ONLY SAY THE WORD

The Word of God has power to change your life!  As you enter this New Year, would you commit yourself to open your Bible daily, consume it, digest it, and trust God to grow you as your are nourished from it?  A great place to begin would be to go to the house of God where the Word of God is faithfully taught tomorrow, New Years’ Day 2023. Studying personally is essential, but so is the study with fellow believers. In small groups, in the music, in the message, and as you exhort one another—this could be a transformative year for you—transformed by truth! 

AT THE FEET OF JESUS

There are many lessons to learn from the visit of the Magi. It is a wise man indeed who falls at Jesus’ feet to worship Him. There are numerous occasions where this act of submission, devotion, and adoration is recorded in Scripture.

They bow at Christ’s INCARNATION.  “When they … saw the young Child … [they] fell down and worshiped Him.”  (Matt.2:11).  This stresses His humanity. We marvel that God would become man—the Infinite as an infant; the Creator becoming a creature!  To know He came in love to be one of us in order to save us fills us with awe.

They bow at Christ’s TRANSFIGURATION. “They fell on their faces” (Matt. 17:6).  This stresses His deity. Peter, James, and John got a glimpse of His glory. For one brief, shining moment, who Jesus was on the inside burst through to the outside. They were smitten by His splendor and fell at His feet.  Only a man could die for us, but only God could save us. How marvelous!

They bow at Christ’s RESURRECTION. “They came and  held Him by the feet” (Matt. 28:9).  This stresses His victory. He stands before them as Conqueror of death!  It is now nail-scarred feet before which they fall. Wonder and worship is their response, and ought to be ours as we bow before the One who holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave!

Later, John would record how he would bow at Christ’s GLORIFICATION.  “I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:17a).  This stresses His supremacy. Those who bow before Him now as the Lord and Savior, will bow before Him in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. When we gather for worship, spiritually we may bow before the glorified Christ in anticipation of literally bowing before Him someday!

The Gospel song, written by Squire Parsons, Jr., puts it:

If I leave this world of sorrow sometime before you do,
Just look for me in heaven and we'll talk the ages thru;
But if, at first, you fail to see me, let me tell you where I'll be,
I'll be thanking Christ, my Savior, for saving a wretch like me.

Don't look 'neath the gates of pearl, don't look on the streets of gold,
Don't look by the walls of jasper, nor among the many sights untold;
For I've been longing and I've been waiting for the precious, holy One to meet,

There I'll be thru the countless ages, look for me at Jesus' feet.

DEFEATING THE DRAGON

 

There is much that might be said concerning the long war between God and Satan, that this brief devotional on Revelation 12 cannot exhaust. We will be able to only touch the hem of the garment, but pray that the virtue of Christ will flow into the reader.

Satan is real. He is not some bogeyman of myth meant to frighten little children.  His fight against God though fierce is futile. God is omnipotent and the Dragon is not. In fact, when Satan attacks the gates of Heaven, God does not need to lift a finger.  It is Michael who leads a band of holy angels to repel this hellish horde. The outcome has never been in doubt. 

Though he has no might to resist God, he has been granted permission to deceive and destroy.  His movements are only within the parameters a sovereign God permits. As we learn in the book of Job, the Devil and his demonic hosts must still report to God (Job 1-2).  There will come a time, however, that his access to heaven is halted and he who has been cast down, will be cast out, awaiting only a few years until he is ultimately cast into the lake of fire.

But, the devil is not in hell today. He is raging against the saints.  He is “the accuser of [the] brethren,” (Rev.12:10). He wants to present a list of crimes for which the people of God are guilty—that God might condemn us and consign us to hell with Satan. Yet, we have an Advocate who has ascended (Rev.12:5) who “is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them,” (Heb.7:25).

So, if the Serpent cannot bring us eternal punishment, he will cause earthly pain. Not only is his hatred directed toward the church, but to Israel—God’s chosen people who birthed Christ (Rev.12:1-6). Old Testament history shows repeated attempts by the Devil to obliterate Israel in an effort to prevent Messiah from being born.  Failing in that, the New Testament story shows  Satan seeking to slay the Savior, which only accomplished His mission as the Lamb, leading to Him overcoming death as the Lion, and ascending to glory as the Lord!  What is left for the Dragon to do, but to seek the genocide of the Jews and the slaughter of the saints?  The story of the last two thousand years shows this.

So much more might be said concerning this long war against God. But, I want to move beyond the panorama of spiritual conflict through the ages and the prophetic aspect of the end of the age, to the present application of this to the church age.

There are three essentials to overcome the Devil.  He is overcome by our communion with our Substitute, our communication of the Scriptures, and our commitment to the Savior.

Our communion with our Substitute is indicated by this, “they overcame [the Devil] by the blood of the Lamb.”  The accuser has no answer to this. The powerful blood of Jesus has blotted out our sins. When Satan wants to point out our sins, we point to the blood and say, “What sins are you talking about?”  Jesus became our Substitute on the cross—paying the debt in full that we could never pay and giving us His perfect righteousness that we could never procure. Regularly, we should have communion, so those elements of the bread and the cup remind us of this truth (1 Cor.11:24).

Our communication of the Scriptures is stressed in this, “they overcame him…by the word of their testimony.”  God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph.6:17). As we practice that truth in obedience and proclaim it in witness, we go on the offense against the Dragon. The Word in our heart and confession of our lips is the testimony of our faith that puts the Devil to flight. It is how the perfect Man, Jesus overcame and how we must (Matt.4:1-11). 

Our commitment to the Savior is underscored by, “they overcame him…[because] they did not love their lives to the death.”  What is Satan’s worst threat?  He can tell us, “I am going to kill you!”  He cannot so long as God has a purpose for us in this world. The moment of our death is by God’s appointment and not the Devil’s decision. Should God in His providence decide that suffering and martyrdom is to be the means of our testing in this world and exit from this life, all Satan can accomplish is to send us on our journey to the glory that awaits!  So, why should we fear?

“How does this future war apply to the church today? The same serpent who accuses the saints in heaven also deceives the nations on earth (Rev. 12:9); and one of his strategies is to lie about the church. He deceives the nations into thinking that the people of God are dangerous, deluded, even destructive. It is through Satan’s deception that the leaders of the nations band together against Christ and His people (Ps. 2; Acts 4:23–30). God’s people in every age must expect the world’s opposition, but the church can always defeat the enemy by being faithful to Jesus Christ" (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol.2.Warren Wiersbe, p.603).

In America, the church had a period of favor as our religious liberty was enshrined in our Constitution. The citizenry saw the church as a positive force to be embraced. That favor became apathy as a changing culture decided to ignore us and though unbelieving, tolerated the church. The nation saw the church as a neutral force to be endured. Now, the forces of secularism are speaking of animosity toward the church. The voices are louder and more direct.  They speak publicly from the highest platforms of civil authority and you can hear the Dragon’s fire in their voices.  The majority are starting to see the church as a negative force to be eradicated. 

Brace yourselves, saints of God as you meditate on these truths in Revelation 12!

(Thanks to the late Dr. Henry Morris, for the phrase, “the long war against God,” taken from his book by that title).

EVERY PRAISE FROM EVERY PERSON IN EVERY PLACE

 

God desires and deserves every praise from every person in every place. This is the repeated refrain of Psalm 67. “Let all the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” That concludes two stanzas, and in summation, “Let all the ends of the earth fear him!”

We praise God for HIS REDEMPTION FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.1-3). The chosen people plead for God’s grace and blessing in order to extend it to all nations. They want to experience God’s shining presence among the Jews that they might express God’s saving power among the Gentiles. God did not choose Israel to the exclusion of the others, but to be the means of inclusion.  In this dispensation, the church is God’s missionary force. We declare His redeeming grace as available to all men everywhere. Jesus paid the price at Calvary, and God is glorified when people receive that forgiveness by faith.

We praise God for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.4-5). We rejoice in redemption because it is desperately needed by all people as none of us can meet God’s righteous standard and thus face judgment. God will judge everyone with equity. The perfect righteousness of Christ must be ours or we will experience the wrath our sins merit.  So the question, “Will God judge those who have never heard the Gospel?”  The answer of the book of Romans is that all are without excuse, as everyone has some knowledge of God. The problem is that sinners reject that light and turn to darkness. The question for those who have heard is why have we not told everyone everywhere?  “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom.‬ ‭10:14-15‬‬). 

We praise God for HIS RICHES FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.6-7). The rains that water the fields of the just also produce crops for the unjust. The Lord gives a witness to His grace in the bounty of His blessings, leaving men without excuse if they do not turn to Him (cf. Rom.2:1-3). “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4).  The harvest from seed in earth is meant to yield a harvest of souls for eternity!

God’s people are to explain this and call all mankind to fear God. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9-10‬‬)

THE BLESSEDNESS OF FORGIVENESS

Both the commencement and conclusion of Psalm 32 provide the bookends for the content: the blessedness of forgiveness. David starts with an expression of happiness in the Lord, and sums up with an exultation of hallelujah to the Lord.

Consider THE COVERING OF SIN (v.1-5). Sin calls for a covering. The choice is in who will do the covering and the resulting consequences. There is blessing when God covers our sin, but a burden when we seek to do so. It is  the difference between heaven and hell for sinners and happiness or heaviness for saints. There is gladness when God covers sin and groaning when we attempt it. It is fascinating that the great salvation word, “atone,” literally means, “to cover.”

Blessedness comes with THE CONFESSION OF SIN (v.5-7).  God removes the sin we refuse to cover, but will reveal that which we seek to hide. He is writing it down (cf. Rev.20:12). The godly are not sinless, but swift and sincere in repentance. The wicked make excuses and shift blame, hesitant to admit guilt. At best, they are superficial in remorse. The waters of judgment will not reach the repentant.  God will be their, “hiding place.”  The wicked will be swept away. The story of Noah illustrates this. It is interesting that the word, “pitch,” that Noah used to waterproof the ark, is the Hebrew, “kaphar,” also rendered, “atonement!”

We conclude with THE COUNSEL OF SANCTIFICATION (v.8-11). God’s grace in forgiveness is never meant to be an excuse for sinfulness. Repentance means we are counseled by God from the path of sin to the pursuit of sanctification. It is the highway of holiness that yields happiness. Stubborn mules can be broken—and God will chasten us when needed. Yet, far better to be compliant than face correction!  There is the choice of a sorrowful life in sin or the steadfast love from sanctification.

PREACHING ON PROPHECY

 

Do you want to rob yourself and your flock of God’s blessing?  Then ignore prophecy—and in particular do not preach from Revelation. Our Lord has assured us to read and hear these words is to receive God’s blessing (1:3).  This is THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. 

So, why do many pastors rarely deal with this book?  There is THE DIFFICULTY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. Granted, there are interpretive challenges. Yet, we must not shirk our duty because of the difficulty.

Yet, we must be motivated by THE URGENCY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. We are assured that “the time is near,” for the fulfillment of these passages. Jesus is coming soon!  We must help prepare people. What if it were today?

Do not miss THE CENTRALITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION.  It is foremost a book about Jesus. He is the central figure. Do not get so bogged down in the details that you forget to shine the spotlight on Jesus. The Gospel is the primary message. The church is the audience.

I love how Jesus walks among the seven golden lamp stands—the seven churches. This is the vital interest of Christ—for His church. We may be assured that when we assemble, wherever that local body gathers in this wide world, that Jesus is in our midst!  Pastor, if there are two or three in the congregation—there will be another, for Christ has promised to be there. What you do is big business, no matter the size of the congregation; be faithful, for the Lord is listening!

He also holds the seven stars in His hand. Those are the angels of the churches—one for each. The Greek word means, “messenger,” and mostly it is used to describe a heavenly being, but in this case, I understand it to be a human messenger. This is the pastor who will preach God’s Word. The message is addressed to him first—to assimilate and apply—so he might become the one who stands and speaks on behalf of Christ. What a privilege!  What a responsibility! 

No matter the critics we face or the challenges we find in ministry, always remember that Jesus holds you in the palm of His hand—and there is no safer place to be!  John was banished for his faithful preaching of the Word, suffering in isolation on a rocky island, surrounded by a stormy sea.  Yet, Christ was with Him, and we may be assured He knows where we are, and will manifest Himself to us and speak though us.

THE DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY

Psalm 14 declares the depravity of humanity. Every person is born tainted with sin (cf. Rom.3:23). The Psalmist says, “there is none who does good,” (v.1b), “there is none who does good, not even one,” (v.3b). This does not mean that all are as bad as they might be, but that even what men call good in comparison to others is still contaminated by sin in comparison to God’s perfect standard—falling short of His glory (Rom.3:23). 

This depravity affects OUR COMPREHENSION (v.1a, 2). So that the question is, “Have they no knowledge…?”  They are fools who deny God’s existence. The word does not mean people who are mentally deficient (they may be highly educated), but morally deviant. They choose to reject the evidence for God in order to avoid thinking of judgment. They are free then to pursue their own wicked ways—to eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow they die, and that’s that.

Depravity produces OUR CORRUPTION (v.1b, 3). The rottenness of who we are permeates every facet of our being. It perverts our thinking and it pollutes our passions.  From a wicked heart flows vile conversation and vicious conduct. Sin is woven into the fabric of our fleshly existence.

Such depravity is seen in OUR CONSUMPTION (v.4). We use and abuse others—chewing them up and spitting them out when we have consumed all they can do for us. We are by nature takers and not givers. Life revolves around us. We craft our own plans and refuse to call on the name of the Lord. 

William Henley’s poem, “Invictus,” displays this attitude:

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

Depravity leads to OUR CONDEMNATION (v.5). The fear of death hangs like the shadow of a gallows over humanity. The terror of hell awaits all sinners.

Yet, we read of others that God calls, “My people,” (v.4), “the generation of the righteous,” (v.5), and “the poor,” (v.6). Who would these be?

Depravity is overcome by OUR CONVERSION (v.6-7). While we cannot fix ourselves, God can convert us from sinners to saints. From what we all are as, “the children of man,” (v.2a) we can become the children of God through regeneration (cf. John 1:12-12). It is the discarding of the filthy rags of self-righteousness (cf. Isa.64:6) and being clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith through repentance (cf. Phil.3:7-9). We run to God for “refuge” (v.6b) and trust Him for “salvation,” (v.7a). 

The converted acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy as “the poor,” (v.6) for Jesus promised, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” (Matt.5:3). To those God then “restores the fortunes of his people,” (v.7) by the riches of His grace in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph.1:7). Rather than everlasting regret and grief in hell, there can be eternal rejoicing and gladness in heaven (v.7b)!

In connection with conversion, it is fascinating that the names, “Jacob,” and “Israel,” are used here. Those were the names of the same man. Jacob  (meaning supplanter) was a cheat, a scoundrel, a man always seeking to climb the ladder by pulling others down—a model of depravity. Yet, he met God and surrendered to Him. The Lord changed his name to Israel (prince with power with God) indicating his conversion.  Has that happened to you?

READY TO GIVE A REASON

 

As a follower of Christ, I should know what I believe and why I believe it. Consequently, it is to produce a living hope in me.  The Christian faith is such, that it changes us in tangible ways and we must long to share that reality so it can impact others, as well.

Peter speaks to OUR DEVOTION, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”. The sharing of our faith with others is foremost a matter of obedience. We have been commanded to witness to Christ by the Lord God Himself.  We are set apart to shine as lights in the darkness of this world.  Our love for God is the foundation of our love for others.

The Apostle then points to OUR DECLARATION, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”  There should be something so different about us—a hope so profound—that others recognize it and ask about it. Sharing Jesus does not require beating someone’s door down to do so, but they may beat a path to our door to discover why we can face the challenges of life with a radiant peace and joy.  Those in the world should see that we have something they don’t have and something they need. This is being the salt of the earth; salt makes you thirsty.  It creates a thirst for God in others.

Then, Peter indicates OUR DISPOSITION, “with meekness and fear.”  Meekness is not weakness. It is a disposition of humility. We do not talk down to sinners, for we recognize apart from the grace of God we would still be in the same state.  An attitude of smug sanctimony is not attractive, but repulsive. Someone has defined witnessing as one beggar tell another beggar where to find bread.  The fear of which Peter speaks is not the fear of man—that is what often paralyzes our vocal cords. Rather, it is the fear of God—our reverence for His authority and purity—knowing we will give account to Him concerning whether we seize opportunity or shirk responsibility. Hell is real—and family and friends are going there without Christ. That should move us to speak to them about the only source of salvation.

Having a visible devotion and proper disposition makes our witness credible. Giving a ready declaration makes our faith comprehensible. All these elements are essential for sharing the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.

PATIENCE, PAIN, PERSEVERANCE, AND PRODUCTIVITY

 

The earth has warmed and it is time to put in the garden. We labor as we till the soil, stoop to sow, with weeding to come.  Sore muscles and an aching back may attend our efforts, and for what?  Nothing, then a little shoot—and more work. It is not a process that can be hastened. Yet, when in the fall, should God bless with the proper amount of sun and showers, the harvest can be gathered.

James stresses this as he speaks of the harvest and the hope we have of the final gathering of the saints in God’s granary in glory at the end of the age.  Note the words, “patient,” “waits,” “waiting patiently,” “be patient,” “Establish your hearts,” “endure,” “perseverance.”

Stephen Olford made this observation:

Was it not Hudson Taylor who told a young candidate for the mission field that there were three very important lessons to learn in God's work? The first was patience; the second was patience; and the third was patience. 

Paul says that tribulation works patience. This was undoubtedly true in Job's case. He certainly suffered affliction! And so did many prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

Lord, if I should have to pass by way of tribulation, I do pray that I may learn the lesson of patience.  (According to Your Word, p.221). 

As we do Gospel work, we must be cautious not to merely seek “decisions,” though we certainly desire and pray for fruit. We may share the Gospel and there is immediate receptivity. Yet, in many instances, the labor will be long and patience is required. Some fields are more labor intensive and can test our resolve.  Our job is to persevere through the pain of criticism, opposition, defection, disappointment, and so forth. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work, as we do ours!  God sent the early rain at Pentecost and there have been intermittent showers.  Revelation promises the latter rain and a harvest from every nation—a great blood-washed throng!

A caution that James gives, “Do not grumble against one another.”  One of the issues we find on the mission field is that the difficulties faced breed impatience not only with the results, but fellow missionaries. When we are dealing with disappointment at the lack of visible results—as Satan is fighting us tooth and claw—it is easy to be short tempered and divisive. Many missionaries walk away at this point and never return to the field.

THE ROYAL LAW

 

A group of us are to fly to Vermont this morning where God has planted a church and is making inroads with the Gospel. Seed has been sown in a spiritually harsh climate. We want to see where God is working and join Him in that work. Only one thing should motivate us—the royal law of love!  It is our love for God and those made in His image that compels us to spend time and money to see sinners saved and saints strengthened.

In Stephen Olford’s excellent devotional book, “According to Your Word,” he writes:

“Fulfill the royal law.” – James 2:8 

The royal law is defined thus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself ” (v. 8). And it is the command that the Lord Jesus pointed out as including all other commandments. Of course, this command implies love to God first, and then love to man. James points out that the fulfilling of it is the hallmark of kingship or royalty. So that if I am a genuine king and priest to God, I am one who fulfills this command. He goes further to explain that he who shows partiality and who breaks this royal law commits sin. “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34); so why should we? Whether poor or rich, they should be loved, honored, and recognized without partiality. 

No wonder the Lord Jesus was the Friend of Sinners! 

Teach me to love others as You love me, Lord. (p.219). 

FACING LIONS WITHOUT FEAR

 

Satan is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We may be sure that his offspring—lions and lionesses, often in the church—will lurk, ready to pounce. Paul spoke of such here, and God’s servants will face them. You may hear their roar, smell the stench of their breath, and even feel the pain of their fangs clamping down on you and claws leaving you bleeding. Yet, Paul tells us that we can face these lions without fear.

We can STAND for the Lord stands with us. Get your eyes off the lion and look to the Lord.  Ravenous beasts are no match for Jesus Christ!  He is the Creator and Conqueror and since He is with us, we don’t have to flee in fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Nehemiah was threatened and answered, “Should such a man as I flee?”  Stand your ground.

We are STRONG for our strength is from the Omnipotent. The power of the Spirit indwells us.  While in myself, I am weak—in His strength I am more than sufficient to overcome my adversaries.  They whimper and slink into the shadows when the Lion of Judah, King of the jungle of this world roars!

We are SECURE since none can truly harm us.  What is the worst an enemy might do—kill us?  But, our times are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and when He is through with us, by whatever means He sovereignty selects, He will take us home. Paul was spared from the lion before, but soon would lose his head!  Yet, He was secure in knowing that would only deliver him to glory and the greatest gain of all!  As Luther sang, “the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!”

You can face the lion without fear!