Fellowship

Worship XII Day 13 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

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Worship XII Day 13 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

Rebecca Adams

December 6, 2023

Christ,Comfort,Fellowship,Glory,Gospel,Grace

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 3
Luke 2:8-14

If I had a dollar for every time I said, “Listen”, you would be rich because I’d be giving it away like candy! In 1739, Charles Wesley published his famous Christmas hallmark hymn, just one of his 6,000!

First words, like first impressions, are significant, and this is exceedingly true for Wesley’s hymn. His opening word heralded the world to hush, ordering us to be still and sit in silence for a message so glorious it required our rapt attention.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
(Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!)

“Hark” is old school for “Listen up and pay attention!”. What’s interesting to me is that the shepherds on the hills outside Bethlehem needed no such command. When the sky became a glorious blaze of brilliant light and the choir of multitudes sang from the heavenlies, there was no need to command them to “Hark!”. No distraction waged war against their attention as the skies filled with angelic warriors. Oh, what a sound that must have been!

“Hark” wasn’t meant to describe a clarion call to sleepy shepherds,
it was intended to arrest the attention of scurrying souls.

Those of us, all of us, who buy presents in a hurried frenzy, work like crazy to keep up our social media filtered life, sit in church on Sundays, and try hard to keep all the plates spinning, especially at Christmas. Each busy task calling ever louder, demanding our full attention with emergency-like persistence.

Here in the mayhem,
Wesley summons, “Hark”.

Do you need to slow-breathe, sit still, close your eyes, and silence all the messages running reckless in your head? I hope you’re raising your hand along with me as I confess my over-indulgence with hurry.
 
“Lord, I wonder how much more effective I would be if I slowed down.”
I wrote those words in my journal the other day as I meditated on the third Psalm.
If you read Psalm 3 (and I hope you take the 20 seconds right now to do just that!) you won’t find a verse about slowing down, but you will see the Lord as Shield, Protector, Just Vindicator of the oppressed, Peaceful Sustainer of the exhausted, Victor, and Savior.

If you read Psalm 3, you’ll meet a desperate man at the end of his rope with all odds stacked against him. He cries aloud, perhaps as much to be heard as to be louder than the roar of the pain surrounding him.

This man?
Oh, he’s King David, the most famous king in all of Israel’s history of rulers, the one called the man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22)
What desperate problem could he be facing?
Just his own son hunting him down, chasing him around the country to kill him.

In reality, the circumstances don’t matter as much as his cry.
He was summoning the Lord to hearken to his painful voice.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul says “the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains” to be “set free from the bondage of decay”. (Romans 8:21-22)

David cried aloud.
Creation has groaned since sin first entered the world and separated us from God.
We plead for relief from the pain of brokenness.
All creation begs God to Hark!

One gloriously, common night in a nondescript cave hidden in backwards Bethlehem, the wail of a newborn decreed that God had indeed heard.
Now, it was time for humanity to heed His “Hark!”.

Here was the Rescue from sin and death.
Here was a Shield and Defender.
Here was the roar of Justice.

Hark!

But the din of our lives grows louder until, in our own desperation, grasping at the threads of our fraying rope, we decide to drop all the spinning plates.
We decide to sit, be still, and listen.

My favorite verses of Wesley’s Christmas classic are rarely sung anymore, but they speak of a miracle birthed right within Charles less than a year before his pen wrote the lyrics that would outlive him. Charles Wesley wrote so passionately of the newborn king, for just a few months prior, he had surrendered his life to Christ. This wasn’t some academic exercise that won him high-ranking merit for his creativity in poetic structure; his words spoke of the God who lived within him and had made him entirely new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The world needed to hear Charles’ message of Hope, because the message was for all of us.
“Hark! …God and Sinners Reconciled!”

Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.

Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.

Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart

I love unpacking the theology of old hymns, but this time, I’m leaving it to my friend, and fellow GT Theologian, Debbie Collin. Come back tomorrow and study with us; you won’t regret it!

Until then, practice hearkening to the greatest news the world has ever heard!
Open your Bible, be still, and listen!

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Christmas,hymn,listen,praise,quiet,worship
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Worship XII, Day 14
Digging Deeper

I have been captivated by this passage since I was a little girl, it’s my favorite part of the Christmas story!

Can you imagine what the shepherds saw and heard?

What was it like for them to receive such a message?

Come dig a little deeper with me into this passage through the perspective of an often forgotten verse of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!”.
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She Day 14 Gardner Of The Home: Digging Deeper

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She Day 14 Gardner Of The Home: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

November 16, 2023

Called,Captivating,Character,Dwell,Family,Fellowship

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Gardner Of The Home"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Titus 2:1-5

But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching. 2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul outline specific expectations of personal behavior for older, believing men and women in the church? (verses 2-5)

Titus was a Gentile convert (Galatians 2:3) and disciple of Paul, who had been commissioned by the apostle to set the fledgling church at Crete in order. (Titus 1:5) Titus was tasked by Paul with discipling, establishing, and training leadership in the Cretan church and teaching the new believers which behaviors were obedient, honoring, and pleasing to God. (Titus 1:1-9)

In Titus 1, Paul reiterated Titus’ mission and outlined the qualifications for men in leadership roles within the church. In Titus 2, Paul also addresses the qualifications for women in leadership and discipling roles within the church. (Titus 2:3-5) Simultaneously, Paul pointed to the fruit one could expect to see in the life of a believer who was growing in maturity and in their Christian walk.

False teaching had already reached the church at Crete, and the new believers were exposed to teaching that endorsed sinful behaviors, laziness, dissension, factions, and more. Paul underscored the importance of sound teaching, highlighting the fruit Titus could expect to see in those who followed sound doctrine and teaching.

Rather than focus on the mark of believing relationships between believers, Paul pointed to the fruit Titus (and all believers) would be able to see in the personal lifestyles and relationships of mature believing men and women. Paul explained that these fruits were indicative of the maturity of older men and women in the church, qualifying them to lead their newer counterparts in sound teaching, truth, and right living in Christ. These investing relationships would build strong, healthy churches.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul outline specific expectations of personal behavior for older, believing men and women in the church? (verses 2-5)

While current American culture prescribes militant “femininity” as the only antidote for “toxic masculinity,” the church today is rife with women, men, and children who are starving for sound, Scriptural teaching and discipleship. As women who have chosen to surrender our lives to Jesus and pursue following Him, we seek sound teachers who will speak God’s truth to us and encourage us to joyfully serve those around us.

As a whole, the church desperately needs mature followers of Christ who are able and willing to pour into younger men and women and point them to Jesus. There is no shortage of false, twisted teaching from new age to self-affirmation, to false gospels, and more. Deceptions have been present in the church since the very beginning, because people make up the church, and people are selfishly sinful. Paul penned his letter to Titus centuries ago, but we share the same challenges and struggles within the church today.

Just like Titus, we must know how to discern which teachers and teachings point us to Christ and are in alignment with His Word. When false teachers effortlessly weave their errant teaching alongside truth, it is imperative that believers use sound discernment to determine whether a teaching aligns with Scripture, or whether it points to a false gospel or other false teaching.

When I’m considering whether a teacher is one I could trust, Paul’s words help me to know what fruit I should look for in their life. If the fruit of the teacher’s life doesn’t line up with the descriptions Paul provided in Titus 2:2-5, I can recognize warning flags that this teacher is not necessarily walking and growing with the Lord in a manner consistent with biblical maturity. The teaching they provide may not point me directly to Christ and His way.

The Original Intent

2) How did Paul’s descriptions of mature Christian lifestyle behaviors (verses 2-5) tie in with his exhortation for Titus to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching in verse 1?

As Titus was establishing leadership in the church at Crete, Paul knew he would need clarity, guidance, and wisdom to choose leaders. In addition, Paul wanted Titus to be bold in teaching truth and in training others how to live like Christ. Paul’s descriptions of mature, Christian lifestyle behaviors were directly tied to sound teaching; a mature believer would exhibit the evidence of sound teaching in a life marked by self-control, sensibility, strong faith, love, and endurance. (Colossians 3:5-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, James 1:22-27)

Paul explained mature women believers should be recognized by their reverence, or seriousness, about their life in Jesus, their edifying speech, and their lack of dependence on anything but Christ. These mature believing women should be pouring into younger women in the church, teaching them what is good, especially regarding how to serve and love their husbands and children well.

The primary roles of women in this time were within the household, and Paul highlighted the godly approach spiritually mature believing women would take. Paul demonstrated they would be given to godly discipleship of newer believing women, teaching them to walk in a godly manner and serving those God had given them well.

Sound teaching of Christ and His way naturally pointed to all these things, and Paul’s letter to Titus affirmed this as he outlined what the fruit of sound teaching would yield in a believer’s life.

The Everyday Application

2) How did Paul’s descriptions of mature Christian lifestyle behaviors (verses 2-5) tie in with his exhortation for Titus to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching in verse 1?

The fruit of sound teaching rooted in Scripture will yield radical transformation in the life of every believer, whether male or female. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us all Scripture is useful for teaching, correction, reproof, and training in righteousness. As women navigating life in the current age, we are inundated with a virtual tsunami of women’s teachings, guidance and more.

It is vitally important that we use the wisdom and discernment God has given us to ascertain whether a teaching or teacher is actually pointing us toward Christ and His way, or toward the way of the world. Paul’s words to Titus are a help to us as we navigate those waters. When we read or hear a teaching, receive advice from someone, or consider entering a discipling relationship with another Christian woman, Spirit-led discernment is imperative!

We should ask the Holy Spirit to show us what is true and then consider whether Scripture supports or refutes what is being taught. Sometimes, this is enough to clarify whether the teaching, teacher, or advice is sound and godly, but sometimes more consideration is required. If all is not clear, we can and should ask God to help us ascertain what the fruit of the given advice will be in our lives, and what the fruit of the teacher’s life reveals.

Will it yield fruit consistent with the Gospel and God’s desire for our lives as followers of Christ?

Will this teaching or teacher point us to lay down our selfish desires so we can fully serve and love others, our husband, our children?

Or does it elevate ourselves and point us to pursue what our “heart wants” or what we think is right at all costs?

The Holy Spirit is faithful to provide guidance, and God provides wisdom every time we ask. (James 1:5-6) Praise be to God!

The Original Intent

3) What is at the heart of Paul’s words in verses 4 and 5 regarding women, home, and submission to husbands?

The role of women in Paul’s day and age revolved almost entirely around the home and their families. The primary identity markers of wife and mother provided women of that time with financial and physical security. Those who did not have a husband or children rarely had financial provision beyond the generosity of others.

To be an unmarried woman was far less common than it is in our society today. Paul’s words in this passage were specifically directed to the behaviors and teachings Titus could expect to see in mature, godly women in the church.

While Paul did not indicate that women leaders in the church must be married, he did highlight that spiritually mature Christian women would be sound teachers of what is good. By teaching sound doctrine and godly truth, they would encourage the newer women believers to be faithful in the roles God had given them. Specifically, Paul mentioned the roles of wife and mother, but he also outlined qualities every believing woman should possess: purity, kindness, diligence, self-control, and submission to their husbands.

While Titus was setting order to the church at Crete, he was dealing with a mixture of people at different places in their walk with Christ. Paul’s direction to Titus regarding spiritually mature men and women were a great help to Titus in discerning where a believer was in their walk, and whether they were ready to lead others or needed further discipleship or transformation before stepping into those roles.

The Everyday Application

3) What is at the heart of Paul’s words in verses 4 and 5 regarding women, home, and submission to husbands?

Paul’s teaching regarding women leading and receiving in the church begins with character and how they serve those in their closest relationships. First, we see his outline for what Titus could expect to see in a mature Christian woman’s walk. She would be a woman who truly lives for Christ. She would take her Christian faith and walk with Christ seriously.

Second, he states that a mature believing woman capable of discipling younger women would be a woman who understands and respects the weight of her words. Rather than let fly cutting words with loose lips, she would be reluctant to slander.

Third, she would not be a believer still enslaved to besetting sins. Instead, she would teach what is good and sound, so she might encourage newer believing women to love their husbands and children well. The heart of Paul’s words to Titus is: believing women will love God and others well.

Believing wives are called to submit to their husbands as the spiritual authority in their household, just as the church submits to Christ as the spiritual authority of us all. “Submission” is a challenging subject, but the heart of Paul’s words is largely overlooked when we malign what God’s word actually says. Just as Adam called Eve, “flesh of my flesh,” when we enter into a Christ-centered union of marriage in Him, we are no longer two, but have become one. We are fitly joined together, and our marriage is a testament to the perfect design of Christ and His church.

As believers, we are all called to live in submission to all brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21) Paul’s instruction to Titus wasn’t a mandate to enforce men in the church to control women, or anything similar. My friend, Jacob, says, “Submission is something that must be given to another; it cannot be taken.”

Every believer is called to live a life of willing responsibility, transparency, and submission to trustworthy brothers and sisters in Christ, all submitting together to Christ our head. Thank You, Father, for your beautiful design for marriage and Your church!

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cultivate,family,Flourish,home,mother,role,she,Wife,Woman
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She Day 13
Journey Study

Submission.

The arrangement of those particular letters forming that specific word often turn my insides raw.

A “you will obey me” mentality comes to mind. Coercion. Manipulation. Head down. Crushed spirit. Wanting to fight, but knowing it would bring no benefit, and would likely make it worse.

Slap on a “spiritual happy face” and label this scene “submission”.

Ugly Chills.
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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi: Digging Deeper

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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

July 21, 2023

Comfort,Dwell,Enemies,Family,Fear,Fellowship,Shielded

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Jehovah Rohi"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23, John 10:2-5, 14-18

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

2 “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.”

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is a shepherd in this context? (Psalm 23:1-4)

Jehovah Rohi means “The Lord is our Shepherd”. Most of us probably do not understand a shepherd’s job description and this beautiful metaphor of God as Shepherd might be difficult for us to deeply comprehend.

Shepherding is first recorded in the Bible early in Genesis describing Abel as a shepherd of flocks. (Genesis 4:2) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, and David were all shepherds. (Genesis 24:34-35, Genesis 26:12-14, Genesis 30:40, Genesis 37:13, 1 Samuel 16) Jacob explicitly declares that God had been his shepherd all his life. (Genesis 48:15)

In his book “Shepherds After My Own Heart,” Timothy Laniak writes that the success of the flock was dependent “greatly on the care, attentiveness and skill of the shepherd.” (Laniak, pg 98) The shepherd led his flock to “quiet waters” and a variety of “green pastures,” rarely driving them from behind. (verse 2)

Kenneth Bailey, in his book “The Good Shepherd”, writes, “The sheep appear to be attracted primarily by the voice of the shepherd, which they know and are eager to follow.” (Bailey, pg 69) Shepherds protected their flock from disease, injury, weather, and predators. (Isaiah 49:10) A good shepherd would not run from danger but stayed with the flock to defend and rescue. (verse 4)

David convinced King Saul he could defeat Goliath, telling Saul how he protected his sheep by killing predators and even rescuing them from a predator’s mouth. (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

The shepherd carried a rod and a staff. (verse 4) “His staff was useful for support, picking off branches, snagging a trapped animal with the crook, or redirecting misbehaving members of the herd…. (It) became a symbol for the protective presence of the shepherd.” (Laniak, pg 103)

The rod was a shorter club that “was a traditional shepherd’s standby for defense and the implement for counting sheep.” (Laniak, pg 104) A good shepherd was a symbol of self-sacrifice as he cared for, protected, and defended the flock he loved.

The Everyday Application

1) What is a shepherd in this context? (Psalm 23:1-4)

My friends, Rebecca and Vance, keep sheep at their homestead and their duties as shepherds are not that different from Old Testament shepherds. They must daily check on the health and welfare of their sheep making sure they have good, clean water.

They provide over-seeding and rotational grazing for fresh, clean, high quantity and quality food. They provide shade during hot summers and shelter during the cold winters. Electric fencing assures them that the sheep are kept in while the predators are kept out. Some shepherds also use livestock guardian dogs for extra protection. They trim the sheep hooves regularly to help their mobility and avoid injury.

Rebecca said, “Shepherds have to spend time with their flock to build familiarity and trust. When sheep know and trust their shepherd, they will come when called, and the shepherd can better care for them. Our more tame sheep love to get their heads and necks scratched. Their trust in us encourages the other sheep to trust us as well.”

Do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Have you experienced His care, attentiveness, and skill? (Laniak, pg 98) Do you go to Him regularly? Are others encouraged by your relationship with Him? Have you called upon Him to be your Shepherd?

Through His shed blood on the cross, all who trust in Him and repent of their sin have complete forgiveness. Yes, we walk through dangers and griefs in this life, but our Shepherd has promised His constant presence to comfort, strengthen, and provide for those who have been redeemed by His blood. (verse 4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:7-8, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 5:10)

The One who has inscribed His beloved ones on the palms of His hands can never forget us nor lose us. (Isaiah 49:15-16) 

The Original Intent

2) How is God the Shepherd of His people? (Psalm 23:1-4, 6)

Psalm 23 begins with David speaking about God. (verses 1-3) He writes that YAHWEH, the only true self-existent eternal God, is His shepherd, linking God’s most holy name with the intimacy of a shepherd caring for his sheep. (verse 1)

It isn’t that God simply provides, but David paints a picture of how He tenderly and faithfully provides. God “lets him lie down in green pastures” and leads him “beside quiet waters.” (verse 2) According to “The Good Shepherd” by Kenneth Bailey, sheep are afraid to drink from moving waters, so quiet waters are essential in keeping the sheep well hydrated and feeling secure.

David knows God provides him with everything he needs, including food, water, and security. He also notes that God leads him along the right paths for God’s glory and reputation. (verse 3) But here there is a change in the psalm as David no longer talks about God but begins talking to God, building even more intimacy into the psalm.

He knows there are dangers everywhere even as God leads him on the right paths, yet it is God’s presence that comforts and protects him in the midst of danger. There are metaphoric predators, bad weather, and injury but David is secure not in his circumstances, but in the God who is always with him. David confidently knows God’s goodness and faithfulness will pursue him all of his life, even when he is disobedient to God. (verse 6, 2 Samuel 11-12)

It is in this relationship that David declares how he longs to be with God all the days of his life. He is safe, secure, cared for, and loved by his shepherd.

The Everyday Application

2) How is God the Shepherd of His people? (Psalm 23:1-4, 6)

Though familiar to many, Psalm 23 isn’t the only place where a psalmist references God as shepherd. Elsewhere, the psalmist makes a connection between God the majestic Creator and God the caring Shepherd, declaring His worthiness of our worship and adulation because He is both magnificent and loving. (Psalm 95:6-7)

It is this majestic and caring, loving God who did what was necessary to rescue us from our predator, the devil. (1 Peter 5:8) Our Shepherd sent His one and only Son to live a perfect life and die in our place for the sins we committed, thus snatching us out of the jaws of our enemy, Eternal Death and separation from God. (Galatians 1:3-4) We are saved from the penalty of sin while we are saved to an abundant life. Jesus said He came to give us life and give us life in abundance. (John 10:10)

He is our Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Protector, Counselor, and constant Companion. (verses 1-4) It is His goodness and faithful love that pursues us for the rest of our lives and never lets us stray very far. (verse 6) Have you come to know Him for yourself?

Is he your Shepherd? If he is not, pray, and ask him to be your Good Shepherd and He will with joy receive you into His flock, never letting you go!

The Original Intent

3) How is Jesus our Shepherd? (John 10:2-5; John 10:14-18)

Just as God is the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23, Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd in John’s gospel and reminds His audience of the attributes of a good shepherd.

The sheep hear His voice, He calls His sheep by name, and He leads them. (verse 3) He goes ahead of His sheep and the sheep follow Him trustingly because they are keenly familiar with His voice. (verse 4)

His sheep will never follow a stranger because they don’t know any voice but the shepherd’s. In fact, they will run from a stranger’s voice. (verse 5) A few verses later, Jesus says something staggering and nearly unimaginable, “I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.” (verses 14-15) The relationship between the Father and the Son is one of thorough intimacy, full omniscience, and complete oneness.

It is the only perfect relationship extending from eternity past to eternity future. Jesus then says this is the relationship He has with His flock. He knows everything about each of His sheep. He knows what they are thinking, feeling, and how they have been hurt. He knows their sorrows and their joys. 

Later in the text, Jesus tells the audience He is not only willing to lay down His life for His sheep, but that He will take it up again. (verse 17) He tells of both His impending death and resurrection, both of which are for the sake of His flock.

He willingly and painfully gives up His life in the greatest example of self-sacrifice man has ever known and picks it up again, proving eternal victory over Death, Sin, and the Grave; He then hands this victory to His precious sheep who trust in Him! (Romans 14:8)

The Everyday Application

3) How is Jesus our Shepherd? (John 10:2-5; John 10:14-18)

What do we do with this understanding of Jesus’ intimacy, love, and self-sacrifice toward us? If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I want to remind you He knows you. He sees you. He knows your thoughts, your actions, and your feelings. Knowing all this, He still loves you with perfect love and open arms of forgiveness and joy in His presence. (Psalm 16:11)

Difficult circumstances may still exist, but His love and provision He shows while leading us on the right paths while providing constant companionship will never end. (Psalm 23:1-4) You cannot flee the Good Shepherd because He is always with you. (Psalm 139:7-10) If you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, come into His flock and allow Him to be the loving, good, perfect Shepherd over you and your life.

He loves you and provides grace and forgiveness and eternal salvation when you enter the safety of His fold. You are not too dirty, too sinful, or too far away that He cannot find you, cleanse you, and make you whole.

It is a strange thing, isn’t it, when we consider how Jesus is the Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, and at the same time He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice on the cross takes away our sins? He is both Shepherd and Sacrificial Lamb. This is how God showed His love for us even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Meditate on and pray Psalm 23 and John 10. Ask God to show you how He has been your shepherd since before you were knit together in your mother’s womb. Thank Him and rejoice in your very Good Shepherd who loves you to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8)

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leading,love,quiet,rescue,sacrifice,shepherd
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Resting Day 10 Journey Study

The Lord is my King and Guardian Caretaker; I have everything I need. Even when I despair, He comes through and takes care of it all.

He leads me to His good blessings, whether they are basics like good food and clean water, or more complex as a loving community and purpose in Him. He gives me rest and eases anxiety. God guides every step and shows me the way to His goodness.

With His help, everyday decisions are stepping stones to fuller plans He has for me to proclaim His glory. Even in difficulty and pain, I’m not afraid because God is right beside me. I know He will always protect me, therefore I feel safe.
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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi

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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi

Malinda Fugate

July 21, 2023

Character,Comfort,Fellowship,Good,Shepherd

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23
John 10
Isaiah 40:10-31

It’s been awhile since I hung out with sheep. After trading a childhood in Ohio farmland for adulthood in Los Angeles, my opportunities to interact with livestock are limited. This makes it a little tough to connect with Scripture featuring animals and their keepers. However, the details of shepherding reveal some of God’s character, drawing us closer to His heart as we know Him better.

Before he was a war hero and king, David spent a lot of time herding sheep. I imagine sitting in quiet fields, watching the animals slowly graze, and looking up at wispy clouds pushed across the sky by a gentle breeze provided David with time to listen to God. Maybe David heard His voice as clearly as he heard birds sing and tree leaves rustle. David understood the Lord as the ultimate Shepherd, protecting and nurturing His beloved children much like David tended his flock with care. Divinely inspired, he penned a song to share God’s goodness with all the people. 

The lyrics of Psalm 23 take us to green pastures and still waters. We look to the Lord for guidance, provision, and security just like a lamb to her shepherd. In order to follow God this way, we must trust Him completely. After all, sheep are pretty helpless creatures. They require someone to take them to drink and eat. They need protection from predators, and if they’re sick or hurt, they can’t help themselves. Relying on a shepherd is essential. We also need the Lord desperately, whether we realize it or not. So many things are out of our control and abilities, and a shepherding God is essential.

We can trust Him completely because He’s good and loving. David wrote, “The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9) The Lord is not merely A shepherd, He’s the GOOD Shepherd. David sings his psalms to tell us why. In the original Hebrew, Psalm 23 begins with David’s declaration of “Jehovah Rohi,” which means “the Lord my Shepherd.” The verses that follow explain a very personal relationship between David as a beloved sheep and God who tenderly cares for him. 

Though the original listeners would immediately relate to a life of tending flocks, we might need a bit of assistance. I’ve never walked in the sandals of an ancient Israelite, but God certainly demonstrates the care of a Shepherd in my modern life. Perhaps you see Him in yours, too. If we tried to write David’s psalm today, it might sound like this:

The Lord is my King and Guardian Caretaker; I have everything I need.
Even when I despair, He comes through and takes care of it all.
He leads me to His good blessings, whether they are basics like good food and clean water, or more complex as a loving community and purpose in Him.
He gives me rest and eases anxiety.
God guides every step and shows me the way to His goodness.
With His help, everyday decisions are stepping stones to fuller plans He has for me to proclaim His glory.
Even in difficulty and pain, I’m not afraid because God is right beside me. I know He will always protect me, therefore I feel safe.
This is how the Lord demonstrates His love for me, and everyone can see it’s true. His kind generosity encourages me so much my heart feels like it will overflow.
I’m confident God’s goodness and love will be with me forever,
and I will worship Him all the days of my life.

How has the Lord been a Good Shepherd to you?
Are you listening for His voice as David did?

In John 10, Jesus explained that His sheep know His voice. Back in the pasture, actual sheep know their shepherd so well they will follow his voice even if they are grazing among other flocks with other shepherds! The sheep spend so much time with the one who cares for them, they stick close by his side. 

Yet, Jesus goes even farther to express His love. He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Unlike the limited devotion of a human shepherd, Christ died on the cross to cover the cost of our sin, then resurrected so we could be rescued from the power of sin and death, inviting us to eternity with Him. Imagine if a celebrated king walked out of his palace and into the fields to spend time with sheep because He was so concerned for their well-being. God is Jehovah Rohi– Lord Shepherd- the King of Kings who dwells among His children and covers us with His grace, mercy, and compassion. 

God’s character is richly complex, a multi-faceted tapestry beyond our comprehension. Yet, His love is also as simple as a Good Shepherd tending His flock, treasuring each precious sheep with great care. You are not merely one in a crowd, dear friend. You are uniquely cherished and beloved by the Good Shepherd. He will never leave you, and His goodness and faithful love will follow you, all the days of your life.

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The Good Shepherd loves you and provides grace and forgiveness and eternal salvation when you enter the safety of His fold. You are not too dirty, too sinful, or too far away that He cannot find you, cleanse you, and make you whole.
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Known Day 8 Jehovah Tsidkenu

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Known Day 8 Jehovah Tsidkenu

Rebekah Hargraves

July 19, 2023

Covenant,Cross,Fellowship,Forgiven,Gospel

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
Romans 3:10-18
Jeremiah 33:14-16
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

I often say knowing the character of God is of paramount importance to trusting God – after all, we can’t trust someone we don’t know! One of my favorite ways of getting to know God is by studying His names. Through learning about the various names of God, we are able to receive a rich glimpse into Who God is by seeing His character in action.

The name we are looking at today is particularly near and dear to my own heart. 
Jehovah Tsidkenu means “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

This name is a balm to my soul when I hear it. In my teens and early 20s, I went through a multi-year-long season of legalism. If you know anything about legalism, you know it weighs us down with the burdensome belief we need to work and perform and “do” enough good, holy, and right things to earn righteousness for ourselves.

This is an exhausting, debilitating, overwhelming way to live, and it
actually does not result in righteousness.
Those trapped by legalism end up on a hamster wheel, a vicious cycle, weighing us down while never producing any good fruit. 

Thanks to the good news of the gospel, we don’t need to live this way!
The Lord Himself is our Righteousness, and there is nothing at all we need to (or even can!) work towards or earn apart from Him.

When humanity’s initial righteousness was lost in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), Jehovah Tsidkenu already had a plan to restore righteousness to His children. (Genesis 3:14-16)
Our God is just that gracious! 

He looked down from heaven and saw plainly there was “no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, out of His unending love for us, God planned to send Jesus to save His people from their sins and to impute to them His own righteousness. (Jeremiah 33:14-16) In fact, early church preacher and teacher, Paul, writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” He is a gift to us, our cover and our Savior. Is that not incredible? 

The Lord truly is our righteousness;
when we place saving faith in Christ and God the Father then looks at us,
He sees only the righteousness of His Son!
Talk about amazing grace!

Jesus, the prophesied-about King, the Son of God with no wrong, dishonesty, or unfairness in Him, chose to be treated unfairly for our sakes, so we might have His righteousness as our own, imputed to us through no work of ours, but rather through faith.
That’s a load off right there! 

Having God as our Provider and Source of righteousness changes everything.
For me, I went from being a stressed-out, shame-filled, guilt-ridden shell of myself to a person experiencing freedom for the first time, at rest and with peace in my heart. I finally understood I was accepted by God, seen as righteous, and was separated from my sin as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12-13) I didn’t need to strive anymore, pull myself up by my bootstraps, be enough on my own, or try my best. I could cease my striving, let my burden of condemnation go (Romans 8:1-2), and relish the grace of my Savior. 

You might be wondering now, though, about the issue of obedience.
Where does obedience fit in? 

We know we don’t need to be perfect or strive or be enough on our own because of Jehovah Tsidkenu, we know salvation is by grace through faith and righteousness is a gift. 

What of Scripture’s talk of obedience?

Fundamentally, this asks how we should respond
to a God who provides our righteousness.

This, my friends, is specifically where obedience comes in.
This is a radically different question than,
“How much good must I do to be ‘good enough’ for a holy God?”

As Christ-followers of a good God who knows what is best for us,
we want to obey Him and follow His Word.
We want to live lives characterized by adherence to His ways.
The key is that our obedience now comes from a place of gratitude for what God has already done on our behalf, not an fool-hardy attempt to earn His favor or our salvation.
Our response to this good God who gave us the gift of His righteousness should be obedience to His commands from a grateful heart of delightful love.

Should we obey God? Absolutely!
But not because we are trying to earn anything.
My friends, the Lord, Jehovah Tsidkenu, is our righteousness. Period.
And praise God for this good news! 

 

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By His resurrection, Jesus restored the Kingdom of God to the whole world. (2 Timothy 2:8-11)

God’s promise includes all who put their hope in Him. In Christ, we become a branch of the Branch! (John 15:4-5)

He brings about a kingdom for us filled with righteousness and justice. Friend, this promise of the LORD is for you and for me! Sing with me: Hallelujah to the Righteous Branch!!
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Known Day 7 El Chuwl: Digging Deeper

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Known Day 7 El Chuwl: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

July 18, 2023

Bold,Family,Fellowship,Know,Meaning,Mercy,Perfect

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "El Chuwl"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 139:13-18

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began. 17 God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! 18 If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.
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The Original Intent

1) Why does the psalmist say God’s works, including the psalmist himself, are wondrous? (verse 14)

In Psalm 139:14, David praises God because he has been “remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” David knew God as the Creator of everything, including people. (Genesis 1:27) He knew God declared His creation to be very good indeed. (Genesis 1:31)

As a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34) and soldier who lived in caves (1 Samuel 24:3) and slept under the stars (1 Samuel 26:3), David observed the intricacies of nature. He noted with awe the incredible colors, patterns, diversity and abilities of all creation, and he marveled at God’s most complex creation of all, humans. Lori Stanley Roeleveld points out, “Our design—physical, biological, mechanical, functional, mental, emotional, and spiritual—reflects our God’s expansive intelligence, wisdom, and creativity. We are wondrous and awesome in every way, and that was God’s idea.”

David wasn’t a scientist, but he did observe God’s remarkable design in the birth of children (2 Samuel 12:24) and in their growth, and in the body’s ability to heal itself and endure trauma (Psalm 38:7). David’s observations caused him to praise God for His wondrous work in designing people.

David Guzik notes, “The workings of the human body are stunning in their design and execution. We know far more than David ever did about how we are made, and it should make us full of more awe and praise than David ever had.” When we hold a newborn baby, we are reminded of the mystery and the complexity of human life. When we witness an elite athlete run at incredible speeds or a mathematician solve complex equations, we marvel at the abilities of the human body.

Next time we glance in the mirror, we should remember that all of God’s works are wondrous, including us!

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the psalmist say God’s works, including the psalmist himself, are wondrous? (verse 14)

If asked, “Is God’s Word true?” (John 17:17), my emphatic answer is yes! But if you judge by my actions, the answer is less certain, especially when it comes to Psalm 139:14, “I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” I marvel at God’s design of the human body; it is my own human body I find less than wondrous.

Sadly, many women believe lies from the enemy (John 8:44) that tell us we are hideous, not wondrous, and this becomes our mantra when we look in the mirror. Melissa D’Arabian suggests that the negative comments we direct at our bodies are “actually directed at God. He tells us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and then we respond by essentially saying, ‘Your handiwork is just not good enough for me.’”

Instead of doubting we are remarkably and wondrously made by God, we can use this truth to combat the lies we have believed. Jo Saxton emphasizes that we can use this verse to “acknowledge that your body, your personality, your talents, all of you is fearfully and wonderfully made. His words have the power to level and liberate you, a Spirit-filled sword (Ephesians 6:17) to cut through the most resistant of chains.”

When we focus on God as the Master Craftsman, it is easier for us to appreciate that we are His marvelous workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10) Tara Sun asserts, “When we stand in proper view of the reality of our Savior, we can stand in thankfulness and contentment for how we were created. Bumps, dimples, curves, saggy skin and all.”

Thank You, Lord, for hand-crafting each one of us into a unique masterpiece!

The Original Intent

2) What does the author mean by saying he was formed in the depths of the earth? (verse 15)

Discussing his wondrous creation by God, David states that his “bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:15) David isn’t suggesting he was made deep inside the earth, although he could be making a reference to the first man, Adam, who was created by God from the dust of the earth. (Genesis 2:7)

Harriet Connor suggests, “The first man was formed in the ‘womb’ of the earth, as God shaped and animated the dust of the ground.” The psalmist, according to David Guzik, uses “lowest parts of the earth to refer to any mysterious, unseen place.” Specifically, David is referencing the mystery of human gestation in utero.

Albert Barnes suggests David is describing a place “much beyond the power of human observation as though it had been done low down beneath the ground where no eye of man can penetrate.” The Scriptures refer to the mystery of human development in Ecclesiastes 11:5, “You don’t know…. how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman.” Jeremiah 1:5 also references God forming a person “in the womb”.

Harriet Connor notes, “Woman is like the earth in that she has the potential for gestating new life within her body.” David is awestruck contemplating the mystery of how God forms a life inside of a mother.

Although the secrets of gestational development are unknown to him, David is certain God is there, orchestrating everything.

The Everyday Application

2) What does the author mean by saying he was formed in the depths of the earth? (verse 15)

When I was pregnant 20 years ago, I marveled at how much we understood scientifically about pre-natal development. I showed everyone the ultrasound, which wasn’t available to my parents when I was born. The knowledge for Gen-Z parents is even greater; I recently read a study that linked fetal alcohol syndrome to excessive alcohol consumption by the father before conception.

For all our advancements, there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding what occurs in utero. In Psalm 139:15, David talks to God about the process as best he can describe: “My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.” Alexander Maclaren explains, “The mysterious receptacle in which the unborn body takes shape and grows is delicately described as ‘secret’ and likened to the hidden region of the underworld, where are the dead. The point of comparison is the mystery enwrapping both.” 

How amazing that God has been with me since even before I was born, in the mysterious darkness of the womb. God has “been my God from my mother’s womb” (Psalm 22:10), and He promises He will never leave me or abandon me (Deuteronomy 31:8). There is nowhere we can go that He will not be with us. (Psalm 139:7)

It encourages and comforts me to know that God is with me forever, from before birth to my last day on earth (Psalm 48:14) until I stand in His presence in Heaven. (John 11:25) No matter how dark the situation is, God is there with me, strengthening me and sustaining me with His love (Romans 8:38-39) and through His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).

I know I can trust in God, who has been with me since even before my first breath!

The Original Intent

3) Why does the psalmist say that God’s thoughts are precious to him? (verse 17)

In Psalm 139:17, David declares, “God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!”. David marvels that the God of all Creation formed him in secret, knit him in his mother’s womb, and planned out all his days even before he was born (Psalm 139:16) The fact that God was mindful of him was mind-boggling and humbling to David. (Psalm 8:4)

Having the God of all things notice him and care for him was precious to the psalmist. David Guzik notes, “David was filled with amazement and adoration by considering how God knew and cared for him. It is precious that God should think of us at all; it is beyond precious that He would think well of us and think so often of us.”

David knew there was nothing spectacular about him that God should think about him, so he found God’s thoughts toward him precious. He was just a simple shepherd, a youngest son (1 Samuel 17:12-14) whom God chose to bless and prosper, and David was overwhelmed by the grace shown him.

Charles Spurgeon remarks, “That God should think upon him is the believer’s treasure and pleasure.”

The next time you feel unseen or forgotten, remember how precious it is that God is mindful of you and thinks a vast sum of thoughts about you!

The Everyday Application

3) Why does the psalmist say that God’s thoughts are precious to him? (verse 17)

Every year, churches around the globe observe clergy appreciation month in October. As the children’s pastor at my church, I enjoy the notes of encouragement from parishioners, the hand-made cards from students, and the letters of thanks from parents. I also look forward to the home-made goodies and the gift cards I receive.

One October Sunday, a couple placed an envelope in my hand and thanked me for my service to the Lord and our church family. I was astonished to find $200 inside! That was a lot of money, and I was flabbergasted that they (or anyone) would think to bless me with such generosity. Their children had long since grown up, and it surprised me that the children’s minister would even be on their radar.

David registers similar joy and surprise when he considers the thoughts of God toward him, and he declares that they are precious and vast in sum. (Psalm 139:17) To know that anyone thinks of you is special, but to know that The One whose thoughts are so high above your own (Isaiah 55:9) thinks much of you is precious indeed!

Ever since David was conceived, before he was even born, God had been with him, thinking of Him and making plans for him. (Jeremiah 29:11) What could be more precious than knowing the Creator of the universe has been thinking of you since before your birth and continues to think about you every day?

Like David, we can rejoice that no matter what we think about ourselves, our Omniscient God has good thoughts toward us.

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The Lord is intensely for us; if you’re breathing, His heart is to draw you near. Jonah was ready to watch the city of Nineveh and all of its inhabitants burn, but the Lord saw His creation. When the people of Nineveh repented, the Lord’s righteous anger turned to sovereign grace.
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Sketched XI Day 15 Faith Made Sight: Digging Deeper

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Sketched XI Day 15 Faith Made Sight: Digging Deeper

Rebecca Adams

July 7, 2023

Alive,Equipped,Faith,Fellowship,Gift

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Faith Made Sight"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Kings 2:1-14

The time had come for the Lord to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal, 2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord is sending me on to Bethel.”

But Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 Then the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”

4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; the Lord is sending me to Jericho.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.

5 Then the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”

6 Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord is sending me to the Jordan.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

7 Fifty men from the sons of the prophets came and stood observing them at a distance while the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water, which parted to the right and left. Then the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you.” So Elisha answered, “Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.” 10 Elijah replied, “You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.”

11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind. 12 As Elisha watched, he kept crying out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

When he could see him no longer, he took hold of his own clothes, tore them in two, 13 picked up the mantle that had fallen off Elijah, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the mantle Elijah had dropped, and he struck the water. “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” he asked. He struck the water himself, and it parted to the right and the left, and Elisha crossed over.
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The Original Intent

1) What is significant about the opening words of this scene? (verse 1)

We would be wise to repeat these 4 syllables from Elijah’s home-going story and remember, it is the Lord who holds our time. He knows what time it is in your life, Sister, and there isn’t one thing you can do to change that reality. He knows your story with every detail backwards and forwards from the end to the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)

Nehemiah experienced mockery around work as he found himself in the middle of a project far too big for him. His brood of scoffers sent him messages to taunt him so that he would be intimidated and cease obeying the Lord. (Nehemiah 6:9) Join Moses in asking the Lord to “teach us to number our days carefully that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” (Psalm 90:12)

Only when we begin with the Lord, and finish with Him, can we say with Moses, “Establish for us the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17) and Nehemiah, “But now, my God, strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9). The Lord is the true source of efficacy and endurance of our work and our days.

Since He knows the true status of our remaining time, we would be wise to do our work within the confines of a vibrant relationship with Him where we can hear His voice to go where He sends, say yes when He prods, and say no to moving where He is not leading.

The Lord gave Elijah exactly the time on earth he needed to finish the work He gave him and to learn to trust the Lord implicitly. Let’s determine to use our hours and minutes to do the same. Let’s make it our goal to know Him and follow Him in worship as we enter each minute of our normal, everyday lives.

The Everyday Application

1) What is significant about the opening words of this scene? (verse 1)

“The time had come…” are easy words to gloss over, but these mere 4 syllables in English are rich with jewels for us to plumb their depths and carry around with us in our everyday lives. How often are we hurried? Okay, I heard you laughing from here! Every minute! Every day!

How often do you feel pulled in more directions than you feel able to satisfy? How often do you wonder, “Am I doing enough? Does what I do matter?” Perhaps you’ve heard these words pass your lips a time or two, “Let’s go! I’m late!” Frustration follows, and annoyance brings extra baggage of rudeness, mockery, and shaming if not for ourselves, to the people around us.

Time matters, but we often move through it feeling we are controlled by its ever-pressing movement that mocks, “Faster! You’re not enough yet! You aren’t going to finish!” It’s easy to believe that if we fill more things and chase a little faster, we will win some kind of brilliant prize like best mother, most faithful Christ-follower, or most helpful servant leader. All of these are lies.

What if our goal was to know and trust the Lord in each situation, offering the whole of our lives, including our time, as an act of worship instead of our goal being to accomplish such and such? How much freer might we live and talk and laugh and engage?

Verse 11 provides such a sweet glimpse into Elijah’s departure. They both knew the Lord would take him that day, but they didn’t know when. Instead of panicking, they “continued walking and talking” just as they had done hundreds of times before.

“The time had come…”. Use these four words as a reminder to re-align your view of time with the Lord’s perspective, then choose to simply “walk and talk” with Him!

The Original Intent

2) What can we learn from Elisha’s repeated phrase, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you”? (verses 2, 4, and 6)

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened in the narrative had Elisha “obeyed” and stayed when Elijah instructed him to stay. Truthfully, when I consider the depth of relationship the two shared and the intimacy of master and disciple, I think it was likely Elijah was quite confident Elisha would follow him regardless of his instruction. Following Elijah was what Elisha had been training to do all this time as the Lord prepared him to take on Elijah’s role as prophet to Israel. In fact, Elisha would do even more than Elijah had during his ministry! (more on that in question 3!)

Would Elisha have received the double portion of Elijah’s spirit had he chosen in these last hours to cease following his teacher? (verse 9) For certain, Elisha would have missed the intimate sharing of these last minutes and hours with his teacher. He would have forgone watching the Lord’s whirlwind carry Elijah home. He would have missed the inaugural moment of his ministry when he crossed the Jordan River on dry ground as Elijah had (verse 8), as Joshua had (Joshua 3), and before them, as Moses had split the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21).

All of these events were accomplished through the Spirit of the Lord resting upon these individuals who had long before these moments decided they were “all in” for persistent, consistent, determined following of the Lord.

Like them, we will all encounter crossroads when we can choose to walk away from the Lord’s ways, missing out on the good things He wants to show us about Himself. Keep following, Sister! It’s always worth it!

The Everyday Application

2) What can we learn from Elisha’s repeated phrase, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you”? (verses 2, 4, and 6)

Others in Scripture have used a similar phrase at specific crossroads in their journeys. Though Naomi gave Ruth plenty of reasons to turn back to her people, Ruth adamantly insisted, “Where you go, I will go, wherever you live, I will live, your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die.” (Ruth 1:16-17) Ruth’s insistence landed her a place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ Himself. What if she hadn’t been so determined?

Consider Moses who, when faced with the Lord’s statement that He simply would not continue traversing the wilderness with the Israelites, passionately declared, “If Your presence doesn’t go, […] don’t make us go up from here.” (Exodus 33:15) Can you imagine if Moses responded with, “Don’t come, Lord, I’ll do this on my own!”

One more profound story comes from the New Testament disciple, Peter. Following Christ’s death and resurrection, Jesus appears on the beach to His remaining eleven disciples in one of my very favorite scenes of Jesus’ on-earth life. Jesus thrice asks a repentant Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17) Each time, Peter insists with all the more fervor, “Lord, yes!” Finally, the Lord rewards Peter’s insistent following with the commissioning blessing that would provide the early church a rock on which to be built, “Feed My sheep”, came Jesus’ instruction to Peter for the Church. (John 21:17)

Let’s be Christ-followers who adamantly refuse to go forward without the Lord. Let’s be like Ruth, Moses, Peter, and Elisha who all concluded, “No way am I turning my back on the God I have come to know.”

What might the Lord God do in and through us for His kingdom, and the maturity of our own hearts, if we determine to follow our Teacher as His disciple?!

The Original Intent

3) What hints of Jesus can we see in verses 8-14?

Pulling back the layers and sitting deeply with an Old Testament passage while allowing the New Testament realities to illuminate its words so I can see the Savior in its pages is one of my special joys of studying Scripture!

If you’ve been a Bible student for a while, read these 14 verses and write down the connections you see, then tell me about it in the comments below; I’d love to learn from you! If you’re newer to Scripture study, read the New Testament linked passages a few times through, praying as you go for the Spirit to teach you deeper things about Himself! It’s the very best adventure to embark on!

Aside from the purposeful connection to Moses and Joshua, two very significant leaders in Israel’s history, through the parting of the river’s waters, the Jordan River also played an important role in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Elijah’s ministry was ending, and his final miracle was parting the Jordan, but Jesus’ first step into ministry began as he was baptized in the same Jordan River. (Matthew 3:13-17)

Jesus even helped His followers understand the connective bridge between Elijah’s work as a prophet to point Israel to God and John the Baptist’s work as a forerunner of Christ. The last prophet before Jesus was Malachi, through whom God spoke the closing words of His prophecy, “Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” (Malachi 4:5)

This pre-Messiah forerunner would be John the Baptist! (Luke 1:11-17)

The Everyday Application

3) What hints of Jesus can we see in verses 8-14?

Before Elijah is taken up into Heaven he asks Elisha what he could do for him, to which Elisha makes the “difficult” ask for a “double portion” of the Spirit which was given by God to Elijah enabling him to prophesy. (2 Kings 2:9-10)

Fast forward to the New Testament and Jesus’ last meal with His disciples. His death was hours away and He would be leaving them soon. Jesus comforts His grieving, confused disciples by telling them 1) He would send the Comforter to be with them (the Holy Spirit, John 16:7) 2) They would do even greater works than Christ because of the Spirit in them. (John 14:12)

Elisha carried out his prophetic ministry with even more miracles than Elijah, so too, Christ-followers everywhere have access to the same Spirit through whom Jesus said we would do even more than He had!

Finally, Elijah was carried up by a whirlwind (verses 2 and 11) and Jesus was “taken up as they were watching” (Acts 1:9) into the clouds and out of sight. Elisha looked up until he couldn’t see Elijah anymore (verse 12), and then proceeded to return across the Jordan and begin his prophetic ministry.

Similarly, the disciples stood staring up into Heaven after Jesus’ had gone, but at the angels’ prodding, they returned to Jerusalem as Jesus had asked so they could await the coming Holy Spirit before beginning their ministry to launch the Church! (Acts 1:10-11)

Elijah was a foreshadowing of Jesus in many ways. His life was used as a beacon to not only point people to God who lived in his timeline, but, generations later, we too can look at Elijah’s life and see Jesus.

What do other people think when they spend time in relationship with you in your timeline? Do they see Jesus?!

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Sketched XI, Day 15
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“Are you…scared?” he hesitantly queried. I think for a moment. I’ve known fear; I’ve experienced doubt; I’ve faced the threat of death. This time, though, it’s different. I feel…peace. Inexplicable peace laced with expectant joy as I consider the faithfulness of my God.

“I have faced fear and doubt often in my time walking with the Lord, but I have learned that when Yahweh says He will provide, He provides.” His eyes are on mine now, and I notice his shoulders straighten, as though my testimony bolstered him.
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Sketched XI Day 9 Making A Mockery: Digging Deeper

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Sketched XI Day 9 Making A Mockery: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

June 29, 2023

Character,Fear,Fellowship,Glory,Jealous,Justice,Love,Mercy

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Making A Mockery"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Deuteronomy 4:23-27

23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you, and make an idol for yourselves in the shape of anything he has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

25 “When you have children and grandchildren and have been in the land a long time, and if you act corruptly, make an idol in the form of anything, and do what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, angering him, 26 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that you will quickly perish from the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess. You will not live long there, but you will certainly be destroyed. 27 The Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be reduced to a few survivors among the nations where the Lord your God will drive you.
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The Original Intent

1) What covenant is Moses referencing and what is the Israelites role in it? (verse 23)

Moses references the covenant God made with Israel after delivering them from slavery in Egypt, which built upon previous covenants God had made with Noah and Abraham. The first covenant with Noah (Genesis 6:17-22) expressed God’s plan to save Noah’s family from judgment and death.

After the flood, God promised never again to exact judgment in the form of all life on earth for the sins of man. (Genesis 8:20-9:17) Man’s part of this covenant highlighted the sanctity of life in God’s eyes and outlined God’s requirement for payment of each taken life. God’s covenant(s) to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15) told of His purpose to grow a nation from Abraham’s family and His will to bless all people through Abraham’s family line.

Later, in Genesis 17, God told Abraham there would come a time when his people would be enslaved, but God promised He would deliver them. Abraham and his family’s covenant role was to circumcise every male for all generations to come.

True to His Word, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 400 years (Exodus 12:40-41) until God delivered them through Moses’ obedience. After the Israelites were freed, God made an additional covenant with them. On Mount Sinai, God delivered His Law to Moses, designed to govern the Israelites in the promised land and to show them God’s standard for righteousness.

These guidelines included the Ten Commandments, as well as other standards God outlined as the way His chosen people must live in daily life. (Exodus 21-24, Exodus 31-35) The Israelites’ role in this covenant was to obey God’s laws, which would accomplish a few things.

First, it would demonstrate how very different God’s people are from the other nations on earth that worshiped false gods and gave themselves to evil practices.

Second, it would showcase God’s glory to the surrounding nations.

Third, it would serve as a placeholder until the time when Christ would come to fulfill the Israelites’ part of the covenant Himself, since only He could perfectly accomplish this, and establish the new covenant: salvation.

The Everyday Application

1) What covenant is Moses referencing and what is the Israelites role in it? (verse 23)

Covenant is a word we don’t often use in modern culture. The only current cultural context we have is a marriage covenant, but that is decidedly within Christian circles. Apart from that, the word is virtually obsolete. Our closest frame of reference might be a promise or an agreement, but neither word accurately conveys the weight a biblical covenant held in ancient times.

Merriam Webster defines covenant as a formal, solemn, and binding agreement. A covenant is an agreement reached between two parties with specific parameters and requirements outlined for each participant to fulfill; a binding contract. The outline and requirements of God’s law demonstrated His standard of righteousness and holiness, while also conveying His intentional provision for the inevitable failings of people.

Even when the Israelites faltered and sinned, God afforded them the opportunity to make sacrifices to bring them back into right standing with Him. While these sacrifices met the Israelites’ end of the covenant, they were simply a placeholder for God’s ultimate plan: Jesus Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice when He laid down His perfect, sinless, fully-man-yet-fully-God life and was crucified, fulfilling the atonement required for all sin, for all time.

All that is needed to enter this new covenant is genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and true heart repentance to turn from our sin as we trust Him at His Word that His sacrifice paid the complete penalty for our sin. Over and over throughout Scripture, we see the Israelites’ failure to uphold their end of the covenant.

Idolatry, disobedience, rebellion, jealousy, covetousness…time and again, they fell short of their end of the covenant. Their choices may have resulted in consequences and discipline from God, but over and over again, He forgave them, delivered them, and faithfully continued to uphold His covenant with them, regardless of their failures. 

The Original Intent

2) Does the description of God as a consuming fire and jealous conflict with 1 John 4:16, which says God is love? (verse 24)

Scriptures that describe God as a consuming fire (Exodus 24:17, Deuteronomy 9:3, Isaiah 30:27, Isaiah 33:14, Hebrews 12:28-29) describe God’s power, sanctifying nature, and incredible glory in vibrant terms. When we read the Bible through our current cultural lens, these descriptions can seem to conflict with other biblical passages that describe God as love (1 John 4:16), and full of mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5) and grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When God responded to Job’s questions (Job 38-41), His words were clear and filled with truth, power and clarity. For Job to have continued to question His identity, power, sovereignty, or authority would have been foolish.

When Jesus spoke to the Jews who were weary of attempting to follow the additional rules and laws the Pharisees had added to God’s law, Jesus’ words revealed His kindness, gentleness, and mercy. (Matthew 11:28-30) In each case, God revealed His character in a clear demonstration of certain aspects of His character.

He is a consuming fire, and as Merriam Webster defines jealous: intolerant of unfaithfulness. He alone deserves all glory, praise, and loyalty; He rightly and righteously expects it. He is also the embodiment of love and is full of mercy and grace.

The Everyday Application

2) Does the description of God as a consuming fire and jealous conflict with 1 John 4:16, which says God is love? (verse 24)

When we consider God’s nature and character, we must first always remember He is completely, totally different from humans.

While Scripture states we were created in His likeness (Genesis 1:26-28), we are not and can never become Him. We were not created to be, nor do we exist as “little gods,” neither are we “pieces” of God. He ALONE is God and He shares His glory with none. (Isaiah 42:8, Isaiah 44:6-8, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

He ALONE has no beginning, and no end. (Psalm 90:2, Job 36:22-26, Hebrews 13:8)

He ALONE created everything out of nothing at all. (Genesis 1, Hebrews 1:10-12, Isaiah 45:11-13)

Full stop. The Bible is about Him, not us.

When we approach Scripture with the intention to learn more about how God is like us, or about ourselves, we approach with a wrong heart and mindset. When we study the Bible, we do learn more about ourselves, but it’s only because we are learning more about who God is and what He is like.

By soaking in those truths, we can’t help but recognize where we fall short and where we need His mercy and grace to cover us. The differences between our cultural and language lens is starkly different from what the Bible shows us to be true.

We might think about or describe love as a feeling of affection, acceptance, approval of, or a fondness for someone, but throughout Scripture we see that God defines love as an action or series of actions. When we hear God described as jealous, our minds tend to conjure up thoughts about the feeling of jealousy, whether in the context of a romantic relationship, or even a friendship. However, when God is described as jealous, Scripture is showing us that God alone deserves and expects to hold the place of God in His peoples’ lives.

Verse 24 articulates that He was unwilling to share worship with other idols or false gods, and this is completely in line with His character as the only true living God. 

The Original Intent

3) Why is the warning about making a carved image specifically repeated for future generations? (verse 25)

At the time when this passage of history took place, the Israelites had been freshly freed from slavery in Egypt. There were people of every age group in their company, from infants and young children to elderly adults. Scripture tells us God alone knows all things (Psalm 139, Isaiah 40:28, 1 John 3:20), and this included the heart posture and the future choices the Israelites would make.

In addition to knowing idolatry had proved so alluring to His chosen people (and would entice them over and over again), He also wanted to make the consequences for such unfaithfulness abundantly clear. There would have been no mistaking His clarity here: idolatry at any point in their lives, whether at a young age or old age, would necessitate serious and permanent consequences.

Those who fell prey to idolatry would be cut off from His presence, scattered, and destroyed. The emphasis and repetition of the warning reveals how the Lord God desired the whole hearts and lives of His people.

He did not want, and would not stand for, a fickle devotion that would waver and wane over time; instead, He called for fervent, whole-life, steady and determined worship that would prevail throughout their years, marking them as His in their young and old age.

The Everyday Application

3) Why is the warning about making a carved image specifically repeated for future generations? (verse 25)

It’s so easy to think we’ve “arrived,” isn’t it? Almost before we recognize the thought has taken up residence in our minds, self-satisfaction is quick to set in.

The Lord is no stranger to the minds and hearts of mankind. He knows just how sneaky our pride can be, and this passage is a prime example of His knowledge and wisdom. God knew the Israelites just as He knows us. He knew the temptations and pride of life would seek to ensnare them all the days of their lives, and He saw fit to reiterate the consequences of idolatry for their old age as well as young.

God knows people are often inclined to rest on the laurels of their youth while slipping in their convictions as they age. God used this repeated warning to highlight that He cannot and will not tolerate idolatry, no matter how long a person has walked with Him.

Scripture tells us God is holy. (1 Samuel 2:2, Leviticus 19:1-4, Revelation 4:8) Because He is holy, He cannot be in the presence of sin. (Habakkuk 1:13)

In His kindness, God reiterated His warning, so the Israelites would know and remember God desired their persistent devotion throughout their entire lives.

The Lord intended to warn His precious people of the disastrous results idolatry would have in their lives should they choose to turn away from the one true God.

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Sketched XI, Day 8
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Her emotions had spun like the ever-present dust devils on the day I arrived, and again when her son died and the Lord resurrected him. Her faith has grown significantly during the years I’ve been here.

Mine has, too. I think both of us expected the flour and oil to run out during the first few weeks of my stay. As the weeks turned to years, my trust in the Lord strengthened in ways I did not realize I needed. Each day, He has proven His faithfulness and His presence through my daily bread.
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Worship XI Day 15 Shin & Tav

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Worship XI Day 15 Shin & Tav

Marietta Taylor

June 16, 2023

Amazed,Broken,Captivating,Faith,Fellowship,Glory,God,Grace,Heart

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:161-176 
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Psalm 23
Romans 7:14-25

Faithful and dedicated servant.
A wandering sheep needing rescue, understanding, and assistance. 

Which one am I?
Both.

Though redeemed, my flesh still wins some battles. This makes me grateful for God’s Word, which is “profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

ש Shin means to consume, destroy, eat. 

“Our God is a consuming fire.” He purifies and refines us. Therefore, He will “consume” our idols and destroy strongholds that exist in our lives. It is the truth of the Word that burns up anything that is against His will, promises and plans. 

“I rejoice over Your promise like one who finds vast treasure.” (Psalm 119:162)

We know God’s promises by reading His Word. We can claim them when we belong to Him. From my prayer journal:

Lord, You promise to strengthen, help, and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10) You promise to keep me in perfect peace if I fix my mind on You. (Isaiah 26:3) You’ve said You will never leave nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8) I love this because, sadly, I tend to wander like a lost sheep. But You will never lose me. You said You would instruct and teach me, showing me what to do. (Psalm 32:8) I praise You Lord for loving me through these and other promises. 

We should praise Him continually for all His promises because “The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions“. (Psalm 145:13)  

“I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your instruction.” (Psalm 119:163)

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

Let me share two different perspectives of Shin. 

Father God, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me and your strength is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I repent of the sins of boasting, worrying, doubting, and deceiving. I seek Your grace and forgiveness, for without it I would surely perish. I love You and I know You delight in Your children. I pray that You will cleanse me, praising You in advance for Your mercy and grace. 

Lord, You commanded we walk before You and be blameless. I must intimately know You and be instructed in Your ways to do this. I need Your mercy and grace because it is impossible in my own strength…but Your Holy Spirit lives in me. I’ve given the throne of my heart to You. And I read, study, and follow Your Word, which allows me to grow in faith and toward blamelessness. I have no worries or anxiousness because I know You are guiding me. 

The Word is “able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) I pray we allow God’s Word to burn up and destroy our desire for anything that doesn’t line up with His instructions for our lives. Let it purify, refine, and rescue us from our own flesh. Psalm 23:3 says, “He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.” May His Word lead us where He would have us go. 

ת Tav means mark or seal.

Seals protect and preserve. Jesus bears the seal of God. (John 6:27) When we accept the free gift of salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, preserved for our entry into heaven and God’s holy and glorious presence. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

While salvation is a one time event, transforming us into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), the sanctification that happens after is a lifelong process. It is how God grows us and teaches us His ways. 

“Let my cry reach You, Lord; give me understanding according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:169)

John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” God teaches us by His Word. We gain godly wisdom and understanding by reading, studying, and following these truths.  By this, we also know we need the Lord to save us from our own sinful ways. We cry out and He answers. 

“My lips pour out praise, for You teach me Your statutes. My tongue sings about Your promise, for all Your commands are righteous.” (Psalm 119:171-172) 

I wrote this prayer in my journal:           

Lord Jesus, I praise You for setting me free from the tight clothes of this world to be dressed in Your righteousness instead. 

I don’t exactly remember the circumstances here, but my journal entry speaks to intentionally choosing something godly over something worldly. None of us has any righteousness besides the righteousness of Jesus. (Romans 3:10-12, Romans 5:19) As we continue to choose the godly way, we are sanctified all the more. From this sanctification springs our worship of the One who continues to lovingly transform us. 

“I wander like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commands.” (Psalm 119:176)

We will wander from what is right and good, because we still have a sin nature. (Romans 7:14-23) But praise God, He always knows where we are and what state we are in and He will rescue us. (Romans 7:24-25)

I was once lost. Now I am found, loved, sealed, and transformed by The One whose Spirit lives in me!

“Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

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Worship XI Day 15
Digging Deeper

Fear, anger, anxiety, pride, the desire for control, insistence on one’s own way, complaint, and all other forms of self that actively fight against perfectly satisfying love have been consumed and drowned out by the Lord’s ways, wisdom, and good presence.

Praise, rejoicing, adoration, peace, and delight have taken their place; there is secret joy here!
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