The Sign of the Manger

“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:12

The night started like any other night for the shepherds. They had shepherded the flock to a good pasture outside the small village of Bethlehem. Perhaps they had just finished a snack from their scrip and sat on the ground as comfortably as possible for the long night of watching their flock.

God had taken human flesh in the womb of Mary, and the long-awaited Messiah was born this day in the City of David. The city of Bethlehem. The city of the shepherd boy who became king of Israel. These shepherds heard the heavenly host give them a sign. The infant Messiah will be found wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a stone feeding trough.

These shepherds would be all too familiar with outdoor stone troughs for feeding livestock, but jarred to see “this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15) as the King would be swaddled and lying in a manger! Yet, Mary laid the infant Messiah in the manger because “there was no room for them in the lodging place” (Luke2:7). Why was Mary in Bethlehem? The mighty ruler of the world, Caesar Augustus, decreed a census (Luke 2:1). God’s mighty King of the world was swaddled, lying in a manger outside.

God took on flesh in Christ. He “was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,” but became a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). This is the mind of His united church who humbly count others more significant than themselves, looking after one another’s interests in love (Philippians 2:2-4).

The shepherds returned to their flock on what appears an ordinary night, but they returned “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke2:20). They had not seen an earthly royal scene. No palace, not even indoors! No gold or royal garments, just the night sky and swaddling cloths. They rejoiced in God for the sign was just as they had been told.

Reader, the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as we are told in Scripture. He became like us in every way to suffer as the sacrificial lamb and made atonement as the faithful high priest to destroy the devil’s power of death and death’s fear in our short lifetime of slavery (Hebrews 2:14-18). Christ nailed the believer’s record of death and triumphantly disarmed the devil of his power of death and accusation on His cross (Colossians 2:14-15).

Christmas is a yearly reminder of “this thing that has happened” that, like the shepherds, we may go on our ordinary lives glorifying and praising God for fulfilling His promise in His Word sending Christ into the world to save His children. This is good news to believe for yourself, dear reader. To be freed from death and the power of death, to be reconciled to God to enjoy Him forever, all through Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, we glorify and praise You for sending Christ Jesus Your Son into the world to save sinners, that You were pleased to crush Him and give us life. Grant to us, Your church, to have the same mind in Christ. All glory and praise to the name of our God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John Newton: The King of Kings is our Friend

18th Century minister John Newton, the former slave trader, author of Cardiphonia, deeply thought about the Christian's future. In exposition of Revelation 19:16, "On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords," Newton compared the Christian's earthly dishonor to the coming glory guaranteed by Christ who is King of kings and the Christian's friend.

"How great is the dignity and privilege of true believers! Is the man congratulated or envied whom the king delights to honor? Believers are more frequently despised than envied in this world. But they may congratulate one another. The King of kings is their Friend. They have honors and pleasures which the world knows nothing of. Their titles are high, they are the "sons and the daughters of the Lord Almighty," (II Corinthians 6:18). Their possessions are great, for "all things are theirs" (I Corinthians 3:21). They are assured of what is best for them in this life, and of life eternal hereafter. They are now nearly related to the King of kings, and shall ere long be acknowledged and owned by him, before assembled worlds. They who now account the proud happy, will be astonished and confounded when they shall see the righteous, whom they once undervalued, 'shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of God.'"

Joy in Capturing Souls

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” –Proverbs 11:30

I was recently in a grocery store examining hot sauces for the best sauce with the lowest sodium. A stranger approached me in my peripheral without my notice. “Mister,” said the elderly man, “can I give you something?” His right hand outstretched toward me as I held my angle toward the hot sauces. In his hand was a gospel tract. I took the tract and looked him in the eyes. He was smiling as he asked me, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”

Social taboos did not stop him from telling a complete stranger about Jesus. The encounter led my mind to think about the depths of love a Christian has for Christ who should be worshiped by all people, and the depths of love for lost sinners to tell even strangers of Jesus.

This Holy Spirit inspired Proverb tells us that the Christian is a fruit-bearer, not only as a personal blessing, but in the capturing of souls. Souls on the path to death captured by the wise Christian unashamed of the gospel as the power of God to save sinners (Romans 1:16).

The wise fruit-bearing Christian “brings back a sinner from his wandering” and saves “his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). This fruit-bearing is wisdom of love that covers the transgressions of others in the soul-capturing efforts, not stirring divisions in hatred (Proverbs 10:12). Such soul-winners are upright in heart, wise in fruit-bearing.

This elderly stranger had an affection for Christ and for me in the simplicity of handing me a tract and asking me about my relationship with my Lord. An affection that exceeded any social fears or politeness to keep to himself. What an honorable quality.

Christian, you are called by the Father, equipped by the Holy Spirit and His Word, and commissioned by Christ Jesus to be a capturer of souls. For the salvation of lost souls into eternal joy, and for the gladness to our Savior’s heart, be a soul-winner. Spurgeon puts it best:

“What would you give to cause a thrill of pleasure in the heart of the Well-beloved? Recollect the grief you cost Him, and the pangs that shot through Him that He might deliver you from your sin and its consequences; do you not long to make Him glad? When you bring others to His feet, you give Him joy, and no small joy either. Is not that a wonderful text,—'There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth'?” (TheSoul-Winner).

My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us give our Savior joy and do the work of an evangelist. Let us spend ourselves to the saving of souls. May the pains and griefs of a dying world stir our hearts to tell them the good news carried by beautiful feet. Let us love Christ and our neighbors to speak in the name of Jesus to others.

Heavenly Father, increase our love for our Savior and compassion for the lost. Make us wise in Your holy Scripture; make us fishers of men. Make us capturers of souls, bringing the lost to the feet of our Savior. Grant to us the words to say we ought and boldness to speak them. All to glorify the great name of our mighty working God of grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lloyd-Jones on the Plight of the World and the Church

Worried about the condition of the church or the condition of the world? Seeming instability may stir panic in our hearts, homes, and churches. Preaching from Romans 1:2, "God promised beforehand through

his prophets in the holy Scriptures," Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on a ministry which spanned Hitler's advance into Europe and bombing of England. The pastor of Westminster Chapel even prayed during service when a bomb struck nearby. Did Lloyd-Jones panic over a man like Hitler? No. Here, he explains:

"Are you troubled about the state of the church, the dwindling congregations, the plight of the world, the might of the world, the organization of the world, and all these things? Oh, I say, go back to the Old Testament and take hold of the comfort and consolation of the Scriptures. Or are you troubled by something that has happened in the world today? Then put it in the context of the Old Testament. I was never worried for a second about a man like Hitler; it was enough for me to read the thirty-seventh Psalm, and there I read of a man like him spreading himself like a green bay tree, a sort of colossus striding the whole earth. But I read on and learned that a day came when a man wanted to go to see him and to speak with him, and he could not find him. He searched everywhere for him; he could not find any trace of him; he had vanished. Why? God had blown upon him. And the Old Testament is full of such examples. In the light, then, of all that, what can we say? I have nothing but this: 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.' He seems to sleep for centuries, but He is still there; His ways are past finding out. 'For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?...Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him and through him and to him are all things: to whom', and to whom alone, 'be glory for ever. Amen.'" -D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans: Exposition of Chapter 1, The Gospel of God (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2022), page 97.

Gurnall and The Christian Shield Bearer

William Gurnall was a 17th Century Puritan scholar in England. He served as an Anglican minister through very momentous events in English history such as the English Civil War, the execution of King Charles I, through the Cromwell Protectorate years, and even the Restoration. 

Gurnall is best known by his work on a large 3-Volume writings on Ephesians 6:10-20 entitled, Christian in Complete Armour. Here is an excerpt on the Christian protected and nourished is able to protect other Christians and help nourish them.

"Not only are active graces necessary for your own protection, but also for the help and comfort of other Christians. Paul had this in mind when he disciplined himself to keep a good conscience so as not to be a scandal to other believers. He knew that the cowardice of one may make others run; that the ignorance of another may do mischief to man. How often has the waywardness of a saint seduced a fellow Christian to leave the narrow path for the broad road that leads to destruction? This is among the gravest of errors for we are commanded to do just the opposite! God told the Reubenites and the Gadites to go before their brethren armed for battle, until the land was conquered. Thus you are to assist your fellow brethren who may not have the same measure of grace or comfort as you. Help such weak ones; be their shield bearer. This you will not be able to do unless your own grace is exercised, your armor buckle on. 

Perhaps you are a parent with a family under your wing. They fare as much as you do. If your heart is feasting on Christ, you will never find yourself in short supply when caring for their spiritual needs. On the other hand, if your own heart is malnourished, they will go hungry for spiritual food."

George Bethune on Christian Gentleness

George Washington Bethune was a pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church in New York and Pennsylvania in the 19th Century. In his book, The Fruit of the Spirit, Bethune slowly works through Galatians 5:22-23 on Paul's "fruit of the Spirit." Here, he introduces the spiritual fruit of gentleness:

"Perhaps no grace is less prayed for, or less cultivated, than gentleness. Indeed, it is considered rather as belonging to natural disposition, or external manners—than as a Christian virtue. Seldom do we reflect that not to be gentle, is sin. Yet here we find it among 'the fruits of the Spirit.'
James also, when he describes the wisdom from above, says, "it is first pure, then peaceable, gentle."
Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, when he appeals to them in the name of Him who was the incarnation of that divine wisdom, and the example of Christian character, beseeches "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ."
And David long before, while blessing God for his salvation, had exclaimed, "Your gentleness has made me great." It well befits us, therefore, to meditate upon a quality which bears the impress of divine beauty, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ, and proves him who possesses it to have been . . .
born of the Spirit,
taught by the Father, and
transformed into the image of his dear Son.
Gentleness can be defined as a sweet mildness of temperament, manifested in words, address, and general demeanor."

Abundant Peace

“Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” –Psalm 119:165

How does a Christian avoid stumbling? By enjoying abundant peace. How does a Christian enjoy abundant peace? By loving God’s Word. Not perfectly keeping, but loving the Law of the Lord. The instruction of the Word of the Lord is received with affection because the Christian loves the Lord who instructs. He is teaching us and transforming us by through His Word, which is received with love.

Our abundant peace is not given by absence of troubles, but a love for His Word through troubles. We do not have abundant peace in us to match the height of troubles in this life.

After a long road trip, there is a calm when the engine is shut down and the loud sound of the tires pressing a heavy car forward while rubbing the pavement ceases. Calm moments are refreshing, but this is not the definition of peace. Peace remains in motion, stays even in the height of noise. God in His kindness gives us pauses of calm to soothe His children along the hard, narrow way. But this is not to be confused with peace.

The abundant peace enjoyed by the lover of God’s Word is a peace received. His peace surpasses understanding. A peace which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). A peace which keeps us from stumbling.

In our modern cultural economy prospering in anger and hostility, the Christian’s peace is a priceless treasure. The lover of God’s Word is a speaker of God’s Word as truth, which in our modern hostile age is not for the weak and scared. Our strength to speak in face of a hostile world is abundant peace.

Abundant peace is enjoyed by those being taught by the Word of the Lord to be Christ-like, not as hearers of the Word only, but doers of the Word.

In a hostile world which seeks to divide, the lover of God’s Word is a blessed peacemaker. Those who enjoy abundant peace make peace knowing we are called children of God.

Abundant peace is enjoyed as we learn to be content with plenty or lack. When troubles grow deeper, there is a deeper grace for the lover of God’s Word. Peace, and peace abundant.

The worldly heart only finds peace when everything goes their way and there is no battle to be fought. Abundant peace is found on the serene face of a general overlooking a battle. Peace is enjoyed in the heart when a parent must intervene in their children fighting. Peace is enjoyed when trials come. Peace is a comfort in grief and sorrow. The abundant peace is an ever-flowing spring to drink as we must travel through this thirsty land.

The Christian enjoys abundant peace and is kept from stumbling, but not in isolation. The Holy Spirit provides the bond of peace in the local church, and the Christian’s love for brothers and sisters in Christ abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling inside of him (I John 2:10). Remaining love for fellow Christians aids in our walk with the Lord without stumbling.

The lover of God’s Word enjoying abundant peace and loves the saints is wise, his ways pleasant, and his path is peace (Proverbs 3:17).

Wisdom looks to God, the Giver of every perfect and precious gift, and asks for this abundant peace with a love for His Word. We enjoy abundant peace, our hearts and minds are guarded in Christ by His peace, and we make peace as children of God.

Heavenly Father, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, give us a high affection for Your Word, and bless us with abundant peace. We ask as Your children, called blessed peacemakers. Be glorified in the calm of the hearts of Your children in every season and in our gospel proclamation to a perishing world. We receive Your mercies by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John Calvin's Prayer to be Made Teachable

The reformer John Calvin recorded a prayer in the midst of his commentary on the Prophet Joel 2:1-11, a passage of warning of the coming Day of the Lord.

Calvin read this warning passage and cried out to the Lord to learn the lessons of Joel and be made teachable.

"Grant, Almighty God, that as You invite us daily with so much kindness and love, and makes known to us Your fatherly goodwill, which You did once show to us in Christ Your Son, — O grant, that, being allured by Your goodness, we may surrender ourselves wholly to You, and become so teachable and submissive, that wherever You guide us by Your Spirit, You may follow us with every blessing. Let us not, in the meantime, be deaf to Your warnings; and whenever we deviate from the right way, grant that we may immediately awake when You warn us, and return to the right path, and deign You also to embrace us and reconcile us to Yourself through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Matthew Henry and the Greatness of Christian Meekness

Matthew Henry, famous for his commentary published in 1706, set to write a book A Discourse On Meekness and Quietness of Spirit based on I Peter 3:4, “A meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

Henry contended for the greatness of Christian meekness and quietness in a world which sees greatness in an entirely different way:

“Meekness is commonly despised by the grandees of the age as cowardice and meanness, and the evidence of a little soul, and is posted accordingly; while the most furious and angry revenge is celebrated and applauded under the pompous names of valor, honor, and greatness of spirit…

To be meek is to be like the greatest saints, the elders that obtained a good report, and were of renown in their generation. It is to be like the angels, whose meekness in their converse with, and ministration to the saints, is very observable in the Scriptures; nay, it is to be like the great God himself, whose goodness is his glory, who is "slow to anger," and in whom "fury is not." We are then followers of God, as dear children, when we "walk in love," and are kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. The more quiet and sedate we are, the more like we are to that God who, though he be nearly concerned in all the affairs of this lower world, is far from being moved by its convulsions and revolutions; but, as he was from eternity, so he is, and will be to eternity, infinitely happy in the enjoyment of himself. It is spoken to his praise and glory, The Lord sits upon the floods, even when the floods have lifted up their voices, have lifted up their waves. Such is the rest of the eternal Mind, that he sits as firm and undisturbed upon the movable flood as upon the immovable rock, the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the meek and quiet soul that preserves its peace and evenness against all the ruffling insults of passion and provocation, does thereby somewhat participate of a divine nature (II Peter 1:4).”

Spurgeon and the Passing Away of the Fashion of this World

Charles Spurgeon had preached from I Corinthians 7:31 which reads, “The fashion of this world passeth away.” All the world's "honors and dignities" will pass away. He said further, "even this world’s religious fashions will pass away." With precious gospel hope, Spurgeon describes how Christ will provide a world of greater fashion:

"We shall soon see the King in His beauty and the land that is very far off. We may begin to put off our old week-day garments for the heavenly Sabbath bells will soon ring out their welcome call. Let us shake ourselves from the dust, for our beautiful array is ready and we shall soon sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Eagerly anticipate—all of you who love the Lord Jesus Christ—eagerly anticipate your better portion. You daughters of sickness, you shall soon have done with all pains and pangs forever. You children of poverty, you shall soon have done with your anxieties and griefs concerning your many wants. You toil-worn workers in the vineyard of Christ, and you who are oppressed with many cares, you shall be Marthas no longer, but you shall sit at Jesus’ feet forever.

As for you who have been mourning, and sighing, and crying, your weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Put off your sackcloth, for God shall gird you with the garment of praise. Forget the drought of the wilderness, for you shall soon be in the paradise of God, and at His right hand where there are pleasures forevermore."

Sermon #3032 “The Fashion of This World”

McCheyne and Battling Unbelief in the Darkness

Robert Murray McCheyne’s sermon from John 11:1-46 entitled, “Bethany: The sickness, death, resurrection of Lazarus,” has rich gospel truths which confronts unbelief and encourages us to carry all things to Christ.

1) Martha’s presumption. “If You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

How did she know this? What promise of the Bible could she name upon which this expectation was grounded? God had promised that his own shall never want bread nor any good thing; that he will supply all their need, that they shall never perish, that he will be with them in time of trouble; but nowhere has he promised that they shall not die. On the contrary, “Israel must die.” David prays: “Make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days.” And Job: “I would not live alway.”

2) Her limiting of Christ: “If You had been here.”

Why so? Am I a God at hand, and not afar off? “Is my hand shortened at all, and have I no power to redeem?” She forgot the centurion of Capernaum: “I am not worthy that You should come under my roof, but speak the word only” (Matthew 8:8). She forgot the nobleman’s son at Capernaum: “Sir, come down, ere my child die.” “Go your way, you son lives” (John 4:50). Her grief and anguish kept her from calmly remembering the works and power of Jesus.

3) Her unbelief: “But I know that even now.” This was faith, and yet unbelief. She believed something, but not all, concerning Jesus. She believed in him as an advocate and intercessor, but not that all things were given into his hands, that he is Lord of all, head over all things to the Church. Her grief, and confusion, and darkness, hid many things from her.

4) And yet she came to Jesus. Though grieved, she was not offended; she did not keep away from him. She poured out all her grief, her darkness, and complaint, into his bosom. This is just the picture of a weak believer: much of nature and little grace, many questionings of Christ’s love and power, and yet carrying your complaints only to him. It was not to the Jews Martha told her grief, it was not to the disciples, it was to Jesus himself.

Learn that afflicting time is trying time. Affliction is like the furnace, it discovers the dross as well as the gold. Had all things gone on smoothly at Bethany, Martha and Mary had never known their sin and weakness; but now the furnace brought out the dross.

Learn to guard against unbelief. Guard against presumption, making a Bible-promise for yourself, and leaning upon a word God has never spoken. Guard against prescribing your way to Christ, and limiting him in his dealings. Guard against unbelief, believing only part of God’s testimony. “O foolish, and slow of heart to believe all that God has spoken.” Remember, whatever your darkness may be, to carry your complaint to Jesus himself.

 

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and God's Saving Grace

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the medical doctor turned preacher, commented on this passage in his exposition through Romans:

"The Apostle's argument is that there is nothing whatsoever in us to recommend us, nothing at all. Why did Christ come into the world? Was it in answer to some plea that came from mankind? Not at all! Was it in response to some good in man? Was it because of some divine spark still remaining, and some manifestations of that? Not at all! There was nothing in mankind to recommend it to God, nothing in human nature, nothing in any one of us to recommend us in any way to God and to His love. Indeed the truth about us was, and is, that there was everything in us that was wrong and vile and hateful, everything calculated to antagonize God towards us - enemies, hateful, vile, ungodly, sinners as we were. We must realize that our salvation is entirely gratuitous, and arises only and altogether from the love of God in His infinite grace. That is the Apostle's argument. He expresses it again most movingly in his Epistle to the Ephesians, Chapter 2:4-10, 'But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins...' He talks about 'the exceeding riches of his grace' and His kindness towards us. There is nothing but sin in us; all good is from God. 'By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.' It is all of grace, 'lest any man should boast'. It has nothing to do with our works, nothing indeed to do with us in any way at all."

Romans, Exposition of Chapter 5:1-21. (Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), Page 124

Be Reconciled

The Bible teaches us that human beings are alienated from God and hostile toward Him. The gospel is in Jesus Christ who is God making His dwelling place with man, reconciling sinners to God through the blood of His cross. We could not reconcile ourselves to God, but in Jesus Christ free grace receives reconciliation.

Genesis 1:27 – “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Genesis 3:9-10 - “The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

Exodus 25:8 – “They are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”

Exodus 29:45-46 - “I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”

Exodus 37:27 – “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

II Chronicles 6:17-18 - “Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David. But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!”

Isaiah 7:14 – “The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

John 1:1-3, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Colossians 1:19-20 – “In Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”

Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”

Come, Let us Adore Him

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” –Psalm 34:1

Francis of Assisi penned this introductory line of a hymn, “All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing!” The invitation not only for people, but the moon, stars, sun, plants, animals; ALL creatures praise God! This Psalm is a resolution to bless the Lord and praise Him always. The God who created all things for His glory created my mouth to speak and sing His praise.

The feet carrying the gospel of peace boldly sends shockwaves in a world gripped in darkness by cosmic powers (Ephesians 6:12, 16, 19). Humanity uses the mouth for speaking their mind, an overflow of what is in the heart (Luke 6:45). We as followers of Christ may use our mouths to rebuke and correct, or even defend the faith. Do these words overflow from an adoration of Jesus Christ?

Often we point to our Lord’s command to love one another, yet this love of neighbor is second to the greatest commandment, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). When you are in conversation about anything, are your words gracious and seasoned from a deep adoration of Jesus? Do I correct a brother or sister in Christ’s wrong, or perhaps watch the news and see a sinner with scorn, without blessing and praising the Lord at all times?

Do you marvel when you think of Jesus? Jesus is not to be reduced to merely a subject to be studied and contended for. Study of Jesus without adoration for Jesus sets a stage for our pride to act in the theater of the world set for an audience to applause us rather than Christ.

We adore what brings us pleasure. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Always rejoicing, always blessing and praising Jesus for He is our joy and pleasure. Paul commands, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). We think about the excellencies of Jesus, we are warmed by thinking about Him and we adore Him. The qualities of Jesus are to be studied, but studied because these qualities are praiseworthy, for He is our joy and pleasure.

There is brilliance and warmth to the depths of your soul thinking about His rule as King, His power to rescue, and the wonders of His love! To shout God’s praise adds exclamation points to the sentences we speak. “I love the Lord Jesus Christ” is not simply a statement, it is an exaltation from a heart who adores Jesus above all else.

Our adoration of Jesus not only measures our health, adoration is our health. We adore Jesus in worship. Adoring Jesus who grants inner peace which surpasses understanding that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus from being anxious (Philippians 4:6-9). Adoration of Jesus speaks to the health of our relationships. Adoration of Jesus stirs our mouths to rejoice always, letting our gentleness be known to all (Philippians 4:4-5).

We are to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is our “always” blessing and praise of our Lord. What is the beauty of Christ we are to adore? His wounds.

Spurgeon preached, “The wounds of Christ are his glories, they are his jewels and his precious things. To the eye of the believer Christ is never so glorious, never so passing fair, as when we can say of him, ‘My beloved is white and ruddy,’ white with innocence, and ruddy with his own blood.” (The Wounds of Jesus, 30 January, 1859).

This praiseworthy thought stirs adoration in the depths of our hearts.

Heavenly Father, we come as children before You. Needy, dependent, yet cared for and loved by our Father. We ask that our thought of You, our study in Your Word, might stir intense adoration for Jesus our Lord. Each stripe He endured, each sin He bored, and each thorn in His brow is beauty to rejoice. Our God has made peace with us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sins forgiven, our lives everlasting, our joy full, and our pleasures from Your right hand forevermore. With gratitude in our hearts we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God Supplies Every Need

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:19

Paul was in prison, and the Philippian church had concern and sent Epaphroditus with gifts for Paul (vs 18). Paul recalled how this church was the only church supporting him in Macedonia (vs 15) and met his needs when he was in Thessalonica (vs 16). Such care, sharing in Paul’s trouble, was a “sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (vs 18).

All this having told the Philippian church how God taught Paul how to be satisfied when brought low or abounding, in times of plenty or hungry, abundance and in need (vs 11-12). It is here Paul reminds this church that God will take care of their future needs. This promise is in the context where Paul said before, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (vs 6).

Anxiety in my heart is washed away by the mighty tides of content in the supply of God, making known my need as a request. God knows what I need. He knows what others in my church family needs. Jesus commands the church to love one another, an action of caring for each other in our needs. It is a gracious thing to share in someone else’s trouble, just like the Philippians shared in Paul’s trouble.

A local church is blessed in her care for the needs of missionaries, sharing in their trouble. Such blessing also comes in her care for her shepherds (ITimothy 5:17-18). Furthermore, such care for one another in the church is that added blessing since such actions and care pleases God (Hebrews 13:16).

Look at Paul’s benediction again. Imprisoned, Paul could not pay back the gifts he received. He assured them God Himself, who is pleased with their sacrifice, will supply their needs according to the inexhaustible riches in glory that is ours as believers in Christ Jesus.

The Lord may not supply every want, but He will supply every need. The sharing in need and in trouble, carrying one another’s burdens, reveals God is rich in glory. He is the Supplier when I receive gifts and when I give gifts. Such sacrifices are like the thanksgiving sacrifices made to God in Psalm 50, when the Lord says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” God is glorified in caring for us in our time of trouble, with such care through one another’s love.

Whatever your gifting to serve in the church, sharing in their trouble, caring out of concern for those in need, use your gifting to please the Lord who supplies all your needs according to the richness of His glory. So, fear not about your future. Be anxious about nothing. You are more valuable to God than sparrows (Matthew 10:31). Such richness of treasure is an inheritance stored up for you in heaven, a future grace to be enjoyed, guarded by God’s power to give to you on that day (I Peter 1:4-5).

Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your abundant supply, knowing our needs and how to best meet those needs. We rejoice even in trials that such a great supply is ours to enjoy in eternity. Bless us that we may bless one another. Meet our needs that we may care for one another. Be glorified in our sacrifices, using our gifts and caring for one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.