Ernest of our Inheritance

Today’s readings:
Exodus 7-9; Psalm 105; Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:13-14
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

One of the major misconceptions is the idea of “predestination” which is really a misunderstood of what is being “predestined”. It’s not individual salvation (although yes, God in His omniscience knows exactly who will be saved, but that’s for God to know!), but the plan and system of becoming part of the plan that is “predestined”. Indeed, before the foundation of the world (v.4)! The overall message to the Ephesians is assurance. Insecurity is a common feeling especially among the Gentile converts (v. 2:1-4). They oftentimes question if God truly would allow Gentiles into His fold! And here is Paul telling them, by inspiration, don’t worry! God had already got you covered, way way ahead of time.

Verse 13 here hammers home the point - if we needn’t do anything on our part why do we need to hear, believe and trust in the Truth, from which salvation is obtained?

Verse 14 is interesting. The word “ernest”,   is the Greek word “arrabon”, which incidentally is a transliteration (oh yes! Even in those days they borrowed words from other languages!) of the Hebrew “erabon”, as used in the incident of Judah and Tamar, where Judah gave his signet ring, bracelets and staff as a pledge or guarantee that he will pay her in full (Gen 38:17,18,20).
So the “Holy Spirit” was to be a pledge of the eternal reward to come, when Christ comes again to receive His bride, the Church, which he had redeemed with His Blood.
So then the question is what is this seal of the Holy Spirit? Did it refer to the miraculous gifts? Seems unlikely, as miraculous gifts did not apply to everyone and was only obtained through the laying of hands of the apostles (c.f.Acts 8:16,17). Furthermore, such gifts were not essential for salvation but as a part of what Paul describes as “in part” and to be finally done way with the completion of the Bible (c.f. 1Co 13:8-10).
Which gives us the hint to what Paul may have been referring to - the Word of God as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Observe that, in the same breath, Paul went on in vv. 17-18
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Thus he was asking for wisdom to apply the knowledge with understanding of that revealed Word that we many have hope and appreciation of the full deal. And that makes perfect sense of it being the “ernest” or “pledge”. We are sealed when we obey the Word given by God through the medium of the Holy Spirit. To give a loose analogy, it’s like the signatory of the justice of peace on a marriage certificate which seals the marriage between the couple. Yet that seal was based upon the fact that the couple fulfilled the requirements of the law for marriage. The significance of the seal was not so much that it was from the JP but that it carried the authority of the law.

Let us be reminded that God did not give us the Bible “for fun”, as a “keep sake”, or even a “reference book”, but indeed is the very token of guarantee that what He promised will come to pass! So let us cherish the Word and diligently study and apply to our lives, let it dwell in us richly (Col 3:16), that we may finally obtain that glorious inheritance!

Glory in the flesh

Today's readings:
Exodus 4-6; Galatians 6

Galatians 6:13
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Even in the conclusion of the letter, Paul would not let it up! So dire was the matter that he had to bring it up again and even as another motive is brought to light, regarding the Jewish converts wanting to impose the old law on Gentiles.

It was an ironic mirror of the “Phariseetic” mindset so condemned by Jesus (c.f. Mat 23). The idea of using human mindset to “enhance” or even replace the commands of God. Why circumcision? Because it was easy to convince, easy to administer, and supposedly easy to “score points”! Yet as we read in subsequent verses,
Paul tells them, “Fat chance”! The mark of the true Christian goes way beyond a ceremonial incision! It was a life of servitude in Christ, even as we’ve been created for the purpose (v. 1-10; c.f. Eph 2:10).
So today, as Gentiles, it remains vitally important to keep things in the perspective of Christ and not to allow our human narrow-mindedness to dictate what is good and necessary, not especially as a means to gain favor with God.

Walk in the Spirit

Today’s readings

Exodus 1-3; Galatians 5

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

And this is the key to successful godly living. 

Very often, we focus too much on the “thou shalt nots” and forget the “thou shalls”! 

Walk in the Spirit! Fill our lives with good thoughts (Phi 4:8) good speech (Col 4:6) and good works (Jam 1:27; Gal 6:10). 

Don’t get caught up in the worldly rut of evil surmising, gossiping and backbiting, “dog-eat-dog” (c.f. v.15) culture. 

That is instrumental to stopping us from going back to our old selves, to fight against temptation and sin. 

Let us be focused on spiritual “health care” by building up a strong, robust foundation that hardly falls ill, rather than constantly on spiritual “sick care”, looking for solutions to treat chronic diseases. 

God Glorified in Me

Today’s readings:
Genesis 43,44; Psalm 24; Galatians 1

Galatians 1:23-24
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me.

And thus we get a glimpse into Paul’s life as a convert. Some interesting points to glean here.

1) Don’t let our past haunt us. Paul certainly feel the deep guilt to even claim to be the “chief of sinners”! (1Ti 1:15) Yet as it turned out, he did not allow his past to cripple him, but indeed used it as a motivation to reach out to both Jews and Gentiles. In fact, as Jesus taught Simon in Luk 7:40-47, oftentimes, the greater contrast in the conversion, the greater the later conviction. Certainly manifested in Paul here.

2) Anyone and everyone can be used by God. No matter what is our past. No matter what is our background. No matter what our training is. From the worldly king down to the beggar on the street, what only matters is whether we are doing the will of God to the best of our abilities.

3) Certainly, Paul’s life reflected Jesus’ teaching on how we are to conduct ourselves (Mat 5:16). The flip side is, if we were to forsake the faith, the name of God will be blasphemed among men in us. Let the sobering words of Peter remind us in 2Pe 2:20-22, that more serious consequence follows such behavior if ultimately unrepented of.

Wherefore let us be constantly reminded of the greatest cost paid for the greatest privilege accorded to us, that we might live worthy of that greatest call, and let God be glorified in us.

Confirming the Word

Today’s readings:

Genesis 41,42; Mark 16

Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

And as Mark concludes his account, we realise one of the important purposes of true biblical miracles (as for example described in vv. 17,18) - to confirm the word. In other words, to prove that the words that came to the apostles and subsequently, selected disciples was from God and not from men.

Observe what the Hebrews writer penned in Hebrews 2:3-4
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

So it started with Jesus and then subsequently the apostles (them that heard him), as we’ve just seen in th passage in Mark, and that which is spoken was being proven or witnessed through signs and wonders and divers miracles.

We further note what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8-9 -
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Thus the diverse miracles had a life span and will come to an end. When? Verse 10 tells us -
“But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
And that which is perfect or complete, is the Word of God, which will at some point in the first century have been completely delivered to man.

It also made perfect sense with regards to the cessation of inspired writings, because when the last apostle passed on, no one would have been able to receive miraculous gifts, since it was only obtained by laying of hands of an apostle (c.f. Acts 8:17; 19:6).

So let us be very clear - true biblical miracles have ceased. Because they have fulfilled their purpose. Just as the Old Law was done away, it did not mean it was redundant or useless but merely having done its job. In fact, Paul would even go on to describe the miracles as “childish” things (1Co 13:11)! And indeed on which if we were to hang on to and bank on, will never mature and come of age.
So today, we take great comfort and gratitude that the complete Word of God has been given to us, the all sufficiency of the Word, that we may come to the knowledge of salvation and be perfect and thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2Ti 3:17).

Channels of Blessing

 Today’s readings:
Genesis 38-40; Mark 15

Genesis 39:5
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Certainly reminds us of the hymn “Is your life a channel of blessing” (Praise for the Lord #341)!
Joseph is one of the best examples of living a godly life in WHATEVER circumstance. And truly, more often than not, such people are the most pleasant to be among with.
It is no wonder that a slave could rise up the ranks to be the chief steward of Potiphar’s household. And of course, as we read on later, even becoming the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt.
How can we be channels of blessings?

Firstly, to go about our dealings as to the Lord. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:22-23 -  “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Yes! Even in our secular work, we are to give of our best, to be God-pleasers. And take note, that is the way to go. To be our best does not mean using worldly ways, but on the contrary, solidly based on bible principles. Again, exactly as what Paul wrote - “as to the Lord”. At times, it may bring us short term persecution, for just as Joseph was thrown into jail for trying to do that which is right. But ultimately he came out unscathed and as we know it, went on to greater heights. I am pretty sure Potiphar must have been kicking himself for not believing in Joseph!

Secondly, perhaps most importantly is reaching out to the lost with the gospel. If there’s anything more loving, more beneficial, more pleasing to God, it’s this. The souls of man are far more important in God’s eyes! It is for us that Jesus died! By not ceasing (that is, at every possible occasion) to preach/share the gospel, we will be the greatest ever blessing to those around us. And the previous point serves primarily to support this.

God help us all not to be ditches of stumbling but to be channels of blessing! Now and always, till the Lord comes.

The Woman with spikenard

Today’s readings
Genesis 35-37; Psalm 12; Mark 14

Mark 14:6
And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

This account of the unknown woman was also described in Matthew 26:6-13. This is to be distinguished by a similar event by Mary, as recorded in Jhn 12:1-8. The significant difference being the timing of the 2 events (this being 2 days before the Passover and Mary’s 6 days)

It is interesting to see the reaction of various parties involved.
1) The woman
Jesus described her action as having “Wrought a good work”. Anointing was a common practice in those days, especially where it concerned priestly duties and appointment of kings and offices. Later we read of the women (Mar 16:1) who wanted to anoint Jesus’ body.
And this woman was actually anointing in preparation for Jesus’ death (v. 8). Whether or not the woman was told of Jesus impending death, is unknown. Nevertheless, it was a sign of respect and honor (c.f. Luk 7:44-46). Here was a woman who was convinced of the nature of Christ and was determined to give of her best to the Lord and Saviour.

2) The disciples
Or at least some of them as according to the account here. Instead of lauding the action of the woman, they chose to be narrow minded and indignant. With a supposedly legitimate reason!

3) Jesus
Jesus not only defended the actions of the woman but also rebuked the protestors, and went on to predict the honor that was to be bestowed upon the woman (v.9)

The attitude of the woman is vital for us to learn - do we desire to do what is honorable to God, I.e. that which is authorized? This was not some random act out of whim or fancy, but a legitimate act of honoring someone.
Do we desire to give our BEST for the Lord? This was an expensive perfume! It might have been what the woman had been saving up for all her working life, yet she willingly gave of it.

What of the dissenting attitude of the disciples? This was not new. We have read previously how they squabbled over superiority (Mar 9:33) and how they tried to forbid a follower (Mar 9:38). Unfortunately, even where the Lord’s work is concerned, even among the faithful, there will be times when jealousy rears its ugly head. We need to check ourselves against such attitudes and always rejoice where the work of the Lord is done.

And finally, judgment belongs that of God, meaning to say, our standard has to be based on God’s standard and not of our own. Be courageous to stand up and speak up against brethren who might be getting out of line (c.f. 1Ti 5:20; Ti 1:13). And of course always done in love and meekness (Eph 4:15; Gal 6:1)

Watch and pray

Today’ readings:
Genesis 32-34; Mark 13

Mark 13:33
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

As the Scout’s motto aptly says -  “Be Prepared”.
As sure as the Lord will come again, we have no idea when that will be!

Thus the key is to watch and pray.
Watch, like that of a watchman, a guard, a sentry.
There is to be no sleeping on the job! And keep a look out also for one another. Give a nudge to those nodding away. Challenge whatever that comes our way, lest we be deceived and let in the enemy unawares (c.f. 1Jo 4:1).
Knowing also, the sleeping watchman will finally get his punishment.

Pray about it! Pray that we will be vigilant. Pray that we be not led into temptation. Pray for more watchmen to be on duty!

When Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 -
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”, He is not talking about not making plans. In context, He was referring to worldly worries. But in the broader context, we realise that we need to live everyday in preparation for The Day.

Today is the day to serve the Lord! Now is the time to do His Will! Don’t procrastinate. Don’t say “oh, I will do when I have more time”. For we have no guarantee for tomorrow, yea not even the very next moment! (C.f. Jam 4:14)

Let us not be weary, let us not be complacent, let us not sleep! But be circumspect, be diligent, be prepared! That we may be received up in glory in That Day.

We Cannot Tell

Today’s readings:
Genesis 28,29; Mark 11

Mark 11:31
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

It is interesting to read of the mentality of a dishonest mind.

First of all, the motivation was flawed. The group of supposed spiritual leaders were trying to catch Jesus in His answer that they might accuse Him of something. They were not the least interested in finding out what was the source of Jesus’ authority. In fact, the answer would have been very obvious because Jesus brought along much more convincing words and works compared to John. They knew that. They were just too blinded by jealousy to see.

Secondly, God wants us to use our powers of reason to understand His Commands (c.f. Isa 1:18; Eph 3:4). But we can also “rationalize” with the intention to merely satisfy our intellectual curiosity or in this case, merely for selfish desires. It is as Peter said of such “wrest..unto their own destruction” (2Pe 3:16).
When one seeks to do so, one can be confronted with the strongest of evidence, most convincing of arguments and yet still turn a blind eye and see otherwise.

Thirdly, the “we cannot tell” closed-mindedness. So at the end of the day, when such cannot weasel their way out, just throw out a “we cannot tell”. “It’s your interpretation”. “You are right but I will hold on my beliefs anyway”. The indifferent nonchalance that only shows the lack of interest to seek the truth but only to seeking to scratch one’s itch (c.f. 2Ti 4:3).

Brethren, we will face people with such mentalities all the time. Let us not be discouraged and let us not be sucked into unfruitful arguments. Always refer to the Bible. Present the facts. Always with a loving and sincere approach. If the subject’s mind is not ready, move on. To pursue otherwise will only result in further discouragement and oftentimes tempt us to fall into the trap and say things we shouldn’t.

At the same time, let us also beware that we ourselves do not adopt such a mentality. When we study, study with an open mind to learn of God’s will for us. Not study to justify our personal convictions! Use our powers of reasoning to come to logical conclusions. Set aside all pride and prejudice. And when the truth is presented, be humble to accept and make changes.

Subtil Jacob

Today’s readings:

Genesis 26,27; Mark 10

Genesis 27:35
And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

And so is Jacob justified in resorting to trickery, after all wasn’t it part of God’s will that he would be Israel?
It certainly is God’s will for Jacob to be Israel but it remained a personal decision for Jacob to do this.
Once again, we are reminded that we always have a choice! God does not force anyone to commit sin in order to fulfill His Will!
Again, we see man trying to take things into his own hands. Jacob might have gotten away from his deceit but he made an enemy of his own brother. Not withstanding, Jacob proved to be a shrewd and cunning person, especially when we read later of his exploits with his uncle/father-in-law, Laban. Yet we also note that perhaps because of his scheming mind, he too had his share of grief and pain, especially over the matter of Joseph.

Let us not find excuses for our failings. Remember that we have to bear the consequences of our actions and sometimes the consequences of the actions of others. Yet as long as we make right, as long as we trust in God, as we’ve read previously, as Jehovahjireh, and continue to act in alignment to His Commands, He is pleased and we will finally reap our heavenly reward.

And that’s all that matters.

Exorcism fail

Today’s readings
Genesis 24,25; Psalm 4; Mark 9

Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

It is interesting to note that Jesus does not seem to have a fixed “modus operandi” when it comes to performing miracles. Previously, we read in Mark 7:34,35 about a similar case yet Jesus did not use the same method.
Interestingly, the instructions to the disciples, who had failed to cast out the demon, were different too (v.29).
And then we read of how Jesus was able to heal even when one touched the hem of his garment (Mat 14:36)!

We realise that true biblical miracles, whether they be performed by Jesus or the apostles and disciples always served a spiritual purpose. Even down to the manner it was performed. Hence the “modus operandi” was important, not so much as to determine it’s effectiveness but rather as a message to the recipient and audience. Jesus would use and command to use a method that leaves the desired impact.
Wait, but what about Jesus’ reply in v.29? Wasn’t that a specific instruction and explanation why the disciples failed?
It is interesting to note the sharp rebuke of Jesus in v.19 - “He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.” The account of Matthew in 17:20 tells us it was directed to the disciples. As we read further, it seems that the disciples had begun to be prideful. Squabbling among themselves (v. 33-35) and even having an elitist attitude (v.38,29). Why were they accused of being faithless? Romans 10:17 tells us the source of faith. And when we piece it together, coupled by with the rising arrogance among the disciples, it seems likely that they had become too proud to follow Jesus’ instructions (hence not of faith) and perhaps wanted to use some other more dramatic method to impress the people.
And hence they were taught a humbling lesson and one wonders if it had also been an humiliating experience! (C.f. Acts 19:15,16)

Today, we realise miracles have fulfilled their purpose and have ceased. Yet the concept of adhering to God’s Word, of doing things by faith and not by sight (aka our own methods), remains the same.
Yet thanks be to God it was a lesson learnt when the disciples still had the chance to change! God forbid that we become callous and indifferent to our acts till our time on earth is over, when it will be too late... for

Jehovahjireh

Dear brethren,

Today’s readings
Genesis 21-23; Psalm 107; Mark 8

Genesis 22:8
And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

In this well known “test of faith” (which btw is really inappropriately translated as “tempt” since God does not tempt man, c.f. James 1:13), we read of how Abraham was able to put his unwavering trust in God.
In all likelihood, Abraham was really thinking about Isaac when he told his son God will provide a “lamb”. Indeed, that was a confidence that God had proven to Abraham over and over. That is true faith. Far from a “blind leap in the dark” but as the Hebrew writer puts it, the “evidence” of things not seen (Heb 11:1).

Again and again, we want to emphasize the fact that God has all the solutions! Wherefore He and He alone is worthy and qualified to make demands of us.
I have no doubt that Abraham struggled. Mind you, as great a man he was, Abraham was a human just like you and I.   He too had his own struggles and problems, as in the not one but two cases of trying to hide the identity of his wife (Gen 12,20).
And yet when the push came to the shove, Abraham passed with flying colours, because he was fully convinced that God will provide. And Abraham’s “prophecy” came true, when a ram suddenly appeared for his use.

Jehovehjireh indeed! The Lord will see to it (that’s what it literally means)! Fret not brethren! Whatever struggles we have, whatever challenges, whatever pain and suffering, God sees it all, knows it all and WILL see to it all! In this life and most assuredly and importantly, the life eternal to come.

PS: as an interesting “type”, God has provided the perfect lamb - Christ Jesus, to redeem us from our sins (Jhn 1:29). God be praised! (Psa 107:8,15,21,31)

A Tale of Two People

Today’s readings
Genesis 19-20; Psalm 1; Mark 7

Genesis 19:37-38
And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

And so we read of the apparent incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters, resulting in 2 perpetual enemies of Israel that we read throughout the rest of the Old Testament, even though they were actually kinsmen to the Israelites.
Once again, it is shown that when man chooses to go against God, there cannot be good things coming out. Oftentimes, the consequences are also far reaching.
Why did this matter even arise? It started with Lot making the unwise choice to settle near Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 13:9-13). He had a choice! In fact he chose first. He knew the inhabitants were unsavory, yet he took to risk because the
lure of a fertile land was too strong.
And subsequently, when the angels brought the message of destruction, Lot himself was reluctant (Gen 19:16). What more his sons-in-law, who even thought him to be mad! Not sure about you but it just doesn’t speak well of the characters of the sons-in-law and with whom one wonders why Lot even allowed his daughters to be married to.
And then was the case of his wife who looked back. Again, a lack of trust and obedience to God’s Word, resulting in her death.
This bad “habit” second guessing God and taking things into his own hands is the primary failing of man. And it strikes even the most faithful of men, as we have read earlier in the case of Abraham and Hagar (Gen 16,17) and much later, Moses at the waters of Meribah (Num 20).
Let us take God at His Word! Let us not weary ourselves trying to find our own solutions merely to fulfill our own desires,  but trust in His Statutes that it may go well in our lives and above all, pleasing in His sight.

Herodian Mentality

Today’s readings:
Genesis 16-18; Mark 6

Mark 6:20
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

And here we read of the account of the death of John the baptizer.
It is saddening for a king, to know what’s right, rejoice in what’s right, has the power to do what’s right and yet does not have to gumption to do what’s right. And what’s worse was that the choice was made over some frivolous reason.

Certainly some sobering thoughts for us.
Do we at times find a “Herod” in us? Knowing God’s righteousness, having benefited from God’s righteousness, totally within our power to obey God’s righteousness and yet lack the courage to follow through?
Perhaps it’s a fear of failure/rejection, fear of being ostracized, or may be (frightfully!) just simply being nonchalant and indifferent.
Slaying “John” may be the “expedient” thing to do. But if we keep doing that, we will ultimately pay with our souls.

Well did Paul write in 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
God help us all to always have the courage to do what is right and neither be fearful nor indifferent toward it.

Counted for righteousness

Today’s readings:
Genesis 12-15; Psalm 148; Mark 5

Genesis 15:6
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Aha! There you have it - righteousness comes about by believing.

What about the unclean spirits/demons that we read of? Didn’t they too believe in the Lord? Why was it not counted for righteousness?

And again, we cannot emphasize the importance of context. Paul alluded to this very statement about Abraham not once, but on two occasions (Gal 3; Rom 4) and both were used to explain and clarify misunderstandings the Jewish converts had about the Old Law.
The newly minted Christian converts were still trying to hold on to their Jewish heritage, priding themselves and even looking down on their Gentile brethren. It was a prejudice so serious and deep rooted that even the apostle Peter was caught up with (c.f. Gal 2:12-14).
The fact that Paul used this very quotation about Abraham was simply to highlight the reality that from very the beginning, righteousness was imputed by belief AND it was to be an active continuous act. Not some trophy, or as popularized by modern day gaming jargon - “achievement unlocked” that one can sit on and bask in!
Abraham continually DEMONSTRATED his belief by obedient action. He did not merely sit on the promises by God.
Works of the letter, I.e. ceremonial acts, could never save. Even under the Old Law, the concept that God perpetuated was obedience over sacrifice! (C.f. 1Sa 15:22)

But guess what? The same it is for us today. We too can allow ourselves to “rest on the laurels” by being indifferent and lukewarm Christians! We’ve read just last month about the churches who were rebuked by Christ in revelation 2,3. One thing that kept coming up was the emphasis on works! Again, not works of the letter but obedient works, of the same vein as what Abraham did, that James mentioned being the divide between us and demons, that we need to carry out for the rest of our lives to be pleasing to Him.

Let us not grow weary and prideful, but let us be diligent and zealous to allow God’s righteousness to be continually imputed upon us.

Tower of Babel

Today’s readings 

Genesis 9-11; Mark 4

Genesis 11:4

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

And perhaps one might think of this as fodder for a blockbuster movie! Tyrant oppresses people - people band together - tyrant disrupts plans...

Or perhaps one is reminded of gods from Greek mythology taking punitive measures on man. 

After all, isn’t this the same God who recently wiped out all land based life save 8 souls and the creatures in the ark?

Once again, we see the same pattern - when creation thinks he is better or knows better than the Creator, things ultimately go haywire. 

Here was a people thinking that we do not need God to go to heaven. We can do it ourselves! And we will not allow some god to wipe us off the face of the world again. The fact of the matter is that the true God does not act on whims and fancies (c.f. Mal 3:6; 1Sa 15:29) unlike man and the “gods” he creates. And most often neglected and forgotten is that the true God HAS the solutions! Just that oftentimes, man is too ignorant or shortsighted to see. 

Even today, it is the same. Even with general atheistic, paganistic world aside, even among the so-called “believers”,  we see the multiple ways man has invented for himself to be pleasing before God. The numerous avenues and variants that man has deemed sufficient to reach heaven. Even today, Towers of Babel are everywhere and abound. Why does God allow it? Because ultimately, they will still remain confounded. Until man fully submits to the will of God, he will remained confounded. Man’s work can be the greatest ever seen, man can feel the greatest and proudest of himself, but in the end, if it detracts from the Word of God, it will come to nought. 

Wherefore it remains for us to get off our own Towers of Babel and continue to seek after what God Wills, for that is the only way we can ever hope to attain our heavenly goal.

Thou art the Son of God

Today’s readings 

Genesis 6-8; Psalm 104; Mark 3

Mark 3:11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

It ceases not to amaze us the readiness of unclean spirits/demons to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God (c.f. Mar 1:24,34; Luk 4:41; 8:28, etc)!

As James wrote, “...the devils also believe, and tremble.”! (Jam 2:19b)

And yet we have a group of people in those days, eye witnesses to the miracles of Jesus, no less, who would not only refuse to believe and even go as far as to accuse Christ of being in league with the Devil. 

2 things leap out at us -

Firstly, the boundless mercy of God upon man and the great privilege accorded to us. In spite of being a being who would not even always readily acknowledge his creator, yet given this chance that even angels desired to look upon (1Pe 1:12).

Secondly, it is not enough to verbally claim belief, but belief must be demonstrated. As Jesus said later in the passage (v. 35) and on other occasions (Mat 7:21; Luk 11:28; Jhn 15:14, etc). And as James famously wrote in James 2:20 -

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Which was in fact with particular reference and contrast to “believing” demons. 

It remains for man to acknowledge his Creator, for us to continually proclaim the name of God not by mere lip service but by rendering our obedience to His Word. Not by man-made ways and traditions, but as according to what He has commanded. Only through with will Christ acknowledge us as His kinsmen (v.35) that we may finally be received up in glory. 

Lord of the Sabbath

Today's readings:
Genesis 3-5; Mark 2

Mark 2:27 (KJV)
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

This account appears in all the synoptic gospel accounts, but this statement is only found in Mark. Perhaps to de-emphasize the observance of Old Laws to the gentiles, since that was Mark’s target reader.

But what does it mean? The day of rest was designed with man in mind. It signified the glorious work of creation (Gen 2:3), it allowed man to rest (Ex 23:12; Deu 5:14); it was a sign that God is the one who sanctifies (Ezk 20:12). Observing the sabbath is part of the godly Jew’s life. But his life does not entirely revolve around solely observing the sabbath!

Some would use this passage to justify missing services! There is of course an appropriate application - For example, a Christian witnessing an accident right in front of him while on the way to church. The “Phariseetical” way would be to ignore and rush on to the service. The Lord’s way is to render immediate assistance even if it meant missing services. A godly Christian will attend every single service, but that does not mean what a godly Christian will ONLY do!
The key is to understand this is really in v. 28, which is echoed in all 3 accounts (Mat 12:8; Luk 6:5). In other words, often times, we focus too much on the visible and neglect the “weightier” matters. If one would take pains to observe the Sabbath, believing it to be of the Lord, would he not ensure he obeys the Lord in other aspects like doing the Lord’s work, rendering due benevolence to strangers and brethren?

Similarly today, Christ is Lord on the day of worship. And yes he is also Lord in every other aspect of the Christian’s life! Far be it for us to pick and choose what is more convenient to us and establish our own pattern of righteousness.

The Law of the Lord

Today's readings:
Genesis 1-2; Psalm 19; Mark 1

Psalms 19:7-10
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

What truth! What great reminder! What better way than to begin the year with words that describe the Word of God -
1) the Law
It’s perfect! Complete. All sufficient. That leaves none to be desired. And yes, it is the ONLY thing that can convert a soul. Without the power of the Gospel, human words, however sweet and convincing is futile.

2) the Testimony
It’s sure! It’s evidence based! It’s trustworthy! Wherefore even the simple can attain unto wisdom

3) the Statutes
The cornerstone, the foundation, the pillars. Without which a building cannot be made right. Certainly the heart is made glad when it can dwell in safety.

4) the Commandment
It’s an order! A directive! Non-negotiable! It is interesting that the “pure” here has the connotation of beloved. God has our best interest in His heart! Wherefore it is not “blind” robotic, obedience but indeed eager obedience out of a clear knowledge of God’s love and intent.

5) the Fear
As the proverb writer aptly puts - the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Pro 1:7; 9:10).
Not mortal fear but a deep reverence and sense of awe. It is untainted, in one sense of the Hebrew word, “fair”, it is unmovable and unchanging, therefore able to stand the test of time till eternity.

6) the Judgments
Because ultimately, the Word is the final yardstick (Jhn 12:48). It’s the only true standard that matters. It is by which one is judged to be righteous.

And finally the grand conclusion is - desire and thirst for it! For it is precious and it gives the greatest comfort and fulfillment. As the proverb writer best sums it up - Buy the truth, and sell it not;
also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Pro 23:23)

Let us all in this new year continue to pursue God’s Word and resolve to be more zealous and effective workers for His Cause, that we may finally lay hold unto our heavenly reward!