Will the Iran and US treaty talks lead to peace? | Denison Forum

Will the Iran and US treaty talks lead to peace?

When President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last Saturday to discuss Iran’s nuclear ambitions, expectations for how the meeting would go were tepid at best. Yet after two hours of mostly indirect conversations—Oman’s foreign minister served as mediator—Witkoff and Araghchi spoke directly for roughly forty-five minutes. That unexpected exchange laid the groundwork for direct negotiations in Rome tomorrow. 

While a treaty is still far from imminent, the progress has many hopeful that a peaceful resolution may be possible. But what would such an agreement look like? And what has changed from the previous, mostly unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a solution? Here’s what we know so far:

• In the wake of Israel’s successful attacks on Iran’s defense systems and the dismantling of its proxy network throughout much of the Middle East, Iran is in a much weaker position than in previous negotiations. Moreover, reports that Trump has already had to call off Israel from launching its own attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites give further evidence that the consequences for not coming to a peaceful arrangement could prove devastating.
• When the US and its allies negotiated a peace deal with Iran in 2015, Iran’s nuclear capabilities were not nearly as advanced as they are today. As a result, while their nuclear facilities can be controlled, they retain the knowledge necessary to re-escalate much more quickly than in the past.
• Because Iran will retain the ability to rebuild their nuclear programs with greater ease, there is division within the Trump administration regarding how far they should push in these negotiations. All agree that a nuclear weapon should be off the table, but many are advocating for a complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities; a concession few believe Iran will be willing to make. 
• The UN’s ability to sanction Iran for enriching its uranium to weapons-grade levels expires on October 18. If Iran continues to push for further talks without any real progress being made, then it will be seen as evidence that they are using the negotiations as a shield from Israel until those expire. 
• President Trump has been clear that he desires a quick resolution, and it is unlikely that Israel will be held at bay long enough for Iran to refortify its defenses. As such, Saturday’s talks—and how long until the next round of discussions takes place—will likely be used by both the US and Israel as a barometer for how seriously Iran is interested in what they would consider an acceptable peace.

Ultimately, Isaac Saul summed up the situation well when he wrote, “We have maximum leverage, but we also have very, very little room for error.”

Why are negotiations so difficult?

The crippling weight of sanctions and the threat of an imminent attack from Israel means Iran needs this deal in a way that hasn’t been the case in the past. However, their leaders also know that their losses to Israel over the last year have eroded much of the trust and respect that has kept them in power. 

Given that Iran’s leadership has previously referred to the US as “the great Satan” and Israel as “the little Satan,” they’ll have to be wondering how much they can compromise with the supposed devil before making it appear as though they are compromising far more than their nuclear capabilities? 

That question may determine how productive these meetings are. After all, they are pledged to our destruction and the destruction of Israel, so how much can we really trust whatever terms are agreed upon? 

I hope I’m wrong, but I’ll be surprised if these negotiations end in a lasting peace. History shows that it’s difficult—if not impossible—to come to terms with someone when you’re essentially seeking fundamentally incompatible goals, as appears to be the case with the US and Iran. And that basic truth is relevant to far more than our hopes for peace in the Middle East.

Worshipping the wrong Messiah

Today is Good Friday—the day we remember Christ’s death on the cross and the sacrifice he made on behalf of humanity. However, very few who witnessed his tragic death understood what it meant or how it proved that he truly was the Messiah they had spent the better part of six centuries waiting to see. And the reason why is where I’d like to turn our attention today. 

You see, while the Gospels describe a host of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled—61 to be exact—there was really only one that was non-negotiable for most of those living in first-century Israel: restoring the nation to its place of global dominance. Unfortunately for them, that’s not why Jesus came.

Jesus came to save their souls, while the Jews just wanted someone who would save their nation. So of course many rejected him, despite the miracles and prophecies, because he didn’t check what was, in their minds, the biggest box on the list of Messianic requirements. 

And they were not wrong to expect that their savior would bring about political restitution. After all, Isaiah 52, Psalm 126, Isaiah 6, and a host of others point to that eventuality, but those passages are always part of a much larger picture. Yet for those who came out to jeer Christ on the cross that day, the restoration of Israel was the foundation of what their Messiah was supposed to accomplish rather than the restoration of our relationship with God. 

And in twisting the biblical understanding of who God promised the Messiah would be in order to fit him into their picture of who they wanted the Messiah to be, they ended up in opposition to the very God they claimed to serve. Unfortunately, we are just as prone to make that same mistake today.

A God created in our image

All of us are tempted at times to worship a god created in our own image rather than the one who created us in his. We make this mistake when we latch on to the parts of God’s nature or Christ’s example that we like while ignoring the parts that we don’t, when we emphasize his love as somehow more important than his holiness, or when we heed his call to share the gospel while ignoring his call to help the needy. 

But the God who made us hasn’t given us the option of picking and choosing which parts of his standards we will keep. Instead, he calls us to die to ourselves so that we might follow him (Luke 9:23). 

So while it is easy this time of year to look back and judge the crowds that witnessed the miracles only to turn around and demand the death of the one who performed them, take a minute instead to ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you’ve chosen to worship a God of your own making rather than the one who made you. Then commit to giving those misconceptions up and dedicating your life once again to the real Jesus. 

Christ stands ready and willing to help you know him. All you have to do is ask. 

Will you?

Quote of the day:

“To have been made in the likeness of God seemed a small matter to a son of earth unless he also attained equality with God.” —John Calvin

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The post Will the Iran and US treaty talks lead to peace? appeared first on Denison Forum.

Morning, March 26 | “Jesus said unto them, If ye seek me, let these go their way.”—John 18:8

Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in his hour of trial, towards the sheep of his hand! The ruling passion is strong in death. He resigns himself to the enemy, but he interposes a word of power to set his disciples free. As to himself, like a sheep before her shearers he is dumb and opened not his mouth, but for his disciples’ sake he speaks with almighty energy. Herein is love, constant, self-forgetting, faithful love. But is there not far more here than is to be found upon the surface? Have we not the very soul and spirit of the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, and pleads that they must therefore go free. The Surety is bound, and justice demands that those for whom he stands a substitute should go their way. In the midst of Egypt’s bondage, that voice rings as a word of power, “Let these go their way.” Out of slavery of sin and Satan the redeemed must come. In every cell of the dungeons of Despair, the sound is echoed, “Let these go their way,” and forth come Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the well-known voice, and lifts his foot from the neck of the fallen; and Death hears it, and the grave opens her gates to let the dead arise. Their way is one of progress, holiness, triumph, glory, and none shall dare to stay them in it. No lion shall be on their way, neither shall any ravenous beast go up thereon. “The hind of the morning” has drawn the cruel hunters upon himself, and now the most timid roes and hinds of the field may graze at perfect peace among the lilies of his loves. The thunder-cloud has burst over the Cross of Calvary, and the pilgrims of Zion shall never be smitten by the bolts of vengeance. Come, my heart, rejoice in the immunity which thy Redeemer has secured thee, and bless his name all the day, and every day.

Spurgeon, C. H. (1896). Morning and evening: Daily readings. Passmore & Alabaster.

WEEK 11 | Salt and Light

THEME

How do we please God? By caring for the poor and working toward justice (Is 58:1–9, 12), exhibiting courage, fearing the Lord and following his commandments (Ps 112:1–9, 10) and living in the Spirit, depending on the power of God rather than the power of rhetoric (1 Cor 2:1–12, 13–16). In this way, we become the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt 5:13–20).

OPENING PRAYER: Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

We ask you, O Lord, give strength to the weary, aid to the sufferers, comfort to the sad, help to those in tribulation. The Ambrosian Sacramentary

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 58:1–9, 12

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

Fasting No Ground for Pride. JEROME: If you have fasted two or three days, do not think yourself better than others who do not fast. You fast and are angry; the other eats and wears a smiling face. You work off your irritation and hunger in quarrels. He uses food in moderation and gives God thanks. Letter 22.37.

God Glorifies Our Efforts. THEODORET OF CYR: The light is desirable, but more desirable still is the dawn which appears after the night. This he has called “the morning light.” … Aquila has, “Then your light will break through like the dawn.” For just as the dawn tears away the curtain of the night, so, he says, the night of your misfortunes, your life lived under the law will disperse and the light of my providence will be supplied to you. Commentary on Isaiah 58.8.

The Need for Compassionate Mediators of God. JEROME: One who is not bound by such chains of sin is found only with difficulty. And a soul is rarely discovered who does not have this extremely heavy collar around its neck … unable to look toward heaven.… In this way, if we refrain from doing the things just mentioned and if we accomplish the deeds which are to be outlined, so that we would give food to the hungry not as in the case mentioned above, but with our very soul, helping them in whichever way we are able to help, and this “not begrudgingly or under compulsion,” but giving from the soul, thus receiving more benefits than we give.… And if we suffer with the suffering and mourn with those who mourn, then our light will arise in the darkness, that light which said: “I am the light which came into the world so that all who believe in me would not remain in the darkness” but “have the light of life.” Commentary on Isaiah 16:20–22.

PSALM OF RESPONSE: Psalm 112:1–9, 10

NEW TESTAMENT READING: 1 Corinthians 2:1–16

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

In Much Fear. CHRYSOSTOM: Was Paul really afraid of danger? Yes, he was, for even though he was Paul, he was still a man. This is not to say anything against him but rather about the infirmity of human nature. Indeed it is to the credit of his sense of determination that even when he was afraid of death and beatings, he did nothing wrong because of this fear. Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 6.2.

The Mature. AMBROSIASTER: The mature are those who preach the cross as wisdom because of the witness of Christ’s power at work. They know that actions speak louder than words. Their wisdom is not of this age but of the age to come, when the truth of God will be manifested to those who now deny it. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.

The Limits of Human Searching. ORIGEN: Only the Spirit can search everything. The human soul cannot do this, which is why it needs to be strengthened by the Spirit if it is ever going to penetrate the depths of God. Commentary on 1.10.6–10.

The Unspiritual Try to See Without Light. CHRYSOSTOM: God gave us a mind in order that we might learn and receive help from him, not in order that the mind should be self-sufficient. Eyes are beautiful and useful, but if they choose to see without light, their beauty is useless and may even be harmful. Likewise, if my soul chooses to see without the Spirit, it becomes a danger to itself. Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 7.9.

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:13–20

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

Resistance to Corruption. HILARY OF POITIERS: The salt of the earth, I suppose, seems at first like nothing special. So what did Jesus mean when he called the apostles the “salt of the earth”? We must look for the words’ appropriate meaning. Both the apostles’ task and the nature of salt itself will reveal this. The element of water and the element of fire are combined and united in salt. So ordinary salt, made for the use of the human race, imparts resistance to corruption to the meats on which it is sprinkled. And, of course, it is very apt to add the sensation of hidden flavor. Likewise the apostles are the preachers of surprising heavenly things and eternity. Like sowers, they sow immortality on all bodies on which their discourse has been sprinkled. They are perfected by the baptism of water and fire. On Matthew 4.10.

Do Not Fence in Goodness. CHRYSOSTOM: The person characterized by humility, gentleness, mercy and righteousness does not build a fence around good deeds. Rather, that one ensures that these good fountains overflow for the benefit of others. One who is pure in heart and a peacemaker, even when persecuted for the sake of truth, orders his way of life for the common good. The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 15.7.

Good Works to Glorify God. AUGUSTINE: One must look deeply into the human heart to see in what direction it is turned and on what point its gaze is fixed. Suppose someone desires that his good work be seen by others. Suppose he regards his glory and profit according to the estimation of others and seeks to be elevated in the sight of others. By doing so he fulfills neither of the commands that the Lord has given in this text.… He did not wish to have glory rendered to God but to himself.… It is only for the sake of God’s glory that we should allow our good works to become known. Sermon 54.3.

Law Summed Up in the Gospel. JEROME: We are promised a new heaven and a new earth, which the Lord God will make. If new ones are to be created, the old ones will therefore pass away. As for what follows, “Not one iota, not a dot, shall be lost from the law until all is accomplished,” this literally shows that even what is considered least important in the law is full of spiritual sacraments, and it is all summed up in the gospel. Commentary on Matthew 1.5.18.

CLOSING PRAYER

We most earnestly ask you, O Lover of humankind, to bless all your people, the flocks of your fold. Send down into our hearts the peace of heaven, and grant us also the peace of this life. Give life to the souls of all of us, and let no deadly sin prevail against us or any of your people. Deliver all who are in trouble, for you are our God, who sets the captives free; who gives hope to the hopeless, and help to the helpless; who lifts up the fallen; and who is the haven of the shipwrecked. Give your pity, pardon and refreshment to every Christian soul, whether in affliction or error. Preserve us in our pilgrimage through this life from hurt and danger, and grant that we may end our lives as Christians, well-pleasing to you and free from sin, and that we may have our portion and lot with all your saints. Liturgy of St. Mark

Oden, T. C., & Crosby, C., eds. (2007). Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings: Lectionary Cycle A (pp. 62–66). IVP Books.

The Babylon Bee Obtained A List Of Some Of The Things Government Employees Said They Accomplished Last Week | Babylon Bee

With all of the debate raging over the Department of Government Efficiency requiring all federal employees to respond to an email with a list of things they did during the week, everyone has been left to wonder… what exactly did all of them do last week?

Thanks to high-ranking connections, The Babylon Bee has obtained the following list of some of the things that responding government employees said they accomplished last week:

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1. Responded to this email: Following directions is a top priority.
2. Hid in the janitor’s closet from the DOGE guys: Sometimes it’s best just to be honest.
3. Completed a game of Minesweeper on the highest difficulty: This type of genius should always have a job in the federal government.
4. Proofread a new series of instructional transsexual comic books for Guatemalan children: Changing the world is a tough job, but someone has to do it.
5. Walked around the national park to make sure all of the trees were still there: Continual vigilance is the key.
6. Spied on a few homeschool families: America’s enemies must be watched closely.
7. Counted all of the paper clips in the drawer: Everyone has a responsibility to minimize waste.
8. Recorded 12 TikTok dances: Creating a lasting legacy with your work is important.
9. Processed a scathing indictment of an 87-year-old grandmother who prayed outside an abortion clinic: Federal employees do truly heroic work.
10. Made a comprehensive list of all things done every day: Unfortunately, the last thing done was deleting the list.

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It was clearly a busy week. Every government employee obviously fills a vital and indispensable role in the daily lives of everyday Americans. What other things do you think were on the list? Throw them in the comments below.

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Purchasing congresspeople has never been easier for lobbyists!

https://babylonbee.com/news/the-babylon-bee-obtained-a-list-of-some-of-the-things-government-employees-said-they-accomplished-this-week/

Exploring Sin and Its Consequences Through Thorns | Elizabeth Prata

Exploring Sin and Its Consequences Through Thorns

By Elizabeth Prata

EPrata photo

In the desert, cacti and thorn bushes mean business. Often, there are impenetrable thickets of rough bushes with spiky thorns that hurt even if you catch a glancing blow. Some cacti don’t even wait for a glancing blow but eject their little hairs to hurl at you as the wind of your passage awakens them. Desert thorns means business.

It wasn’t always that way. When the earth was created and the Garden of Eden planted nothing inside the Garden would hurt man as he passed. Which was good, because he was naked and not ashamed. Soft plants, beauteous flowers, stately trees, and mild animals dotted the landscape.

Then sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and because he listened to the voice of his wife, the ground became cursed. In some places today, the landscape even hurts to look at it.

EPrata photo

After the Fall, thorns sprung up everywhere. Thorns hurt, thorns are negative, thorns are because of sin.

And to Adam he said,

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
(Genesis 3:17-18)

Anytime there was a curse thereafter, thorns are frequently mentioned as part of the curse. (Nu 33:55; Jos 23:12-13; Isa 5:5-6; 7:23-25; 55:8-13; Jer 12:13; Hos 9:6). Jesus used the symbols of “thorns” in his teaching in a negative sense (Matt. 7:16; Mark 4:7, 18; Heb. 6:8).

Thorns came in with sin, and were part of the curse that was the product of sin, Gen. 3:18. Therefore Christ, being made a curse for us, and dying to remove the curse from us, felt the pain and smart of those thorns, nay, and binds them as a crown to him (Job 31:36); for his sufferings for us were his glory. Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume.

 In Matthew 27:29 we read that the soldiers who were crucifying Christ had some mocking fun with Him and placed a crown of thorns over His head.

In the crown of thorns placed upon His head, it was not only a mocking activity performed by pagans, but symbolic of the Lamb caught in the thorn thicket when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. It is symbolic of the curse of sin that Jesus took upon Himself, so that we may escape it through Him.

EPrata photo

When you see that crown of thorns, and you think about the mockery and pain Jesus endured on our behalf, think about Him the spotless Lamb taking upon Himself the sins you and I do daily.

The Roman soldiers unknowingly took an object of the curse and fashioned it into a crown for the one who would deliver us from that curse. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13). (source)

What a tremendous, loving, wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ.

——————————–

Further Reading

The Splendor of Thorns

Can you imagine the Wal-Mart floral department offering a bouquet of thorns? Does the Garden Center ever advertise Acacia thorn bushes? Do carpenters choose two-by-fours made of thorn wood? Except for our botanist friends, few people find thorns captivating. They are not beautiful. And they don’t seem very useful, though they do burn extremely well. The negative associations of thorns are what make their appearance in the Bible so intriguing, for God weaves these very thorns into the revelation of His grace. He gives them a star role in the unfolding drama of His judgment and unbelievable mercy.

The curse on the Man, part 2

In the original Eden you didn’t have to have cultivated planned crops, and you didn’t have any weeds. You had the natural flourishing of the earth producing all manner of food without crops, as we know them, that now produce flour and from that we make bread and there was no siach, no weeds which grow profusely now. And it also mentions in chapter 2 verse 5 that the rain contributes to that as we well know. Take a vacant piece of dirt, do nothing to it, just wait and let it rain and you will have a flourishing field full of weeds.

What is the meaning and significance of the crown of thorns?

After Jesus’ sham trials and subsequent flogging, and before He was crucified, the Roman soldiers “twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said” (Matthew 27:29; see also John 19:2-5). While a crown of thorns would be exceedingly painful, the crown of thorns was more about mockery than it was about pain. 

FEBRUARY 12 | Genesis 45; Mark 15; Job 11; Romans 15

IN MARK 15 PEOPLE SPEAK better than they know.
“What shall I do, then,” Pilate asks, “with the one you call the king of the Jews?” (15:12). Of course, he utters the expression “king of the Jews” with a certain sneering contempt. When the crowd replies, “Crucify him!” (15:13, 14), the politically motivated think this is the end of another messianic pretender. They do not know that this king has to die, that his reign turns on his death, that he is simultaneously King and Suffering Servant.
The soldiers twist together a crown of thorns and jam it on his head. They hit him and spit on him, and then fall on their knees in mock homage, crying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” (15:18). In fact, he is more than the King of the Jews (though certainly not less). One day, each of those soldiers, and everyone else, will bow down before the resurrected man they mocked and crucified, and confess that he is Lord (Phil. 2:9–11).
Those who passed by could not resist hurling insults: “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” (15:29–30). The dismissive mockery hid the truth they could not see: earlier Jesus had indeed taught that he himself was the real temple, the antitype of the building in Jerusalem, the ultimate meeting-place between God and human beings (John 2:19–22). Indeed, Jesus not only insisted that he is himself the temple, but that this is so by virtue of the fact that this temple must be destroyed and brought back to life in three days. If he had “come down from the cross” and saved himself, as his mockers put it, he could not have become the destroyed and rebuilt “temple” that reconciles men and women to God.
“He saved others but he can’t save himself” (15:31). Wrong again—and right again. This is the man who voluntarily goes to the cross (14:36; cf. John 10:18). To say “he can’t save himself” is ridiculously limiting. Yet he couldn’t save himself and save others. He saves others by not saving himself.
“Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe” (15:32). But what kind of Christ would they then have believed in? A powerful king, doubtless—but not the Redeemer, not the Sacrifice, not the Suffering Servant. They could not long have believed in him, for the basis of this transformation in them was the very cross-work they were taunting him to abandon.
“Surely this man was the Son of God” (15:39). Yes; more than they knew.

Carson, D. A. (1998). For the love of God: a daily companion for discovering the riches of God’s Word. (Vol. 1, p. 69). Crossway Books.

I SHALL COMMENT BRIEFLY on the two readings set for the day.
Zophar’s speech (Job 11) carries forward the unfolding drama of the book of Job. Like Bildad, Zophar begins by condemning Job’s addresses (11:2–3). To him, it sounds as if Job is claiming personal perfection: “You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight’ ” (11:4). Job has been wishing that God would answer him. Well and good, responds Zophar: “Oh, how I wish that God would speak” (11:5). No less than Job, he would love it if God would reply—and he is quite certain that, were God to do so, he would powerfully rebuke Job.
Just for a moment, Zophar seems to take a healthy turn. He begins to deal with the fathomless knowledge and wisdom of the Almighty, far beyond human capacity. If that had been all Zophar had said, he would have anticipated part of the answer of God himself later in the book (chaps. 38–41). Sadly, however, Zophar immediately turns this in a mischievous direction, following the same path as Eliphaz and Bildad: a God so great in knowledge can certainly recognize deceitful men, “and when he sees evil, does he not take note?” (11:11). Once again, the argument degenerates to a fairly mechanical theory of recompense. There is no category for innocent suffering. Job must be very wicked, for he is suffering much; the only reasonable option for him is to turn from the sin that must obviously be engulfing him (11:13–20).
The second passage is of a very different sort. Consider the way Paul here exhorts the Romans to pray: “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen” (Rom. 15:30–33). Note: (a) What Paul asks for is prayer for himself. (b) If the Romans respond by praying, they will by their prayer be joining Paul in his struggle. (c) The particular struggle Paul has in mind is his relationship with unbelievers in Judea; he wants his service for the poor there to be so acceptable that he will be able to leave quickly and make his way to Rome. (d) Within the context of the chapter, this trip to Rome is part of his plan to evangelize Spain. In short, Paul asks for prayers that will further the Gospel in various ways.
What do you characteristically pray for?

Carson, D. A. (1998). For the love of God: a daily companion for discovering the riches of God’s Word. (Vol. 2, p. 69). Crossway Books.

February 11 | PRAYING TO THE LORD

SCRIPTURE READING:
Matthew 6:5–15
KEY VERSE:
John 6:15

When Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

Although Christ’s disciples saw Him work many miracles during their three–year apprenticeship, the Bible records only one instance in which they asked their Master to explain His phenomenal power. “Lord, teach us to pray,” they requested after observing Christ in a concentrated time of communion with the Father (Luke 11:1). They must have grasped that somehow prayer was the invisible source of Jesus’ ministry and their success depended on understanding its secrets.
What followed was a pattern for all believers. At the heart of Christ’s instructions was the pivotal phrase: “Thy kingdom come. / Thy will be done, / On earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10 NASB). That is the core of genuine prayer, seeking and submitting to the will of God in every circumstance. That was Jesus’ primary concern: “not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39 NASB).
Evangelist Dwight L. Moody explained, “Prayer means that I am to be raised up into feeling, into union and design with Him; that I am to enter into His counsel and carry out His purpose fully.”
Whatever your circumstance today, let prayer steer you into His will.

Teach me to pray, dear Lord, even as You taught Your disciples. Let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done.

Stanley, C. F. (1998). Enter His gates: a daily devotional. Thomas Nelson Publishers.

WEEK 5 | Unto Us a Child Is Born

THEME

We who have walked in deep darkness have seen a great light! For unto us a child is born, one who will bring eternal peace (Is 9:2–7). We celebrate Christ’s birth (Lk 2:1–20) because he became what we are, giving his life freely that through his grace we might have the hope of salvation (Tit 2:11–14). Because of Jesus, we praise God and declare his glory (Ps 96).

OPENING PRAYER: Christmas

Bless, O Lord, the worship of your church this day, and bless our endeavors to glorify your name. Let not our hearts be unduly set on earthly things, but incline us to love things heavenly that even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, we may cling to those that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. The Leonine Sacramentary

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 9:2–7

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

Christ’s Purity. CASSIODORUS: We often find the Lord Christ described as a child because of the purity of his innocence. The simplicity of youth bestows on a child the blessing of aversion from vices and from the malice of the world. Exposition of the Psalms 68:18.

The Mystery of Christ’s Cross. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: When Isaac himself carried the wood for the sacrifice of himself, in this, too, he prefigured Christ our Lord, who carried his own cross to the place of his passion. Of this mystery much had already been foretold by the prophets: “And his government shall be upon his shoulders.” Christ, then, had the government upon his shoulders when he carried his cross with wonderful humility. Not unfittingly does Christ’s cross signify government: by it the devil is conquered and the whole world recalled to the knowledge and grace of Christ. Sermon 84.3.

The Wonder of His Birth. EPHREM THE SYRIAN: Today was born the child, and his name was called Wonderful! For a wonder it is that God should reveal himself as a baby. Hymns on the Nativity.

Christ’s Peace Is Unending. CHRYSOSTOM: For Isaiah said, “There is no end of his peace.” And what did happen makes it clear that this peace has spread over the whole earth and sea, over the world where people dwell and where no one lives, over mountains, woodlands and hills, starting from that day on which he was going to leave his disciples and said to them, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” Why did Christ speak in this way? Because the peace which comes from a human being is easily destroyed and subject to many changes. But Christ’s peace is strong, unshaken, firm, fixed, steadfast, immune to death and unending. Demonstration Against the Pagans 2.8–10.

PSALM OF RESPONSE: Psalm 96

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Titus 2:11–14

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

Sacrifices Disappeared Like Smoke. GREGORY OF NYSSA: Who does not know that the deceit of demons filled every corner of the world and held sway over human life by the madness of idolatry? Who does not realize that every people on earth was accustomed to worship demons under the form of idols, by sacrificing living victims and making foul offerings on their altars? But as the apostle says, from the moment that God’s saving grace appeared among humanity and dwelled in human nature, all this vanished into nothing, like smoke. Address on Religious Instruction 18.

The Christmas Feast. LEO THE GREAT: It is, therefore, with an unmistakable tenderness that so great a wealth of divine goodness has been poured out on us, dearly beloved. Not only has the usefulness of foregoing examples served for calling us to eternity, but the Truth himself has even “appeared” in a visible body. We ought, then, to celebrate this day of the Lord’s birth with no listless and worldly joy. Sermons 23.5.

True Renunciation. CHRYSOSTOM: Worldly passions are directed toward things that perish with the present life. Let us then have nothing to do with these. Homilies on Titus 5.

He Offered His Real Flesh. ATHANASIUS: How could he have given himself if he had not worn flesh? He offered his flesh and gave himself for us, in order that undergoing death in it, “He might bring to nothing the one who held the power of death, that is, the devil.” For this reason we continually give thanks in the name of Jesus Christ. We do not bring to nothing the grace which came to us through him. For the coming of the Savior in the flesh has been the ransom and salvation of all creation. Letter to Adelphus 60.6.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:1–20

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

All Great Feasts Have Their Origin in Jesus’ Nativity. CHRYSOSTOM: A feast day is about to arrive, and it is the most holy and awesome of all feasts. It would be no mistake to call it the chief and mother of all holy days. What feast is that? It is the day of Christ’s birth in the flesh. It is from this day that the feasts of the theophany, the sacred Pasch [Passover], the ascension and Pentecost had their source and foundation. Had Christ not been born in the flesh, he would not have been baptized, which is the theophany or manifestation. Nor would he have been crucified, which is the Pasch. Nor would he have sent down the Spirit, which is Pentecost. Therefore, just as different rivers arise from a single source, these other feasts have their beginnings in the birth of Christ. On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.23–24.

Bethlehem Has Opened Eden. ANONYMOUS: Bethlehem has opened Eden: Come, let us see! We have found joy hidden! Come, let us take possession of the paradise within the cave. There the unwatered stem has appeared, from which forgiveness blossoms forth! There the undug well is found from which David longed to drink of old! There the Virgin has borne a child, and at once the thirst of Adam and David is made to cease. Therefore let us hasten to this place where for our sake the eternal God was born as a little child! Ikos of the Nativity of the Lord.

Christ Became a Humble Child. AMBROSE: He was a baby and a child, so that you may be a perfect human. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that you may be freed from the snares of death. He was in a manger, so that you may be in the altar. He was on earth that you may be in the stars. He had no other place in the inn, so that you may have many mansions in the heavens. He, being rich, became poor for your sakes, that through his poverty you might be rich. Therefore his poverty is our inheritance, and the Lord’s weakness is our virtue. He chose to lack for himself, that he may abound for all. The sobs of that appalling infancy cleanse me, those tears wash away my sins. Therefore, Lord Jesus, I owe more to your sufferings because I was redeemed than I do to works for which I was created.… You see that he is in swaddling clothes. You do not see that he is in heaven. You hear the cries of an infant, but you do not hear the lowing of an ox recognizing its Master, for the ox knows his Owner and the donkey his Master’s crib. Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 2.41–42.

Through Swaddling Clothes Jesus Looses the Bands of Sin. JOHN THE MONK: Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and celebrate, all who love Zion! Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed. Paradise is opened to us.… Therefore let all creation sing and dance for joy, for Christ has come to restore it and to save our souls! Stichera of the Nativity of the Lord.

CLOSING PRAYER

Dearly beloved, today our Savior is born; let us rejoice. Sadness should have no place on the birthday of life. The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness. No one is shut out from this joy; all share the same reason for rejoicing. Our Lord, victor over sin and death, finding no one free from sin, came to free us all. Leo the Great

Oden, T. C., & Crosby, C., eds. (2007). Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings: Lectionary Cycle A (pp. 32–36). IVP Books.

FEBRUARY 1 | OBEYING JESUS’ CALL

He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.—MATT. 4:19–20

Peter and Andrew obeyed Jesus’ call right away—“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him”—an indication of how determined they were to go with the Lord. The word “followed” carries the meaning of being committed to imitating the one he or she follows.
Past surveys have shown that 95 percent of all professing Christians have never led someone to faith in Jesus Christ. Too often they are like the reclusive, frugal man many years ago who accumulated 246 expensive violins in the attic of his house in Italy. Because he selfishly acquired and held on to those instruments, the world never heard the beautiful music the violins were intended to play. Many believers hide their light and store away the great treasure they possess as children of God. As a result, 95 percent of the world’s spiritual violins have not been played for others.
Evangelist D. L. Moody especially admired two similar paintings. The first depicted a person in the midst of a storm clinging with both hands to a cross firmly planted in a rock. The other picture also showed a person in a storm firmly grasping a cross. But in this one the man was reaching out with his other hand to rescue someone who was about to drown. Both paintings pictured a Christian valiantly holding on to Christ. But the second one portrayed the believer reaching out for another who was about to be lost. For us, as for D. L. Moody, the second picture should be the favorite.

ASK YOURSELF
Would “immediately” describe the way you travel to Jesus’ side when He calls? How quickly does His Word make its way from your conscious mind into conscious action?

MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 40). Moody Publishers.

JANUARY 28 | CHRIST’S GALILEAN MINISTRY FULFILLS PROPHECY

This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet.—MATT. 4:14

CENTURIES BEFORE THE INCARNATION, the prophet Isaiah foretold this great truth: “ ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned’ ” (from Isa. 9:1–2).
And eight hundred years later—just as prophesied—the despised, unbelieving Galileans glimpsed the Messiah and, ahead of many of the Jews in Jerusalem, saw the dawning of God’s new covenant.
The Jews in Galilee were less sophisticated and traditional than those in Judea. The Jewish historian Josephus noted that the Galileans “were fond of innovations and by nature disposed to change, and they delighted in seditions.” They even had a regional accent distinct from the Judeans (cf. Matt. 26:73). Jesus likely chose His apostles from Galilee because they too would have been less bound to Jewish tradition and more open to the gospel.
Jesus’ going to Galilee to really begin His ministry shows that salvation was for sinners everywhere, with no distinctions or restrictions. It fulfilled Old Testament truth, which God revealed through the Jews (cf. Rom. 3:1–2). However, it was not an accommodation to the proud, exclusive Judaism prevalent in Jesus’ day. It was no accident that “the Light of the world” (John 8:12) first proclaimed Himself and His message in Galilee.

ASK YOURSELF
As we’ll continue to see, Jesus often went to the least expected, the least admired, the least in the pecking order to administer His grace and reveal His identity. What is your level of concern and compassion for those in the greatest need of the gospel? Pray for a heart that beats like Jesus’ heart did—and does.

MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 36). Moody Publishers.

JANUARY 27 | You know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

God, in these last days, You have spoken to us by Your Son, who being the brightness of Your glory and the express image of Your person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on high at Your right hand, Majesty. You made Him who knew no sin to be sin for me, that I might become Your righteousness in Him.
So may I conduct myself throughout the time of my stay here in fear; knowing that I was not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for me. The love of Christ constrains me, because I judge thus: that if Christ died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that I who live should live no longer for myself, but for Him who died for me and rose again.

Teach me to live for You, Jesus, and no longer for myself.

1 JOHN 3:5; HEBREWS 1:1–3; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21; 1 PETER 1:17–20; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14–15

Jeremiah, D. (2007). Life-Changing Moments With God (p. 36). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

January 24.—And he shewed me Joshua the high-priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, the Lord rebuke thee, O Satan: even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?—Zech. 3:1, 2.

WHO shall say, how many such transactions as these are continually going on, for and against the people of God, in the court of Heaven, while we, upon earth, are unconscious either of our misery or mercy. The Holy Ghost was graciously pleased to have this made known to the church. And John had it again in commission to tell the church, that a song in heaven was sung at the expulsion of the devil from heaven, because the accuser of the brethren was cast down. My soul! doth he that first tempts thee, then become thine accuser? Is he carrying on this practice, day and night, before God? And while Satan is thine accuser, is Jesus thine Advocate? Oh! precious, precious Lord! how little hath my poor ignorant and unthinking soul been meditating on thee, in this thy merciful, sweet, and gracious office. Oh! glorious thought! Now I see a blessedness in that Scripture which I have often read with indifference in times past. “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is (for God my Father hath set him forth so) the propitiation for our sins.” Hail, holy, wonderful Counsellor. Condescend, thou mighty Pleader, still to take up my cause. Oh! may I behold thee often in this high office! Oh, may I often hear thee with the ear of faith, and my whole soul going forth in love towards thee, while thou art pointing to my poor soul, and saying, “Hath not God the Father chosen this brand plucked from the fire! Take away the filthy garments from him. I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee.”

Hawker, R. (1845). The Poor Man’s Morning Portion (pp. 19–20). Robert Carter.

JANUARY 19 | WHY JESUS REJECTED SENSATIONALISM

“On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”—MATT. 4:7

The Lord Jesus had two good reasons for not participating in a worldly spectacle such as jumping from the temple roof. First, such sensationalism is captive to the laws of diminishing returns. To generate and hold people’s allegiance to Him merely by stunning signs, Jesus would have needed to produce greater and greater signs. People would never have been satisfied and would always have demanded just one more miracle, one additional showy event. Real faith would not have been certain; they would have been lovers of sensation more than God, which similarly could happen to any of us who don’t trust God’s already revealed will.
Second, and more important, for Jesus to participate in sensational signs would have demonstrated a profound mistrust in His heavenly Father and a presumptuous, faithless testing of God. But that’s what the devil wanted so that Jesus’ sin would shatter His claim to divinity and ruin humanity’s hope of salvation. Such an action would have questioned the Father’s providence and love—and the wisdom of His redemptive plan.
If our sinless Savior and Lord shunned sensationalism, we as imperfect men and women ought never to live recklessly or carelessly, expecting God to rescue us when we get into earthly trouble or spiritual peril.

ASK YOURSELF
Perhaps you don’t consider yourself a risk-taker. But looking honestly at your own life, do you spot some behaviors that are spiritually risky, actions that presume on the grace of God? In humble repentance today, surrender these things to the Lord. Receive, but don’t force, His great mercy.

MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 27). Moody Publishers.

Morning, January 17 | “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion.”—Revelation 14:1

The apostle John was privileged to look within the gates of heaven, and in describing what he saw, he begins by saying, “I looked, and, lo, a Lamb!” This teaches us that the chief object of contemplation in the heavenly state is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” Nothing else attracted the apostle’s attention so much as the person of that Divine Being, who hath redeemed us by his blood. He is the theme of the songs of all glorified spirits and holy angels. Christian, here is joy for thee; thou hast looked, and thou hast seen the Lamb. Through thy tears thine eyes have seen the Lamb of God taking away thy sins. Rejoice, then. In a little while, when thine eyes shall have been wiped from tears, thou wilt see the same Lamb exalted on his throne. It is the joy of thy heart to hold daily fellowship with Jesus; thou shalt have the same joy to a higher degree in heaven; thou shalt enjoy the constant vision of his presence; thou shalt dwell with him for ever. “I looked, and, lo, a Lamb!” Why, that Lamb is heaven itself; for as good Rutherford says, “Heaven and Christ are the same thing;” to be with Christ is to be in heaven, and to be in heaven is to be with Christ. That prisoner of the Lord very sweetly writes in one of his glowing letters—“O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without thee, it would be a hell; and if I could be in hell, and have thee still, it would be a heaven to me, for thou art all the heaven I want.” It is true, is it not, Christian? Does not thy soul say so?

     “Not all the harps above
     Can make a heavenly place,
     If God his residence remove,
     Or but conceal his face.”

All thou needest to make thee blessed, supremely blessed, is “to be with Christ.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (1896). Morning and evening: Daily readings. Passmore & Alabaster.

12 JANUARY (PREACHED 9 JANUARY 1859) | The bed and its covering

“For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than he can wrap himself in it.” Isaiah 28:20
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Hebrews 4:3–10

What a glorious thing, it is to be a Christian, to have faith in Christ. Come my soul, take thy rest, the great High Priest has full atonement made. Thou hast much good laid up, not for many years, but for eternity; take thine ease; eat spiritual things; drink wine on the lees and be merry; for it cannot be said of thee, “tomorrow thou shalt die,” for thou shalt never die, for “thy life is hid with Christ in God.” Thou art no fool to take thy ease and rest, for this is legitimate ease and rest, the rest which the God of Sabaoth hath provided for all his people. And then, O Christian! march boldly to the river of death, march calmly up to the throne of judgment, enter placidly and joyfully into the inheritance of thy Lord, for thou hast about thee an armour that can keep thee from the arrows of death, a wedding garment that makes thee fit to sit down at the banquet of the Lord. Thou hast about thee a royal robe that makes thee a fit companion even for Jesus, the King of kings, when he shall admit thee into his secret chambers, and permit thee to hold holy and close fellowship with him. I cannot resist quoting that verse of the hymn:

“With his spotless vesture on,
Holy as the Holy One.”

That is the sum and substance of it all. And on this bed let us take our rest, and during this week let us make Christ’s work our only garment, and we shall find it long enough, and broad enough, for us to wrap ourselves up in it.

FOR MEDITATION: The Christian’s sufficiency is not his own but comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

SERMON NO. 244

Spurgeon, C. H., & Crosby, T. P. (1998). 365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 1) (p. 19). Day One Publications.

8 JANUARY | The Covenant Divide

And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. Genesis 25:23

suggested further reading: Deuteronomy 2:1–8

God says that the contention between the twin brothers in Rebekah’s womb implies something far greater than itself; it means that there will be discord between the brothers and their posterity. The expression, two nations are in thy womb, is emphatic. Since Jacob and Esau were twins, and therefore of one blood, their mother did not suppose that they would become so separated that they would become heads of two, distinct nations. Yet God declares that dissension will take place between these brothers who were by nature joined together.

Second, he describes what will happen to their progeny. One nation will have victory over the other because they cannot be equal. The cause of the contest between them is because one is chosen by God and the other rejected. The reprobate gives way reluctantly to the godly, so it necessarily follows that the children of God must undergo many troubles and contests because of their adoption.

Third, the Lord affirms that the order of nature will be inverted. The younger son will be victor over the elder. This victory does not simply refer to earthly riches and wealth. Rather, this oracle teaches Isaac and Rebekah that the covenant of salvation will not be made with both brothers and their people but will be reserved only for the posterity of Jacob. In the beginning, the covenant promise is general and refers to all the seed of Abraham. Now it is restricted to one part of that seed.

for meditation: The gospel of Jesus Christ still divides brothers. Sadly, this division often perpetuates itself through the generations, creating separate nations—some of which support Christianity while others are hostile to it. What a responsibility this gives us to present the gospel to succeeding generations of both nations! How can we fulfill this responsibility more?¹

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¹  Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 26). Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

Morning, January 3 | “I will give thee for a covenant of the people.”—Isaiah 49:8

Jesus Christ is himself the sum and substance of the covenant, and as one of its gifts. He is the property of every believer. Believer, canst thou estimate what thou hast gotten in Christ? “In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Consider that word “God” and its infinity, and then meditate upon “perfect man” and all his beauty; for all that Christ, as God and man, ever had, or can have, is thine—out of pure free favour, passed over to thee to be thine entailed property forever. Our blessed Jesus, as God, is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. Will it not console you to know that all these great and glorious attributes are altogether yours? Has he power? That power is yours to support and strengthen you, to overcome your enemies, and to preserve you even to the end. Has he love? Well, there is not a drop of love in his heart which is not yours; you may dive into the immense ocean of his love, and you may say of it all, “It is mine.” Hath he justice? It may seem a stern attribute, but even that is yours, for he will by his justice see to it that all which is promised to you in the covenant of grace shall be most certainly secured to you. And all that he has as perfect man is yours. As a perfect man the Father’s delight was upon him. He stood accepted by the Most High. O believer, God’s acceptance of Christ is thine acceptance; for knowest thou not that the love which the Father set on a perfect Christ, he sets on thee now? For all that Christ did is thine. That perfect righteousness which Jesus wrought out, when through his stainless life he kept the law and made it honourable, is thine, and is imputed to thee. Christ is in the covenant.

“My God, I am thine—what a comfort divine!

What a blessing to know that the Saviour is mine!

In the heavenly Lamb thrice happy I am,

And my heart it doth dance at the sound of his name.”¹

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¹  Spurgeon, C. H. (1896). Morning and evening: Daily readings. Passmore & Alabaster.

January 1 | Jesus’ Public Baptism

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan.—Matt. 3:13a

There is something majestic about Jesus’ baptism that brought all the previous events of His earthly life into focus. Here He came fully onto the stage of the gospel story and His work and ministry truly began.

Following an eternity past in heaven and thirty years of obscurity in Nazareth, God presented the Savior publicly to the world. John the Baptist, as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” had heralded the coming of the Messiah (3:3; cf. Isa. 40:3), and now He was fully and publicly prepared to begin the fulfillment of His earthly mission.

A parallel passage in Luke tells us that this was no private or secluded ceremony: “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized” (Luke 3:21). The word translated “arrived” in Matthew 3:13 often indicated an official arrival or public appearance by a dignitary. From now on Jesus would be in the public eye and call no place His permanent earthly home (8:20).

This important episode from the beginning of Christ’s ministry clearly shows us that Jesus, though knowing what a high degree of visibility would ultimately cost Him, obediently stepped from the comfort of obscurity into the high-risk position of a public figure. His work would invite strong opinion, but in order to accomplish the Father’s will, it must take place in full view of the world. It must come at the cost of being widely observed.

ASK YOURSELF

We are called to be salt and light, not merely to enjoy God’s seasoning and illumination in our own lives but to be His conveyors of grace to others. How does this public calling alter the way you express and live your Christianity? Pray that you will live not in fear but in faith.1   1  MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 9). Moody Publishers.

December 31.—Morning. [Or December 29.]“There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, not crying.”

Revelation 21:1–12; 14–16; 18–23; 25–27

AND I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

² And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (After the general judgment comes the full glory of the church, which is here represented as a heavenly city, or a bride in her marriage dress.)

^{3, 4} And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

^{5, 6} And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

⁸ But the fearful (or cowardly), and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

^9–11 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (The city shone in dazzling light a vision of brightness, such as never before was seen of mortal eye.)

¹² And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.

¹⁴ And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

^{15, 16} And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

The vision was inconceivably grand, the city seemed to stand on such an eminence, and its buildings reared their stately heads so high aloft, that it was as high as it was broad; and yet its breadth was three hundred and seventy-five miles. This gives us a glimpse of inconceivable vastness and sublimity. The number of the redeemed must be immense to need such a dwelling-place.

^{18, 19} And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.

²¹ And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. (The unutterable splendour and grandeur of the church triumphant blazes before us in these dazzling metaphors.)

^{22, 23} And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

²⁵ And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

²⁷ And there shall in nowise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

How repeatedly in this chapter is falsehood branded as a dreadful sin! This should warn us to be truthful in all things, lest we be shut out of heaven.¹

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¹  Spurgeon, C. H. (1964). The Interpreter: Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible (p. 773). Baker Book House.

December 31 | The Parable of the Householder

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.” And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”—Matt. 13:51–52

Jesus’ twelve disciples would eventually become His twelve apostles (Matthias replacing Judas, Acts 1:23). Through these men, and later Paul, our Lord entrusted the continued revelation of His Word and the extension of His church. Like “head[s] of a household,” which was analogous to being disciples in Christ’s kingdom, they drew from the old treasures of previous revelation and received additional, new truths. And these faithful men would proclaim both.

“Brings out” conveys the concept of scattering or distributing widely. Here it also connotes generosity—giving out God’s truth of the gospel wisely and liberally. Second only to their Lord, the apostles would be supreme scholars of Scripture, preachers, and teachers—scribes and disciples without equal (cf. Matt. 11:11) and superb evangelists.

With a slightly lesser degree of authority, the Lord’s charge to His apostles applies to every Christian (Matt. 28:16–20), and especially to those pastors, teachers, and missionaries He has called to spread His Word. It is a tremendous responsibility to warn the lost about hell and to offer them salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul stated it this way, “Knowing the fear [terror] of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11). The believer’s heart is cold indeed that is not profoundly concerned about those all around who are without Christ and headed for hell. Pray that you would genuinely warm to the task of reaching the lost in your community and beyond with saving gospel treasure.

ASK YOURSELF

The end of a year and the dawn of a new is always a time of reflection and renewed hope. What have you gleaned from walking with Jesus through these past months and seasons? What are your priorities for the coming year? May the Lord bless you as you follow Him there.1   1  MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 374). Moody Publishers.