2 Samuel 9
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2 Samuel 9:9-11, Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s steward, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.
In this chapter, we see David making good on his promise to Saul and his commitment to Jonathan, Saul’s son. Despite the fact that Saul tried to kill David numerous times, it was David’s commitment to care for Saul’s descendants. He also wanted to “show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.” If you recall, Jonathan was David’s best friend who risked his own life to save David’s. Thus, David asks one of Saul’s former servants, named Ziba, if there are any descendants of Saul remaining. Ziba is honest and tells David about one of Jonathan’s sons who lives in self-imposed exile with his family.
What’s interesting here is that Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was technically the rightful heir to the throne. David could see him as a potential rival but he doesn’t. David has him sent for. Now, we can only imagine the fear at receiving a knock on the door from the king’s men, especially when you know that your own grandfather tried to kill the king on many occasions. It was no wonder Mephibosheth was in hiding.
But David promised to care for Mephibosheth and give him what was rightly his. David gave him land to provide for his family and David gave him a place at his own table. No longer did he have to be fearful of living out in the open, rather he had a close relationship with the king.
This is a picture of grace.
Let’s pray…Lord, Help us reflect your grace in all we do. More of you, less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
2 Samuel 8
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2 Samuel 8:15-18, David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.
David reigned fairly and competently over Israel. Part of his success was his choice of leaders. He chose people who were effective, had integrity, and sought to execute God’s justice and will. There was Joab, one of David’s nephews, who was in charge of the army, essentially executing justice against those who opposed the nation of Israel. Jehoshaphat was the recorder, which means he chronicled all that went on with David’s administration, allowing future generations to see how they honored God. Zadak and Ahimelek, as priests, were in charge of proper worship. They were descendants of Aaron. Seraiah, as secretary, would have assisted with the administration. Benaiah, son of a priest and a military leader, oversaw the Kerethites and Pelethites, who essentially served as a private militia for the king. Finally, David’s sons also served as priests. This is somewhat strange, as priests must be from the line of Aaron. Scholars think they may have served in a consultive role.
Regardless, all of these leaders were trusted. They were effective. They cared about the will of God. A nation, an organization, a church, etc. can only function well with good leaders. Leadership matters. We have all seen the results of poor leadership – things fall apart, the people scatter, the organization is damaged.
The people who are charged with leading a church must be committed to the values of Jesus Christ. In addition to the pastor, the leaders have they have the role of influencing and guiding the body, a huge responsibility! Besides being competent, they must have integrity, they must care about the organization, and they must be mature in their walk with Jesus. Leadership matters.
Please pray for the leaders of New Hope today.
Let’s pray…Almighty God, We pray for effective and Godly leaders for our church, our communities, and our nation. We especially pray for our leaders at New Hope. Please give them wisdom, discernment, courage, and grace. We also pray for a deeper bench of leaders. Help us grow the next generation of leaders for your church. In Your Name, Amen.
2 Samuel 7
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2 Samuel 7:12-16, When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”
The Kingdom of Israel was finally where it was supposed to be and God gives the nation peace. King David has united the kingdom, he has settled in Jerusalem and make that the national capital, the ark of the covenant had been transported there as well, the borders of Israel have been greatly expanded. For the first time in a long time, this is a good time for King David and a good time for the people of Israel.
David decides that he wants to do something for God. He has this idea to build a temple, a place of dignity for the ark. But God brings a word to the prophet Nathan that he doesn’t want a house of cedar. This isn’t about what David can do for God but what God will do for David.
Then, God covenants with David. God says he will establish a house for David – this is another way of saying dynasty. Basically, a descendent of David will be on the throne forever.
But how can in the world could the throne be established forever? How could a descendent of David will be on the throne forever? Most of us know that later on, after the death of Solomon, the Kingdom divides and then the kings and the people become so evil that God lifts his hand of protection. He allows the people to be conquered by foreign nations. Once the southern kingdom of Judah is destroyed and the temple is destroyed in 586-7 BC by the Babylonians, the Jewish people are carried off to the land of Babylon in exile. The people of Israel, from that point on, are subject to other nations. Interestingly, it’s then that the commitment of God in this covenant becomes more clear.
You see, the covenant was pointing to a future figure, a Messiah, who would come and sit on the throne of his ancestor David forever. The covenant is pointing to Jesus.
One of the most interesting things to me is that despite all the dark days that the Hebrew people went through after the Kingdom was divided and then after the fall of the Kingdom, think about their days in exile, living in poverty, separated from God and one another. This went on for years and years. But they held on to this promise to David.
And God was good in that he sent prophets to remind them of this promise…
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Despite their disobedience, their stubbornness, and their desperate circumstances at times, the Israelites believed in the faithfulness of God. For all their faults, and they had many, probably their primary strength was never losing sight of God’s faithfulness, that God is a God who keeps his promises. He did send someone who would reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness forever and forever. His name was Jesus Christ, the one who ensured that all people could be invited into God’s covenant community.
Let’s pray…Lord, Thank you for being a God who keeps his promises. We are grateful for your faithfulness, for your love, and for your grace. Help us be a better reflection of you in all we do. More of you and less of me, Jesus. In your name, Amen.
2 Samuel 6
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2 Samuel 6:20-22, When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”
As the ark made its way into Jerusalem at last, there was much celebration among all the people. David danced and sang. The people rejoiced. All except Michal, daughter of Saul and David’s first wife. We don’t know why she wasn’t present at the celebration (other women were there) but she chose to watch from a palace window. She sees her husband, the king, joyfully celebrating and dancing, in his linen undergarment. You can kind of picture her in the window, seething with anger.
Michal confronts Saul when he arrives home, angry with him and suggesting his leaping and dancing in a half-dressed state had more to do with sexually impressing the slave girls. David replies that his dancing was not for anyone but God. He simply could not contain his joy before the Lord and he would do even more undignified things if needed to praise God.
A couple of thoughts here. First, David was certainly covered enough to be in compliance with Torah. He was wearing a linen undergarment so he wasn’t provocative or suggestive. Just wanted to clear that up. Second, Michal’s disapproval had more to do with her own feelings toward God than David’s behavior. Something had obviously happened in the time she was separated from David; a wedge had developed in her relationship with God. There were many pagan influences all around her in Saul’s household. Now, we see underlying bitterness and anger. She described herself as a “daughter of Saul” rather than a “wife of David.”
Sometimes, without us really even being aware of it, we can find ourselves drifting from God. Maybe we are angry with God over life circumstances. Maybe we struggle with doubt. Maybe we are wrestling with our own disobedience. Whatever it is, we all have been Michal. Evaluate your own heart right now. How is your soul? Where are you with God? What kinds of business do you need to take care of with God today to ensure you walk closer to God rather than farther away.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us grow closer to you. Create in us a clean heart, O God. Amen.
2 Samuel 5
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2 Samuel 5:1-3, All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’” When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.
With the last sons of Saul slain in the previous chapter, there is no longer any plausible opposition to David as king. David certainly had all the credentials: he was a military leader and victor, he had the respect of the people, and the prophecy pointed to him. The elders would have known all these things so it was time to make it official. This had been a long time coming! Think of the years in which David was on the run, living in foreign lands, unsure of how and when God would allow him to be king. But David trusted God and the time is now.
One other important point here is that David, as ruler, would shepherd the people. He didn’t own the people. He didn’t lord over the people. He was God’s chosen human being to rule God’s people. The nation of Israel still belonged to God and David understood this. As such, David made a covenant with the elders before the Lord and he was anointed king. This would have been a religious ceremony as much as a political one. We know that as long as God is with David, he will be blessed and in turn, the people will be blessed.
As I reflect on David’s experience, I wonder how many of us have had similar experiences. I’m guessing none of us have been on the run from people who sought to kill us. But we have walked through dark seasons of life, knowing that God is with us but unsure of how or when our situation is going to get better. In those seasons, we simply have to make the decision to trust, as David did.
Let’s pray…God, We trust you. We trust you. We trust you. We are making that decision today. More of you and less of me. Amen.
2 Samuel 4
2 Samuel 4 (NIV)
4 When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed. 2 Now Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding bands. One was named Baanah and the other Rekab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite from the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, 3 because the people of Beeroth fled to Gittaim and have resided there as foreigners to this day.
4 (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.)
5 Now Rekab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out for the house of Ish-Bosheth, and they arrived there in the heat of the day while he was taking his noonday rest. 6 They went into the inner part of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rekab and his brother Baanah slipped away.
7 They had gone into the house while he was lying on the bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking it with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. 8 They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who tried to kill you. This day the LORD has avenged my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.”
9 David answered Rekab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 10 when someone told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! 11 How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!”
12 So David gave an order to his men, and they killed them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung the bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb at Hebron.
Chapter 4 is a chapter that contains verses that may be problematic for 21-century readers. We find Israel alarmed because they have learned of Abner's murder. Ish-bosheth was a weak, ineffective king in contrast to Abner, the solid military commander whose political skills allowed him to maneuver between the tribes, clans, and other nations. After Abner's death, two ruffians, Baanah and Rekab, enter the scene. They hailed from a village whose Canaanite inhabitants' assimilation into the tribe of
Benjamin had been going on for about 300 years. Verse 4 inserts information about Mephibosheth, Jonathan's lame son and Saul's only heir other than Ish-bosheth. A lame man could not become king. The narrative turns back to the ruffians and their act of cold-blooded murder of Ish-bosheth, in hopes of garnering favor with King David. by bringing him the head of Ish-bosheth. The Law requires the life of murders which is what David did. However, David also employed the Middle Eastern custom of mutilation by cutting off the hands and feet of Baanah and Rekab, which the Law does not permit, and reiterates why God told the Israelites to drive the pagan people out of the land and not to intermarry.
In Isaiah, God's Word tells us He does not speak to hear himself talk, nor is His word lacking in power. He has a purpose, a reason, something to accomplish when He gives us His Word. God's word always succeeds. Our lives are rich and complete, and we have peace and joy when we listen and follow Him. If we reflect on how many things in this narrative did not go well, it is easy to see God's Word was not honored. Spend some time reflecting upon how you responded to God's Word and the outcome when things did not go well. What did you learn?
Prayer: Lord, as we reflect on the times we did not listen and obey you, our hindsight confirms the truth we know deep down in our souls. You are God, and we are not. Only you KNOW what is best for us. You planned us before You created the universe. Forgive us when we think we know best. Thank you for your never-ending patience and everlasting love. Thank you for Jesus, our Savior who loves us enough to pay the price for disobedience and sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.
2 Samuel 3
2 Samuel 3:9-16 (ESV)
9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” 11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf,[a] saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” 13 And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.” 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.”
An ongoing hostility between the house of Saul (now Ish-bosheth) and the house of David continues, and there were skirmishes between the northern and southern kingdoms. The tribes raided, pillaged, and sometimes killed even though they were God's Chosen People. The fighting continued until the house of Saul became weaker, and David's grew stronger. The Lord orchestrated bringing about the kingdom He promised to David. We also saw evidence of the Lord working in events in Genesis with Pharoah and in Judges with Samson.
In verse nine, Saul's military commander, Abner, states that the Lord has chosen David to rule over all Israel, and David knew this as well. Still, he did not take extreme measures to place himself on the throne because he knew God would fulfill His Word. In verse 12, Abner does not waste time seeking alignment with David. David’s response to Abner was if Michal, Saul's daughter, and David's wife, given to David after providing Saul with 100 Philistine foreskins from a battle, was returned to him he could come into his presence. David used an interesting term in this response to Abner, which translates that Abner will not see David’s face until he returns Michal.
The political "jockeying of positions" in chapter three, rivals our government today. In today's SOAP, there are more examples in this chapter which you will see as you read the chapter. Verse 13 parallels a New Testament passage, which reiterates the need to study the Old Testament to help us understand the New Testament. Turn to Matthew 23 and read verses 37-39, and you will find Jesus, who is of the House of David, using a similar phrase. These verses in Matthew also reference Hosea chapter 14 and Amos
chapter 9, which we are not currently studying, but reading them would add more clarity to God's master plan.
God's design has David as Israel's king, ordained, and established on the throne by God. Jesus is coming as Israel's king, ordained, and seated on his throne by God. David wanted his bride returned to him. Jesus is returning for his bride. The Bible is rich with patterns God has given us to help us understand his Word and master plan.
Prayer: Lord, study your Word is fascinating. You have masterfully woven your truths from Genesis to Revelation, to make Yourself know to Your children. Holy Spirit, give us a heightened sense of understanding and help us to apply that understanding to our faith journey and represent You to those we encounter daily. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
2 Samuel 2
2 Samuel 2: 1-7 (NIV)
1“In the course of time, David inquired of the of the LORD, “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The Lord said, “go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” ‘To Hebron” the LORD answered. 2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”
In chapter two, we read of bloodshed and battles, but within the first seven verses of this chapter, there are two very “direct “applications to us.
1. Direction: David understands he is God’s anointed one and that God has also promised him the kingdom. He knows as God’s chosen leader; it is essential to follow God’s direction. In verse one, he inquires of the LORD: “Should I go…?” “Where should I go?” Reflecting on our faith journey, have we often acted first and then asked God to bless what we are doing? Or the reverse, how often do we choose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Uncomfortable questions and uncomfortable answers, for me. How about you?
2 “…The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul…”. The Hebrew word for translated as kindness in English is the Hebrew word chesed. Chesed is kindness that goes beyond everyday kindness. It is an act of mercy and grace that represents the kindness of God, an act which the other person is unable to repay. We find another example of this chesed is in the book of Ruth. When was the last time you extended chesed to someone?
Prayer: Jesus, forgive us when we fail to wait for you to direct our paths and blindly go full speed ahead into what is not your best for us or your kingdom. When we “think,” we know what to do and fail to wait for your blessing and confirmation. Many do not know you today. We have opportunities to offer chesed to your broken and hurting children. Heighten our senses so we can be like Ruth and David, be your hands and feet, and let others see You. In your name, Jesus, we make this request. Amen.
In chapter two we read of bloodshed and battles, but within the first seven verses of this chapter there are two very “direct applications to us.
1. Direction: David understands he is God’s anointed one and that God has also promised him the kingdom. He knows as God’s chosen leader it is essential to follow God’s direction. In verse one he inquires of the LORD: “Should I go…?” “Where should I go?” Reflecting on our faith journey, have often have we acted first and then ask God to bless what we are doing? Or the reverse, how often do we choose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Uncomfortable questions and uncomfortable answers, for me. How about you?
2. “…The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul…” The Hebrew word for translated as kindness in English is the Hebrew word chesed. Chesed is a kindness which goes beyond everyday kindness. It is an act of mercy and grace that represents the kindness of God, an act which the other person is unable to repay. We find another example of this chesed is in the book of Ruth. When was the last time you extended chesed to someone?
Prayer: Jesus, forgive us when we fail to wait for you to direct our paths, and blindly go full speed ahead into what is not your best for us or your kingdom. When we “think” we know what to do and fail to wait for your blessing and confirmation. There are many who do not know you today. We have opportunities to offer chesed to your broken and hurting children. Heighten our senses so we can be like Ruth and David, to be your hands and feet and to let others see You. In your name, Jesus, we make this request. Amen.
2 Samuel 1
2 Samuel 1: 13 (ESV)
And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”
In 2 Samuel, Saul and Jonathan are dead, and David rises to power. He began in Saul’s inner court as a musician, armor-bearer, and friend to Jonathan. He then became an enemy of Saul due to paranoia because God’s hand was no longer on Saul due to his disobedience. David was made king over Judah in the southern portion of Canaan and then the northern section, which was the area most loyal to Saul.
David is deeply distressed and mourns the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He interrogates the young Amalekite, who says he is a ger. The biblical term ger means a resident alien. He lived peacefully among the Israelites but maintained his Amalekite identity. A person in this “category” would have some obligations while living among them but was not bound to Israel’s covenants with God. The Amalekites were gentile strangers and not part of the family of God. He and his family could have become a citizen of Israel if his father had desired. Why is this important to us? Once again, we better understand New Testament teachings when grounded in the Old Testament.
Most reading today’s text are gentiles. In Romans chapter 11 and Ephesians chapter 2, we read the following:
Romans 11:24 “For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (also see Ruth Chapter 2)
Ephesians 11: 11-14 “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
We were foreigners to God’s covenants, wild olive shoots grafted onto domestic olive trees, the uncircumcised. However, once we step over the line of faith and accept Jesus as our LORD and Savior, we become a member of God’s family.
Prayer: Thank you, LORD, for being a God of mercy, grace, and love. Thank you for giving those of us not physically born into the family of your chosen people Your Son, Jesus, as our Redeemer. Thank you that we will get to see you face to face and live with You forever in Zion. In the name of our blessed Savior, I offer this prayer. Amen.
Hebrews 13
Hebrews 13:15-16
“15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”.
Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)
"15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased".
Chapter 13 of Hebrews offers instructions for us to follow in our Christian journey and speaks to love, charity, sexual purity, and contentment. The unknown author additionally presents instructions for spiritual living, which include respecting spiritual leaders, maintaining sound doctrine, and stressing that Jesus and His truth do not change – warning against following other teachings. The chapter compares the old covenant and Jesus' ministry and encourages the reader to hold steadfast to His teaching and not that of the world. The writer ends the chapter with a blessing to his readers.
Today we will look specifically at verse fifteen. We are people of the New Covenant, and our altar is the cross, and our High Priest is Jesus. Scripture instructs us to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continuously. Praise is a sacrifice that means bringing our best (God commanded the best animals as offerings for sacrifice in the Old Testament) to Him, giving Him our full attention even when we seem overwhelmed by a difficult circumstance or season in our lives. Praise comes as we choose to honor God despite our pain. Praise keeps us focused not on our situation, but on: the One Who is the Banner which goes before us; the One Who Heals, the One Who is our Peace, the One Who is our Righteousness; the One Who is our Shepherd; the One Who Sanctifies us; God Almighty; God of the Covenant; Everlasting God; Mighty God; Most High; LORD.
The Old Testament and New Testament are rich with instructions related to praise and worship. One biblical reference states there are 334 verses about praise, and another reference states praise occurs 259 times and worship 188 times. The King James Version and the 1599 Geneva Version
tell the reader that God inhabits His people's praises in Psalm 22. Praise invites the Lord's presence, and He dwells close to us. This quote is from an A.W. Tozer devotion: "The modern Christian has lost a sense of worship along with the concept of majesty, and of course, reverence as well. He has lost his ability to withdraw inwardly and commune in the secret place with God in the shrine of his own hidden spirit. It is this that makes Christianity, and we have all but lost it." I do not know about you, but I need to withdraw inwardly and commune in the secret place with God. I desperately need that time of worship and praise. We are all created in His image, yet we are also uniquely different, and our praise and worship methods are also unique to us. Whatever genre of music and mode of worship resonates with you, the important thing is to offer it as a sacrifice of praise with your lips to Jehovah.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide us, teach us, enable us to find that secret place with You. Communion with You is necessary for breathing. Help us, in our human frailty, to comprehend Your majesty, to honor You with reverence, worship, and praise. Life without this abiding is empty, powerless, and does not honor You. We are Your children. We are part of Your royal priesthood. Forgive us when we do not offer praise and worship worthy of Your Majesty.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
Hebrews 12
Hebrews 12:18-24 (NIV)
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Hebrews 12:18-24 (NIV)
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[a] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[b] 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Once again, we find the Old Testament referenced in the New Testament in Hebrews chapter 12. In Exodus 19, when Israel came to Mount Sinai, the ground was most definitely holy. It was an area where they did not trespass for fear of death. God commanded them to wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations. There was thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, fire, smoke, earthquakes, and the sound of a trumpet. Even Moses was “exceedingly afraid and trembling.”
However, we are in a different place than the Israelites. We come to Mount Zion, where Jerusalem sits and not Mount Sinai. See the contrast between the two below.
With Jesus as our mediator, we should come boldly to the Throne of God. Again, the importance of being His children, members of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession noted in 1 Peter bears repeating, as does reminding us of the contrast of the Covenants that the recent sermon series taught us. The question is, are you walking in the desert or The City of God, darkness, or light, powerless or fully engaging the power of the Holy Spirit given to us for victorious life?
Prayer: Jesus, you promised us The Gift, the Holy Spirit in Your Word. Forgive us when we do not walk in the Holy Spirit’s power. Forgive us when we do not rely on You and do not listen; when we have not because we do not ask of you, when we sometimes have the short-sightedness of the Israelites. We know your ways are better than our ways, yet we fall short so many times. Thank you for Jesus, our mediator who paid the price for our atonement, in whom we have the promise of eternal life in Your City with You. And it is in His Name we pray,
Amen
Hebrews 11
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Hebrews 11:1-2, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
The author contends that while a life of faith is not easy, there have been many, many people who have gone before who served God well but didn’t get to enjoy the fullness of life present in the New Covenant. Why? Simply because they lived before Jesus Christ. But there is still a continuity between their lives and those of the Hebrew Christians. Their lives paved the way for what was still to come.
The chapter begins with a definition of faith, which we find in our focus verses for today. Faith is the conviction that what is hoped for will, in fact, occur. It is the conviction that what we don’t see does exist. The ancients, the Godly people who came before, had faith because they found hope in God’s promises which had not yet come to pass. They believed in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. They knew they may not see it in their lifetime but they believed that eventually, at just the right time, God would fulfill his promises to the people.
Of course, we know the rest of the story. God did fulfill his promises. At just the right time, God showed up in the person of Jesus, ushering in a new Kingdom and a new way of doing life. Life under the New Covenant, under the reign of Christ, was everything the ancients had hoped for and more!
Not unlike the time of the Hebrew Christians, we live in a culture that dismisses faith. Yet, if it weren’t for faith in God, where in the world would we be? Hope for a better world, hope for a better way of doing life, hope that this world is only temporary, hope that Jesus will return…is this what we are to be commended for? Faith is the conviction that what is hoped for will occur.
Let’s pray…Almighty God, Your ways are good and right and pure. We are grateful for the hope and assurance that is part of following you. Help us be strong in faith so that we can confidently point people to you in all we do. More of you, Jesus, and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 10
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Hebrews 10:15-18, The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
“This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
The author of Hebrews is speaking about why the New Covenant is so much better than the Old Covenant. He starts off by saying that the old law was simply a shadow of the good thing to come. He reiterates the sacrificial system and its inability to deal effectively with sin.
Then, we hear a quote from Jeremiah 31, a prophecy made 600 years before the time of Christ. At a time when all seemed dark and hopeless, God promised a new covenant that would be written on the minds and hearts of people rather than tablets and scrolls. This new covenant, God promised, will eliminate the constant sacrifices at the temple and God will truly remember their sins no more. And it’s the very Spirit of God that testifies to this! It’s the Holy Spirit that assures us that we are forgiven and redeemed. We don’t have to walk around with uncertainty, not knowing if we will spend eternity with Jesus. Rather, the Holy Spirit offers us assurance of the truth of God’s promises. The New Covenant has come, it has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus, and that makes all the difference!
If you have said yes to Jesus as your Savior, then you can have this assurance as well. I hope you know that you know that God remembers your sins no more. You are forgiven, the work is done. We are free.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, We thank you for taking care of things. We thank you for your willingness to go to the cross for us, for making sure that God will remember our sins no more. Holy Spirit, provide the assurance to those who need it today that this is done, that they are accepted, and you’ve got this! Amen.
Hebrews 9
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Hebrews 9:11-14, But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
The old ways, the Old Covenant, with all its rules and pageantry offered no effective remedy for sin. Jesus, on the other hand, provides the most effective remedy! Jesus’ remedy cleanses our hearts and minds, offers forgiveness, and it only had to be done one time. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice was one time for all time. How amazing is that?
Through the New Covenant, Jesus purifies believers for service in the Kingdom. Jesus came through a greater and more perfect tabernacle, which refers to his ministry in heaven. Jesus’ work was far greater than the priests who served under the Old Covenant, trying to secure some kind of forgiveness for the sins of the people through the sacrifice of animals. Jesus has in fact secured our eternal acceptance through the sacrifice of his own body. His blood was offered as a perfect sacrifice as a way to atone for the sins of all people for all time. It was effective and total. Now, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, then God doesn’t see our sins but rather the blood of Christ shed on our behalf.
Let’s pray…Jesus, How incredibly thankful we are for your willingness to go to the cross for us. Our acceptance is total and complete. My acceptance is total and complete! Thank you for your humility, your mercy, and your love. Help me be even but a small reflection of that humility, mercy, and love in my own life. More of you and less of me. Amen.
Hebrews 8
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Hebrews 8:6-7, But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.
The old priesthood and sacrificial system was part of the Old Covenant, the covenant that God made with Moses and the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai. God promised to be their king, protect them, bless them, and make them his treasured possession. In return, the people of Israel were to follow God’s law.
God’s law was pretty expansive. It consisted of 613 rules, including both blessings and curses. When the people were obedient, they were blessed. When they were disobedient, they were cursed. The intent of these laws was to change the hearts of people, to help them understand who God was, and what it means to be God’s people. This didn’t work too well. Hearts didn’t change and people were disobedient over and over again. The Old Covenant didn’t help people grow closer to God but rather the opposite happened. They pulled further away, they separated themselves from God, they bucked up against the rules that were supposed to protect and transform them.
Thus, a New Covenant was necessary, one that was written on the hearts and minds of people rather than on tablets and scrolls. The prophets spoke about this New Covenant. When Jesus showed up on the scene in the beginning of the New Testament, the people had been waiting for the fulfillment of the New Covenant for a very long time.
All the signs pointed to the fact that Jesus was the one God promised, he was the fulfillment of the New Covenant. As our new high priest, he has a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood. His sacrifice was for all time, totally perfect and complete. This New Covenant, which Jesus fulfilled, is based on better promises than the old one.
What are some of these promises?
1. God’s forgiveness is eternal and complete. God remembers our sins no more (Heb 8:12, 10:17; Jer. 31:34). In terms of justification, it’s as if we never did them. We don’t have to live in shame or fear. No matter what we have done or will do, living under the New Covenant means we are forgiven. The slate is wiped clean. It’s done. The ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, took care of it once and for all.
2. God qualifies us (Col 1:12). It’s no longer a case of what we do (under the old covenant) or who we’re related to (under the Abrahamic covenant), but who we trust. We don’t have to worry about if we’ve done enough good things. If we believe in Jesus, then that is how we receive salvation. So, we can stop striving to be good enough and simply serve others as a response to what God has done for us.
3. Jesus has made sure there are no more barriers between us and God (Hebrews 10:19-22). We are like VIPs, we get a free pass to go directly to God whenever we like. Under the Old Covenant, you had to go to the tabernacle. But now, the presence of God is free from the restraints of the tabernacle. God is present with us and available to us at any time. We can walk hand in hand with God.
4. Jesus’ presence is with us (Heb. 13:5 & Matt. 28:20).
5. God gives us the Holy Spirit to teach us and empower us (Acts 1:8) and remind us of our righteousness (Jn 16:10). Hebrews 10:22 says that not only are we saved, redeemed and restored through Jesus’ precious blood, but under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit constantly speaks these things to us so that we will have confidence in our relationship with God.
6. God makes us new people. We are new creations in him (2 Cor. 5:17). Under the Old Covenants, hearts were not changed. But with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, God can begin to change us from the inside out.
7. Under the New Covenant, God offers us eternal life (John 3:16 & I John 5:13-14).
Let’s pray…Thank you, Jesus, for being the perfect high priest, the one who fulfilled the New Covenant! Help us live like covenant people! In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 7
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Hebrews 7:26-28, He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.
In today’s focus verses, we see that the ideal qualities of a high priest are found in Jesus and Jesus alone. What are the qualities? First, the ideal high priest exemplifies holiness. Jesus is totally holy and without sin. Second, he was set apart from sinners. He is blameless, innocent and free from any kind of moral contamination or weakness. He did not need to constantly make sacrifices on behalf of others. Rather, he was the perfect sacrifice, once and for all. Thus, God appointed him as the ultimate high priest forever and ever.
What does this mean for us? Jesus is the perfect one to represent us before the Father. As the final and perfect sacrifice, nothing else has to be done by us. We simply have to believe. God no longer sees our sins but rather Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. No human high priest could have achieved this. It is done. It is finished. We are accepted, loved, and there is no more separation between us and holy God.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for being our perfect high priest, the one who made a way for us to be reconciled to God forever and ever. Help us remember it isn’t about what we do but rather who you are. We love you. More of you, less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 6
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Hebrews 6:4-6, For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
The author of Hebrews in this chapter continues the discussion about the importance of becoming mature believers. In today’s focus verses, the author uses some really strong language. He seems to be speaking to those among the church who have said yes to Jesus but now are returning to Judaism (possibly because the persecution was so severe). If they are turning away at this point, does this mean their original profession of faith was false? There is no way to tell but he contends that by turning away from the faith, they are nailing Jesus to the cross again. They are exposing Jesus and the church for that matter to public shame and humiliation.
We may be able to relate. Think about those people who profess faith in Jesus, go through the motions, say the right words, maybe even say the sinner’s prayer, but then turn away quickly when things get hard. Some claim that these verses indicate that people can “lose” their salvation. Others say that isn’t what the author intended at all, that they were never really believers in Jesus to begin with. Was what they experienced true belief in Jesus? If the Spirit of the Living God comes and makes a home within you, doesn’t that leave a mark, change you in some way?
I think we simply have to say we don’t know. I encourage you to spend some time in prayer about what God wants you to take from these verses. I intentionally chose the most challenging verses in this chapter so we could wrestle with these concepts! If nothing else, what we can glean from these verses is that we are called to live as true believers of Jesus, demonstrating our faith in real and tangible ways, not hiding it away. How’s that going for you?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for your Word. Give us wisdom in those places we don’t fully understand. Help us know that you have called us to live out our faith in real and tangible ways. Give us the courage and motivation to share your Good News with others. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 5
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Hebrews 5:11-14, There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
This chapter starts with a discussion about the role of high priest. This is the person who represents sinful human beings before God. He would not choose this position but rather God would call him, as God called and chose Aaron. The high priest is also someone who must have compassion, grace, and mercy toward those who are struggling. The author makes the point that Jesus had all these qualifications and more. He was called by God to be our high priest and he had incredible mercy and love toward sinful people. Jesus served as both our mediator before God and as the perfect sacrifice. Because of his ultimate sacrifice, we can be reconciled to holy God.
But as the chapter progresses, the topic moves toward spiritual maturity. Those who are not spiritually mature are not effective in serving Jesus and his Kingdom. The author states there is more to say about the role of the high priest but the audience is not capable of hearing or understanding. Even though they’ve been believers for a long time, they act like little babies in the faith. They aren’t able to eat solid food but still need milk; they need to be spoon fed. And this is their own fault! They have failed to go deep in their spiritual training and they have closed their minds to God’s message. These are harsh but necessary words.
It’s easy to simply attend church services, go to Sunday School classes or small groups, and live a “religious” life. In fact, we can participate in a lot of religious activity without ever growing in our walk with Jesus. No one wants to acknowledge this because the truth of it is so painful. We have thousands upon thousands of Americans who come to church but are spiritual babies. They can’t handle solid food. The scarier thing to me is that they don’t really want solid food. Milk is fine with them. Superficial belief is fine. Going deeper means sacrifice. Going deeper means doing hard things. Going deeper means confronting some of the darker parts of ourselves. We are no difference than the audience of Hebrews. Jesus, help us.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, How we need you. We live superficial lives. Soften our hearts, convict us, open our eyes to your truth. Help us go deeper even when it’s hard. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 4
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Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
This chapter begins with a discussion about entering God’s rest. Moses and Joshua tried to lead the Israelites into God’s rest but the people disobeyed and did not receive it. But Jesus is superior to both Moses and Joshua because he provides a better way to receive God’s rest. What is meant here by rest is the experience of salvation and dependence on God, rather than on one’s own works. Christians are born again when they say yes to the free gift of grace. It’s not about anything we do but rather who we trust. Jesus has provided the way to receive this wonderful rest. As one matures in faith, rest might be thought of as unbroken fellowship with God. As I read this, I can’t help but be reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” I don’t know about you, but I can use this kind of rest!
Our focus verse for today is probably one that is familiar to many of us. But what does the focus verse have to do with rest? Because God’s Word is alive and powerful, those who listen to it can receive God’s rest. The Word of God gives us everything we need to know about receiving salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It provides all we need to know about being in fellowship with God. The Bible is a living book to those who believe in Jesus. It provides the means to learn about God but also the way to get to know God. We meet Jesus Christ on the pages of Scripture!
Because the Word of God is active, alive, and powerful, it also has the ability to penetrate deep within our soul. It’s like a sharp scalpel, with the ability to cut out the cancerous parts of our lives so we can be healed and whole. As we read God’s Word, our own thoughts, desires, temptations, and sins, come to light. The Holy Spirit convicts us of them, and points us toward Jesus. How often have you been reading Scripture and you just knew that you needed to make some adjustments in your own heart and life?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for your Word, which provides everything we need for your rest. How we desire your rest, Lord! We love you, Jesus, and we need you. Give us discernment in those areas in our lives that need adjustment. Point us back toward you. More of you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 3
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Hebrews 3:12-14, See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Just as the Israelites were susceptible to falling away from God, the author of Hebrews makes the point that Christians are also vulnerable to sin and turning away from the living God. Remember, the audience of Hebrews was already drifting from the core of the faith; they were disconnected and a sense of apathy had set in.
What was life like for these early Christ-followers? Really, really hard. They were experiencing persecution from Jews and Gentiles alike. It was difficult to be a faithful Christ-follower in the first century. For that reason, the author stresses the importance of supporting one another, not allowing your fellow brother or sister in Christ to turn away from the faith, encouraging one another daily.
How often do we encourage one another daily? While we aren’t experiencing the same kind of persecution as our first-century brothers and sisters, our world isn’t an easy place to follow Christ. We are painfully distracted by so many outside voices, we are inundated with negativity and division, and we are part of a culture that is increasingly hostile to anything related to the church. Thus, we often settle for mediocre faith-oriented lives, religious activity rather than Spirit-filled, passionate lives solidly rooted in Jesus. Churches have become social clubs rather than springboards for mission and discipleship. And we accept this as if there is no other way.
Friends, there is another way. What if we each made an intentional decision to live for Jesus, pay attention to the Spirit, and love others extravagantly? To do so, we would have to encourage one another daily (maybe even hourly). We need each other. We need the body of Christ. Life can be hard (think John 16:33) but Jesus is still on the throne and for that, we should constantly rejoice!
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, How we need you. Help us make your church, your body, what you intended it to be. Help us push away the voices and distractions of the world and be focused on you and you alone. More of you and less of me, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.