Isaiah 26:8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
After looking up the main words in Hebrew, Isaiah seems to be expressing that God’s people waited with expectation for God’s decreed punishment/judgment to be completed. They looked forward to again being in a position of fellowship with their God. They knew that that time of restoration would come based upon His character and His word. God’s name represents His character and authority and uniqueness.
Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
As he so often does, Isaiah’s message becomes personal. It reflects the thoughts and feelings of all those who truly love the Lord and honor Him as their God. He is basically saying that with his whole being he desires fellowship and connection with the Lord in the night (including the times when evil seems to have sway), the early hours just before dawn. The dawn is sure, and God’s victory over evil just as sure. He realizes that it is through God’s judgments on Israel in particular, that the people of the world are made to understand righteousness.
God set Israel apart as a nation to demonstrate Who He Is and the benefits of submission to and fellowship with Him. When they chose to rebel and turn away from Him, they were the object lesson to the world of the consequences of rejecting Him. Mankind needs to understand that as a holy and righteous God, He must punish sin. A loving God does so with the intent to draw the sinner to a position of repentance and renewed fellowship. A merciful and gracious God is longsuffering and patient as He allows us to learn and grow in our relationship to and experience with Him.
Isaiah 26:10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.
In context with verse 9, this verse seems to be saying that it takes the judgment of God to produce righteousness in man. If God were to only exhibit kindness and mercy, man would never learn right living; he would continue selfishly in his sin and would never discern the person of God or experience the excellent things that accompany a right relationship to Him.
I think any parent could confirm that principle. A child left undisciplined will only become more selfish and hurtful to others; he will become more and more sinful. He won’t learn to love his parents, but to disdain and ridicule them. I believe that just as we have a sin nature that makes us more apt to choose sinful things based on the desires of the flesh, we also have an inner desire to experience love that is proved through nurture, admonition and correction.
Isaiah 26:11 LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.
The reference to God’s hand being lifted up is a reference to His getting in position to bring it down in judgment. I think that is a true statement in reference to the enemies of God’s people, as well as in reference to those of God’s people who have turned away from Him and are rejecting Him. Somehow, we always seem to think that we are going to get away with sin. In the case of those who don’t accept God as GOD, they don’t even consider the possibility that they are acting in such a way that would call for judgment; they just don’t acknowledge their sin as sin.
“they shall see….” – This phrase is a statement that sinful, rebellious man will be brought to a position of envy/jealousy when they see God’s blessing upon those who choose to follow Him in submission and obedience.
“the fire…” – This phrase seems to be a statement of the principle of sowing and reaping. This principle is often emphasized in scripture, and presented itself recently in my studies of Habakkuk and Obadiah.
Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God is not going to let sin go unpunished.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
God Gives Strength and Direction
Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
How long are we to trust in God? Forever, time without end. When we choose to place our trust in the Lord, we will find the strength and energy we need to do the things He would have us do—to meet the trials of life without fear—to gain victory over sin—to serve Him by serving others. The Hebrew for the word “strength” includes the idea of God as our refuge, our protection in danger and distress. That describes a position of strength—not fear.
Isaiah 26:5-6 For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
The reference to those that dwell on high has been referencing those who are proud—those who feel they are self-sufficient.
“The lofty city” – The last city we referenced was Babylon and the last nation referenced was Moab. I don’t think it is important to be able to identify the particular city. The point is that God hates pride, and He is the one that is sovereign and is the ultimate authority regarding the destiny of a man, a city, or a nation. When He chooses to humble or bring down, He does so completely.
“the poor…the needy” – This seems to be referencing verse 4 of chapter 25 in reference to the conquered Jews and on into the future to men of faith in the kingdom of Antichrist. They will one day be in a position to exalt in the defeat of their enemies.
Isaiah 26:7 The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
The way (path, manner) of the just (lawful, righteous, clean) man is uprightness (evenness, prosperity, straightness, pleasant). The word “weigh” indicates “prepares.” There are two verses from Psalms that apply here I think.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:
Psalm 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
God is the most upright; He sets the standard against which we judge what is just and righteous. Those who choose to walk/live a clean life according to His standards will find that his/her path in life has been prepared by the Lord. The prosperity experienced may include material blessing and honor from men, but it most assuredly applies to spiritual blessings for eternity. When God orders the steps of those who are His, it is to accomplish His purposes. When he enlarges the steps of a man, He is empowering that man not to fall--to be an overcomer.
There was an interesting article from Aish.com by Rabbi David Aaron entitled “Discovering Your Unique Path.” In it he made a thought-provoking comparison between a “way” and a “path,” that fits right in with the Hebrew for this verse.
“….Vilna Gaon, one of the greatest Jewish sages of the 18th century…. quotes Ecclesiastes: "In all your ways know God, and He will straighten your path." Then Vilna Gaon explains the difference between a "way" and a "path": A "way" is known to everyone. Everyone knows where the highway is. It's the highway, a public thoroughfare. But a "path" is off the beaten track. A path is not public. It is the private and unique way for the individual.
There are certain ways that we serve God that are common to us all. These ways are not unique to any of us. They are the highways of life. You can't get anywhere unless you get on those highways. However, once you get on the public highway, suddenly you will see a sign that says, ‘David -- exit 3 miles left.’ That is where David turns off to continue his journey to fulfill his mission. Now Jan who was also on the highway sees David get off and feels a little jealous. "Lucky guy! He found his path." But with some patience Jan plods forward until she discovers her path. And sure enough there's a sign for her too. ‘Jan, 5 miles exit left.’”
How long are we to trust in God? Forever, time without end. When we choose to place our trust in the Lord, we will find the strength and energy we need to do the things He would have us do—to meet the trials of life without fear—to gain victory over sin—to serve Him by serving others. The Hebrew for the word “strength” includes the idea of God as our refuge, our protection in danger and distress. That describes a position of strength—not fear.
Isaiah 26:5-6 For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
The reference to those that dwell on high has been referencing those who are proud—those who feel they are self-sufficient.
“The lofty city” – The last city we referenced was Babylon and the last nation referenced was Moab. I don’t think it is important to be able to identify the particular city. The point is that God hates pride, and He is the one that is sovereign and is the ultimate authority regarding the destiny of a man, a city, or a nation. When He chooses to humble or bring down, He does so completely.
“the poor…the needy” – This seems to be referencing verse 4 of chapter 25 in reference to the conquered Jews and on into the future to men of faith in the kingdom of Antichrist. They will one day be in a position to exalt in the defeat of their enemies.
Isaiah 26:7 The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
The way (path, manner) of the just (lawful, righteous, clean) man is uprightness (evenness, prosperity, straightness, pleasant). The word “weigh” indicates “prepares.” There are two verses from Psalms that apply here I think.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:
Psalm 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
God is the most upright; He sets the standard against which we judge what is just and righteous. Those who choose to walk/live a clean life according to His standards will find that his/her path in life has been prepared by the Lord. The prosperity experienced may include material blessing and honor from men, but it most assuredly applies to spiritual blessings for eternity. When God orders the steps of those who are His, it is to accomplish His purposes. When he enlarges the steps of a man, He is empowering that man not to fall--to be an overcomer.
There was an interesting article from Aish.com by Rabbi David Aaron entitled “Discovering Your Unique Path.” In it he made a thought-provoking comparison between a “way” and a “path,” that fits right in with the Hebrew for this verse.
“….Vilna Gaon, one of the greatest Jewish sages of the 18th century…. quotes Ecclesiastes: "In all your ways know God, and He will straighten your path." Then Vilna Gaon explains the difference between a "way" and a "path": A "way" is known to everyone. Everyone knows where the highway is. It's the highway, a public thoroughfare. But a "path" is off the beaten track. A path is not public. It is the private and unique way for the individual.
There are certain ways that we serve God that are common to us all. These ways are not unique to any of us. They are the highways of life. You can't get anywhere unless you get on those highways. However, once you get on the public highway, suddenly you will see a sign that says, ‘David -- exit 3 miles left.’ That is where David turns off to continue his journey to fulfill his mission. Now Jan who was also on the highway sees David get off and feels a little jealous. "Lucky guy! He found his path." But with some patience Jan plods forward until she discovers her path. And sure enough there's a sign for her too. ‘Jan, 5 miles exit left.’”
Saturday, August 8, 2009
How to Find Peace
It looks like I am going to need a bit more time before resuming Ecclesiastes. This summer has been happily full of much activity and family fellowship. This next series of blogs is from the chapter that contains my life verse—Isaiah 26:3. I pray that the thoughts the Lord gave me in this section will encourage you as well.
Isaiah 26:1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
“In that day” = The day when the Lord is ruling from Mount Zion, the people of Israel have been restored in fellowship to God, and His hand is at rest in Jerusalem.
Isaiah is forseeing a time when all Israel will be singing the praise of God for making Jerusalem a place of security and provision for His people.
Isaiah 26:2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Jerusalem will be a city of open gates, ready to welcome the Jews returning home from the diaspora as well as peoples from other nations who are righteous before God and who safeguard His truth.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
This has been my life verse for a long time. I was drawn to this verse initially because of the godly example of my mother-in-law who claimed this verse as her life verse. If this was the verse that motivated and encouraged her to become the woman of God that she was, that was the verse I wanted. Through the years the Lord has impressed upon me the significance and power of the truth of this verse in growing in faith and continuing to strive to become the woman of God He would have me be.
I think the key phrase is “whose mind is stayed on thee.” When our mind is focused on Jesus/God, the enemy has no room for attack and the flesh is in submission. Just like Peter—When our focus is on the Lord we are empowered to act in the supernatural, but the moment we allow our focus to be misdirected, we will begin sinking to the depths of defeat. (cf Matthew 14:25-31) It’s when we take our focus off Jesus, that the door is opened to the attack of the enemy and we experience battle with our sin nature.
This promise is a statement of fact—If you keep your mind on Jesus, you will have perfect peace. I thought the Hebrew for the word “mind” was quite enlightening—
3336. rRx´y yetser, yay´-tser; from 3335; a form; figuratively, conception (i.e. purpose):—frame, thing framed, imagination, mind, work.
3335. rAxÎy yatsar, yaw-tsar´…to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution)…
And from good old Webster—
The intellectual or rational faculty in man; the understanding; the intellect; the power that conceives, judges, or reasons; also, the entire spiritual nature; the soul; — often in distinction from the body.
“stayed” = to lean upon or take hold of, lay, lean, lie hard, rest self, set self, sustain.
As I look at these different definitions, it makes a powerful word picture. Our mind, our imagination, should be in a position comparable to clay in the hands of a potter. Our ideas, judgments and logic should have their foundation in the person and character of God and in His word. We should be resting in confidence and sustained by our faith in God and His word. This mindset is a position of choice and determination that results in action.
When we act on that choice and determination, God gives us “perfect peace.” The Hebrew for this phrase includes “safety, happiness, health, prosperity, restoration and reward.” This is not a formula to apply to our physical condition/circumstances. The importance of this investment is in our spiritual condition and well-being. The culture of today has been so trained/conditioned to think in terms of the physical/material, that we have lost sight of the fact that it is spiritual/eternal preparation and provision that is most important, most valuable. I had never thought of the word restoration in connection with this peace before. The truth is that the “emptiness” in our life caused by sin is an evidence for the need and desire of restored fellowship with our Creator.
As I look at the Hebrew, I think the better translation would be—“whose mind is stayed on and trusteth in thee.” The Hebrew for trust includes confidence, boldness and security. We place ourselves in a position of clay with confidence in the Potter. We are secure in our position because of His character, Who He is. That confidence and security will produce a bold testimony before the world.
The more I meditate on this verse, the more powerfully it speaks to me.
Isaiah 26:1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
“In that day” = The day when the Lord is ruling from Mount Zion, the people of Israel have been restored in fellowship to God, and His hand is at rest in Jerusalem.
Isaiah is forseeing a time when all Israel will be singing the praise of God for making Jerusalem a place of security and provision for His people.
Isaiah 26:2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Jerusalem will be a city of open gates, ready to welcome the Jews returning home from the diaspora as well as peoples from other nations who are righteous before God and who safeguard His truth.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
This has been my life verse for a long time. I was drawn to this verse initially because of the godly example of my mother-in-law who claimed this verse as her life verse. If this was the verse that motivated and encouraged her to become the woman of God that she was, that was the verse I wanted. Through the years the Lord has impressed upon me the significance and power of the truth of this verse in growing in faith and continuing to strive to become the woman of God He would have me be.
I think the key phrase is “whose mind is stayed on thee.” When our mind is focused on Jesus/God, the enemy has no room for attack and the flesh is in submission. Just like Peter—When our focus is on the Lord we are empowered to act in the supernatural, but the moment we allow our focus to be misdirected, we will begin sinking to the depths of defeat. (cf Matthew 14:25-31) It’s when we take our focus off Jesus, that the door is opened to the attack of the enemy and we experience battle with our sin nature.
This promise is a statement of fact—If you keep your mind on Jesus, you will have perfect peace. I thought the Hebrew for the word “mind” was quite enlightening—
3336. rRx´y yetser, yay´-tser; from 3335; a form; figuratively, conception (i.e. purpose):—frame, thing framed, imagination, mind, work.
3335. rAxÎy yatsar, yaw-tsar´…to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution)…
And from good old Webster—
The intellectual or rational faculty in man; the understanding; the intellect; the power that conceives, judges, or reasons; also, the entire spiritual nature; the soul; — often in distinction from the body.
“stayed” = to lean upon or take hold of, lay, lean, lie hard, rest self, set self, sustain.
As I look at these different definitions, it makes a powerful word picture. Our mind, our imagination, should be in a position comparable to clay in the hands of a potter. Our ideas, judgments and logic should have their foundation in the person and character of God and in His word. We should be resting in confidence and sustained by our faith in God and His word. This mindset is a position of choice and determination that results in action.
When we act on that choice and determination, God gives us “perfect peace.” The Hebrew for this phrase includes “safety, happiness, health, prosperity, restoration and reward.” This is not a formula to apply to our physical condition/circumstances. The importance of this investment is in our spiritual condition and well-being. The culture of today has been so trained/conditioned to think in terms of the physical/material, that we have lost sight of the fact that it is spiritual/eternal preparation and provision that is most important, most valuable. I had never thought of the word restoration in connection with this peace before. The truth is that the “emptiness” in our life caused by sin is an evidence for the need and desire of restored fellowship with our Creator.
As I look at the Hebrew, I think the better translation would be—“whose mind is stayed on and trusteth in thee.” The Hebrew for trust includes confidence, boldness and security. We place ourselves in a position of clay with confidence in the Potter. We are secure in our position because of His character, Who He is. That confidence and security will produce a bold testimony before the world.
The more I meditate on this verse, the more powerfully it speaks to me.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Security of God’s Love
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Paul loves to ask rhetorical questions. The obvious answer is that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. (He answers his own question in the last two verses of this chapter.) Some of my favorite verses regarding the security of my relationship to God are found in John 10.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
I also love the verses in 1Peter.
1Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
According to these sections of scripture, I am secure in the grasp of the Father’s hand and I am kept by the power God. No grasp is stronger and no power is greater.
As I looked back over this verse, I checked the Greek for “who” and feel it would be better translated “what” in context of the rest of the verse.
Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
“As it is written” – Where?
Psalm 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
At first I couldn’t make a connection with this verse. As I continued to read the different translations, it hit me that this is in direct reference to the verse before. The child of God will face tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword either singly or in varying combinations. That can make one feel like they are facing death daily, like they are sheep being driven to slaughter.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Paul now declares the glorious truth; we need fear nothing that life may throw at us. We are more than conquerors through Jesus. What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? At first thought, it would seem you are either a conqueror or you are not. I’m from a family that loves athletics. In sports, you can either squeak out a win or you can win decisively. I think the same application can be made to the Christian life. You can either get to heaven “so as by fire” or you can look forward to great reward based on your service in love before God.
1Corinthians 3:1-15 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul now gives an emphatic answer to his question in verse 35. Nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God. Reminder – Paul is talking to the believer, the person of faith. Death certainly can’t separate us from God’s love; it is just a graduation into His presence for eternity. Life may throw us many obstacles and testings, but it is filled with many evidences of God’s love for us as He provides, comforts, sustains and strengthens. Angels are God’s messengers to us; they were created to minister/serve/relieve the child of God; they are another one of the benefits of the love of God.
Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Principalities and powers seem to represent the evil forces of wickedness that ever are on the attack against the child of God. No matter how vicious their attack, the child of God is empowered for victory through the love of God.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
I’m not sure how things present and things to come differ from life. Maybe it is a reference to the new challenges the child of God will encounter as man continues to advance in technology and false teaching becomes more prominent and all the “birth pains” associated with His coming begin to be more intense and frequent. Again, if our hearts are focused on the Lord, then we will view the fulfillment of prophecy as another affirmation of the love of God. We will grow in eager anticipation of physically being in His presence and ruling with Him as priests and kings.
“nor height, nor depth” – As I thought about these two words, I thought about the many levels of society and the difference in the wealthy and poor. God’s love is the same for each and every believer, no matter how powerful or how weak, no matter how rich or how poor. These words can also reference distance. There is no place on earth that the believer can go that will separate him from the love of God. That makes me think of those wonderful verses in Psalms.
Psalm 139:10 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
“nor any other creature” – This takes me back to the verses in John 10 quoted previously. Not one thing in God’s creation can deprive the child of God of His love.
What is the primary evidence of God’s love for us? The gift of His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Without His loving sacrifice, we could never experience the wonderful love of God; in fact, we would be forever separated from the love of God.
Paul loves to ask rhetorical questions. The obvious answer is that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. (He answers his own question in the last two verses of this chapter.) Some of my favorite verses regarding the security of my relationship to God are found in John 10.
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
I also love the verses in 1Peter.
1Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
According to these sections of scripture, I am secure in the grasp of the Father’s hand and I am kept by the power God. No grasp is stronger and no power is greater.
As I looked back over this verse, I checked the Greek for “who” and feel it would be better translated “what” in context of the rest of the verse.
Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
“As it is written” – Where?
Psalm 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
At first I couldn’t make a connection with this verse. As I continued to read the different translations, it hit me that this is in direct reference to the verse before. The child of God will face tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword either singly or in varying combinations. That can make one feel like they are facing death daily, like they are sheep being driven to slaughter.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Paul now declares the glorious truth; we need fear nothing that life may throw at us. We are more than conquerors through Jesus. What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? At first thought, it would seem you are either a conqueror or you are not. I’m from a family that loves athletics. In sports, you can either squeak out a win or you can win decisively. I think the same application can be made to the Christian life. You can either get to heaven “so as by fire” or you can look forward to great reward based on your service in love before God.
1Corinthians 3:1-15 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul now gives an emphatic answer to his question in verse 35. Nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God. Reminder – Paul is talking to the believer, the person of faith. Death certainly can’t separate us from God’s love; it is just a graduation into His presence for eternity. Life may throw us many obstacles and testings, but it is filled with many evidences of God’s love for us as He provides, comforts, sustains and strengthens. Angels are God’s messengers to us; they were created to minister/serve/relieve the child of God; they are another one of the benefits of the love of God.
Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Principalities and powers seem to represent the evil forces of wickedness that ever are on the attack against the child of God. No matter how vicious their attack, the child of God is empowered for victory through the love of God.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
I’m not sure how things present and things to come differ from life. Maybe it is a reference to the new challenges the child of God will encounter as man continues to advance in technology and false teaching becomes more prominent and all the “birth pains” associated with His coming begin to be more intense and frequent. Again, if our hearts are focused on the Lord, then we will view the fulfillment of prophecy as another affirmation of the love of God. We will grow in eager anticipation of physically being in His presence and ruling with Him as priests and kings.
“nor height, nor depth” – As I thought about these two words, I thought about the many levels of society and the difference in the wealthy and poor. God’s love is the same for each and every believer, no matter how powerful or how weak, no matter how rich or how poor. These words can also reference distance. There is no place on earth that the believer can go that will separate him from the love of God. That makes me think of those wonderful verses in Psalms.
Psalm 139:10 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
“nor any other creature” – This takes me back to the verses in John 10 quoted previously. Not one thing in God’s creation can deprive the child of God of His love.
What is the primary evidence of God’s love for us? The gift of His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Without His loving sacrifice, we could never experience the wonderful love of God; in fact, we would be forever separated from the love of God.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
If God Be For Us
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
I think Paul is saying, “So what should we conclude?” Although the next part of the verse is stated as a question, the answer is obvious. If God is for us, no one can be against us. Obviously, this is not saying that we will not face enemies and temptations. It does mean that whatever we do face, we have the power to be victorious on our side. Our job is to keep our focus on Jesus, to run the race of life with the focus on the finish line and the reward that awaits.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
“He” = God the Father
I like the way it is stated in the Complete Jewish Bible: “He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all — is it possible that, having given us his Son, he would not give us everything else too?”
The Father gave His very best, His most precious possession, His only Son, to redeem us from our sin. He valued our fellowship so much that He gave all. In light of that sacrifice, how could we possibly think that He would not follow through on the rest of His promises! The gift of His Son was offered to all without cost; one just has to accept the gift. Through acceptance of that gift, one becomes a joint-heir with Christ. Heirs do not pay for what they inherit. It is freely given to them.
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
“elect” = select, favorite, chosen
Verses 29 and 30 have already explained the process of being elect/chosen. Once God has declared us righteous, no one has any grounds upon which to accuse us. God is the righteous judge; His judgments are true.
Psalm 19:9 … the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 96:13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
John tells us that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son.
John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
In a court of law, the judge is appointed the task of declaring guilt or innocence, of pronouncing condemnation or absolution. Who is the judge? Christ. The same Christ, the Son of God, that died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later and who now sits at the right hand of God.
Matthew 22:42-44 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? (cf Psalm 110:1)
Mark 14:61-62 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Jesus boldly declared that He was the Christ who would sit at the right hand of God the Father. The Spirit declares through the scripture that Jesus took His position at the right hand of God when He ascended to heaven after communing with His disciples for 40 days after the resurrection.
Hebrews 7 affirms the truth that Jesus is interceding for us (His brethren, those who come to God through faith in His Son) before the Father.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Why is Jesus always interceding for us? Because we are not yet perfect; we are still in bodies of flesh with a sin nature. We still do things that are wrong. As our intercessor, Jesus is always pleading on our behalf and working to reconcile us in fellowship.
As I read through this section this time I was reminded of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples. I believe they tell us much about how He is interceding for us now.
Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Just a thought—Yes, Christ will make the formal declaration of condemnation or absolution. But the scripture basically tells us that we condemn ourselves by choosing to reject the Savior, Jesus, the Son of God.
John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
I think Paul is saying, “So what should we conclude?” Although the next part of the verse is stated as a question, the answer is obvious. If God is for us, no one can be against us. Obviously, this is not saying that we will not face enemies and temptations. It does mean that whatever we do face, we have the power to be victorious on our side. Our job is to keep our focus on Jesus, to run the race of life with the focus on the finish line and the reward that awaits.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
“He” = God the Father
I like the way it is stated in the Complete Jewish Bible: “He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all — is it possible that, having given us his Son, he would not give us everything else too?”
The Father gave His very best, His most precious possession, His only Son, to redeem us from our sin. He valued our fellowship so much that He gave all. In light of that sacrifice, how could we possibly think that He would not follow through on the rest of His promises! The gift of His Son was offered to all without cost; one just has to accept the gift. Through acceptance of that gift, one becomes a joint-heir with Christ. Heirs do not pay for what they inherit. It is freely given to them.
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
“elect” = select, favorite, chosen
Verses 29 and 30 have already explained the process of being elect/chosen. Once God has declared us righteous, no one has any grounds upon which to accuse us. God is the righteous judge; His judgments are true.
Psalm 19:9 … the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 96:13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
John tells us that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son.
John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
In a court of law, the judge is appointed the task of declaring guilt or innocence, of pronouncing condemnation or absolution. Who is the judge? Christ. The same Christ, the Son of God, that died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later and who now sits at the right hand of God.
Matthew 22:42-44 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? (cf Psalm 110:1)
Mark 14:61-62 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Jesus boldly declared that He was the Christ who would sit at the right hand of God the Father. The Spirit declares through the scripture that Jesus took His position at the right hand of God when He ascended to heaven after communing with His disciples for 40 days after the resurrection.
Hebrews 7 affirms the truth that Jesus is interceding for us (His brethren, those who come to God through faith in His Son) before the Father.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Why is Jesus always interceding for us? Because we are not yet perfect; we are still in bodies of flesh with a sin nature. We still do things that are wrong. As our intercessor, Jesus is always pleading on our behalf and working to reconcile us in fellowship.
As I read through this section this time I was reminded of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples. I believe they tell us much about how He is interceding for us now.
Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Just a thought—Yes, Christ will make the formal declaration of condemnation or absolution. But the scripture basically tells us that we condemn ourselves by choosing to reject the Savior, Jesus, the Son of God.
John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
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