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Cross Day 9 Simon Of Cyrene: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Simon Of Cyrene!

The Questions

1) Who is this Simon of Cyrene, anyway?

2) What do these verses tell me about God’s character?

3) What do these verses tell me about people?

Luke 23:23-33

23 But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that he be crucified, and their voices won out. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand 25 and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.

26 As they led him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were mourning and lamenting him. 28 But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. 29 Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the women without children, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall onus!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others—criminals—were also led away to be executed with him. 33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.

Original Intent

1) Who is this Simon of Cyrene, anyway?
On this day as Jesus is being led to The Skull for His crucifixion, Simon was “coming in the from the country”. (verse 26) Mark 15:21 notes Simon was, “passing by”, painting the picture that Simon may not have been fully aware of all that was happening. He may have heard of Jesus, but was he yelling, “crucify him!” just moments earlier? The text does not really indicate this.
The book of Mark also notes Simon has two sons, Alexander and Rufus. It is not known if they were with Simon at this unusual moment. However, this detail, in correlation with other verses from Acts, gives the impression that Mark’s readers were familiar with the sons at the time the book of Mark was written. Possibly, Simon’s family was hospitable to the disciples during Jesus’ ministry.
Why was Simon picked? Did he have a different skin color (coming from the area of Liberia in Africa)? Was he young and muscular, able to carry the crossbar of the Jesus’ cross? Or did he just have a confused look on his face? However it happened, Simon the Cyrenian did not walk away from the encounter unchanged.

2) What do these verses tell me about God’s character?
These short verses encompass big encounters during which Jesus keeps His purpose in focus. From His intentional responses of silence before Pilot and the crowds to His purposeful conversation with the women on the road, Jesus moves forward to complete His mission of propitiation (taking our punishment on Himself) and calling people to recognize their helpless state before God.
In verses 23-25, Jesus has been up all night, enduring mockery, beatings, and scrutiny from both Pilate (a Roman governor) and Herod (a Jewish governor), yet found innocent. Jesus remained silent through all it, never once defending Himself. He knew neither of these governors had power beyond what was given to them in that moment by God the Father. This has been the plan from the beginning of the world to reconcile God’s people back to Himself.  That is precisely why Jesus lived on earth – to complete the mission of the Gospel.
As Jesus, weary and exhausted, moves towards the cross, He continues His purpose to warn and teach others. There are different theories as to why the women of verse 24 were lamenting, but as some of the last people Jesus spoke to, He tells them to mourn over a deeper sadness of sin and the destruction. He is speaking of Israel’s sin of refusing to acknowledge Him as the Messiah and foretells of Jerusalem’s coming destruction in AD 70.

3) What do these verses tell me about people?
In contrast to Jesus staying kingdom-focused, we humans are first inclined to hone in on how we are feeling in the temporary years of life on earth. In verse 25, Luke notes Jesus was handed over to “their will.” The will and pressure of a group of people (starting with the Pharisees and any who felt threatened by Jesus’ presence, abilities, and popularity) who influenced Pilate to go against his own conclusion of Jesus’ innocence. (Luke 23:13-16) Pilate was focused on the temporary physical worries in handing Jesus over for crucifixion. Many of the people yelling to crucify Christ were, only days prior, welcoming Him with a parade. But, they too, fell into the influence of the temporal worries.
The ladies lamenting over Jesus as He walked to Golgotha only saw a man on a road to His gruesome death. They could not see the victory that was approaching in only three more days. Judging by Jesus’ response, they neither saw their own personal sin or the impending destruction of Jerusalem that God would allow as consequences of Israel’s sin. We see in people the failing struggle to look past the emotion and fear of the moment, to the God who orchestrates a mighty plan of redemption to rescue them from their sin!

Everyday Application

1) Who is this Simon of Cyrene, anyway?
Most of us can relate to an experience of “why me?” Bible commentators have pointed out the unique situation of Simon of Cyrene literally carrying out Jesus’ words earlier in his ministry: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
One may say Simon did not have a choice. He well could have asked, “Why Me?!”. He was pressed by powerful Roman guards before a large and upset crowd. Whatever Simon himself was thinking (surprise, sadness for Jesus, fear for what could happen to himself after reaching Golgotha, pressure, fatigue, stress, etc.), it was a scene with much to process. But God was using every single moment of it to draw people to Jesus. To Simon, the event may have felt out of control or senseless. But God’s sovereignty was over him, leading him, to become a worker of the early church.
What in your life feels heavy, coincidental, and perhaps senseless? Because our human nature inclines us away from God, an encounter with Him and His purposes of sanctification rocks our boat; it feels unusual, strange, and painful. Lean into Jesus with your questions and remember He is in the business of making us new!

2) What do these verses tell me about God’s character?
“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17). These are Jesus’ beginning words when as He transitioned into public ministry and calling His disciples. His message echoes that of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus’ formal ministry. Such a call may sound harsh, but He did it all out of love for His people.
Jesus went to extraordinary lengths to point people to repentance and salvation. What is keeping you from mourning your own sins against God? Or, perhaps, from waking up each morning with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose for another day of living in the salvation God has provided you? What is your distraction from God’s first call on every Christian’s life to love God first and most and, from that love, warn the lost? Take in and rejoice how Jesus never lost focus of the greater picture of redemption! Jesus did not get caught up in the latest entertainment, styles, or politics.  He was singularly caught up in drawing people to the realization of their need for and freedom in repentance and forgiveness. Seek God to show you how to be more like Jesus in these ways.

3) What do these verses tell me about people?
Setting a goal to be more like Jesus can be motivating for a season, but when the rubber meets the road, the holes in self-discipline, patience, and trusting the Lord for His purposes in the situation really start to show.  Perhaps one can hold their tongue decently at work or in an environment one is afraid they might have great loss of income or respect by outsiders. But attempting to hold the tongue in honoring a child or spouse seems impossible. I have often found myself crying to Jesus, “I can’t do it!”
In our strivings to be like Jesus, it is important to realize the truth of the matter – we are not like Jesus. We need Jesus to be like Him. Jesus did not call us to only wash the outside and look like Him in good deeds alone. He calls people to be cleansed on the inside (the heart, mind, and right standing before God) (Luke 11:39-40). This is why He came – to offer internal and eternal cleansing (from which our ought good deeds flow). Call to Him for help, no matter where you are in your faith journey! Even if you don’t think you have sin to deal with, call on Jesus and He will show you more of Himself!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

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Cross Day 8 Simon Of Cyrene

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 27:30-37
Mark 15:16-23
Luke 23:23-33

Cross, Day 8

The crowd around me jeered and chanted as the bleeding convict before us struggled to carry the heavy wooden cross. I couldn’t quite glimpse him, but based on the fury and fear contorting the faces nearest him… I was pretty sure I didn’t want to. He must have stumbled, because the volume increased to a roar as bodies surged toward him with intensity.

My own pulse quickened as I ushered my sons ahead of me away from the scene.
“Hurry, boys, hurry,” I urged.

“You!” A soldier’s gruff voice cut through the air like a scythe. Suddenly, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder forcing me to stop. My heart dropped. I stood still for a moment, then turned to face the armor-clad guard. I met his stern gaze with silence.

“You will carry his cross.”
His words forced their way out and hung in the air between us like a dare.

I considered arguing with him, but seeing the tension of the soldier’s face, I could see nothing good would come of it. I took a slow breath and nodded, then turned to face my sons. Confusion and worry shone through pale faces and wide eyes. I tried to assure them with a smile as I shrugged my pack off and handed it to them, then pulled them in for a quick hug.

“Follow along, but stay back,” I whispered. “I don’t want you in the thick of this.” They nodded, dark eyes trained on my own, but their concern was evident.

“This way,” barked the solder.

The crowd parted as he turned, and I followed him the fifteen or twenty paces back to the prisoner. As we drew closer, I could see that blood had dripped from the cuts on his face and back, staining his brightly colored robe. The crimson fluid trickled down and mixed with the dirt on the street where he knelt.

I stepped closer, bending down to grasp the heavy wood beam. As I lifted the cross from his shoulder and transferred it to my own, he stumbled at the sudden release of weight and clutched my shoulder to steady himself. At the touch of his hand, heat roared down my arm and across my back. Startled, I thought, this man has power!

For the first time, I sought a glimpse of his face. He straightened and as his gaze met mine, I finally saw him. The noise and chaos around us fading, and I found myself transfixed.

Long, dark hair framed a kind, broad face. His jaw was firm, but not overpowering. A straight nose pointed to a full mouth. The blood dripping down his face did nothing to detract from the piercing, intellectual eyes which peered kindly at me. Captivated, I noticed their color was more amber than brown, more golden than green.

Gentle, I thought. His eyes are gentle.

He wasn’t smiling, but I knew instinctively that when he did, it would be with his whole being. Tanned skin spoke of days, weeks, and months spent outdoors. The calloused rough hand resting on my shoulder made me wonder if he’d ever been a carpenter.

“This man is innocent!”, my spirit cried out.
My eyes filled inexplicably with tears, and I opened my mouth to say something to him, anything. But the words wouldn’t come.

“Simon, it’s alright,” he strained, squeezing my shoulder gently.

My eyes widened. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters, and I gulped back the sob suddenly threatening to cross my lips. I didn’t even question how he knew my name, because I had known from that first touch he knew me.
Not just my name, but who I was.
My history, my present, my future.
My thoughts, my secrets, my sin.

He knows me.
My mind roared. How does he know me?! And what does that mean, innocent?
There is no such thing! That is why we bring a sacrifice. That’s why we follow our traditions, why our priests intercede for us. It is our way! It is THE way! It’s why I’m here now, for Passover.
The sacrifice is required as payment for our sin.

His gaze lingered, his eyes filling with compassion as he watched a single tear escape down my cheek. He nodded once, then turned and began to walk away.

Wait. Compassion? For me? My thoughts whirled and crashed against one another in a frenzy. As he limps the road to his own execution…? Nothing made sense. And yet, he IS innocent.
I shook my head to clear it.

Who IS this man? And why must he be crucified, when he is innocent? My mind continued to turn as I wondered. I blinked furiously to hide the tears and hefted the heavy cross up higher on my shoulder. Then, with my thoughts still racing, I followed him.

I studied the way he moved quietly through the crowd. His body, bleeding and bruised, moved with a stately grace that conveyed complete calm, in stark contradiction to the chaos surrounding him. Men and women crowded in, shouting insults with raised fists. Some even spit at him. Others shoved and pushed struggling for a clear view.

Through the din, the sound of a woman crying caught my attention, and I turned to glance back. She covered her mouth to stifle a sob, and I watched as another woman put an arm around the first. Several others walked with them, also weeping. Some cried silently, while others wailed and clutched trembling hands together.

The prisoner stopped suddenly, and turned to address them.

“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children.
Look, the days are coming when they will say,
‘Blessed are the women without children, the wombs that never bore,
and the breasts that never nursed!’
Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’
For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

His words rang with authority I’d never known, and again I was struck by the almost musical quality his voice carried. The women behind me fell silent as he turned away, and I felt a trickle of sweat drip down my back. We trudged up the final hill, and my own labored breathing filled my ears. Finally, the guard held up a hand, and our grim procession halted.

“There!” the soldier gestured.

My stomach dropped.
Twin crosses protruded from the earth into the sky on either side of the space where he pointed, and as I squinted I realized I could see the limp form of a man hanging on each.

The lump in my throat grew bigger still, and my gaze returned to the prisoner in front of me.
He nodded, and my knees buckled.
Everything within rebelled at the thought of what would surely happen to the man with the voice.

NO, my heart thrummed tautly. HE IS INNOCENT!

As if they possessed a life of their own, my hands reached up and grasped the heavy, wooden cross from my shoulder, dropping it to the ground. As the weight was lifted from my body, I felt a different sort of heaviness filling my chest.

The soldier shoved me and I stumbled backwards.
Four slender arms grasped my waist and legs, and as my sons clung to me, the tears began to fall. I pulled brown, curly-haired heads close, burying their faces in my chest. Sobs finally tore their way out of my throat as my ears registered the sound of two mallets hitting their mark and thick nails pierced flesh and wood. Unable to tear my eyes from the man with the voice, I watched the first soldier hold the man’s feet together as another soldier began to hammer a third nail.

And still, he didn’t beg. WHY DIDN’T HE BEG?
And still, he didn’t stop them. WHY DIDN’T HE STOP THEM?

A woman’s shrill wail cut through the air as the mallet pounded one final time, and the soldiers lifted the cross, sliding it in the waiting hole. I swiped my forearm over my face to clear the tears, willing myself to stand as I forcibly pulled my boys away from the grim scene. Their tear-filled eyes searched my own in shock, and though I searched for comforting words, I found none.
I glanced back over my shoulder one last time and my gaze fell on two perfect feet, pinned to rough wood.

For some reason, I could think of nothing but the way his calloused hand felt on my shoulder.
The sound of his voice.
The warmth in his gaze.

I wept, and pressed forward. “Hurry, boys, hurry.”

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A Note About Cross
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters in Scripture and looked through their eyes as they saw the cross. We do our best to research the culture and times and all biblical support surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives as they watched the crucifixion, but we can’t be 100% accurate. These first-person stories are our best interpretation of how these characters viewed Jesus as He gave Himself up for us. Our hope is that by looking through their eyes, we will see the Cross differently as well, and be dramatically changed as we encounter the Savior!
Enjoy!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Cross Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Cross!

Cross Day 6 Pilate

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 23:1-12
John 18:28-19:16
Matthew 27:17-21
John 19:28-42

Cross, Day 6

What a day!  I’ve faced some difficult decisions in my time as Roman Governor, but nothing like this! I’m sure the trial of Jesus is one I will never forget.

It was early in the morning when they brought him to me, saying he was leading people astray by telling them not to pay taxes, and that he was claiming to be the Messiah.  It seemed clear to me that the man had committed no serious crime, so when I discovered he was a Galilean, it made sense to let Herod deal with it.
I thought my part in it was over.
If only it had been that simple…

Before long he was back.
Herod agreed Jesus was innocent, but his enemies were insistent he was a trouble-maker.  They accused him of stirring up riots and rebellion.

It confused me.
He didn’t seem the type at all.  He wasn’t angry or argumentative and, unlike most prisoners who desperately try to defend themselves, he hardly spoke a word.  The whole time he displayed a calm, quiet…authority…. which was remarkable given the circumstances.

It was disconcerting.
It was as if he was the one in control.

I wasn’t sure what to do.  I was convinced he didn’t deserve death. I suggested having him whipped before releasing him, thinking that might be enough to appease the religious leaders, but they refused to let it go.  I suspected their real motive was envy, but there was no way to prove it.

Then I had an idea.  The custom is that each year at Passover, one prisoner is set free, and the crowd chooses.

What if I offered them the chance to free either Jesus or Barabbas?
Barabbas was notorious – a murderer who had taken part in an insurrection against the government.  Surely, the crowd would free Jesus!

But I had underestimated the powerful influence of the religious leaders
and the strength of their hatred.
To my amazement the crowd shouted repeatedly for Barabbas to be freed!
My plan had failed.

As I considered what to do next, an interruption came – a message from my wife: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of him.”  (Matthew 27:19)

What did it mean?
What was I supposed to do?
The words kept running through my mind: “that righteous man.”
Surely, if he was righteous, I should set him free.

Silencing the cries of the crowd for a moment, I found my courage at last: “Take him and crucify him yourselves, since I find no grounds for charging him.” (John 19:6)

Their answer came quickly:
Under Jewish law, Jesus ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.

I have never felt fear like I did in that moment.
Who was this man?
I needed to speak to him some more.
Find out the truth before I made a big mistake.

“Where are you from?” I asked but, again, he was silent.

“Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?” I asked, trying to get him to see the severity of the situation. Still, he remained calm:

“You would have no authority over me at all if it hadn’t been given you from above.”
(John 19:10-11)

 Despite being Roman Governor, I have never felt more powerless.
What if He did hold all authority?

Once more, I attempted to release him, but the religious leaders retorted that if I released Jesus, I was rebelling against Caesar.
I tried to think, but the noise was relentless.
The fear of people was overwhelming.
The churning inside was unyielding.

“Crucify him!  Crucify him!”, the crowd chanted over and over again.
Before long, I would have a riot.

I was torn.  I truly believed the man was innocent, but the crowd were so angry, I didn’t know what to do.

Eventually, I called for a bowl of water and I washed my hands.
If he was going to die, they could take the responsibility.
This man’s blood would not be on my hands!
They agreed readily, so I handed Jesus over to be flogged and then crucified.

The decision was made, but I felt uneasy… I still do.

I suppose it’s guilt.  I believed he was innocent, yet I let him die.
I wish I had been stronger, but it’s too late now.  He’s dead.

It all happened quickly in the end. The Jews were keen for it to be over before the Sabbath, so they asked permission to break the legs of the men being crucified to hasten their deaths.  I agreed, but when it came to Jesus there was no need.
He was dead already. 

Some friends came and asked if they could bury his body and they placed it in a tomb, sealing the entrance with a stone.

Now it is truly over, but this is one trial that will continue to haunt me.
I’m not happy about the decision I made, and I feel unsettled.

Somehow, I just can’t shake the feeling I haven’t heard the last of this man, Jesus.

Like Pilate, we all have times when we must choose between loyalty to God and pleasing people.  James writes that “whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God.”  (James 4:4)  May Pilate’s story motivate us to choose well.

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A Note About Cross
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters in Scripture and looked through their eyes as they saw the cross. We do our best to research the culture and times and all biblical support surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives as they watched the crucifixion, but we can’t be 100% accurate. These first-person stories are our best interpretation of how these characters viewed Jesus as He gave Himself up for us. Our hope is that by looking through their eyes, we will see the Cross differently as well, and be dramatically changed as we encounter the Savior!
Enjoy!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Cross Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Cross!

Gospel Day 1 For God

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:1-3
Psalm 19:1-6
Psalm 139:1-16
Acts 17:24-28
Hebrews 1:1-3

Gospel, Day 1

One of the first lessons I learned when I began writing is that the first line matters.

It should invite the reader in to the story or the topic, it should introduce something important that sets the scene for what is to come and, most crucially, it should grab the reader’s attention so they want to continue reading.

The opening sentence of the Bible provides an example of an excellent first line:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

This intriguing statement raises several questions, encouraging us to keep reading:
Who is this God?
How did He create the heavens and the earth?
Why did He create them?
If God created everything, and I am part of His creation,
what implications does that have for my life?

Most importantly, it teaches us a key truth: everything started with God.

In the same way, John 3:16, the key verse for this entire Journey Theme over the next three weeks, and probably the most well-known verse in the Bible, presents a succinct summary of the Gospel message, and it begins with the words, “For God…”

In both verses, God is the subject of the sentence. He is the focus; He is the one taking action. Whereas we, the heavens and earth that He created and the world He so loved, are the object of the sentence. We are not the ones taking action, but we are the ones affected by the action.

Both creation and the Gospel begin with God.

The Bible makes no attempt to prove the existence of God.
It simply presents Him as the eternal, sovereign Creator who was there before everything else began:
“Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from eternity to eternity,
you are God.”
(Psalm 90:2)

At the same time, Scripture presents Him not as a hidden God, but as a God who has made Himself known. One way He reveals Himself is through creation; the world around us proclaims God’s glory and craftsmanship! (Psalm 19:1-6)

I don’t know about you, but every time I see the power of waves crashing on the shore, or I look up on a dark night to see the vastness of the starry sky, or I marvel at the intricacy and variety of creatures and flowers I see on a country walk, it points me beyond myself to the One who created it all.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews mentions God’s revelation through the prophets, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus, the living Word. He speaks in all these ways because, as Paul points out to his listeners in Athens, God wants us to know Him.

He did not simply set the world in motion and leave it to run; He continues to be actively involved, sustaining and ruling, and His purpose in this is that we might know Him:
“He did this so that they might seek God,
and perhaps they might reach out and find him,
though he is not far from each one of us.”
(Acts 17:27)

Psalm 139 speaks of the closeness of God.
He knows us intimately, He cares about even the smallest details of our lives,
and we can never escape from Him no matter how far we run.

He is a God who is powerful and sovereign, supreme over all things, but also a God who sees and cares for each individual. He is present, active, and interested in our lives, a God who took the initiative to send his Son for our salvation.

So, what difference does this make to how we live?

For me, it puts life into perspective, reminding me God is in charge and I am not.
It reminds me He is the Creator and Saviour, and salvation is a result of His actions in sending Jesus to die, not a result of my actions in measuring up to a certain standard.  It is not all down to me.  I am not in charge of fixing the world, or situations around me, or even myself.

The reality of God’s eternal authorship and authority also reassures me I can trust Him because He sees and He cares. No concern is too trivial to bring before Him and nothing is beyond the scope of His interest or sovereignty.

In a world that often encourages us to seek happiness in self-fulfilment,
the truth of the Gospel points us to something greater.
We are not the stars of the show.
This story is not about us at all.
Rather, it is God’s story, which He invites us to participate in by His grace.

He is the author.
The first line and the last line, and every word in between, belong to Him.
For God….

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Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Gospel Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Gospel!

Anchored Day 15 Prayer Wrestlers

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 4:7-18
James 5:13-18
1 Peter 4:7-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Ephesians 6:13-20

Anchored, Day 15

Tychicus

Onesimus

Epaphras

Archippus

Nympha

I’m going to guess that NONE of these names appear in the top 100 for baby names of 2018, or the past 5 centuries for that matter.
However, these 4 men and 1 woman are included in a much more important list,
one that hasn’t changed for thousands of years despite the changing trends of the times.

Don’t feel bad if you can’t pronounce their names.  I can’t either.
In fact, I’m embarrassed to admit, I often glaze over name lists because they don’t mean much to me without a personal connection.
But Paul had that connection.
And he loved them.
Deeply.

These were his brothers and sisters in Christ, his family.
These were partners with him in spreading the gospel, encouraging other believers, and building the first century church.
THEY were foundational to OUR faith today.

As I prepared for this Journey Study, something in the description stuck out to me BIG time:
What if our prayers were being used by God to sustain our pastors, church leaders, and families around us?

What if MY prayers were essential to the work God is doing in and through my
church, neighborhood, family?!

Talk about conviction!!!
Am I praying like MY prayers matter?

Am I getting on my knees daily,
praying fervently and earnestly for my
pastor,
children’s teachers at school,
neighbor down the street who has battled cancer,
pregnant sister-in-law?

Or….
Am I so caught up in making supper, doing laundry, cleaning up messes, and managing life I get distracted (read lazy) in my prayers?
And because of my ho-hum approach to prayer,
what if OTHER people’s lives are being affected?
NEGATIVELY?

Paul ends his letter to the church in Colossae with a list of people who have partnered with him in ministry.
They have encouraged him personally,
prayed fervently and intentionally for other believers,
opened their homes to host church,
traveled far distances to deliver letters,
and risked their lives for the sake of Jesus.

We all know about Paul, world-famous-preacher.
Authored over half of the New Testament.
Traveled abroad establishing churches across ancient Asia.
Discipled new believers, training them to lead churches.
Paul’s work is foundational to OUR faith today, his legacy spans millennia past and future.

BUT….
His work was IMPOSSIBLE without the Spirit of God using faithful men and women of the church, their SUPPORT, their SACRIFICE, and their PRAYERS.

Paul intentionally named those who served with him, purposefully making their stories and sacrifices known.

Instead of skimming these lists, what if we slowed,
taking time to remember these men and women of faith?!

Suppose we put OURSELVES in their shoes?
Suppose we recognized God putting these people in Paul’s life, partnering with him to grow the church and altering its entire future?
Suppose He is putting US in specific places at specific times for SPECIFIC reasons to ALSO grow the church and alter its future?!!

What if, like Tychicus, we “encourage the hearts” of those around us?

What if, like Onesimus. we share with our fellow believers the activity of God in our churches, neighborhoods, schools, and families?

What if, like Nympha, we open our homes for “church services” that look like potluck dinners, roasting marshmallows around a campfire, discipleship small groups, football watch parties, or school’s out for the summer ice cream celebrations with the purpose of sharing Jesus?

What if, like Archippus, we work diligently to fulfill the ministry God has plainly given us?

What if, like Epaphras, we wrestle in prayer as if our prayers TRULY mattered?!
What if we “struggle on the behalf of others in our prayers”?

Whose eternity might be changed?
Pastors, neighbors, co-workers, family members,
bank tellers, grocery store clerks, Facebook friends, Instagram followers,
and the stranger holding up a cardboard sign.
Eternity changed….
As we determine to pray for EACH to “stand mature and fully assured in the will of God.”

 What if?!!

Recently in an interview, Tauren Wells shared his pastor’s challenging question that prompted his song When We Pray:
“Whose lives would be changed if your prayers were answered?”

Are we praying like hearts and souls depend on prayer?
I know I’m not.

And thus, the Body of Christ is suffering!

BUT we can change that!
Today.

Tauren Wells’ noted:
We actually have the power to change the realities in which we live through prayer. It’s something the believer must harness and exert in our lives if we’re really going to change the world around us.

If your pastor were to write a letter like Paul’s, would YOUR name be included as one diligently serving, encouraging, supporting, uplifting, or contributing to the ministry of the church?  Would you be listed as sacrificing to make the gospel known?

An encouraging note to your pastor.
Kind words to your child’s teacher.
A “blessing bag” for the man on the street.
Coffee with a hurting friend.
A Facebook message to a new mom struggling to find purpose.
A supper invitation for the new family.
The prayers you pray on the behalf of others.

The prayers you cry through tears,
whisper in fear,
secretly journal,
scream in frustration,
or mutter under your breath…
They All Matter.

Be consistent, earnest, fervent, and BOLD in prayer,
as you wrestle for God’s Kingdom to come!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Anchored Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Anchored!

Anchored Day 13 When The World Is At Stake

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 95:2-5
Matthew 28:16-20
Colossians 4:2-6
1 Corinthians 16:9-10

Anchored, Day 13

Our world is dying.
Those of us walking with Jesus know the narrow road to life,
and we are commissioned to invite the perishing around us on the
journey to life everlasting. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

This urgency drove Paul’s words to the Colossian church in chapter 4.
Having laid a foundation for Godly living in chapter 3, Paul now invites the Colossians to broaden their perspective to the lost world stretching out before them.

“Fellow saints,” he seems to say, “remember your transformation is unto transferral:
the transferral of lost souls from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light.”

Paul extends the hand of ministry partnership to Colossian believers.
He begins by highlighting the power of prayer, fundamentally understanding the success of his local evangelism depends on a suffusion of supernatural power garnered by prayers of distant believers.

So too for us, sisters!
While evangelism may not be our main vocation, we are not sidelined!
Our supportive role is critical to the work of those on the mission field.
When the world is at stake, our prayers matter.

But how should we pray?
Verse 2 of this passage provides three main guidelines for powerful, supportive prayer.

First, we are to be STEADFAST in our prayers for those sharing the Gospel.
Consistency in prayer exponentially strengthens both the pray-er (growing both motivation and intensity within her) and the recipient.

Next, we are to be WATCHFUL in prayer.
When we get busy praying, the enemy gets busy opposing us. We need to be alert to his strategies, which he’s crafty enough to tailor to each of us. Head on a swivel, sisters, let’s fight to protect our prayers.

And finally, we are to be THANKFUL in prayer.
While the view from the trenches may be discouraging at times, it’s important to remember that ultimately, the victory has already been won. As we reflect on our testimonies, we are reminded God has been faithful and will be again.
We find ourselves infused with fresh hope and strength for the fight.

We’re ready to be consistent in our prayers,
alert to the strategies of the enemy to thwart us,
and gratefully confident that in the epic struggle for the world,
our God has already been declared Victor.
We’re ready to pray.

But what should we pray?
Verses 3-4 provide timely guidance.

First, Paul requests prayer “also for us”.
Again, this refers to those whose main vocation is spreading the Gospel, whether local or far distant. Specifically, Paul shares a deep desire to make the most of “open door” moments: those special opportunities to share Jesus in unusually effective ways. These are not day-to-day conversations with a single person, but rather unique openings to minister on a large scale.

In every interaction, Paul longs to declare the mystery of Christ in a way that makes it clear. Some people may have been taught a wrong understanding of the Gospel.
Others may have no frame of reference at all and find it overwhelming.
Paul seeks wisdom to spread the word of God in a way that is relatable to each person he encounters.

So, as we pray for our missionaries, let’s ask God to create open doors for the exponentially effective move of the Gospel.
Let’s ask Him to give those on the front line precisely the right words
to make clear the heart of the Father.

In the last few verses of this passage, Paul moves instructs the Colossians
how they ought to share Jesus.

Because of course, evangelism is not just for missionaries.
Each and every one of us have been commissioned
to engage in everyday, ordinary ways of sharing
the most extraordinary story ever told.

“The time has come,” Paul seems to say, “to put all of your learning, all of your discipline, all of your growth, into action. Being transformed into the Father’s image means your heart also becomes more like His, broken for His lost children. Go now; it’s time to act.”

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders,
making the best use of the time.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Right off the bat, Paul encourages us with the simple command to engage those outside the family of believers. Time is short, and every interaction matters.
Therefore, Paul explains, wisdom is paramount.

Where is this person in the process of salvation?
What action on my part would be most beneficial
for this person
in this moment?

Perhaps my role is to sew a seed, leaving the harvest for another worker. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) Or perhaps this is the moment of decision, and I ought to press on.
God’s timing is perfect, and my desire is to move in step with Him as He leads.

Furthermore, operating in the Father’s wisdom and listening the Spirit’s whisper allows our words to be seasoned in a way that makes the Gospel most powerful in each interaction. Because it isn’t about us, this is God’s Work!

A highly effective approach with one person might prove detrimental with another.
Before we’re overwhelmed by the weightiness of what lies ahead, remember we have God on our side. He created each soul; He is perfectly capable of leading us as His Spirit courts each one for the Kingdom.

When the world is at stake, the power of prayer is critical
along with a willing obedience to go.
Let us meet the Lord on our knees,
hear His whispers in our hearts,
and take Him with us to the streets.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Anchored Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Anchored!

Anchored Day 9 Yoked & Equipped: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Yoked & Equipped!

The Questions

1) What is meant by “if you have been raised”? (verse 1)

2) How is your life hidden in Christ and how does it appear? (verses 3-4)

3) How are “putting on the new self” and “renewed in knowledge” connected? (verse 10)

Colossians 3:1-11

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. 8 But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. 11 In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Original Intent

1) What is meant by “if you have been raised”? (verse 1)
Paul is known throughout Scripture for his logical persuasive arguments, taking his audience step by step into a greater understanding of the fullness of the gospel. You can generally spot his points with words like “therefore” or “if”. The latter is a little harder for us to understand in our western way of processing, but if we get in the mindset of seeing Paul building a solid argument, it’s easier to grasp. Paul uses “if” to draw sharp contrasts, helping his audience understand that because of (if) our identity and inheritance in Christ, it only makes sense to live, act, or think a certain way. In contrast, it becomes apparent how foolish it is to live contrary to the lifestyle Paul outlines because we’ve been made new for a purpose.

2) How is your life hidden in Christ and how does it appear? (verses 3-4)
“For you have died…” is Paul’s lead in to a life hidden in Christ. For someone who trusts Christ as Savior and Rescuer that phrase is the best news ever, “For you have died.” He’s not talking physical death, rather a death to the spiritual nature we are born with as human beings. We aren’t sinful people because we sin. No, we sin because our very nature is sinful; we are chained to Sin with no escape. None but Christ. Christ who took our punishment for sin upon Himself. Christ who took Death for us. Christ who broke Sin’s chains transferring us to the Kingdom of Light and Life where our lives are hidden in Him. Death cannot seek us out when our lives are hidden with Him. No evil one can snatch us away. (John 10:28-29) We are hidden deep into His life, if we have been raised. (3:1) One glorious day, when Christ returns in bodily form, the fullness of our lives that has been hidden away will also appear. He IS our life, Sisters. In Him only is life found. (verse 4) In Him we find our being, our very living. (Acts 17:28) When Jesus comes back, whether our physical bodies are dead or alive, (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) He will transform our old bodies to bran-new, glorified ones. (Philippians 3:20-21) Bodies ready to contain the fullness of life Christ has been protectively hiding in Himself and live it out for eternity. Incredible Hope!

3) How are “putting on the new self” and “renewed in knowledge” connected? (verse 10)
God did not set us free from a life of sin and death and place a period at the end with no how-to on what to do next. When we look at the books in the New Testament, it can be easy to see just a list of what we must do to be Christian and what we must not do. But to see that, is to start off all wrong. We must not do something to be Christian. We are made new in Christ, and so we live differently; we live freely. How do we live freely? Ah, now we are at the right starting block! Putting on this new life we have access to as redeemed saints is not something we must do heavy lifting in order to accomplish, rather it begins with a renewing of our minds through the teaching of Scripture. There, in the pages of His Word, the Holy Spirit quickens our hearts, whispers in our ears, and does His work (not ours) of renewing the whole life.

Everyday Application

1) What is meant by “if you have been raised”? (verse 1)
“If” is a big, important question when it comes to our eternity.  To be “raised” is to have died to sin and its control over our hearts as we have surrendered to a new Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. A Ruler who gives delight, freedom, and fullness of life. This new identity comes with new freedoms, rights, and privileges, which are what Paul is passionately espousing in chapters 2 and 3 of Colossians. Are you certain about your eternal destination? How do you know? Have you been raised? If so, Sister, dig in to these two chapters here in Colossians. Whether you’ve been raised to new life for 10 days or 10 years, the Spirit will speak here through His Word. If you’ve been raised, live like it! Walk deeply into the life you’ve been given!

2) How is your life hidden in Christ and how does it appear? (verses 3-4)
Hope is a powerful thing. It’s something each of us need to keep on living, breathing, and doing everyday life. Where is your hope, my friend? New job, new house, finances, or maybe a relationship with your spouse, a friend, or your children? Where is it? That motivator that keeps you going and anchored? When the bottom drops out, what can you still cling to? And when that is gone, what else holds you? Hear me, if what you throw your hands out and clutch in those moments of pure, painful desperation is anything but Christ and the life you have in Him, your anchor will not hold. Only Jesus. Only His life for yours. Only salvation through Him by grace. Only here is life found, tucked away within His life and preserved for eternity to appear at His own glorious appearing. Have you been raised?!

3) How are “putting on the new self” and “renewed in knowledge” connected? (verse 10)
Your work or the Spirit’s? How often do you work at “being” Christian? Going to the right church, not swearing, dressing right, pinning a Bible verse to social media? What if it wasn’t so heavy? What if we began keeping in step with the Spirit by simply sitting with the Savior, learning His ways, and dancing in rhythm to His heartbeat as we read His Words? Suppose we refused to begin a day’s work before we sat still and silent before Him? Paul tells us what will happen. Our minds will be renewed, our hearts will come alive, the Lord will reveal Himself in ever deepening ways as He makes us new. This adventure is not to be missed! Be intentional and choose to let the Spirit renew your mind through His Word!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Yoked & Equipped

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Anchored Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Awaken Day 14 Awake My Soul: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Awake My Soul!

The Questions

1) The phrase, “If God is for us” seems uncertain or questionable. Is the author unsure If God can be for us?

2) Who could be against us?

3) Since God is for us, can we avoid tragedy and pitfalls in life here on this earth?

Romans 8:31

If God is for us, who is against us?

Original Intent

1) The phrase, “If God is for us” seems uncertain or questionable. Is the author unsure If God can be for us?
In the Latin translation of Romans, the phrase, “If God is for us” is translated, “Dues Pro Nobis” meaning “God for us”. Paul is not indicating an uncertainty about God being with or for us, rather Paul is using a form of hyperbole common in his culture to emphasize the ridiculous thought that God could possibly be anything but for us. For our western minds, we could easily use the word “since” or “because”. “Since God is for us, who could be against us?” ( John Wycliffe)

2) Who could be against us?
“Who can be against us” is a rhetorical question. The answer is simple and definitive. No one! Truly, with a power as matchless as the Lord God’s, no thing and no one stands a chance against us. Since God is our strong salvation, what force could possibly prevail against us? NONE! God’s love for us was supremely manifested in the sacrifice of his own Son on our behalf. (E F Spruce) God proved how much He was for us by sacrificing His Son for us. There is no greater love than this and no power greater than Christ’s resurrection. Paul goes on to emphasize a few verses later, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

3) Since God is for us, can we avoid tragedy and pitfalls in life here on this earth?
The answer would be NO. Satan is powerfully alive and continues preying on our sinful nature to deter us in our faith journey and our relationship with God. This battle against the enemy will continue until Satan is finally cast in to the Lake of Fire, or Hell, where his punishment will continue for eternity. (Revelation 20:10)
God never promised His followers an easy life; instead, He warns us to expect suffering. (John 16:33) But there IS powerful hope, unceasing love, and protection given by the Hand of the Almighty. He has not left us alone! (Psalm 91)
Because God is for us, the Christian life is not a comfortable life, but it is a fulfilling one. Because of the work Jesus did on the cross on our behalf as He took the punishment rightly intended for us, He demonstrated a love and a power that none could equal as He drew us into His own Presence!

Everyday Application

1) The phrase, “If God is for us” seems uncertain or questionable. Is the author unsure If God can be for us?
There can be no stronger encouragement to our everyday faith journey than dwelling on God’s unstoppable saving purposes for His people. No force of evil can prevail against His Beloved ones. When we are His, nothing can snatch us away from Him. (John 10:27-30)
In times of uncertainty, choosing right or wrong, dealing with temptations no matter how small they may seem, the “little” lie, or the excuses we make to justify our actions can be GIANT struggles as we fight against the evil enemy. When trial an temptation meets you today, remember God is for you and put on the full armor of God, pray at all times in the Spirit, stay alert, and persevere unswervingly in truth.  (Ephesians 6:12-18)

2) Who could be against us?
Because God is for us, it doesn’t matter who is against us. The enemy’s spiritual attacks, the trials facing our everyday, tumultuous relationships, financial strain, or anything else that presses in on us making us feel alone may appear powerful, but Paul encourages our hearts by reminding us that though the whole world be against us, God is for us.
Jesus taught that the world would indeed be against us, but because we are God’s, nothing can come between us and His love and grace. (John 15:18-19) God is the final judge and ultimate authority. No trial or tribulation we experience here on earth past, present, or future can have eternal damage on the safety of our souls.  In spiritual conflict, mighty forces, both natural and supernatural can and will be used against us, causing pain and anguish. When we choose to dwell with God, and hiding in the protection He gives through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, we are counted as Overcomers because Jesus overcame the world. (Romans 8:29-39)

3) Since God is for us, can we avoid tragedy and pitfalls in life here on this earth?
The apostle John wrote, “Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world” to remind and encourage believers who faced difficulties “in the world”.  (1 John 4:4)
Be aware and alert that yes, Satan will prey on our hearts and minds as he seeks to pull us from the Father’s grasp, but that’s an impossibility. As you face trials, whether its cereal on the floor, spilled milk in the car, not enough money for bills, or a relationship that leaves you spiraling, remember the One who is for you is infinitely GREATER than the power at work in the world against you. Spend time with Him, refocusing on the truth of Who He is and how deeply He loves you!
As HIS chosen people, as the outer self fades away, (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) the inner self is being renewed day by day until that glorious moment when we stand perfected before the Lord Jesus! When we abide in Christ, the things of this world grow dim in the Light of His glorious grace.  Take comfort in knowing the Lord is for you and use your time on earth to share His truth with those around you!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Awake My Soul!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Awaken Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Awaken Day 12 Victorious Wonder: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Victorious Wonder!

The Questions

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?

Psalm 91

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust:
3 He himself will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.
4 He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
6 the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
8 You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
10 no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
12 They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

14 Because he has his heart set on me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
16 I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him my salvation.

Original Intent

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
The Hebrew word for “dwell” literally means “to sit” and “remain”. A few months ago, a lovely saint in Christ invited me to lunch in her home. She prepared a delicious soup and bread and set the table with cloth napkins and delicate silver. As she invited me to sit down and eat with her, the intention was that both of us would be fully engaged and remain with one another until the conversation had pleasantly ended. We weren’t in a hurry or thinking about all the “nexts” of the day. We had no agenda other than enjoying the gift of being with each other. This is the meaning of the Hebrew word for “dwell”. When we abandon everything else about life with all of its burdens and aches and pressing insistences, coming to the Lord with His Word for the purpose sitting and remaining, He delights in extending His gracious presence to us. He fills us with good things, He teaches us to trust His heart, and He leads us into righteousness. He protects us at the very core of who we are in our hearts when we choose to dwell with Him.

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
Yes, Scripture itself teaches that trials, persecution, and burdens are indeed the reality of life lived here on earth, but we cannot possibly know the depth and breadth that the Lord has protected believers from. This psalm isn’t a promise that nothing “bad” will ever happen to a believer, but it is promising that even in the midst of “bad things”, He is still for us. He uses all things, good and bad, as if they were tools to shape us to become more like Him. While the reality of present danger cannot be ignored, neither can the very real testament of believers who have received innumerable protections from the Lord. God is intimately acquainted with our lives, our comings and goings, and, holding all power, protects us constantly. We are never outside of His gentle, fatherly hands of love.

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
Verses 1-2 are the psalmist’s personal testimony of his own experiences with the Almighty One as he has chosen to make Him his dwelling place. The Lord is “my God, my refuge, and my fortress”. He then proceeds in verses 3-13 to prompt his listeners to do the same. He sees the busyness, the unrest, the destruction, and the pain happening in their lives and pleads with them to just dwell with the Lord. “He will rescue you…He will cover you…you will not fear…pestilence will not reach you…no harm will touch you…..no plague….He will protect….He will support.” But it is not the protection believers who receive this gift are seeking, it is simply to dwell with the Lord, to know Him in ever deepening ways. His protection is a gift overflowing from the relationship. (verse 9) The final perspective is of the Lord Himself in verses 14-16 which depict that precise intimate love between Most High God and us, the Beloved of God. Protection is given because the one who seeks after Him “has his heart set on Me” says the Lord. God extends loving protection “because he knows My name.” Relationship is central! These last 3 verses are precious indeed to the one who daily chooses to dwell with the Lord!

Everyday Application

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
If we are to truly “sit and remain” with the Lord, we are to do it regularly, daily, and consistently. We benefit from the Lord’s protection and His presence when we are immersed in it, daily choosing Him over all other, lesser loves. A curious philosopher holding a chirping sparrow in his hands, wanted to discover the source of the sparrow’s song, and sliced open the bird to find the reason it sang. Of course, the song ended with his life. Similarly, the love, intimacy, and buoying protection shared between the one who dwells with the Almighty and the Lord God Himself, is also one of mystery. It simply is not fathomable or searchable unless it is experienced for one’s self. Have you discovered that rich delight that comes with dwelling with the Almighty? The intimacy that protects your heart, guards your mind, and teaches you the path of right living? Come away with Him! Dwell with Him! Know Him as He already knows you and delight in the rest and protection He brings!

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
An unexpected check in the mail during a difficult financial time, encouragement when we were tempted to give up, a friend offering to get groceries for us when we ran out of time, an easing of the schedule because of a cancellation, these are all protections from the Lord. Sometimes we take these things for granted as just a “coincidence of life”, but it is the Lord who sees and knows, and acts to protect on our behalf because we love Him and He loves us. Praise Him for these! The Lord is so mighty that even in the midst of intense suffering, as the believer draws near to dwell with the Father, enough strength and peace are given to bring rest and encouragement because while the Lord does indeed give protection in this life, His protection into life eternal is immutable and permanent! Rest here in His presence and find unspeakable treasure!

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
We bring glory to the Lord when we tell of His deeds in our own life. The act of writing down His faithfulness in our own personal faith story not only encourages our own faith because we can see on paper the mighty hand of the Lord, but it also equips us to better share with others how the Lord has been our sheltering refuge. If you’ve never done this, take the challenge to do it this week! Consider upping your personal challenge and sharing it here with the GT Community by emailing your story to Faces of Grace. When you get the chance in everyday, regular life, implore those around you to find shelter with the Lord by dwelling with Him. Speak of His goodness, share of little moments when He has protected you, boldly declare Him! For the last 3 verses in Psalm 91, take them in deeply. Savor them. Memorize them. Pray them out loud over yourself, your friends, your spouse, your children, or even your enemies. Experience the precious gift of truly dwelling with the Almighty and being hidden in Him!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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