Old Testament reading:  Psalm 142-146

Be careful where you place your trust.  This is the warning of the Psalmist in 146:3-4. Those who trust in men are doomed for failure and disappointment. Why? Because men are finite beings. As verse 4 says, ‘when a man dies, so also do his plans die with him.’ Conversely, those who trust in God are described as “happy” (v 5). Why should they be happy? Because their “hope is in Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (v 6). The Psalmist then goes on to extol the many and wondrous virtues and power of God. I am here reminded of the more well-known words of the Psalmist in 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

New Testament reading: Romans 7-9

“The Ten Commandments Are Dead.” I put this message on our church marquee much to the dismay of many who saw it. Our reading today contains a text that should forever put to rest the idea that the Ten Commandments should be followed today. Many Sabbatarians and non-Sabbatarians still hold to some idea that the Ten Commandments are still valid today, believing the Commandments are still valid and only the other laws and ordinances were done away with at the cross (cf Eph 2:14-16; Col 2:14). In Romans 7:1-7, Paul identifies the Mosaic Law with a dead husband from whom a woman is released that she might be rightfully married to another, namely Jesus Christ (vv 1-4).  Speaking of that same law in verse 7, Paul says “You shall not covet” is a part of that law which is dead. There is only one place in the entire Mosaic Law where “You shall not covet” can be found, and that is in the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21). Thus, anyone attempting to hold on to the Ten Commandments while claiming to practice Christianity is like a woman trying to hold on to a dead husband after marrying another. Ewww!

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 137-141

Psalm 137 is a Psalm written during Babylonian captivity. It details Israel’s longing for home amidst a cruel and oppressive conqueror. Apparently, the Babylonians mocked the Jews by requesting them to play their happy songs of home. As we have been reading in recent days, these songs would have two primary and recurring themes: 1) the glorious city of God (Zion), which now lay in utter ruin; and 2) the deliverance of God from Egyptian bondage, which would have made their Babylonian captors swell with false pride and further disregard Israel and Jehovah.  Psalm 139 is a marvelous song of God’s omnipresence. A word of caution here – “Where shall I flee from Your presence” in verse 7 should not be understood as David seeking a place wherein he could hide from God.  This is evident from his statement in verse 10: “Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” Finally, I love the following line from Psalm 141:5 – “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; I shall be as excellent oil; Let not my head refuse it.” We are reminded that the rebuke of the righteous is for our good and is not to be resisted.  I am here reminded of Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

New Testament reading: Romans 4-6

“For when we were yet without strength, Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6).  What a beautifully simple, yet profound statement!  Just as God did not choose Israel or set His love on them because they were great or worthy (Deut 7:7), God did not send His Son to suffer and die on our behalf because of anything that might cause us to be thought exceptional or worthy.  Instead, “God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Also, did you notice the tense here? Demonstrates. Not demonstrated as in past tense.  Paul spoke of this gift of love in the present tense some thirty or so years after the fact.  God chose to preserve it as such for us today.  Thus, the sacrifice of Jesus is an eternal and ever present demonstration of God’s great love for sinful man.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 130-136

Thank the Lord for His forgiveness.  This is the message of Psalm 130. I love the Psalmist’s statement, “If you, O Lord, should mark (take note or keep a record of) iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” (v 3).  Indeed!  When God forgives, He forgives in the absolute. All records of sin are completely expunged.  This is the attitude of forgiveness for which we should strive. While it may be physically impossible for us to remove the memory of sin or some transgression against us, once the matter has been forgiven, no mention of it should ever again be made.  Husbands and wives sometimes have a difficult time with this, but consider the words of Psalmist, “Who can stand?” If I cannot trust someone to “forgive and forget,” I shall never be able to stand before them again, lest the sword of former sins be wielded against me again… and again…

New Testament reading: Romans 1-3

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18). It is not unusual for us to speak of the natural blessings of God.  That is, we understand that doing things God’s way brings naturally good results. This is true even among those in the world. For example, when children are born into a home with both parents, there are blessings associated with that home (e.g., the child is far less likely to live in poverty, commit a crime, etc). But too often, we forget the converse is also true. In so doing we fail to consider the natural wrath of God. When children are conceived or born into circumstances outside of God’s plan, bad things are more likely to result. Nearly sixty million American children murdered in the womb since 1973 testify to this truth. High crime rates in communities where 70% of children are born out of wedlock speak volumes to the natural wrath of God. Just because God isn’t destroying cities like Sodom and Gomorrah today doesn’t mean there aren’t repercussions for sin. Just because God isn’t sending famine on people for forsaking His law for marriage (Malachi 2-3) doesn’t mean consequences aren’t being meted out via natural law today. Let us strive to live so as to receive God’s every day blessings and favor!

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 120-129

This collection of short Psalms contain many beautiful and familiar texts. Many have heard or have at least some familiarity with Psalms 121, 122, and 127. However, I want to focus on a precious little gem found in Psalm 125:3, “The scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land of the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hand to iniquity.” In this Psalm is seen the promise of Divine provision and protection for God’s people if they continue to faithfully serve Him. I love the next verse too: “Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.” Though provided in the national context of Israel, we should remember that wickedness can never prevail in our own lives and homes unless we stretch out our hands toward iniquity. Like the old Dracula legend, evil cannot come into our homes unless we invite it.

New Testament reading: Acts 25-28

“I believe God that it will be just as it was told to me.” So said Paul to his discouraged shipmates in Acts 27:25. Having not eaten nor seen the sun for several days, Paul gave them God’s promise that none of them would lose their lives despite the loss of the ship and her cargo. On the 13^th day, the sailors tried to abandon them by stealing away in the skiff. Paul told Julius the centurion, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Notice he did not say “we cannot be saved.” Paul knew God would see him through to Rome, with or without Julius. What a marvelous influence was Paul upon this unbeliever, that he foiled their escape in accordance with Paul’s word. Then, Paul after encouraged them all again saying, Not a hair will fall from the head of any one of you,” they were all encouraged and took nourishment! Paul was a man of courage and integrity. While they all feared for their lives, Paul stood firm and fearless in the face of the raging seas. His confidence inspired the same in them, and they were eventually brought safely to shore just as he had promised. Paul was a prisoner from an unimportant region of the Roman Empire, yet his influence was profound and eventually found its way into Caesar’s household (Phil 4:22). Remember what Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth.”

Old Testament reading: Psalm 119:89-176

I love this Psalm more every time I read it. Like a well produced movie that requires repeated watching to appreciate its nuances and attention to detail, so also is Psalm 119. Do not be intimidated by its length! Take your time and soak in every verse. When you have time, go back and read it again! Among my favorite texts in this section is the first verse of today’s reading: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” God’s word is unchanging! Moreover, all of God’s word is truth (v 160). God’s word is right! This is why David said in verse 128, “Therefore all your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right.” Too many want to question, argue with, or disregard God’s word as irrelevant, but God’s word is always right in all things. Finally, David says his understanding exceeds that of his teachers because he meditates on God’s testimonies. Many are greatly educated in the ways of man, but true wisdom and understanding can only be had by those who adhere to God’s word.

New Testament reading: Acts 22-24

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Acts 23 reveals the fickleness of the discord between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Sanhedrin (counsel – v 1) was a Jewish tribunal comprised of 71 members. As they stood against Paul, the apostle perceived the group was comprised of both Pharisees and Sadducees (v 6). Upon this discovery, Paul made a declaration of his faith in the resurrection of the dead, which the Sadducees denied but the Pharisees affirmed (v 8). Suddenly, the Pharisees found opportunity to support Paul and goad their Sadducee counterparts. Turning their attention to the resurrection, and away from Paul, they began to dispute among themselves. Unfortunately for Paul, they began to pull him in each direction, probably not the result he intended. This disturbance was so great that the Roman commander feared he would be pulled in pieces and thus took him into protective custody. So began Paul’s ultimate journey to Rome.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 119:1-88

Psalm 119 is far and away the longest chapter of the Bible. The Psalm is an acrostic poem, with each section of 8 verses beginning with the same Hebrew letter, usually designated at the beginning of each section (aleph, beth, gimel, etc). There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, thus there are 176 verses in the chapter. The singular theme of this Psalm is the word of God. All but 8 verses contain some reference to God’s word, which number is reduced to 6 if you include God’s “way(s)” in verses 3 and 37 as referencing His word. These references include God’s word, law, commandments, statutes, judgments, precepts, testimonies, and ordinances. Those verse without any reference to such are 84, 90, 121, 122, 132, 149. Admittedly, the reading at first appears redundant, but I believe the Psalmist is desiring to show the relevance of God’s word in every situation. Thus, I believe there is intended nuance in the form of the text and not vain repetition. Even if one were to reject this assessment, it is impossible to overstate the beauty and beneficence of God’s word.

New Testament reading: Acts 20-21

What truly breaks your heart? As we read Psalm 119, we see David weep for his sins and even the sins of his enemies. Acts 20 provides an account of the Ephesians who, unlike David, wept most over the wrong thing. In Acts 20:25-38, we see Paul telling the Ephesian elders that they would not see his face again (v 25). Moreover, he admonished them to be diligent concerning themselves and the charge they had been given to the church (v 28). Finally, Paul warned that some of them would eventually forsake the faith and divide the church (vv 29-30). As Paul departed, they all wept and prayed together (vv 36-37), but the Ephesian elders wept most of all that they would not see Paul again. There was certainly nothing wrong with being sad over their separation from Paul, but what was this in comparison to his words that they would forsake the faith, lose their own souls and take others to hell with them! Those who strive to have the mind of Christ will not only mourn appropriately, they will also rejoice and take pleasure in what is proper.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 116-118

Psalm 116 contains some beautiful and well known texts, namely verses 12 and 15. Psalm 118 is a magnificent Psalm with Messianic implications (e.g., vv 22-24). But I want to focus on the richness of Psalm 117, the shortest Psalm and shortest chapter in all the Bible. Consider these attributes of God as seen in this short text: 1) God is Praiseworthy; 2) God is Sovereign, He is THE LORD; 3) God is the God of all men, of the Jews, Gentiles and all people; 4) God is Merciful; 5) God is Kind; 6) God is Great in all His attributes; 7) God is Condescending to Man (“toward us” – See Psalm 113:6 “He humbles (lowers) Himself to see the things in heaven and on earth.”); 8) God is Truth; 9) God is Everlasting.

New Testament reading: Acts 17-19

Don’t kick your brother when he’s down; you may lose him for good. In Acts 18 we read of the conversion of Crispus, who served as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth (v 8). Sosthenes, his replacement (v 17), later led a contingent of Jews to deliver Paul to the local authorities, but Gallio, the local proconsul, refused to hear their case. Following this defeat, the Jews beat Sosthenes in the sight of Gallio and the rest. (I know the NKJV text says the Gentiles did it, but the original text says otherwise.) The next (and only) time we read of Sosthenes in our Bibles is in Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” (1 Cor 1:1). It appears the good influence of Paul and Crispus, (who is also mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:14), contrasted with the poor treatment by his Jewish brethren, led Sosthenes to leave Judaism and embrace the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be careful how we treat our own in any defeat, especially when said defeat affects us personally, lest we drive them away into the fellowship of others. No doubt the Jewish leadership drove many into the loving arms of Jesus and sweet fellowship of His church.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 110-115

Psalm 110 is yet another distinctly Messianic Psalm. Two of the first four verses are quoted in the New Testament, and verses 5-6 are pictured in Revelation 19:11-21. But the phrase I found intriguing is in verse 3, “Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness.”  This marks a stark contrast of His people yet to be manifest and those of Israel.  A man was an Israelite by physical birth. He did not choose to be God’s child. Conversely, those who are God’s children today are so of their own volition, by exercise of their free will.  Jeremiah spoke to this point in Jeremiah 31:34, when he foretold that God’s people would be taught first and become children afterward, unlike the then current state of Israel wherein one was born an Israelite and afterward had to be taught God’s law. God’s army today is entirely made up of volunteers!

New Testament reading: Acts 15-16

All men, both Jew and Gentile, are saved by grace through faith. This is the message of Peter when confronted by the Judaizing teachers in Acts 15:5. First, we note that Peter said all men must hear the word of the gospel before they can be saved (15:7). This precludes any form of predestination, which says all men were saved or lost before the world began. Second, those who hear the word of the gospel must believe it. Third, their hearts are purified by the faith (15:9). Not one standard translation includes the definite article preceding “faith,” but it is in the original text. Thus, this text does not teach salvation at the point of faith or by faith alone, but through the system of faith known as the gospel (cf Acts 6:7; Rom 1:16). Finally, Peter says both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said that whoever believes the gospel and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:15-16). The first Gentiles to hear the gospel in Acts 10 were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (v 48). The first Jews to hear the gospel in Acts 2 were commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive remission of sins.  Thus, when one responds in faith to the hearing of the gospel and is baptized, he is saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 107-109

[Note: Psalm 107 begins the 5^th and final division of the Psalms.] Psalm 107 is a beautiful Psalm of thanksgiving, but it is also a lament of sorts for humanity’s lack of gratitude.  The Psalm opens with a call to thanksgiving for the Lord’s mercy and redemption.  Four times thereafter, in verses 8, 15, 21, and 31, the Psalmist cries out for men to give thanks to the Lord.  In each section, the Psalmist describes a deplorable or desperate situation  wherein men called upon the Lord and were delivered.  Psalm 109 contains two texts that may sound familiar to you. The first is found in verse 8, which is quoted by Peter in Acts 1 in the discussion to replace Judas Iscariot.  The second is found in verse 25, which is not quoted, but fulfilled in Matthew 27:39 and Mark 15:29 as those who hated Jesus wagged their heads in ridicule as He was hanged on the cross.

New Testament reading: Acts 13-14

The account of the lame man at Lystra (Acts 14:8-10) is often used by so called modern faith healers when the objects of their deception do not receive the healing or restoration they so desperately desire. “You don’t have enough faith,” they are told. We should remember that faith on the part of the ill or impaired was not necessary for physical healing in the New Testament. The lame man in Acts 3 had no faith in Jesus, and was in fact expecting to receive money from the apostles. Others were healed based upon the faith of others (e.g. the centurion’s servant – Matt 8:5-13), and the dead were raised with no faith at all (cf Luke 7:11-17). However, faith in Jesus is requisite to receive spiritual healing (cf Mark 16:15-16). The word so translated healing is used of physical healing (Matt 8:8, 13), but also often appears in connection with spiritual healing (cf Matt 13:15; James 5:16; 1 Peter 2:24). Perhaps we would do well to think of spiritual healing in this particular case. Regardless, we should not permit this case to be used to further abuse as faithless those who are disabled or diseased.

Old Testament reading:  Psalm 105-106

Both Psalms are great reminders of the history of Israel. Of note today is Psalm 105:42-45, which summarizes why God gave the land of Canaan to Israel.  First, it was a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham nearly five centuries earlier. Second, it was done that Israel “might observe His statutes and keep His laws.” If you recall, this is where the problem began with Pharaoh. Moses requested that Pharaoh allow Israel to go into the wilderness to keep a feast unto the Lord (Ex 5:1). After Pharaoh’s rejection of his request, Moses asked for just a few days to go into the wilderness “and sacrifice unto the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword” (v 3). The rest, as they say, is history.  In like fashion, God has brought us out of the world (Egypt) into our own land of promise (the church) for the express same purpose, that we might serve him with reverence and godly fear (Heb 12:28). Let us remember that land from which we have been delivered (cf Col 1:13) that we might attain greater heights of love and deeper appreciation for “Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Rev 1:5).

New Testament reading: Acts 11-12

“And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26).  God’s new people who had yet to be created in Psalm 102 get their new name, just like God promised in Isaiah 62:2. This is a marvelous thing to behold. Through Isaiah, God declared that when the Gentiles saw the righteousness of God, then God’s people would be called by a new name. Moreover, God Himself would give the name. In yesterday’s New Testament reading, we saw the gospel revealed and preached to the Gentiles for the very first time (Acts 10:34-48). Now all men, both Jew and Gentile, have become recipients of the gospel, and the Lord keeps His promise to give his people one new name by which they may all be identified and united: CHRISTIANS. This is the only name we are authorized to wear; it is the only name God ever gave to members of the church of Christ. O that all men who claim to follow Jesus would be satisfied to wear nothing more than the name given by the Lord!