Today's short thoughts are from Hebrews 11:23 where the author writes, "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict." It is not the faith of Moses that is spoken of here but that of his parents. Here we see their faith and God's providence working together in harmony.
Again we see that the Hebrew author has provided some additional insight to the record we find of this account in Exodus Chapter two. Perhaps he was inspired to give a general summation and not be as specific as the Exodus writer. But I appreciate that here we see that both parents acted together in faith. He was hidden "by his parents". "They saw he was a beautiful child". And "they were not afraid of the king's edict." What a blessing it is for two parents to act together in faith. To be nit together in faith; together trusting the Savior in all matters of life. Oh, how the Church needs parents living lives of faith together.
The parents of Moses found that faith occupied a place in their heart and mind where fear wished to be. Do we not see this time and time again throughout scripture? David as he slew Goliath. Peter as he preached Christ to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem. Peter and John as they responded to the threats from the religious leaders to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. Stephen as he testified before the council. Paul as he pressed on preaching Christ, knowing that bonds and afflictions awaited him in each city he went to. By His grace, may we also have faith to overcome the fears that keep us from His will. Faith that is based on the truth of His word and His many infallible attributes. May He be praised through acts of faith.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's "short thoughts" will be from Hebrews 11:20-22 where we read, "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones."
The Hebrew author continues to reference various acts of faith as he speaks of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Isaac "blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come." Jacob "blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." And Joseph "made mention of the exodus" and "gave orders concerning his bones". Each of these men are said to have acted "by faith" in these respective accounts.
When I first considered these verses I was unsure if I would even comment on them specifically. Other than noting that these men had performed specific acts "by faith", there did not appear to be anything that I felt compelled to write about. But I felt the Lord reminded me of my own premise that we often need to take more time to ponder the word we have read and to use the mind He has given us to consider it further after reading it. So I was challenged as to what I might find as "profitable" for myself and to other believers in these three verses? I pray that the following might be profitable for you.
Although not mentioned by the Hebrew writer regarding Isaac, he is inspired to specify that Jacob's recorded act of faith was done "as he was dying" and that Joseph's was done "when he was dying". And if we read the Genesis account of Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau, we see that he did so when he ''was old" and when. "his eyes were to dim too see". So all three accounts were acts of faith that were seen at the end of their lives.
Is this not the sort of life we should wish to have, a life of faith, where faith is still present and active in our latter days? I know that no one is more faithful than our loving Lord, but how precious is the faithfulness of God's children in their latter years. Isaac, Jacob and Joseph believed God. They knew Him to be true and always faithful. I see the same in the Apostle Paul's life as he "blessed" Timothy near the end of his life.
I know I will not be a man of great faith just because I grow old as a Christian. But if I am obedient to the call to "grow in the grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", I know that my faith can be strong even when I grow weak in my latter years. When I am old and my eyes are dim, I pray, that by His grace, I will be a man of strong faith in the One who is forever faithful. And I pray that I too will be one who blesses his children and others with words that speak of the faithfulness of the God.
The Hebrew author continues to reference various acts of faith as he speaks of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Isaac "blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come." Jacob "blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." And Joseph "made mention of the exodus" and "gave orders concerning his bones". Each of these men are said to have acted "by faith" in these respective accounts.
When I first considered these verses I was unsure if I would even comment on them specifically. Other than noting that these men had performed specific acts "by faith", there did not appear to be anything that I felt compelled to write about. But I felt the Lord reminded me of my own premise that we often need to take more time to ponder the word we have read and to use the mind He has given us to consider it further after reading it. So I was challenged as to what I might find as "profitable" for myself and to other believers in these three verses? I pray that the following might be profitable for you.
Although not mentioned by the Hebrew writer regarding Isaac, he is inspired to specify that Jacob's recorded act of faith was done "as he was dying" and that Joseph's was done "when he was dying". And if we read the Genesis account of Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau, we see that he did so when he ''was old" and when. "his eyes were to dim too see". So all three accounts were acts of faith that were seen at the end of their lives.
Is this not the sort of life we should wish to have, a life of faith, where faith is still present and active in our latter days? I know that no one is more faithful than our loving Lord, but how precious is the faithfulness of God's children in their latter years. Isaac, Jacob and Joseph believed God. They knew Him to be true and always faithful. I see the same in the Apostle Paul's life as he "blessed" Timothy near the end of his life.
I know I will not be a man of great faith just because I grow old as a Christian. But if I am obedient to the call to "grow in the grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", I know that my faith can be strong even when I grow weak in my latter years. When I am old and my eyes are dim, I pray, that by His grace, I will be a man of strong faith in the One who is forever faithful. And I pray that I too will be one who blesses his children and others with words that speak of the faithfulness of the God.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter 2010, A Contrast of Thoughts and Images
What a privilege and stewardship belongs to those who know the true meaning of Easter! May we never stray from the hope and promise that we find in our risen Savior. And may we always proclaim, by word and by practice, the gospel of our Lord Jesus, "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures".
For my Easter thoughts this year I would like to share several contrasting images that we can see in this wondrous of stories. My thoughts will focus on those days immediately surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection. By no means will this be a complete list of those things we might find contrasting one another.
Jesus washing the feet of those who would deny Him.
One who betrayed and One who was faithful.
Breakers of promises and One who kept His.
Those who fell away and One who said, "Thy will be done".
Men sleeping in the garden and One praying fervently.
Those coming to seize and arrest and One ready to go willingly.
A crown of thorns for the King of Kings.
Those without authority given the same to crucify the Son of God.
No guilt found in Him but mine taken by Him.
Sinners shouting "Crucify, crucify Him" and the sinless One saying, "Father forgive them".
Those who hung on a cross for breaking the law and One hanging with them Who had fulfilled the Law.
A mother grieving the cruel punishment of her Son and His Father forsaking Him.
A Man dying for the sins of His mother, the one who gave Him life.
A Man committing His mother into His best friend's hands while committing His Spirit into those of His Father.
Barabas and Jesus.
The sinless One paying the wages of sin.
A hardened thief and a repentant thief.
Two lives that were taken and One that was given.
The One who knew no sin becoming sin for those who know it so well.
Two men dying because of their sins and One Man dying for the sins of the world.
The death of One resulting in life to many.
Life coming through death.
An occupied and sealed tomb becomes an open and empty one.
My sins credited to Jesus and His righteousness credited to me.
Ascended but coming again!
Preparing a place in Heaven for me while living in me and preparing me for that place with Him.
As we "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", may our life overflow with love and obedience to the One who died on Calvary's cross, "the just for the unjust". May the power of the resurrection cause us "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord" and to live lives that are marked by a "simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". May the name of Jesus be glorified!
For my Easter thoughts this year I would like to share several contrasting images that we can see in this wondrous of stories. My thoughts will focus on those days immediately surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection. By no means will this be a complete list of those things we might find contrasting one another.
Jesus washing the feet of those who would deny Him.
One who betrayed and One who was faithful.
Breakers of promises and One who kept His.
Those who fell away and One who said, "Thy will be done".
Men sleeping in the garden and One praying fervently.
Those coming to seize and arrest and One ready to go willingly.
A crown of thorns for the King of Kings.
Those without authority given the same to crucify the Son of God.
No guilt found in Him but mine taken by Him.
Sinners shouting "Crucify, crucify Him" and the sinless One saying, "Father forgive them".
Those who hung on a cross for breaking the law and One hanging with them Who had fulfilled the Law.
A mother grieving the cruel punishment of her Son and His Father forsaking Him.
A Man dying for the sins of His mother, the one who gave Him life.
A Man committing His mother into His best friend's hands while committing His Spirit into those of His Father.
Barabas and Jesus.
The sinless One paying the wages of sin.
A hardened thief and a repentant thief.
Two lives that were taken and One that was given.
The One who knew no sin becoming sin for those who know it so well.
Two men dying because of their sins and One Man dying for the sins of the world.
The death of One resulting in life to many.
Life coming through death.
An occupied and sealed tomb becomes an open and empty one.
My sins credited to Jesus and His righteousness credited to me.
Ascended but coming again!
Preparing a place in Heaven for me while living in me and preparing me for that place with Him.
As we "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", may our life overflow with love and obedience to the One who died on Calvary's cross, "the just for the unjust". May the power of the resurrection cause us "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord" and to live lives that are marked by a "simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". May the name of Jesus be glorified!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 11: 17-19. Although the author had already written of Abraham's faith in verses 8-10, we see him inspired to return to Abraham in these three verses. "By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type." Divine inspiration notwithstanding, it is no wonder why the author goes back to discussing Abraham. The example of faith we have here is nothing short of amazing.
I suspect that most are quite familiar with the story; Abraham being called by God to take his son and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. The donkey, the servants, the wood, the bound son, the drawn knife the ram caught in a thicket, etc... But it is the Hebrew author's contribution to the account that causes me to say, "wow!" I think that many have been in awe with Abraham's faith shown in this account, thinking that his faith was in God intervening and preventing Isaac's death. And no doubt, such an act of faith would have been remarkable.
But again, the Hebrew author invites us to consider a striking truth that makes Abraham's act of faith even more notable. God, the One "who cannot lie" had declared that in Isaac, Abraham's descendants would be called. This is important to note because Isaac would need to be alive in order for this to occur. Abraham's faith does not appear to have been in God preventing Isaac's death but in His power to raise Isaac from the dead after his ensuing death at his father's hand! Again, God had declared that Abraham's descendants would come through Isaac, and indeed, through Isaac they would come. Since God had instructed him to sacrifice his son, Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill His promise.
When I consider the faith that is described in this account I can better understand why in Galatians 3:9 the Apostle Paul simply describes Abraham as "Abraham, the believer". Similar to Abraham, we are the target of many promises from the Lord. May we come to know them, receive them, believe them, live them, and rest in them.
I suspect that most are quite familiar with the story; Abraham being called by God to take his son and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. The donkey, the servants, the wood, the bound son, the drawn knife the ram caught in a thicket, etc... But it is the Hebrew author's contribution to the account that causes me to say, "wow!" I think that many have been in awe with Abraham's faith shown in this account, thinking that his faith was in God intervening and preventing Isaac's death. And no doubt, such an act of faith would have been remarkable.
But again, the Hebrew author invites us to consider a striking truth that makes Abraham's act of faith even more notable. God, the One "who cannot lie" had declared that in Isaac, Abraham's descendants would be called. This is important to note because Isaac would need to be alive in order for this to occur. Abraham's faith does not appear to have been in God preventing Isaac's death but in His power to raise Isaac from the dead after his ensuing death at his father's hand! Again, God had declared that Abraham's descendants would come through Isaac, and indeed, through Isaac they would come. Since God had instructed him to sacrifice his son, Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill His promise.
When I consider the faith that is described in this account I can better understand why in Galatians 3:9 the Apostle Paul simply describes Abraham as "Abraham, the believer". Similar to Abraham, we are the target of many promises from the Lord. May we come to know them, receive them, believe them, live them, and rest in them.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's "short thoughts" will be Hebrews 11:16 where we read, "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them." As the author continues to speak of the Old Testament saints he has previously named, he tells of a desire they had that gave great influence to the lives they lived.
Without a doubt, there are dispensational differences in the promises that belong to the believer in Christ and those belonging to the saints the Hebrew author has named in this chapter. But I believe we find some commonalities in our "desires". One of their's was a "better country", "a heavenly one". A heavenly home is clearly one of our desires. Today's verse says that God Himself has prepared a city for these saints the author writes of.
Jesus spoke of the many dwelling places in His "Father's house". We have His word that He is preparing a place for us and that He will come again and recieve us unto Himself. This place He has prepared for us, a heavenly home within His Father's house, will be a glorious reallity for each believer in Christ one day. May our hope of heaven and the special dwelling place the Savior has prepared for us greatly influence our life on earth. By His grace may it help us to be people of great faith in our great God!
Without a doubt, there are dispensational differences in the promises that belong to the believer in Christ and those belonging to the saints the Hebrew author has named in this chapter. But I believe we find some commonalities in our "desires". One of their's was a "better country", "a heavenly one". A heavenly home is clearly one of our desires. Today's verse says that God Himself has prepared a city for these saints the author writes of.
Jesus spoke of the many dwelling places in His "Father's house". We have His word that He is preparing a place for us and that He will come again and recieve us unto Himself. This place He has prepared for us, a heavenly home within His Father's house, will be a glorious reallity for each believer in Christ one day. May our hope of heaven and the special dwelling place the Savior has prepared for us greatly influence our life on earth. By His grace may it help us to be people of great faith in our great God!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's short thoughts will be from Hebrews 11:15, where we find great insight into fighting the good fight of faith. The Hebrew author writes, "And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return." Oh, how important are the things that we think about; the things we choose to occupy our minds with.
Opportunity to return to the world and its ways is all around us. Look to the left and it is there. Look to the right and it is there also. Look behind you and you will see that opportunity is there as well. But we can avoid these "opportunities" by "fixing our eyes on Jesus", "looking for new heavens and a new earth" and by "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Opportunity to return to the world, that "country" from which we have come out of, our "Egypt" if you will, is not there. Praise God. Oh, the wisdom of our gracious Lord! Looking unto Jesus is the good way, the safe way, the only way for the child of God.
What then shall we think on? What will we occupy our minds with? In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Nothing is more true, more honorable, more right, of greater purity, more lovely, of greater consideration, of more excellence or worthy of any greater praise, than Jesus. This is what we are called to "dwell on". Dwell on Jesus. Dwell on the truths of His word and His wondrous ways. This is one of God's gracious provisions to keep us from the "opportunities" that are all around us, beckoning us to return to the world.
Opportunity to return to the world and its ways is all around us. Look to the left and it is there. Look to the right and it is there also. Look behind you and you will see that opportunity is there as well. But we can avoid these "opportunities" by "fixing our eyes on Jesus", "looking for new heavens and a new earth" and by "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Opportunity to return to the world, that "country" from which we have come out of, our "Egypt" if you will, is not there. Praise God. Oh, the wisdom of our gracious Lord! Looking unto Jesus is the good way, the safe way, the only way for the child of God.
What then shall we think on? What will we occupy our minds with? In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Nothing is more true, more honorable, more right, of greater purity, more lovely, of greater consideration, of more excellence or worthy of any greater praise, than Jesus. This is what we are called to "dwell on". Dwell on Jesus. Dwell on the truths of His word and His wondrous ways. This is one of God's gracious provisions to keep us from the "opportunities" that are all around us, beckoning us to return to the world.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
The passage of scripture for today's "short thoughts" will be Hebrews 11: 13-14. Speaking of those who had lived lives of faith, the writer is inspired to proclaim, "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. "
My first thought is to praise God for the grace He has bestowed upon me. If for some reason I were to die today, I too would be counted amongst those who "died in faith". To echo the words of the great hymn, "My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me."
Like those before us, we are amongst the blessed who have both seen and welcomed "from a distance" our promise of being with Christ in heaven one day. The fulfillment of our promises may lie before us but we can rest in the many positional truths that God has given us assurance of in His word. As we read in Ephesians 2:6, He has already "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Perhaps here is my struggle. Confessing that I am a stranger and exile on the earth. Oh, sure, I understand the truth of what that means but have I confessed it in my heart. Do I only give this truth words from my mouth? Am I "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God"? May the Lord help us to be those found "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith".
A country of our own, one not of this world, is a focal point of His promise to us. "Home" is being "absent from the body" and being "at home with the Lord". He will fulfill His promise to prepare a place for us and to come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, we may be also. It is here that we "shall always be with the Lord".
My first thought is to praise God for the grace He has bestowed upon me. If for some reason I were to die today, I too would be counted amongst those who "died in faith". To echo the words of the great hymn, "My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me."
Like those before us, we are amongst the blessed who have both seen and welcomed "from a distance" our promise of being with Christ in heaven one day. The fulfillment of our promises may lie before us but we can rest in the many positional truths that God has given us assurance of in His word. As we read in Ephesians 2:6, He has already "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Perhaps here is my struggle. Confessing that I am a stranger and exile on the earth. Oh, sure, I understand the truth of what that means but have I confessed it in my heart. Do I only give this truth words from my mouth? Am I "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God"? May the Lord help us to be those found "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith".
A country of our own, one not of this world, is a focal point of His promise to us. "Home" is being "absent from the body" and being "at home with the Lord". He will fulfill His promise to prepare a place for us and to come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, we may be also. It is here that we "shall always be with the Lord".
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