Day 121
What
God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking
contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the
promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus
did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11).
If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the
Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: “Hear my prayer, O God, listen
to the words of my mouth.” We must call upon Him with faith: “Surely
God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” (Psalm 54:2,4).
Day 122
In all the social details of the division of the land, we must not lose sight of its spiritual basis (Joshua 21:43-45).
The important thing is that God, and not man, receives the glory: “Do
not rebel against the Lord or against us by building an altar for
yourselves, other than the altar of the Lord your God” (Joshua 22:19). If God, and not man, is to be exalted, there must be new birth (John 3:3,5-7). To the man who is obsessed with his own problems - “My heart is in anguish within me ...” (Psalm 55:4-5), God gives us “the wings of a dove” (Psalm 55:6) - to rise to higher things.
Day 123
The
concluding message, preached by Joshua, is a call for the people to
exalt the Lord. They make a definite and public commitment to the Lord.
The Christ-centredness of real commitment to the Lord is summed up in
the words of John the Baptist: “He must become greater; I must become
less” (John 3:30). We must confess Christ and honour Him - “The One who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31). We
must listen to what He says to us - “The One whom God has sent speaks
the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34).
It will not be easy to live a life of true commitment to Christ.
Nevertheless, we have God’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He
will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).
Day 124
In John 4, we read about the overcoming of our enemies through the Gospel. “Jews do not associate with the Samaritans” (John 4:9).
Jesus did associate with the Samaritan woman. The woman believed in
Jesus. Many others believed in Him. By breaking down the barrier between
Jews and Samaritans, Jesus was not minimizing the difference between
the godly and the ungodly. He was emphasizing that “he who sows
righteousness reaps a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18). As He spoke the Word of God’s love, many were brought to faith in Him (John 4:39).
When the Gospel of God’s love reaches our hearts, we do not continue
in sin, going our own way rather than the Lord’s way. We come in our
sin to the Saviour. We receive His forgiveness. We begin a new life -
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Day 125
“The Lord raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of these raiders” (Judges 2:16). “This man really is the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42). God
sends His servants to revive His people. God sent His Son to redeem
His people. Revival comes “by the Spirit of the Lord” (Judges 3:10).
Redemption comes through the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we
look to God for both redemption and revival, we say, “In God, I trust, I
will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:4,11).
Day 126
Judges 4:1-5:31; John 4:43-5:15; Psalm 57:1-6
“God sends His love and faithfulness” (Psalm 57:3).
When we’re reading a book like Judges, we must remember the faithful love of God. When we remember God’s faithful love, we will look beyond the events recorded in Judges. We will catch a glimpse of God’s presence and purpose. Whatever may be happening in our lives, let’s remember this: God is there, and He is fulfilling His purpose of “love and faithfulness.” In Jesus Christ, the love and faithfulness of God are seen more clearly than anywhere else. In His healing, we see Him declaring the “love and faithfulness” of God. Rejoicing in God’s faithful love, let us say, from our hearts, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:5).
When we’re reading a book like Judges, we must remember the faithful love of God. When we remember God’s faithful love, we will look beyond the events recorded in Judges. We will catch a glimpse of God’s presence and purpose. Whatever may be happening in our lives, let’s remember this: God is there, and He is fulfilling His purpose of “love and faithfulness.” In Jesus Christ, the love and faithfulness of God are seen more clearly than anywhere else. In His healing, we see Him declaring the “love and faithfulness” of God. Rejoicing in God’s faithful love, let us say, from our hearts, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:5).
Day 127
Judges 6:1-7:8a; John 5:16-30; Psalm 57:7-11
The
source of Gideon’s spiritual strength lay in the Lord – “The Lord is
with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). The source of Jesus’ strength
lay in God the Father – “the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can only
do what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). When we realize the
source of our spiritual strength, we are able to say, “My heart is
steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast” (Psalm 57:7).
Day 128
Judges 7:8b-8:35; John 5:31-47; Proverbs 11:19-28
“No
sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted
themselves to the Baals” (Judges 8:33). “John was a lamp that burned
and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light” (John
5:35) – “For a time”, but note their response to Jesus -”I have come in
My Father’s name, and you do not accept Me” (John 5:43). “The Lord
detests those whose hearts are perverse, but He delights in those whose
ways are blameless” (Proverbs 11:20). How important it is not to
settle for a superficial religion, which can be easily overthrown when
Satan comes in with an unbelieving alternative which does not honour
the Lord Jesus Christ. True faith honours Jesus Christ as Saviour and
Lord.
Day 129
Judges 9:1-57; John 6:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11
“Surely there is a God who judges the earth” (Psalm 58:11). “God repaid the wickedness … ” (Judges 9:54).
The Holy God speaks to us of His judgment upon sinners. He speaks to us His Word of warning, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). In love, He is calling us to return to Him. He pleads with us, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). God’s Word of warning comes to us as part of His call to receive His gift of salvation through faith in Christ – “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
Two ways are set before us – the way of “those who shrink back and are destroyed” and the way of “those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). What does it mean to have faith in Christ and be saved by Him? To gain a clearer understanding of what faith in Christ as Saviour is, it may be helpful to note what it is not.
In John 6:14-15, we see two inadequate responses to Jesus Christ – “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”
* First, He’s described as “the Prophet.” A prophet is someone who brings a message from God. The prophets preach God’s Word. Is Jesus just the greatest of the prophets? – No! He’s much more than that. He doesn’t only preach God’s Word. He is God’s Word. He doesn’t only pass on God’s message to us. He is God’s Message. If Jesus was no more than the greatest prophet, He would still be leaving salvation in our own hands – “Here’s the way you should live. Do your best to follow my teaching.” That’s not Good News for sinners who need to receive forgiveness. That just reminds us of our failure to live up to the message that is preached to us. Thank God – Jesus is more than the greatest preacher who ever lived. He is God’s only Son. He’s our perfect Saviour.
* Second, He’s described as a “king.” Throughout history, there have been many kings. Some of them have been great kings. There have also been some terrible kings. Is Jesus just one of the kings – even the best king there’s ever been? If that’s all that He is, we’re again left with a problem. A king is someone we should look up to – some deserve more respect than others. We need more than someone to look up to. We need Someone who has come down to our level. An old hymn asks the question, “Who came down to earth from heaven?” It gives the Gospel answer – “Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
There have been many prophets. There have been many kings. There’s only one Saviour – “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). There is only one Man concerning whom God’s Word says, ‘Believe in Him and you will be saved” – it’s the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). If we want to be saved, we don’t go to the “prophets” and “kings” and say, “What can you do for me?” They can do nothing for us. Like us, they must look away from themselves to Jesus. Like us, they must pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Like us, they must come in faith to Jesus and receive salvation as God’s “free gift” (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23).
The Holy God speaks to us of His judgment upon sinners. He speaks to us His Word of warning, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). In love, He is calling us to return to Him. He pleads with us, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). God’s Word of warning comes to us as part of His call to receive His gift of salvation through faith in Christ – “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
Two ways are set before us – the way of “those who shrink back and are destroyed” and the way of “those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). What does it mean to have faith in Christ and be saved by Him? To gain a clearer understanding of what faith in Christ as Saviour is, it may be helpful to note what it is not.
In John 6:14-15, we see two inadequate responses to Jesus Christ – “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”
* First, He’s described as “the Prophet.” A prophet is someone who brings a message from God. The prophets preach God’s Word. Is Jesus just the greatest of the prophets? – No! He’s much more than that. He doesn’t only preach God’s Word. He is God’s Word. He doesn’t only pass on God’s message to us. He is God’s Message. If Jesus was no more than the greatest prophet, He would still be leaving salvation in our own hands – “Here’s the way you should live. Do your best to follow my teaching.” That’s not Good News for sinners who need to receive forgiveness. That just reminds us of our failure to live up to the message that is preached to us. Thank God – Jesus is more than the greatest preacher who ever lived. He is God’s only Son. He’s our perfect Saviour.
* Second, He’s described as a “king.” Throughout history, there have been many kings. Some of them have been great kings. There have also been some terrible kings. Is Jesus just one of the kings – even the best king there’s ever been? If that’s all that He is, we’re again left with a problem. A king is someone we should look up to – some deserve more respect than others. We need more than someone to look up to. We need Someone who has come down to our level. An old hymn asks the question, “Who came down to earth from heaven?” It gives the Gospel answer – “Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
There have been many prophets. There have been many kings. There’s only one Saviour – “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). There is only one Man concerning whom God’s Word says, ‘Believe in Him and you will be saved” – it’s the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). If we want to be saved, we don’t go to the “prophets” and “kings” and say, “What can you do for me?” They can do nothing for us. Like us, they must look away from themselves to Jesus. Like us, they must pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Like us, they must come in faith to Jesus and receive salvation as God’s “free gift” (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23).
Day 130
Judges 10:1-11:40; John 6:25-29; Psalm 59:1-8
“Deliver me from my enemies” (Psalm 59:1).
The Psalmist had enemies. The people of Israel had enemies. Jesus had enemies. We have enemies. There will, however, be a Day of God’s judgment. There will be deliverance for the Lord’s people. No mercy will be shown to wicked traitors. The Lord will “laugh at them.” He will “scoff at all those nations” (Psalm 59:5,8).
The Psalmist had enemies. The people of Israel had enemies. Jesus had enemies. We have enemies. There will, however, be a Day of God’s judgment. There will be deliverance for the Lord’s people. No mercy will be shown to wicked traitors. The Lord will “laugh at them.” He will “scoff at all those nations” (Psalm 59:5,8).
Day 131
Judges 12:1-13:25; John 6:60-7:13; Psalm 59:9-17
Judges
tells us of Samson, a man of great strength. The Psalmist teaches us
that true strength comes from the Lord. Samson’s true strength was
God-given. Our true strength is God-given. True strength is more than
physical strength. It’s spiritual strength. The Psalmist says to God, “O
my Strength, I watch for You … I will sing of your strength … O my
Strength, I sing praise to You” (Psalm 59:9,16-17). We receive this
strength as we read the Word of the Lord. When Jesus asked His disciples
if they were about to draw back from following Him, Peter said, “Lord,
to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
Day 132
Judges 14:1-15:20; John 7:14-44; Proverbs 11:29-12:7
True
strength comes from the Spirit of the Lord – “the Spirit of the Lord
came upon him (Samson) in power” (Judges 14:19); “Whoever believes in Me
(Jesus), as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from
within him. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him
were later to receive” (John 7:38-39). This strength is not only inner
strength. It’s strength that’s to be used to benefit others – “he who
wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
Day 133
Judges 16:1-17:13; John 7:45-8:11; Psalm 60:1-4
Samson
“killed many more when he died than while he lived” (Judges 16:30).
The chief priests and Pharisees were anxious to bring Jesus in – to
destroy Him. Little did they realize that His death was to be His
greatest victory. Even when His people are at a very low ebb, God does
not abandon them. His purpose is restoration – “for those who fear You,
You have raised a banner” (Psalm 60:4). Jesus was brought low. He was
raised again. We may be brought low. We will be raised again.
Day 134
Judges 18:1-19:30; John 8:12-30; Psalm 60:5-12
In
Judges, we read of idolatry and adultery. Into this kind of situation
comes the Lord’s warning – “if you do not believe that I am He, you
will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24). There is much resistance to
the Gospel. There will, however, be those who believe – “Even as He
spoke, many believed in Him” (John 8:30). In a situation full of many
temptations, we must learn to say, with the Psalmist, “Give us aid
against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain
the victory, and He will trample down our enemies” (Psalm 60:11-12). The
problems are great. The Lord is greater. There are many difficulties.
With the Lord on our side, we will be victorious – victors in Christ.
Day 135
Judges 20:1-21:25; John 8:31-59; Psalm 61:1-8
The
Book of Judges ends on a very sad note: “In those days Israel had no
king; everyone did as they saw fit (or “everyone did what was right in
his own eyes”)” (Judges 21:25). The sadness doesn’t come from the
political situation – “no king”. It comes from the moral and spiritual
situation – people doing as they pleased with respect for the authority
of God and His Word. In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders refused to
crown Jesus as King of their lives. When He spoke to them of the truth
which could set them free, they said that they didn’t need to be set
free (John 8:32-33). Persisting in their unbelief, they confronted
Jesus: “Who do you think you are?” (John 8:53). Israel had times when
there was “no king”. They had times when there was a king. We now have a
King who is greater than all Israel’s kings. Jesus is the King of
kings. He is “enthroned in God’s presence for ever” (Psalm 61:7).
Day 136
Ruth 1:1-2:23; John 9:1-34; Proverbs 12:8-17
Difficult
situations can be turned around to glorify God (John 9:3). The story
of Ruth is the story of mourning turned to rejoicing. In John 9, we
have darkness turned into light, blindness to sight. This is the story
of “amazing grace” – “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see”
(John 9:25). The story of Ruth is a story of blessing – “He who works
his land will have abundant food” (Proverbs 12:11). The story of the
blind man is the story of “a truthful witness giving honest testimony”
(Proverbs 12:17).
Day 137
Ruth 3:1-4:22; John 9:35-10:21; Psalms 62:1-12
The
book of Ruth ends by locating Ruth within the family tree of David,
the shepherd-king. He, in his turn, forms part of the family tree of
Christ, “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), the “King of kings”
(Revelation 19:16). David, the shepherd of Israel, pointed away from
himself to Christ, “the Good Shepherd” who “lays down His life for the
sheep … only to take it up again” (John 10:11,17). The words of David
point us to Christ – “He alone is my Rock and my Salvation” (Psalm
62:2).
Day 138
1 Samuel 1:1-2:26; John 10:22-42; Psalms 63:1-11
“Eli’s
sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord” (1 Samuel
2:13). They “sinned against the Lord” – “they did not listen to their
father’s rebuke” (1 Samuel 2:25). God is calling us back from this way
of living. He is showing us the better way – “the boy Samuel continued
to grow … in favour with the Lord” (1 Samuel 2;26). It’s the way of
listening to the Lord – “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel
3:10). In Proverbs 29:1, there’s a very challenging word of warning:
“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be
destroyed, and that without remedy.” Such words of warning are also
found in the New Testament. Jesus said, “whoever blasphemes against the
Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin”
(Mark 2:29). Our response to such words is not to attempt to give ‘the
perfect answer’ to the question, “What is the blasphemy against the
Spirit”? We are to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). John the
Baptist warned his hearers to “flee from the coming wrath” (Luke 3:7).
Once again, the goal is not to gain “a perfect understanding” of “the
coming wrath.” We are to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance”
(Luke 3:8). Hebrews 2:3 says “How shall we escape if we ignore so great
a salvation?” Here, the emphasis is on God’s great salvation. This is
what changes us – “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s
message” (Acts 16:14). Are there people who have hardened their hearts
so much and so often that they have committed the sin of blaspheming
against the Holy Spirit? The Word of God says that this can happen to
any of us. It also says that there’s a better way of living. God’s way
is beautifully summed up in the words of the chorus: “Turn your eyes
upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth
will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” We can
harden our hearts when we persist in sinning against the Lord. We cannot
soften our own hearts. We can only pray, “Soften my heart, Lord.” It’s
His love which changes us. In Jesus’ day, there were people who
refused to listen to Him – “the Jews picked up stones to stone Him”
(John 10:31). Jesus shows us a better way -”My sheep listen to My
voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John
10:27-28). In Psalm 63: 11, there’s a word of warning – “the mouths of
liars will be silenced.” Once again, there’s a better way – “rejoice in
God.” Romans 3:4 says, “Let God be true, and every human being a
liar.” What’s God saying to us here? – Don’t believe the devil’s lie.
He tells us that we can live any way we like. That’s the way of book of
Judges ends – “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges
21:25). How can we be delivered from a life of “ungodliness and
unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18)? – Paul gives us this great answer – “I
am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that
brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
Day 139
1 Samuel 2:27-4:22; John 11:1-44; Psalms 64:1-10
In
the days of Samuel’s youth, “the word of the Lord was rare” (1 Samuel
3:1). Nevertheless, “the lamp of God had not yet gone out” (1 Samuel
3:3). God began to do a new work, with Samuel at the very heart of it.
This new work was like a “resurrection”, out of the ashes came life –
“Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came
out” (John 11:43-44). This is the kind of thing that God was doing in
Samuel’s day: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make
the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle” (1 Samuel 3:11). The
results of such a mighty work of God are described in Psalm 64:9-10:
“All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder
what He has done. The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge
in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him!”
Day 140
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17; John 11:45-12:11; Proverbs 12:18-27
In
Samuel’s day, there was conflict between the god of the Philistines
(Dagon) and the God of Israel. It was no contest – “there was Dagon,
fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord!” (1 Samuel
5:3-4). In Jesus’ day, there was conflict between the religion of the
Jews and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Jewish religious
leaders were concerned about their place and their nation. They didn’t
see the most important thing – the glory of God. God was being glorified
in the ministry of Jesus (John 11:47-48). “Truthful lips endure
forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19) – when
the Philistines and the Pharisees have been silenced, “every tongue
will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”
(Philippians 2:11).
Day 141
1 Samuel 8:1-10:8; John 12:12-36; Psalm 65:1-13
Saul
was an unworthy king. Jesus is the King who is altogether worthy –
“Blessed is the King of Israel” (John 12:13). We are to bring “praise”
to “God our Saviour”. We are to “shout for joy and sing” (Psalm
65:1,5,13). He is worthy of all praise, glory and honour. There is no
other who can compare with Jesus, the King of kings.
Day 142
1 Samuel 10:9-12:25; John 12:37-13:17; Psalm 66:1-12
Jesus
washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:5). Samuel prayed for the people
(1 Samuel 12:23). Those who truly love will, like Jesus and Samuel,
live to serve others. This life of service is to be combined with a
life of worship. We are to “shout with joy to God.” We are to “sing the
glory of His Name.” We are to “make His praise glorious” (Psalm
66:1-2). The two aspects of the godly life, the life which glorifies
God, are summed up in the twofold commandment – love God and love your
neighbour.
Day 143
1 Samuel 13:1-14:23; John 13:18-38; Psalm 66:13-20
We
must never be proud, taking the grace and power of God for granted. We
must learn from those who fell from the Lord: (a) Saul did “a foolish
thing” – he did not keep the command which had been given to him by the
Lord his God (1 Samuel 13:13); (b) Judas betrayed the Lord; (c) Peter
denied the Lord. We must dedicate ourselves to the Lord – “I will …
fulfill my vows to you — vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke”
(Psalm 66:13-14).
Day 144
1 Samuel 14:24-15:35; John 14:1-31; Proverbs 12:28-13:9
“To
obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). “Whoever has My
commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me … Anyone who loves Me
will obey My teaching” (John 14:21,23). “In the way of righteousness
there is life; along that path is immortality” (Proverbs 12:28). God is
looking for an obedient people. This is the way of blessing – “The
light of the righteous shines brightly” (Proverbs 13:9).
Day 145
David was able to face Goliath with confidence in God – “The Lord will deliver me” (1 Samuel 17:37). Saul, then, said to him, “Go, and the Lord be with you” (1 Samuel 17:38).
Jesus’ disciples were able to go forward in their mission with
confidence in God, since Jesus had said to them, “You did not choose Me,
but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear
fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16).
With the Psalmist, we must learn to affirm our faith in God as the One
who will give the blessing both to us and through us: “God will bless
us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him” (Psalm 67:7).
However great the task may be, God is greater. There is no ‘Goliath’
too strong for the Lord, as He makes His “salvation known among all
nations” (Psalm 67:2).
Day 146
At
the heart of David’s triumph over Goliath, there is this great
testimony: “it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the
battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).
When we face ‘Goliaths’ in our own experience, Jesus says, “In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered … may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God” (Psalm 68:1,3).
Day 147
In
the story of David and Jonathan, we have a great picture of human
friendship. In Jesus’ prayer (John 17), we learn so much about our
friendship with God. When we have been with God in the place of prayer,
as Jesus was, we are empowered for service: “The Lord announced the
Word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it” (Psalm 68:11).
Day 148
David
was delivered from his pursuer, Saul. David became the king of Israel.
Jesus was delivered into the hands of His enemies. Following His
resurrection, Jesus was declared to be the King of kings. “The teaching
of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of
death” (Proverbs 13:14). There is a way that leads from death to life. Jesus leads us in this way. He went to death for us. He rose to life for us.
Day 149
“The Lord … has appointed David leader over Israel” (1 Samuel 25:30). Christ’s Kingship is far greater than David’s – “My Kingdom is not of this world … My Kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). Our God reigns (Psalm 68:16). His reign is seen in His work of salvation: “Praise be to the Lord our God … Our God is a God who saves …” (Psalm 68:19-20).
Day 150
To
be “the King of the Jews” was a great honour. David recognized this
when he said, “But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the
Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:11). Pilate didn’t. He sent Jesus “to the cross” with this “notice … Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews” (John 19:19). Psalm 68:24
speaks of “the procession of our God and king into the sanctuary.” When
we understand the divine Kingship in the light of the Cross, we see
Jesus, “carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull …”
(John 19:17).
This is the inner sanctuary, the Holy of holies – Jesus Christ, “the
King of the Jews”, going to the Cross for a world of lost sinners.
Day 151
The
contrast between the death of Saul, the first king of the Jews, and
Jesus, the true King of the Jews, is striking. Saul’s death was a
tragedy. Jesus’ death was a triumph. The contrast is the difference
between a man who said, “it is enough” (Saul had had enough of life, and
he wanted to live no longer) and the Man who said, “It is finished”
(Jesus completed all that the Father had given Him to do). 1 Samuel ends
with a burial (1 Samuel 31:13). John’s Gospel goes beyond a burial to a resurrection. Psalm 68:35
– “You, God, are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives
power and strength to His people.” Those who meet God at the inner
sanctuary – the Cross of Jesus Christ – discover the power and strength
of the Christ who is no longer dead, the Christ who has risen from the
dead.
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