Isaiah 59
The first fourteen verses of Isaiah 59 describe a society saturated with sin. In verse 1, God begins by saying His hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear. Then in verse 2, the awful conjunction, “But....your iniquities have separated between you and God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear.”
Verses 3-14 give a graphic description of the sins of the nation. What a list! God describes this society as bloodthirsty liars who have perverted their ways. They are deceitful and venomous leaches who run to wickedness like a moth to a flame. They dream of their sin, shed innocent blood, and destroy all in their paths. They have no peace, there is no justice, and they walk in darkness. They are blind to the path they walk, they roar and suffer. They have sinned, rejecting God, living lives of rebellion and disobedience. Verse 14 gives the results of their awful condition, “And judgement is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”
Then, in verse 15, the subject changes from the wicked to “he that departeth from evil.” Even in such a pervasively wicked society, there were a few righteous. The Lord always has his remnant. But they, too, were paying a price for their decadence and sin. They became the prey of the wicked, and there was no one who would defend them or give them justice. The Lord saw there was no intercessor, and so He became their defender. Verses 16-17 say it this way, “therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”
Christian, no matter how bad the world becomes, or how much it seems as though God has forgotten, He is aware of His people. He knows those who are His, and He will be their defense in time of trouble. Don’t let being in the minority cause you to falter in your walk with God. You can never be more secure that when you are in His care, though all hell rage around you.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Jesus, our Eternal Priest
Read: Hebrews 7
In Genesis chapter 14 we read of Abraham’s rescue of his nephew Lot from the heathen kings who defeated Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham armed the 318 souls in his household and pursued after Lot, ultimately recovering not only Lot, but all the spoil that had been taken from the kings. Upon his return, he was meant by “Melchizedek king of Salem (Peace)”. Melchizedek, the King of Peace and a “priest of the most High God”, brought bread and wine to the victors. He then blessed Abraham in the name of the Most High God, and Abraham gave Melchizidek tithes of all they recovered. Melchizedek appears on the scene suddenly, and disappears suddenly, never to be show up again. The entire story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek takes three verses, Genesis 14:8-11.
The only other record of Melchizedek in the Old Testament was recorded 600 years later in the messianic Psalm, Psalm 110. Here, the Messiah is described as a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,” forever linking the two. Then, over 1000 years later, the author of Hebrews spends almost an entire chapter explaining the cryptic prophecy of Psalm 110.
Essentially, the salient points are these. There existed a priesthood prior to the Levitical which was greater. We know it was greater because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. We also recognize this priesthood existed apart from the tribe of Levi. And this priesthood is eternal. By virtue of his mysterious appearance and disappearance in Genesis 14, Melchizedek is described in Hebrews 7:3 as “without father, without mother, withouth descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually.”
Like Melchizedek, the priesthood of Jesus Christ is greater than the Levitical order, separate from it and eternal rather than temporal. This makes Him a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Additionally, rather than bringing sacrifices day after day, He offered one sacrifice of Himself. As a result of His sacrificial work and eternal nature, Jesus, according to Hebrews 7:25, “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lieveth to make intercession for them.”
Jesus, our eternal High Priest.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
In Genesis chapter 14 we read of Abraham’s rescue of his nephew Lot from the heathen kings who defeated Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham armed the 318 souls in his household and pursued after Lot, ultimately recovering not only Lot, but all the spoil that had been taken from the kings. Upon his return, he was meant by “Melchizedek king of Salem (Peace)”. Melchizedek, the King of Peace and a “priest of the most High God”, brought bread and wine to the victors. He then blessed Abraham in the name of the Most High God, and Abraham gave Melchizidek tithes of all they recovered. Melchizedek appears on the scene suddenly, and disappears suddenly, never to be show up again. The entire story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek takes three verses, Genesis 14:8-11.
The only other record of Melchizedek in the Old Testament was recorded 600 years later in the messianic Psalm, Psalm 110. Here, the Messiah is described as a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,” forever linking the two. Then, over 1000 years later, the author of Hebrews spends almost an entire chapter explaining the cryptic prophecy of Psalm 110.
Essentially, the salient points are these. There existed a priesthood prior to the Levitical which was greater. We know it was greater because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. We also recognize this priesthood existed apart from the tribe of Levi. And this priesthood is eternal. By virtue of his mysterious appearance and disappearance in Genesis 14, Melchizedek is described in Hebrews 7:3 as “without father, without mother, withouth descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually.”
Like Melchizedek, the priesthood of Jesus Christ is greater than the Levitical order, separate from it and eternal rather than temporal. This makes Him a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Additionally, rather than bringing sacrifices day after day, He offered one sacrifice of Himself. As a result of His sacrificial work and eternal nature, Jesus, according to Hebrews 7:25, “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lieveth to make intercession for them.”
Jesus, our eternal High Priest.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
TEXT: Hebrews 4:1-11
The letter to the Hebrews is, in its essence, an appeal to saving faith. The author exhorts his Jewish brethren to recognize that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy, and that faith in Him is the only road to the Father.
In Hebrews 4:1-2, the author warns them not to stop short of saving faith. He begins, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” These folks had the knowledge of the gospel, but not the faith that saves, therefore the word was of no profit to them. The Bible goes on to state that “we which have believed do enter into rest (v. 3). ”
This idea of rest is a great aid to our understanding of what exactly constitutes saving faith. In explaining what is meant by rest, the author uses a series of illustrations. First, there is the example of the Jewish nation wandering in the wilderness, their refusal to enter into the land because they lacked the faith to trust the God who brought them out of Egypt (v. 3, see Psalm 95:11). Then creation is the example, when God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. Next, the Jewish audience is encouraged to heed the warning of David in Psalm 95:7-8 to not harden their hearts, but rather to enter into the rest that Jesus gives (v. 5-8).
Verses 9-11 provide the summary and the punch line. There is a rest for the people of God (v. 9). We enter into rest when we cease from our own works (v. 10). True saving faith means we no longer rely on our own works or righteousness to save us, but trust totally and completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Failure to do this is to abide in unbelief (v. 11).
Many, many people, professed Christians, are guilty of the same error as these Jews. We know about Jesus, we believe about Jesus, but we cannot bring ourselves to trust absolutely in his grace. So...we keep working, striving to be found worthy of God’s favor. And when we fail, as we inevitably do (1 John 1:8), we experience terrible guilt and remorse. We can relax, my brothers and sisters. Our salvation is secure in Christ, and our righteousness is strictly the imputed righteousness that comes by grace through faith. And when we fail, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, realizing that He has not only promised forgiveness and cleansing, He has also done everything necessary to secure it.
Shalom, y’all.
Bro. Tom
The letter to the Hebrews is, in its essence, an appeal to saving faith. The author exhorts his Jewish brethren to recognize that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy, and that faith in Him is the only road to the Father.
In Hebrews 4:1-2, the author warns them not to stop short of saving faith. He begins, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” These folks had the knowledge of the gospel, but not the faith that saves, therefore the word was of no profit to them. The Bible goes on to state that “we which have believed do enter into rest (v. 3). ”
This idea of rest is a great aid to our understanding of what exactly constitutes saving faith. In explaining what is meant by rest, the author uses a series of illustrations. First, there is the example of the Jewish nation wandering in the wilderness, their refusal to enter into the land because they lacked the faith to trust the God who brought them out of Egypt (v. 3, see Psalm 95:11). Then creation is the example, when God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. Next, the Jewish audience is encouraged to heed the warning of David in Psalm 95:7-8 to not harden their hearts, but rather to enter into the rest that Jesus gives (v. 5-8).
Verses 9-11 provide the summary and the punch line. There is a rest for the people of God (v. 9). We enter into rest when we cease from our own works (v. 10). True saving faith means we no longer rely on our own works or righteousness to save us, but trust totally and completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Failure to do this is to abide in unbelief (v. 11).
Many, many people, professed Christians, are guilty of the same error as these Jews. We know about Jesus, we believe about Jesus, but we cannot bring ourselves to trust absolutely in his grace. So...we keep working, striving to be found worthy of God’s favor. And when we fail, as we inevitably do (1 John 1:8), we experience terrible guilt and remorse. We can relax, my brothers and sisters. Our salvation is secure in Christ, and our righteousness is strictly the imputed righteousness that comes by grace through faith. And when we fail, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, realizing that He has not only promised forgiveness and cleansing, He has also done everything necessary to secure it.
Shalom, y’all.
Bro. Tom
Run to Him
Read: 1 Samuel 30
In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men, having been rejected in their bid to fight with Achish for the Philistines, return to Ziklag. Upon arrival they discover the city has been taken by the Amalekites and burned. Their wives and children had been taken captive and all of their possessions looted. In verse 4, the Bible says they lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep.
It didn’t take long for their grief to become rage. They became angry, not at the Amalekites, but at David their leader, and even began to speak of stoning him. In verse 6, we see that David was greatly distressed by the attitude of the people toward him, and by their grief for their lost loved ones.
But verse 6 also shows us why David was a leader. Facing the same grief they did, and more, David turned to the Lord. He sought comfort from God, encouraging himself in the one who had always preserved and protected him. He then sought the Lord’s will concerning the next step. God instructed David to follow after the Amalekites and recover the lost family members and goods. David did so, and God blessed, enabling them to snatch victory from the jaws of an apparently crushing defeat.
No matter your station, there is a lesson to be learned. God allows trials and difficulties into our lives not to destroy us, but to strengthen us. David faced difficulties from without and within, yet he did not abandon himself to despair. He turned to the only true source of strength, comfort and wisdom. As a result, David learned again his dependence on God, a dependence that would serve him well as King of Israel.
For everyone, troubles, trials, burdens and problems are part of life. For the Christian, they are like huge neon signs flashing out a single message, “PRAY, PRAY, PRAY”.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men, having been rejected in their bid to fight with Achish for the Philistines, return to Ziklag. Upon arrival they discover the city has been taken by the Amalekites and burned. Their wives and children had been taken captive and all of their possessions looted. In verse 4, the Bible says they lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep.
It didn’t take long for their grief to become rage. They became angry, not at the Amalekites, but at David their leader, and even began to speak of stoning him. In verse 6, we see that David was greatly distressed by the attitude of the people toward him, and by their grief for their lost loved ones.
But verse 6 also shows us why David was a leader. Facing the same grief they did, and more, David turned to the Lord. He sought comfort from God, encouraging himself in the one who had always preserved and protected him. He then sought the Lord’s will concerning the next step. God instructed David to follow after the Amalekites and recover the lost family members and goods. David did so, and God blessed, enabling them to snatch victory from the jaws of an apparently crushing defeat.
No matter your station, there is a lesson to be learned. God allows trials and difficulties into our lives not to destroy us, but to strengthen us. David faced difficulties from without and within, yet he did not abandon himself to despair. He turned to the only true source of strength, comfort and wisdom. As a result, David learned again his dependence on God, a dependence that would serve him well as King of Israel.
For everyone, troubles, trials, burdens and problems are part of life. For the Christian, they are like huge neon signs flashing out a single message, “PRAY, PRAY, PRAY”.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Before You Were in the Womb, I Knew You...
March 24
Read: Judges 13
It is interesting to reflect on the various birth records recorded in the Bible. Given the number of such accounts in Scripture, one would be forced to conclude children, even infants, are very important to God. In fact, many times God gives specifics about a child before he or she is even conceived.
Judges 13 is one such instance. The angel of the Lord appears to a previously barren woman (her name is never mentioned), tells her she will bear a son and gives instructions concerning his raising. Her husband, Manoah, requests confirmation of the message and details concerning the raising, which the Lord graciously provides. The son is to be a Nazirite from the womb and a special servant of God. The young man in question was Samson; a judge of Israel.
One can easily call to mind other such instances such as Isaac, the son of Abraham’s old age and Hannah’s son Samuel. In the New Testament, there are John the Baptist and Jesus. God told Jeremiah directly that he was specially chosen of God. In Jeremiah 1:5 the Bible records God’s words: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
In each of the cases above, God not only had a specific plan and purpose for each life, He revealed it prior to conception. Every one of these children had a place in the plan and mind of God before they were ever conceived. Every child has a place in the plan and mind of God! David wrote in Psalm 22:10, “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.” He who knows the beginning from the end and who created all things for his glory has a purpose for every life. Wow. Just think of it. Red, yellow, black, white, wanted, unwanted, loved, unloved, rich, poor, whole or sick, every one of us has a place in God’s plan.
Are you in your place? If not, why not?
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: Judges 13
It is interesting to reflect on the various birth records recorded in the Bible. Given the number of such accounts in Scripture, one would be forced to conclude children, even infants, are very important to God. In fact, many times God gives specifics about a child before he or she is even conceived.
Judges 13 is one such instance. The angel of the Lord appears to a previously barren woman (her name is never mentioned), tells her she will bear a son and gives instructions concerning his raising. Her husband, Manoah, requests confirmation of the message and details concerning the raising, which the Lord graciously provides. The son is to be a Nazirite from the womb and a special servant of God. The young man in question was Samson; a judge of Israel.
One can easily call to mind other such instances such as Isaac, the son of Abraham’s old age and Hannah’s son Samuel. In the New Testament, there are John the Baptist and Jesus. God told Jeremiah directly that he was specially chosen of God. In Jeremiah 1:5 the Bible records God’s words: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
In each of the cases above, God not only had a specific plan and purpose for each life, He revealed it prior to conception. Every one of these children had a place in the plan and mind of God before they were ever conceived. Every child has a place in the plan and mind of God! David wrote in Psalm 22:10, “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.” He who knows the beginning from the end and who created all things for his glory has a purpose for every life. Wow. Just think of it. Red, yellow, black, white, wanted, unwanted, loved, unloved, rich, poor, whole or sick, every one of us has a place in God’s plan.
Are you in your place? If not, why not?
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Savior of All
March 12
Read: 1 Timothy 2
There seems to be a comeback recently of reformed or covenant theology. You may recall the patron saint of such theology, John Calvin, or the oft used acronym TULIP. The third point of the TULIP is the concept of a limited atonement. Limited atonement, briefly stated, declares that Christ died only for the elect. The sacrificial death and atoning blood were given only for those chosen of God and foreordained to salvation (unconditional election).
Funny how often we careen from one ditch to another. Denying that men have a choice in salvation really doesn’t abrogate the sovereignty of God. But if we stand convinced only the elect are saved, and they have no choice in the matter, then the idea of a limited atonement is almost a logical necessity.
But...the Scripture really doesn’t support either. At the risk of opening up a thousand year-old argument (which neither side can win), one must simply read 1 Timothy 2 to see the difference. In verse 4, speaking of God, it says that He “will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This is consistent with John 3:16, which says clearly that God loved the world”. That’s everybody, as near as I can tell. Then, in 1 Timothy 2:6 the Scriptures say that Jesus, “gave himself a ransom for all...” Again this is consistent with John 3:16, which says “whosoever believeth on him.” Whosoever does not sound limiting at all, granting to us the option of either believing or not believing.
Dearly beloved, Jesus died for every man (Hebrews 2:9). And He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), the exclusive path to God (John 14:6). And in order to come to God, one must hear of Jesus (Romans 10:13-15). And in order to hear, someone must tell. And that someone is us.
Give someone the gift of eternity today. Share Jesus.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 1 Timothy 2
There seems to be a comeback recently of reformed or covenant theology. You may recall the patron saint of such theology, John Calvin, or the oft used acronym TULIP. The third point of the TULIP is the concept of a limited atonement. Limited atonement, briefly stated, declares that Christ died only for the elect. The sacrificial death and atoning blood were given only for those chosen of God and foreordained to salvation (unconditional election).
Funny how often we careen from one ditch to another. Denying that men have a choice in salvation really doesn’t abrogate the sovereignty of God. But if we stand convinced only the elect are saved, and they have no choice in the matter, then the idea of a limited atonement is almost a logical necessity.
But...the Scripture really doesn’t support either. At the risk of opening up a thousand year-old argument (which neither side can win), one must simply read 1 Timothy 2 to see the difference. In verse 4, speaking of God, it says that He “will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This is consistent with John 3:16, which says clearly that God loved the world”. That’s everybody, as near as I can tell. Then, in 1 Timothy 2:6 the Scriptures say that Jesus, “gave himself a ransom for all...” Again this is consistent with John 3:16, which says “whosoever believeth on him.” Whosoever does not sound limiting at all, granting to us the option of either believing or not believing.
Dearly beloved, Jesus died for every man (Hebrews 2:9). And He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), the exclusive path to God (John 14:6). And in order to come to God, one must hear of Jesus (Romans 10:13-15). And in order to hear, someone must tell. And that someone is us.
Give someone the gift of eternity today. Share Jesus.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
In Flaming Fire
March 11
Read: 2 Thessalonians 1
The church at Thessalonica was a persecuted church. This is clear from in verses 4-6 where the church is described as enduring persecutions and tribulations, suffering, and troubled. The exact source of the trouble is not described, but clearly all was not well in Mudville (or Thessalonica).
Paul chooses to comfort the church by reminding them God would ultimately bring those who troubled them to an accounting. He says, “It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” He then tells them of when the final judgement will occur, saying in verses 7-9:
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
The Thessalonian believers are to draw comfort and patience from the knowledge that God will judge their persecutors. And what a judgement! Jesus will come with His angels in flaming fire to judge those that do not know God and have rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are to be banished from the Lord’s presence and glory into a place of eternal destruction.
Jesus also mentioned this place while he ministered on earth. In fact, he mentioned it many times. In Mark 9 he referred to a place called hell, where “the fire is not quenched.” Matthew 25:41 tells of a place described as “everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” The parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 tells that the rich man “died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”
Paul intended for the Thessalonian believers to draw comfort from the fact God was going to judge their tormentors by sentencing them to hell. Hell and its punishment are facts, facts that not only comfort but send terror into our hearts as well. Did you notice who was destined for hell? It is a place for those who “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Anyone who has not come to Christ in repentance and faith, who has not trusted him for forgiveness of sins, is going to spend eternity in the fires of hell.
Christian friend, do you know anyone who is destined for hell? Of course you do. And you hold the key that can unlock the door to heaven. The precious story of the sinless life, substitutionary death, atoning blood, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, and you have it, and they will go to hell without it. C’mon, folks, let’s share.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: 2 Thessalonians 1
The church at Thessalonica was a persecuted church. This is clear from in verses 4-6 where the church is described as enduring persecutions and tribulations, suffering, and troubled. The exact source of the trouble is not described, but clearly all was not well in Mudville (or Thessalonica).
Paul chooses to comfort the church by reminding them God would ultimately bring those who troubled them to an accounting. He says, “It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” He then tells them of when the final judgement will occur, saying in verses 7-9:
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
The Thessalonian believers are to draw comfort and patience from the knowledge that God will judge their persecutors. And what a judgement! Jesus will come with His angels in flaming fire to judge those that do not know God and have rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are to be banished from the Lord’s presence and glory into a place of eternal destruction.
Jesus also mentioned this place while he ministered on earth. In fact, he mentioned it many times. In Mark 9 he referred to a place called hell, where “the fire is not quenched.” Matthew 25:41 tells of a place described as “everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” The parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 tells that the rich man “died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”
Paul intended for the Thessalonian believers to draw comfort from the fact God was going to judge their tormentors by sentencing them to hell. Hell and its punishment are facts, facts that not only comfort but send terror into our hearts as well. Did you notice who was destined for hell? It is a place for those who “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Anyone who has not come to Christ in repentance and faith, who has not trusted him for forgiveness of sins, is going to spend eternity in the fires of hell.
Christian friend, do you know anyone who is destined for hell? Of course you do. And you hold the key that can unlock the door to heaven. The precious story of the sinless life, substitutionary death, atoning blood, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, and you have it, and they will go to hell without it. C’mon, folks, let’s share.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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