Transfiguration

Transfiguration Sunday

posted 02/21/04

Malachi 4:1-6 The coming of the Lord
2 Corinthians 3:7-18 The New Covenant
Luke 9:18-27 Peter’s Confession

The Day of the Lord comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and evildoers will be like straw. They will be completely destroyed by fire, leaving neither root nor branch. But for those who fear the Lord and honor his name, the sun of righteousness shall rise bringing healing. The righteous shall be restored, with vigor and enthusiasm for life like that of a frisky calf released from its stall.

The righteous will tread down the wicked, for the wicked shall be ashes under the feet of the righteous. Remember and continue to obey God’s commandments given to Moses at Mt. Horeb for all God's people. God will send Elijah the prophet before the Day of the Lord. “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse” [or “ban of utter destruction” (Malachi 4:6).]

If the implementation of the old covenant of Law, which condemned us to death, was accompanied by such splendor that Moses had to cover his face with a veil, although the splendor was fading (Exodus 34:29-35), will not the dispensation of the Spirit (which frees us from condemnation under the Law) be attended by even greater splendor? The former splendor, which is fading away, will seem like nothing at all, compared to the latter, which is eternal.

Since this is our hope, we are bold; we don’t have to wear a veil like Moses did, in order to conceal the fading of the splendor (since ours is unfading). The minds of the Israelites were hardened, and even today a veil lies over the minds of non-Christians when they read the old covenant (the Jewish Bible; i.e. the Old Testament), because only through Christ is the veil taken away. “The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Lord is there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). We who are in Christ behold the glory of the Lord without any veil, and are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another (like the difference in splendor between the old and new covenant) “for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 RSV).

Jesus asked his disciples who people were saying that Jesus was. They replied that some said Jesus was John the Baptist (who had by then been beheaded by Herod; see Mark 6:14-16; Matthew 14:3-12); others thought he was Elijah, or one of the other prophets of old. Then Jesus asked his disciples who they understood him to be, and Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah; the anointed one) of God. Jesus ordered them to tell this to no one, explaining that the “Son of man” must suffer and be rejected by the Jewish religious authorities, be killed, and on the third day be raised.

There is a Day of Judgment coming, when those who have rejected Jesus and disobeyed God’s word will be condemned to eternal death and destruction in Hell, and those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). God’s Law, given to Moses on Mt. Horeb, will condemn the wicked. God promised to send Elijah to herald the coming of the Lord and to call them to repentance.

The Law of Moses was the basis of the old covenant. It was the forerunner of the Messianic era like Elijah was to herald the Day of the Lord. It was like the "stall" to contain the frisky calf (Malachi 4:2b). The old covenant has been “eclipsed” by the new covenant. The old covenant was not intended to be God’s eternal plan of salvation, but merely to herald it and contain us until the coming of the new covenant in Jesus Christ.

Under the old covenant, sacrifices had to be made continually for the forgiveness of sin. This was necessary until Jesus came and offered himself once for all time and all people for the forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:25-28). There is no further offering for sin. "Elijah" did come to herald the day of the coming of the Christ, just as God promised through the prophet Malachi. John the Baptist was the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:7-14; Mark 9:11-13).

The new covenant is salvation by grace (the free gift of God) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). There is a “veil” that lays over the minds of all non-Christians, preventing them from seeing the splendor of the new covenant of Jesus Christ, and only Jesus can remove it. When Jesus was crucified, the veil of the Temple, separating the Holy of Holies, was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). This symbolized the opening of the way to direct fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Risen Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17; see Acts 9:5; Romans 8:9) who is the Spirit of God (see Colossians 2:8-9).

Jesus called himself the Son of man, which to me suggests an emphasis on his incarnation (God in human flesh dwelling among us; see Colossians 2:8-9). It is also a messianic claim (Daniel 7:13-14), but which, by ambiguity, allows the hearer to decide for himself who Jesus is. Who Jesus is was controversial then, and it is still controversial. It is also a question of eternal life-or-death consequences that each one of us must decide for ourselves.

Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ. (In Matthew 16:16-18, Jesus declared that God had revealed this truth to Peter, and this truth would be the foundation on which the Church would be established, unshakable, unto eternal life.) After Jesus' resurrection, when he appeared to Thomas and the other disciples in the upper room, Thomas declared of Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Who do you say that Jesus is?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Transfiguration - Monday

first posted 02/22/04

Proverbs 27:1-6, 10-12 Uncertainty of tomorrow
Philippians 2:1-13 Humility and obedience
John 18:15-18, 25-27 Peter’s denial

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do no know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). It is better for others to praise you than for you to praise yourself. Putting up with a fool’s provocation isn’t easy. Jealousy is harder to bear than anger. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5) A friend will risk causing pain for the good of his friend, whereas an enemy will pretend to be your friend while he is secretly plotting to hurt you.

Those who are in Christ have an incentive and encouragement to live in harmony with their brethren. They should not be motivated by their own pride or selfishness, but rather by love for others. One should consider the interests of others as well as one’s own interests. Follow the example of Jesus, who although he was God, took human form and became a servant. He didn’t insist on being accorded the honor which is due God, but humbled himself and became obedient, even unto death on the cross. As the result, “God has highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). So we should live out Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives in humility and obedience as the testimony of our salvation.

After Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter (and the disciple described in the Gospel of John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” who is almost certainly John himself) followed at a distance to see what would happen. The other disciple (John) was known to the high priest and was able to gain entrance for himself and subsequently for Peter. The maid who tended the door asked Peter if he was a disciple of Jesus, and Peter denied it. Later, officers and servants of the high priest were standing by a fire in the courtyard warming themselves and one of them asked Peter if he was a disciple of Jesus, and again Peter denied it. One of the servants, who happened to be a relative of the man, Malchus, whose ear Peter had cut off at the time of Jesus’ arrest in the garden (John 18:10) asked Peter if he hadn’t seen Peter there in the garden, and for the third time Peter denied it.

It is our human nature to want to be in control, and to imagine that we are. We tend to have inflated ideas about our own self-sufficiency and worth. When things go well for us we take the credit, but when things go wrong we tend to blame others. We can make plans, but the outcome is in God’s hands. It would be better for us to seek God’s will, and humbly acknowledge his supremacy, and our dependence upon him. If we humbly acknowledge him, in due time he will exalt us. [And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1Peter 5:6)].

Jesus showed us a better way to live. We should apply the principles that he taught by word and example. Our humility and obedience to his teaching reveals whether we are truly saved.

Peter was quick to declare that Jesus was the Christ (Luke 9:18-27), and to declare his utmost loyalty to Jesus, unto death (John 13:37-38). Within 24 hours, Peter, in fear for his life, had denied Jesus three times. Luke’s Gospel records that when Peter denied Jesus the third time, the Lord turned and looked at Peter (Luke 22:61). Peter’s denial of his love for the Lord must have hurt Jesus more than any open rebuke that he suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious authorities (see Proverbs 27:5).

Peter loved the Lord and he meant well, but he fell short of his own expectations. Fortunately the Lord was able to restore Peter (John 21:15-19) and strengthen him by the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that Peter became a great preacher (Acts 2:14-42) and a leader of the first-century Church (Galatians 2:9).

Transfiguration - Tuesday

first posted 02/23/04

Proverbs 30:1-4, 24-33 Dialog of skeptic and believer
Philippians 3:1-11 Hope of resurrection
John 18:28-38 Those who are of truth hear Jesus

The words of a believer to those who say that there is no god and that there is no hope beyond this world* (i.e. “I am doomed;” Proverbs 30:1b). The narrator suggests with irony how much easier it is for them to arrive at what they consider religious enlightenment than it is for him. They have no need of revelation from heaven (Proverbs 30:4a), they have no need to try to understand God’s works (Proverbs 30:4b-d), nor for an intimate familiarity with God (Proverbs 30:4e).

He cites examples of four insignificant creatures which can teach man lessons. Ants are tiny, but they are industrious and they are able to provide for their food. Badgers are small, but are able to defend themselves. Locusts have no political system, and yet they work together in social organization. The lizard is easily caught, but hard to keep from becoming a nuisance even to the rich and powerful. Four animals are cited as examples of arrogance: the Lion, the strutting rooster, the “Billy goat” and a king striding before his people. He ends by warning that those who have been exalting themselves or plotting evil should quit doing so, because that behavior will bring them trouble.

Paul advises believers to rejoice in the Lord and to guard themselves against “legalism” (i.e. that one must keep the Jewish Law or do certain things as a requirement for salvation). There were some who were preaching the necessity of circumcision. Paul declares that a right relationship with God is spiritual, a deep commitment in the inner self, rather than a merely physical outward display.

Paul said that if righteousness were a matter of outward accomplishments, he would have plenty of reason for confidence, since he had all the right genealogy and education. But true righteousness is not based on our accomplishments, but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. So Paul was willing to give up everything, including his Jewish "pedigree," his academic and religious accomplishments in order to gain Christ, so that he could have fellowship with the Lord and experience the power of his resurrection, sharing in Christ’s sufferings and even death, for the hope of sharing in Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

Jesus had been arrested by the Jewish religious authorities and taken before Annas, the former high priest (and father-in-law of Caiaphas) who continued to influence the Jewish religious establishment. After interrogation, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, the High Priest, for formal trial (Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; Luke 22:54-71) before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Court; see also Acts 4:6), which condemned Jesus to death for claiming to be the Son of God (Matthew 26:63-66).

Early in the morning they took Jesus to the praetorium (the residence of Pilate, the Roman Governor). The Jewish authorities did not enter the praetorium themselves, since entering a gentile’s house would make them ritually unclean and prevent them from participating in the Passover celebration, so Pilate went out to them, and asked what the charges were against Jesus. The Jews declined to state specifics (John 18:30). Pilate told them to handle it themselves. But the Jews were not allowed to administer the death penalty. Pilate went in and questioned Jesus.

The charge that would have concerned Pilate was treason, so he asked Jesus if he were King of the Jews (i.e. intending to lead a revolution). Jesus said that his kingship was not of this world, and that he was not out to establish himself as King by force ( John 18:36). Pilate asked Jesus if he was a king, and Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate went out to the Jews and told them he had found Jesus not guilty of any crime. He offered to release one prisoner at the celebration of Passover, according to his custom, and asked if they would like him to release Jesus, but they demanded Barabbas (who was a notorious robber) instead.

The narrator suggests that the atheist and the agnostic imagine themselves to be intellectual and wise, but they are really intellectually lazy and foolish. Religious skepticism is human arrogance. In this world, those who are ruthless predators, strutting roosters, “Billy goats” and kings of politics and industry are considered to be great, and the “insignificant” are regarded with distain. Be warned: those who are considered great in this world will pass away. It is the meek who shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Paul taught believers that we should rejoice in what we have in Jesus Christ. We should not be misled by false teachers who claim that we must earn salvation by good works. True righteousness is not based on our accomplishments, but on faith in Jesus Christ. It is a gift of God to those who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believers are willing to give up the things which are valued in this world - wealth, status, power, comfort – because they have come to a personal knowledge and experience of Jesus and the power of his resurrection.

Jesus’ arrest and trial is a picture of people who exalted in their own righteousness. They were literally the keepers of the Jewish Law. They were the political, intellectual and religious “giants” of their society. They were certain that they were in possession of the truth, but they did not recognize the truth in Jesus. They trusted in their own righteousness and missed the true righteousness from God which comes only by faith in Jesus. Do you know Jesus?

* Ithial and Ucal are not proper names. If the words are Aramaic they may mean “There is no God …and I am doomed.” The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Proverbs 30.1-9n, p. 801, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962

Ash Wednesday

first posted 02/24/04

Amos 5:6-15 Seek the Lord and live
Hebrews 12:1-14 A cloud of witnesses
Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee and the tax collector

“Seek the Lord and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph and it devour, with none to quench it…” (Amos 5:6). Woe to those who pervert justice and discard righteousness. It is the creator of the universe who will destroy the mighty of the earth; there is no fortress against his might. Those who hate righteousness and truth, who rob and abuse the poor, will not live to enjoy their ill-gotten gain. God knows all the transgressions and the wickedness of the sins of those who afflict the righteous, pervert justice, and deny the needy. Be careful what you say, for it is a dangerous time. “Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord the God of Hosts will be with you”, as you have *claimed* (my paraphrase; Amos 5:14).

Paul uses the metaphor of a sporting contest. We are the contestants in the race, and the spectators include the great cloud of witnesses, the heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11 (the past winners). We must set aside everything which would slow us down and put everything into the race at hand. We should look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 RSV), as our example. Most of us have not suffered for the faith to the point of the shedding of our own blood.

We must remember that as God’s children, there are times that he must discipline us as any good father must discipline his children. Our earthly fathers disciplined us with far less wisdom and concern for our good than the Lord, who disciplines us so that we may share in his holiness. All discipline seems unpleasant at the time, but it brings good results to those who are trained by it. Don’t be sissies; show courage and perseverance; and correct what needs corrected in your lives, cooperating with the process so that you may be perfected, rather than trying to resist and being damaged by it.

Jesus told a parable to “those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others” (Luke 18:9) Two men went into the temple to pray; one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and prayed…with himself” (Luke 18:10). In his prayer the Pharisee exalted himself and his good works. But the tax collector “standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13). Jesus said that the tax collector was forgiven and accepted by God, whereas the Pharisee was not. Jesus said that those who humble themselves will be exalted, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

Amos warns us to turn from our selfish ways and seek the Lord. Many people in today’s society consider prosperity a mark of God’s favor; if people are successful they must be good. The world’s values are not God’s values.

The way to eternal life is not through self-indulgence. Believers, like athletes, must give up things which would slow them down, and be willing to endure the discomfort of training in order to gain the reward. We need to submit to correction so that we can be perfected, rather than resisting and being injured in the process. Many are willing to sacrifice in order to obtain earthly goals which are transient and insignificant. How much better to endure sacrifice and discipline to obtain a reward which is eternal (see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Someone has said that there are two kinds of people in this world: Sinners, who think they’re righteous, and the Righteous, who know they’re sinners. God’s word says all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23), and that the punishment for sin is eternal death and destruction in Hell (Romans 6:23). If we claim that we haven’t sinned we call God a liar, and we do not know the truth (1 John 1:8, 10). God loves us and doesn’t want us to perish (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). Forgiveness of sin and eternal life are the free gift of God to those who trust in Jesus; salvation cannot be earned, bought or taken by force or deception (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Jesus cannot be of any benefit to us until we acknowledge that we need him. Are you trusting in yourself, or are you trusting in Jesus?

Lent - Thursday

first posted 02/25/04

Habakkuk 3:1-10 (11-15) 16-18 The prayer of Habakkuk
Philippians 3:12-21 Press on
John 17:1-8 Jesus’ high-priestly prayer

This is a psalm describing the coming of the Lord in judgment to save his people. The psalmist says that we have heard of the mighty works of the Lord and that we fear and respect God. He prays that the Lord will make his works known, and that he will temper his wrath with mercy. He describes the coming judgment of the earth with plagues and earthquakes. In the awesome Day of the Lord, God’s people will be saved, and the wicked will be destroyed. Although fearsome to contemplate we will wait quietly for that day to come. We will rejoice in the Lord, even in hard times, for he is the God of our salvation.

Paul does not claim Christian perfection or complete spiritual maturity, but that is his goal, and he presses on to attain it in grateful response to what Christ has done for us. He does not regard it as his personal accomplishment, but he lets go of his old ways and presses on toward the new life that lies ahead. He presses on toward the goal, so that he may obtain the prize which is the reward of responding to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We are encouraged to press on likewise, and to hold on to what we have attained. We are urged to follow Paul’s example, and to note others who do likewise. Paul warns that there are many who are enemies of the cross of Christ, because they are worldly and carnal. Their thoughts are on earthly things; their “god” is their fleshly appetite. But we are citizens of Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our earthly body to be like his glorious body by his power over all things.

At the end of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus prayed. He acknowledged that the hour had come for Jesus to be obedient unto his death on the cross, and through that death to secure eternal life for all who would believe in and have a personal relationship with him (John 17:3). Jesus looks forward to being restored to the glory and joy he had in God’s presence before his incarnation (John 17:5). Jesus prayed for his disciples: those who have received Jesus’ words, which Jesus received from God, and have believed that Jesus came from God and that God had sent him.

The psalmist says that we have heard the Lord’s word that he will come to judge all the earth, to destroy the wicked and save God’s people. He prays for the fulfillment of that word (“make it known,” i.e. actualized; Habakkuk 3:2d RSV). Although fearful to contemplate, we trust in the Lord, even in hard times, and pray for mercy.

Paul doesn’t pursue Christian perfection or spiritual maturity in order to earn salvation. His motivation is a response to what Christ has already done for us, and the promise of eternal life in the Lord’s presence. We who have received the Gospel are urged to hang on to that, to let go of the things of this world that belong to the old way of life and to pursue the new, eternal life we have in Christ.

Paul warns that there are those, even professing Christians, who live as enemies of the Cross of Christ because they are worldly and carnal (living to gratify their physical desires). Our physical bodies are not eternal; we will receive glorified eternal bodies, just like Jesus’ glorified resurrected body, so the nurture and growth of our spirits should be much more important to us than the gratification of our flesh.

Jesus’ crucifixion was fearsome for him to think about. In his flesh, he would rather not have had to endure it (Matthew 26:39), but he chose to deny his physical desires and he let go of everything he had in this life to be obedient to God’s will, to save us and give us eternal life with him. He trusted in God through the worst time imaginable. We are Jesus’ disciples if we follow his example.

He was obedient to God’s will. He let go of everything he had in this earthly life so that he could be restored to the glory and joy of eternal life in God’s presence. His disciples are those who not only hear his commands but receive them (John 17:8) and do them; they incorporate them into their lives. Paul followed that example and he taught believers to do the same.

Jesus said, “ He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21). Those who are truly Jesus' disciples will have a personal relationship with Jesus (John 17:3) because Jesus promises to reveal himself to them. “Born-Again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christians, those who have truly been filled with the Holy Spirit, testify that Jesus does reveal himself.

The Day of Judgment is fearsome to contemplate, but if we are in Jesus Christ, we can wait quietly for it, and even pray for it, trusting in Jesus. Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Lent - Friday

first posted 02/26/04

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Turn to the Lord and live
Philippians 4:1-9 Follow godly example
John 17:9-19 Jesus prayer for his disciples

Each person will be accountable to God for his actions. God does not punish the children for the sins of their fathers. The soul that sins shall die. The Lord is just; it is man who is not just. In the Lord’s justice, if a righteous person turns from righteousness and commits wickedness he shall die for his wickedness, but if a wicked person turns from wickedness and does what is right he will be spared. The Lord will judge every one according to his ways. “Repent and turn from all your transgressions lest iniquity be your ruin...and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!” (Ezekiel 18:30-31 RSV). The Lord has no pleasure in the death of any one, so turn, and live (Ezekiel 18:32).

Stand firm in the Lord. Help and support the brethren who work for the Gospel. Rejoice in the Lord. Be patient and tolerant of others. Let us not worry about anything, but always in prayer with thanksgiving, let God know our needs, and God’s peace, which is beyond our understanding, will keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Let our thoughts dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, and worthy of praise. Follow and practice the example of Christian living which we have learned from scripture and have seen demonstrated by Paul’s life, and the God of peace will be with us.

On the night when Jesus was arrested, during the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for his disciples. Jesus knew that he would have to leave them in this world when he ascended to God the Father, and he prayed that they would have unity as Jesus and the Father are one, that they might experience Jesus’ joy, that they might be protected from the evil one, and that they might fulfill the mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Jesus commits himself as a sacrifice for his disciples so that they may be purified and share in Jesus’ mission to others.

We will all be held accountable to God. (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46). His judgment will be completely fair and merciful. All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death and separation from God (Romans 6:26). The Lord loves us and does not want anyone to perish (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17), and he has done more than anyone could possibly expect him to do to save us. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). If we are condemned in the final judgment, we will have only ourselves to blame.

If we are truly Jesus’ disciples, we are called to carry on Jesus’ mission to bring the good news of redemption to all people, not just in word but also by deed and action. Jesus dedicated and gave his life to accomplish that salvation, and he prayed that we would be as committed to that mission as he was. In order for us to do that, we must first be his disciples. Have you accepted the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus made possible on the Cross? Have you committed your life to be his disciple and to carry on his mission to reach the world?

Lent - Saturday

first posted 02/27/04

Ezekiel 39:21-29 Judgment of all nations
Philippians 4:10-20 Jesus supplies every need
John 17:20-26 Jesus’ prayer for his disciples

All nations shall see the Lord’s judgment. Israel went into captivity because of her sins. The Lord hid himself from them and allowed the captivity because of her unfaithfulness. Now the Lord will restore the fortunes of his people and have mercy upon them. When the Lord brings them back from the land of their enemies, they will know that the Lord is God and they will no longer remember their sin and shame. The Lord will be vindicated among the nations. He will no longer hide himself from them; he will pour out his Spirit upon his people.

Paul rejoiced at the expression of concern for him by the Philippians through a gift sent via Epaphroditus. Paul was not complaining about his situation because he had learned to be content, regardless of his outward circumstances, because he received comfort and empowerment from Christ. But he did appreciate the Philippians' concern. Paul recalls that the Philippians had loyally supported him in the past. More important than the gift itself was its evidence of the spiritual condition of the givers. Paul was confident that the Lord, with whom he had a personal relationship and knew to be faithful in providing for him in every situation, would provide for the Philippians abundantly as well.

Jesus prayed for unity among all those who would believe in him, so that their testimony would be effective, and that the world would know that Jesus and God are one, that Jesus is the Christ sent by God, and God loves us as he loved his only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed that those who believe in him might be with him eternally. The world has not had a personal relationship with God. It is only through Jesus that God is revealed and made known.

When the Israelites were unfaithful in their covenant with the Lord, God hid his face from them. He didn’t listen or respond to their prayers. As a result the Israelites were carried off into captivity and the Lord allowed it to happen, so that they might learn that obedience to God is in their best interest. When they learned to repent and return to obedience to the Lord, he brought them back and restored their fortunes. The Lord does not want to hide himself from us. He wants to have a personal relationship with us through his Spirit. He promises to pour out his Spirit upon his people.

It is Paul’s testimony that Jesus can and does supply all our needs. In him we can face every situation with the assurance that he will strengthen us and bring us through it. Through Jesus, God is abundantly willing and able to supply every need.

Jesus came into the world to restore fellowship with God which had been broken through sin. Jesus was God incarnate (in human flesh; Colossians 2:8-9). Only through Jesus is God revealed and made known (John 14:6). All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death and separation from God’s presence (Romans 6:23). Only through Jesus can we be forgiven and restored to fellowship with God (John 3:16-17; Acts 4:12).

God promised to pour out his Spirit upon his people (Ezekiel 39:29). Jesus told his disciples that when he ascended into Heaven he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them (John 14:16-17, 25; 16:7-11; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5). The promise of the Holy Spirit began to be poured out upon God’s people on the day of Pentecost (Acts Ch. 2). Paul himself had a radical conversion experience of the Spirit of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and subsequently received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts Ch 9).

On the Day of Judgment, those who have refused to repent of their sin and turn to Jesus in faith and obedience will be carried off into eternal captivity to death and eternal separation from God. Jesus’ disciples will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). Do you know Jesus?