promote a good work ethic for the advancement of our country. There is another area that we want to be strong in. Our spiritual warfare. But we don’t enter the melee alone. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy—the devil and his ugly horde. But they are defeated through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. And be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. Definitively wear them and win decisively with them. Onward. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
September 2, 2018
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is our annual commemoration of the contributions of the American worker to the well-being of our nation. Certainly nothing wrong with that. We recognize that the ability to work is a gift of God and from God. Honest effort promotes an ongoing economy.
Not to take away from tomorrow, but today we focus on a different strength—not inside of us, but outside of us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy and there is an armory. We read from …
Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who protects us perfectly,
Our country is at war. That is serious. Perhaps at times we forget that. We thank the men in women in the armed forces for their service. I know that we have other holidays for them, but we are grateful that their labor is to keep us safe.
Christians are at war. That is significant. Possibly on occasion we overlook that. And Satan smiles. But the Savior supplies. And so the imperative is not impossible.
Be Strong in the Lord
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
2. There is an armory (14-20)
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
It can be a bit of an exaggeration. I appreciate the attempt of a color commentator to get our attention with fancy phrases when it comes to an NFL preseason game or an opening weekend college matchup. “It is a battle of epic proportions.” Even if it is a rivalry, that is an overstatement. It is not a matter of life and death. Just a win or a loss. That is not the case with the apostle Paul. He is not being dramatic, but realistic. It is a contest of comic magnitudes. As he enlightens us, he encourages us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in the city of Ephesus, he closes with a command as they faced the future skirmishes of temptation. “Finally, be strong” (Eph 6:10). But they didn’t have to work that up like a workout at the gym—not from themselves, but from their Savior (Jos 1:6-9). “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). They would find help in connection with and in the sphere of the Lord (Eph 1:3). He is the One who is above all and over all. In love, he has the capability to accomplish anything and the ability to finish everything. We keep on turning to him for strength (Ps 46:1). Be strong in the Lord. He makes the powerless powerful.
Paul tells us to dress for success. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11). He will describe that in more detail in a bit. But he emphasizes the fact that we have an enemy (1 Pe 5:8). And the slanderer is stealthy and sneaky as he tries to convince us to relax our moral standards in a situation. He is crafty and cunning as he persuades us to remove a major teaching in the Scripture. “Did God really say?” (Ge 3:1). It is not out of his curiosity, but for our confusion. But we can hold our position against his deception. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10).
And Satan is not alone in trying to do us harm. And Paul heaps up terms to highlight that it is not a batch of ragtag ruffians, but a bunch of well-trained warriors. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). In a wrestling match, the opponent is obvious. One can grab on to him as he grapples with him. But not us. The foe is unseen and invisible. And they have tricky moves in their arsenal and slippery tactics at their disposal. They have a few more years of experience than we do of expertise. It would be like us taking on an Olympic gold medalist on the mat. We would be no match for that kind of a professional.
Paul is not trying to scare us, but prepare us like a sergeant with his troops on the frontline of a foreign conflict. There needs to be a healthy respect for the other side. We need to keep that in mind and not underestimate them thinking that we are too smart to be sucked in the first time or too sturdy to stumble the second time. The battle is bad. And the fight is fierce. Be strong in the Lord. We can. There is an enemy. But “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). We are.
2. There is an armory (13-20)
I cannot imagine a scenario that football player would head out onto the field for a game (again, not the battle) in street clothes. That would be foolish not to put on the uniform with the momentum and muscle of the participants nowadays. He would be risking severe injury. Paul would contend the same about a legionnaire. We head into combat clothed. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
When Paul penned this epistle, he was under house arrest, awaiting his trial in Rome. He may have been tied to a soldier. So he employs a military illustration using the standard equipment of an infantryman. We are not unarmed. We have some major hardware. “Therefore [that is, since you have an enemy] put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:13). Note that it is not an “if,” it is a “when”—“when the day of evil comes” (Eph 6:13). Sometimes it is fast and furious; other times it is slow and steady. But the devil watches and waits with patience, pokes and prods for our weakness—what distracts us and what disturbs us. It may be different for all of us. But where is our Achilles’ heel? That is where that great Greek hero was vulnerable because that is where his mother held him as she dipped him in the River Styx. We are not invincible on our own. Jesus pointed that out. “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mk 7:21,22). Satan works off that and with that.
But be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. God outfits us very well. We take it up and strap it on.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph 6:14). The belt safeguarded the midsection. And the belt of truth is invaluable to us. Because when the devil opens his mouth out spew lies because he is “a lair and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He tries to convince you what God really thinks of you—that he doesn’t take an interest in you either with his compassion or care.
But we have the truth. Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6). And so is God’s Word (Jn 17:17). Jesus explains and the Bible expresses that God does love you. He demonstrated that by giving his Son so that we would have the forgiveness of sins and the home in heaven (Jn 3:16). We sing with the psalmist: “Oh, how I love your law! [that is, instruction, teaching]” (Ps 119:97). And we will follow the admonition of Moses: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Dt 4:2). We will not tamper with it, but trust in it.
“with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Eph 6:14). That might be like a bullet-proof vest. But this is better than Kevlar. The devil can accuse us of sin (and he would be right because we don’t measure up to God). But God clears our account of any accusation (Ro 3:21-26). That is because Jesus carried our sin so God can cancel our guilt. God put it all on Jesus so he can place Jesus’ holiness on us (2 Co 5:21).
“with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15). We have the good news that all is right between us and God (Eph 2:16,17). Like cleats, we have good traction and firm footing. We will not falter or fall.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). This was long and covered the whole body to ward off flying and fiery projectiles. Maybe we compare it to a going up against flamethrower. It was to start a fire and have it spread. But what we believe can snuff out what the devil tries to shoot at us.
“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph 6:17). A blow to the head could/would be dangerous, if not deadly. It wouldn’t just put them in concussion protocol or lead to CTE. But Jesus rescued us, redeemed us. The devil can’t destroy us because Jesus has delivered us.
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17). We can read what the Holy Spirit has recorded for us (2 Pe 1:20,21; He 4:12,13). We can apply it to what is happening in life to where we are going in death. When we question God’s presence, he reminds us that he will never leave us (He 13:5). When he calls us to his side, we will reside in paradise (Lk 23:43). But in order to swing the sword of the Spirit, we need to stay in the Word—in Sunday worship, in Bible Class, in confirmation class, in Little Lights, in home devotions. We will continue to dig into and dive into it to ward off the devil (Ja 4:7).
Furnished in such a way with every piece in place, don’t set it down or let it slip it off. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
But there is one more formidable weapon in the fine arsenal. Prayer—speaking to the one true God. Paul gives us a quick lesson on that gift which is our battle-cry.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Eph 6:18). There is no certain instant—whenever. Every moment—morning, evening, at night.
“with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph 8:18). There is no specific issue—whatever. Everything—from giving thanks to getting things.
“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). There is no special individual—whomever. Everyone. Look around at you fellow holy ones. They need your prayers as you need theirs in the fray as the devil comes at us with all his fury.
The apostle also appeals to them: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph 6:19,20). Paul is not shy in asking for their prayers. And he is precise. He requests boldness and openness whenever he starts to speak while he is in custody.
In the same way, pray for your pastor and pastors, professors, teachers, missionaries all around the world so that they proclaim the good news with confidence and conviction. (In a few weeks we will be hearing from one who serves in Africa.) Be strong. There is an armory. The victory is ours.
On Tuesday we will return to what we celebrate on Monday—to our various labors, from school to office to factory. It is fine to take a day off—especially to thank the Lord for what we achieve through him and by him. We also pray that we promote a good work ethic for the advancement of our country. There is another area that we want to be strong in. Our spiritual warfare. But we don’t enter the melee alone. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy—the devil and his ugly horde. But they are defeated through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. And be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. Definitively wear them and win decisively with them. Onward. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
September 2, 2018
Sunday, August 26, 2018
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Hebrews 11:24-28)
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
We can say it now—whether it is tomorrow or soon. It is a different kind of great Minnesota get-together. Back to school. That may cause one’s heart to speed up or stomach to sink down. Either way, it doesn’t change the fact. It is time for classes to resume within days or weeks.
That means that there was probably the annual pilgrimage to the store. A student needs new sweats and nice shoes as well as eight spiral notebooks and twelve #2 pencils.
It could also include an appointment with the doctor. He may test your reflexes. Or she may check your ears. But there is also the eye chart. A student has to be able to see the blackboard or whiteboard (whatever color they come in now). If there is a problem, maybe the recommendation is for glasses to have 20/20 vision. (Hopefully not too many will need bifocals. Save that for later in life.)
Moses didn’t need frames for his eyes. He had faith in his heart. And faith’s eyes see Christ clearly.
Moses was born at a dangerous time. At least, for boys. The children of Israel were no longer welcomed guests in Egypt, but oppressed slaves—baking bricks and building cities (Ex 1:11,14). The memory of what Joseph did for them during the huge famine was long gone (Ex 1:8). The Pharaoh went so far as to declare an edict that every baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile River (Ex 1:22).
Then along came Moses. “He was a fine child” (Ex 2:2), “no ordinary child” (He 11:23). So his parents hid him for three months by faith (He 11:23). When they couldn’t keep him concealed any longer, his mom made a basket and set him in the river. It was Pharaoh’s daughter who found him, drawing him out of the water, and adopted him, calling him her own. Moses didn’t just have it good. He had it great. An excellent education in an elite culture (Acts 7:21,22). (I wonder if he ever complained about learning his hieroglyphics.)
But when Moses was older, he made a decision. It was “by faith” (He 11:24). “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (He 11:24). He declined the certain position and the special privileges that he had in the palace and the perks that accompanied it. And it cost him. You know how that it is. When you say “no” to something, you are saying “yes” to another thing. Shutting off YouTube (“no” to a funny clip) translates into doing homework (“yes” to a math assignment).
How did that look for Moses? He turned down his royal place and turned to his real people. “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time” (He 11:25). He suffered with God’s nation rather than satisfy his sinful nature. And there was a price. Whatever abuse fell to them fell on him.
That doesn’t make pleasant things wrong. Those are gifts from our heavenly Father (Ja 1:17). But not at the expense of our relationship with God. The enjoyment of earthly amusements only lasts a short time. Think of a present at Christmas. Toys break for a child. Jeans fade for an adult. What God has in store for us is eternal (2 Co 4:18). That is why Joshua encouraged the tribes of Israel at Shechem to get rid of the false gods/idols. We add our voice to his in announcing: “We will serve the LORD” (Josh 24:15). He is worthy of our undivided loyalty to him in response to his undeserved love to us.
It came down to Moses’ mindset: “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (He 11:16). Whatever abuse there was didn’t matter. Moses knew about the coming Messiah. Later he even wrote about him in the first five books of the Bible (Jn 5:46). He urged the people to watch for and wait for the One who would crush Satan’s head (Ge 33:15) and proclaim God’s Word (Dt 18:15). That is because faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. We might compare it to an artist painting an individual (or perhaps a butter sculpture like at the Minnesota Fair). He will stare at that one so that he can reproduce her accurately. (You don’t need that same concentration when drawing a stickman.) Moses kept his attention fixed on and focused on Christ.
We do the same as we gather in God’s house publically or as we grow in God’s grace privately (He 10:25; 2 Pe 3:18). It is valuable for us to not do that annually as optometrists suggest, but daily as God speaks. The eyes of faith view the future, not just the present. Our God holds out the “reward” of heaven, not because we have produced it by ourselves, but because he has provided it through Jesus. He gave up everything to give us everything (2 Co 8:9). We join Peter in asserting when so many were walking away from Jesus: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:68,69). Jesus is the One who makes us right with God, dying on the cross for our sin and delivering his perfection to us.
Moses was God’s man to rescue Israel from Egypt (Acts 7:25). That also was “by faith” (He 11:27). (That is the second time the unknown writer highlights that quality.) “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger” (He 11:27). Moses could lead an estimated 2 million people from their captivity without any concern for the king’s rage boiling over. Why? “He [that is, Moses] persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (He 11:27). That is God. The Lord would guide and guard. That was very evident at the Red Sea. The situation was serious. The dry desert to the sides of them, the deep water in front of them, and the determined Egyptian army behind them. But God walled up the water so that they could walk through without getting their sandals wet and then washing over the enemy.
Our eyes of faith see the Invisible One protecting us and providing for us (He 11:1; 1 Pe 1:8). We can sing to the Lord with the psalmist: “Be my rock of refuge to which I can always go; for you are my rock and my fortress” (Ps 71:3). In him we are safe and secure.
But we need to backtrack a bit. Pharaoh was not so excited to let the free labor go free. The Lord had to convince him. There was plague after plague—9 in all. But still Pharaoh would not budge. God decided that there would be one more to break his iron grip—the death of the firstborn of both man and animal. But not of Israel. The Lord made that possible. They were to take the blood of a one-year-old lamb and paint it on the doorframes of their houses. They were to eat the meat of that animal, ready to head out quickly. That evening, the Lord would pass over those places and spare the oldest. That blood saved them. And Moses inaugurated that annual celebration. That was “by faith” (He 11:28). (That is the third time that the unnamed author emphasizes that characteristic.) “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel” (He 11:28).
Year after year lamb after lamb lost its life as the children of Israel commemorated that critical night. But that paschal slaughter only pointed ahead to the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus, “who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). He has lifted up and carried off our guilt. It is no more. He redeemed us, paid the price necessary to set us free, not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood (1 Pe 1:18,19). Faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. He gave up his life to grant us life. He has cleansed us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7).
Back to school. That could be significant or insignificant depending on who you are. That may or may not bring new clothes, supplies, or glasses. We can be grateful for a checkup today. Faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. By faith, we live with him right now, even when there is pain. By faith, we live with him forever in Paradise. Thank you, Lord, for the same eyesight of faith as Moses.
We read from Hebrews 11:24-28:
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (He 13:20,21).
August 26, 2018
We can say it now—whether it is tomorrow or soon. It is a different kind of great Minnesota get-together. Back to school. That may cause one’s heart to speed up or stomach to sink down. Either way, it doesn’t change the fact. It is time for classes to resume within days or weeks.
That means that there was probably the annual pilgrimage to the store. A student needs new sweats and nice shoes as well as eight spiral notebooks and twelve #2 pencils.
It could also include an appointment with the doctor. He may test your reflexes. Or she may check your ears. But there is also the eye chart. A student has to be able to see the blackboard or whiteboard (whatever color they come in now). If there is a problem, maybe the recommendation is for glasses to have 20/20 vision. (Hopefully not too many will need bifocals. Save that for later in life.)
Moses didn’t need frames for his eyes. He had faith in his heart. And faith’s eyes see Christ clearly.
Moses was born at a dangerous time. At least, for boys. The children of Israel were no longer welcomed guests in Egypt, but oppressed slaves—baking bricks and building cities (Ex 1:11,14). The memory of what Joseph did for them during the huge famine was long gone (Ex 1:8). The Pharaoh went so far as to declare an edict that every baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile River (Ex 1:22).
Then along came Moses. “He was a fine child” (Ex 2:2), “no ordinary child” (He 11:23). So his parents hid him for three months by faith (He 11:23). When they couldn’t keep him concealed any longer, his mom made a basket and set him in the river. It was Pharaoh’s daughter who found him, drawing him out of the water, and adopted him, calling him her own. Moses didn’t just have it good. He had it great. An excellent education in an elite culture (Acts 7:21,22). (I wonder if he ever complained about learning his hieroglyphics.)
But when Moses was older, he made a decision. It was “by faith” (He 11:24). “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (He 11:24). He declined the certain position and the special privileges that he had in the palace and the perks that accompanied it. And it cost him. You know how that it is. When you say “no” to something, you are saying “yes” to another thing. Shutting off YouTube (“no” to a funny clip) translates into doing homework (“yes” to a math assignment).
How did that look for Moses? He turned down his royal place and turned to his real people. “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time” (He 11:25). He suffered with God’s nation rather than satisfy his sinful nature. And there was a price. Whatever abuse fell to them fell on him.
That doesn’t make pleasant things wrong. Those are gifts from our heavenly Father (Ja 1:17). But not at the expense of our relationship with God. The enjoyment of earthly amusements only lasts a short time. Think of a present at Christmas. Toys break for a child. Jeans fade for an adult. What God has in store for us is eternal (2 Co 4:18). That is why Joshua encouraged the tribes of Israel at Shechem to get rid of the false gods/idols. We add our voice to his in announcing: “We will serve the LORD” (Josh 24:15). He is worthy of our undivided loyalty to him in response to his undeserved love to us.
It came down to Moses’ mindset: “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (He 11:16). Whatever abuse there was didn’t matter. Moses knew about the coming Messiah. Later he even wrote about him in the first five books of the Bible (Jn 5:46). He urged the people to watch for and wait for the One who would crush Satan’s head (Ge 33:15) and proclaim God’s Word (Dt 18:15). That is because faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. We might compare it to an artist painting an individual (or perhaps a butter sculpture like at the Minnesota Fair). He will stare at that one so that he can reproduce her accurately. (You don’t need that same concentration when drawing a stickman.) Moses kept his attention fixed on and focused on Christ.
We do the same as we gather in God’s house publically or as we grow in God’s grace privately (He 10:25; 2 Pe 3:18). It is valuable for us to not do that annually as optometrists suggest, but daily as God speaks. The eyes of faith view the future, not just the present. Our God holds out the “reward” of heaven, not because we have produced it by ourselves, but because he has provided it through Jesus. He gave up everything to give us everything (2 Co 8:9). We join Peter in asserting when so many were walking away from Jesus: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:68,69). Jesus is the One who makes us right with God, dying on the cross for our sin and delivering his perfection to us.
Moses was God’s man to rescue Israel from Egypt (Acts 7:25). That also was “by faith” (He 11:27). (That is the second time the unknown writer highlights that quality.) “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger” (He 11:27). Moses could lead an estimated 2 million people from their captivity without any concern for the king’s rage boiling over. Why? “He [that is, Moses] persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (He 11:27). That is God. The Lord would guide and guard. That was very evident at the Red Sea. The situation was serious. The dry desert to the sides of them, the deep water in front of them, and the determined Egyptian army behind them. But God walled up the water so that they could walk through without getting their sandals wet and then washing over the enemy.
Our eyes of faith see the Invisible One protecting us and providing for us (He 11:1; 1 Pe 1:8). We can sing to the Lord with the psalmist: “Be my rock of refuge to which I can always go; for you are my rock and my fortress” (Ps 71:3). In him we are safe and secure.
But we need to backtrack a bit. Pharaoh was not so excited to let the free labor go free. The Lord had to convince him. There was plague after plague—9 in all. But still Pharaoh would not budge. God decided that there would be one more to break his iron grip—the death of the firstborn of both man and animal. But not of Israel. The Lord made that possible. They were to take the blood of a one-year-old lamb and paint it on the doorframes of their houses. They were to eat the meat of that animal, ready to head out quickly. That evening, the Lord would pass over those places and spare the oldest. That blood saved them. And Moses inaugurated that annual celebration. That was “by faith” (He 11:28). (That is the third time that the unnamed author emphasizes that characteristic.) “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel” (He 11:28).
Year after year lamb after lamb lost its life as the children of Israel commemorated that critical night. But that paschal slaughter only pointed ahead to the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus, “who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). He has lifted up and carried off our guilt. It is no more. He redeemed us, paid the price necessary to set us free, not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood (1 Pe 1:18,19). Faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. He gave up his life to grant us life. He has cleansed us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7).
Back to school. That could be significant or insignificant depending on who you are. That may or may not bring new clothes, supplies, or glasses. We can be grateful for a checkup today. Faith’s eyes see Christ clearly. By faith, we live with him right now, even when there is pain. By faith, we live with him forever in Paradise. Thank you, Lord, for the same eyesight of faith as Moses.
We read from Hebrews 11:24-28:
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (He 13:20,21).
August 26, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Exodus 16:2-15)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
Behold. I don’t know if you use that word. If you do, I am going to guess probably not that often. It sounds like something from William Shakespeare. As in: “Behold how the tempest rages against yonder window pane.” (That is not really from one of his comedies or tragedies as far as I know. So it is not plagiarism. But then again, I only had a semester of his plays in college. Besides, I am not sure what kind of glass they had in Bill’s day.)
“Behold” (or the word in the original language) is fairly common. And when it appears, it is often left untranslated because we just don’t talk that way. But it is a valuable word. Along the lines of “Look!” It is an interjection demanding attention. In a way, it is almost as if the writer is pointing his finger because this is important. It is something that he wants us to witness, drawing us into the account—pulling us inside. It is like a child pointing at one of the birds that patrols our field: “Hey, that is a big hawk.” Or “Behold.”
The first time that it comes up is in verse 4. It is kind of bland: “I will rain down bread from heaven for you” (Ex 16:4). Really: “Behold I am going to cause it to rain for you bread.” Again with the idea: “Moses, see what I am going to do.” The Lord wanted him to observe what was about to occur.
The more important one is in verse 10. “While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and [behold—the 2nd time] there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud” (Ex 16:10). It is that phrase “glory of the Lord” that we want to consider. (The glory of the Lord is also in verse 7, but there is no “behold.”) This is the first time that it shows up in Scripture. There are others. But perhaps it is like a ranger at Teddy Roosevelt State Park in the North Dakota Badlands. The views are impressive initially, but quickly become ordinary. We don’t want that to be. So it is worth our considering. Behold the glory of the Lord.
We need to backtrack a bit. The Israelites were about a month removed from some major events. The Lord through Moses convinced Pharaoh to let them go from the country and their slavery. It came in the form of 10 Convincers, or Plagues—the final one being the death of the first-born of man and animal. Then when the Egyptians had second thoughts about their free labor leaving, the army took off after them. Again the Lord intervened. The water at the Red Sea walled up and the entire nation passed through without getting their sandals wet. The forces of Pharaoh didn’t make it out alive when the water came crashing down.
And they had set up camp again after a bit of travel. It is not too hard to imagine that whatever foodstuffs that they had brought with them had been used up. So what do you do? The same thing that they became experts at over the years. Complain.
They are not the only ones who are good at it. When things get hard, we grumble too. Even too much. We can be pretty proficient at it—almost shaking a fist at God.
Moses and Aaron often found themselves working behind the complaint counter—the targets of discontent. “In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron” (Ex 16:2). In this dry and desolate region, there was no missing their dissatisfaction and displeasure. There is even an accusation as well as an allegation: “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death” (Ex 16:3). Talk about selective memory—remembering what they wanted and forgetting the rest. They called to mind the delicious food, but the cruel treatment slipped their minds. They forgot the troubles of the past when facing the problems of the present.
It is that way when we grouse. How quickly we forget the hardships of the days gone by and turn them into the “good old days.” Those days in Egypt weren’t so good. Now that it is August we can mention back to school. That sounds like a 5th-grader contending that 4th-grade math was so easy when there was plenty of bellyaching the year before about the subject.
What does the Lord do? He doesn’t destroy them (maybe that is what we might have done), he delivers them once again. That is the same thing that he does when we moan and groan. He forgives us in Jesus. The apostle Paul used the picture of dressing correctly—peeling off the old and changing into the new—like from bedtime pajamas to a black tuxedo. “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24). God has brought it about that we are right with him and holy before him. He wipes our account of sin and it shows in our life for him. The psalmist David had us sing: “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise” (Ps 145:3).
The forecast called for bread. But it had a short shelf life. “[Recall that it starts with a “behold.”] I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions” (Ex 16:4). And there would be a regular rotation—bread every day. That sounds like how Jesus taught us to pray in that model prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt 6:11). We recognize that what is in our pantries, closets, and garages come from him.
The exception being the 7th day of the week, the Sabbath. “On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days” (Ex 16:5). Already they were being conditioned to think of the rest that the Messiah would one day bring—refreshment from their guilt. We come to Jesus for the same (Mt 11:28).
Moses then mentioned, along with Aaron: “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD” (Ex 16:6,7). That would be part of their personal experience. God was teaching and training them to rely on him day-to-day.
Moses is correct when he points out that murmuring against them goes up the chain—where the real object of their frustration was:
“Because he [that is, the LORD] has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” (Ex 16:7).
“You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD” (Ex 16:8). It is the Lord of love who stands behind the gift of food. And it was not just a bite, but a bunch. They would feast and be full. He is the compassionate Supplier.
It is no different with us—not just daily, but richly too (cf. Explanation to the First Article and The Fourth Petition). It is David who declares: “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Ps 145:15,16).
Moses wanted Aaron to have them report: “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling’” (Ex 16:9). And then it came about: “While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and [there is a second “behold.”] there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud” (Ex 16:10). That must have been quite a sight.
But there is more to it than a fireworks show after a ballgame—the glory of the Lord.
The Lord is making his presence known in a very special way. He wanted them to know that he was there.
It is a visible sign of God’s burning desire to carry out his gospel promise. When it is present, The Lord is advancing his plan to rescue his people. It is with the Savior in mind.
So there is a bit of repetition: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, “At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.”’” (Ex 16:11,12). It is obvious that he understood the children of Israel. But they will definitely be able to appreciate personally that he is …
The LORD (13x in this selection)—gracious and compassionate, lifting up their rebellion and continuing his mercy (Ex 34:6,7).
Your God—they could call and claim him as their very own.
There is no surprise that is exactly what transpired.
“That evening quail came and covered the camp” (Ex 16:13). This was not a great coincidence, but God’s explicit command, his specific directive—when and where. Some estimate that the population numbered around 2 million individuals. That is no small task.
“And in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, [There is the third “behold.” It is as if we are right in the midst of this incredible gift.] thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor” (Ex 16:13,14). This was not by accident, but by announcement. The people could be flexible as far as preparation—baking it or boiling it, even eating it raw.
And this would continue for the next 40 years. A miracle of epic proportions and with enough portions. It was Moses who cleared up the confusion. “When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat’” (Ex 16:15). They were to be sure how this came about—from the Lord. Jesus made that point too when the people asked Jesus for some “miraculous sign” (Jn 6:30). They mistakenly attributed the manna to Moses. But Jesus corrected them. It came from God.
Jesus had just fed 5000+ men, women, and children from a small boy’s lunch box—5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish (Jn 6:1-15). The people got excited and followed Jesus for another possible free lunch the next day (Jn 6:26). But that is not why he came—to be a “Bread King” (Jn 6:15). He made that evident—eternal needs, not earthly ones. “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (Jn 6:29). To trust in the One whom the Father sent to give life—a living relationship with the Lord. That only comes through Jesus. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (Jn 6:35). It is Jesus who gives us what is essential, life—right now and forever. To God be the glory for our physical bread and spiritual Bread.
“Behold” may not be an everyday word for us. But it is everywhere in the Old Testament even though we might not always be able to spot it. It places us at the scene of what is going on. When the Israelites protested, God provided. But that is how he operates. Behold the Glory of the Lord who graciously and abundantly supplies our needs in Christ.
We read from Exodus 16:2-15:
2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt,
7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”
8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.”
9 Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.’ ”
10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.
11 The LORD said to Moses,
12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ”
13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.
14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.
15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.”
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
August 5, 2018
Behold. I don’t know if you use that word. If you do, I am going to guess probably not that often. It sounds like something from William Shakespeare. As in: “Behold how the tempest rages against yonder window pane.” (That is not really from one of his comedies or tragedies as far as I know. So it is not plagiarism. But then again, I only had a semester of his plays in college. Besides, I am not sure what kind of glass they had in Bill’s day.)
“Behold” (or the word in the original language) is fairly common. And when it appears, it is often left untranslated because we just don’t talk that way. But it is a valuable word. Along the lines of “Look!” It is an interjection demanding attention. In a way, it is almost as if the writer is pointing his finger because this is important. It is something that he wants us to witness, drawing us into the account—pulling us inside. It is like a child pointing at one of the birds that patrols our field: “Hey, that is a big hawk.” Or “Behold.”
The first time that it comes up is in verse 4. It is kind of bland: “I will rain down bread from heaven for you” (Ex 16:4). Really: “Behold I am going to cause it to rain for you bread.” Again with the idea: “Moses, see what I am going to do.” The Lord wanted him to observe what was about to occur.
The more important one is in verse 10. “While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and [behold—the 2nd time] there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud” (Ex 16:10). It is that phrase “glory of the Lord” that we want to consider. (The glory of the Lord is also in verse 7, but there is no “behold.”) This is the first time that it shows up in Scripture. There are others. But perhaps it is like a ranger at Teddy Roosevelt State Park in the North Dakota Badlands. The views are impressive initially, but quickly become ordinary. We don’t want that to be. So it is worth our considering. Behold the glory of the Lord.
We need to backtrack a bit. The Israelites were about a month removed from some major events. The Lord through Moses convinced Pharaoh to let them go from the country and their slavery. It came in the form of 10 Convincers, or Plagues—the final one being the death of the first-born of man and animal. Then when the Egyptians had second thoughts about their free labor leaving, the army took off after them. Again the Lord intervened. The water at the Red Sea walled up and the entire nation passed through without getting their sandals wet. The forces of Pharaoh didn’t make it out alive when the water came crashing down.
And they had set up camp again after a bit of travel. It is not too hard to imagine that whatever foodstuffs that they had brought with them had been used up. So what do you do? The same thing that they became experts at over the years. Complain.
They are not the only ones who are good at it. When things get hard, we grumble too. Even too much. We can be pretty proficient at it—almost shaking a fist at God.
Moses and Aaron often found themselves working behind the complaint counter—the targets of discontent. “In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron” (Ex 16:2). In this dry and desolate region, there was no missing their dissatisfaction and displeasure. There is even an accusation as well as an allegation: “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death” (Ex 16:3). Talk about selective memory—remembering what they wanted and forgetting the rest. They called to mind the delicious food, but the cruel treatment slipped their minds. They forgot the troubles of the past when facing the problems of the present.
It is that way when we grouse. How quickly we forget the hardships of the days gone by and turn them into the “good old days.” Those days in Egypt weren’t so good. Now that it is August we can mention back to school. That sounds like a 5th-grader contending that 4th-grade math was so easy when there was plenty of bellyaching the year before about the subject.
What does the Lord do? He doesn’t destroy them (maybe that is what we might have done), he delivers them once again. That is the same thing that he does when we moan and groan. He forgives us in Jesus. The apostle Paul used the picture of dressing correctly—peeling off the old and changing into the new—like from bedtime pajamas to a black tuxedo. “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24). God has brought it about that we are right with him and holy before him. He wipes our account of sin and it shows in our life for him. The psalmist David had us sing: “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise” (Ps 145:3).
The forecast called for bread. But it had a short shelf life. “[Recall that it starts with a “behold.”] I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions” (Ex 16:4). And there would be a regular rotation—bread every day. That sounds like how Jesus taught us to pray in that model prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt 6:11). We recognize that what is in our pantries, closets, and garages come from him.
The exception being the 7th day of the week, the Sabbath. “On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days” (Ex 16:5). Already they were being conditioned to think of the rest that the Messiah would one day bring—refreshment from their guilt. We come to Jesus for the same (Mt 11:28).
Moses then mentioned, along with Aaron: “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD” (Ex 16:6,7). That would be part of their personal experience. God was teaching and training them to rely on him day-to-day.
Moses is correct when he points out that murmuring against them goes up the chain—where the real object of their frustration was:
“Because he [that is, the LORD] has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” (Ex 16:7).
“You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD” (Ex 16:8). It is the Lord of love who stands behind the gift of food. And it was not just a bite, but a bunch. They would feast and be full. He is the compassionate Supplier.
It is no different with us—not just daily, but richly too (cf. Explanation to the First Article and The Fourth Petition). It is David who declares: “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Ps 145:15,16).
Moses wanted Aaron to have them report: “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling’” (Ex 16:9). And then it came about: “While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and [there is a second “behold.”] there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud” (Ex 16:10). That must have been quite a sight.
But there is more to it than a fireworks show after a ballgame—the glory of the Lord.
The Lord is making his presence known in a very special way. He wanted them to know that he was there.
It is a visible sign of God’s burning desire to carry out his gospel promise. When it is present, The Lord is advancing his plan to rescue his people. It is with the Savior in mind.
So there is a bit of repetition: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, “At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.”’” (Ex 16:11,12). It is obvious that he understood the children of Israel. But they will definitely be able to appreciate personally that he is …
The LORD (13x in this selection)—gracious and compassionate, lifting up their rebellion and continuing his mercy (Ex 34:6,7).
Your God—they could call and claim him as their very own.
There is no surprise that is exactly what transpired.
“That evening quail came and covered the camp” (Ex 16:13). This was not a great coincidence, but God’s explicit command, his specific directive—when and where. Some estimate that the population numbered around 2 million individuals. That is no small task.
“And in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, [There is the third “behold.” It is as if we are right in the midst of this incredible gift.] thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor” (Ex 16:13,14). This was not by accident, but by announcement. The people could be flexible as far as preparation—baking it or boiling it, even eating it raw.
And this would continue for the next 40 years. A miracle of epic proportions and with enough portions. It was Moses who cleared up the confusion. “When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat’” (Ex 16:15). They were to be sure how this came about—from the Lord. Jesus made that point too when the people asked Jesus for some “miraculous sign” (Jn 6:30). They mistakenly attributed the manna to Moses. But Jesus corrected them. It came from God.
Jesus had just fed 5000+ men, women, and children from a small boy’s lunch box—5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish (Jn 6:1-15). The people got excited and followed Jesus for another possible free lunch the next day (Jn 6:26). But that is not why he came—to be a “Bread King” (Jn 6:15). He made that evident—eternal needs, not earthly ones. “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (Jn 6:29). To trust in the One whom the Father sent to give life—a living relationship with the Lord. That only comes through Jesus. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (Jn 6:35). It is Jesus who gives us what is essential, life—right now and forever. To God be the glory for our physical bread and spiritual Bread.
“Behold” may not be an everyday word for us. But it is everywhere in the Old Testament even though we might not always be able to spot it. It places us at the scene of what is going on. When the Israelites protested, God provided. But that is how he operates. Behold the Glory of the Lord who graciously and abundantly supplies our needs in Christ.
We read from Exodus 16:2-15:
2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”
6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt,
7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”
8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.”
9 Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.’ ”
10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.
11 The LORD said to Moses,
12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ”
13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.
14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.
15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.”
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
August 5, 2018
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