The psalm moves from Solomon’s reign to the coming reign of the eternal son promised to David through the prophet Nathan, Jesus, the anointed King (Messiah). Jesus’ kingdom endures long as the sun and moon shine. Upon his first coming he gave us his words of truth and salvation. Upon his second coming evil people will fear him. He will come to judge the living and the dead.
Jesus’ reign is like, and will be like, rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. Jesus’ teachings are like rain, refreshing and bringing new life. Jesus’ teaching brings forth abundant fruit from those who let his word sink in like water into good soil.
The blessed person is the one who subjects themselves to the righteousness of Christ. They will flourish and prosper till the moon is no more. When he comes, they will enjoy Jesus’ wonderful reign. Until then, we have the Spirit, which he sent and the Word, which he taught.
The last psalm of Book II “concludes the prayers of David, son of Jesse”, per verse 20 of this psalm. Other psalms by David exist (i.e., 86, 101, 103, 109, 110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145, Hezekiah’s collection, etc.), which apparently were not considered prayer-psalms by those who assembled the book of Psalms. The prayer is for the coronation of the king of Israel.
Though verse 20 states that this prayer-psalm was written by David, the title is “Of Solomon”, David was to old to pen the psalm himself. As David instructed Solomon on being a king, something he had told the Lord he would do in the previous psalm (71:18), Solomon wrote down his father’s words on paper. The psalm was a prayer and direction of Solomon, who had just been crowned king.
Solomon’s reign would be built on righteousness (1,2). That righteousness would flow down to the Lord’s afflicted ones like mountain streams bringing abundant prosperity, producing fruit in the valleys below (3). The king’s righteousness would benefit needy children and crush the oppressor. Many wars in David’s time created many children without fathers and sometimes even mothers. Wars produced orphans who were preyed upon by evil people. Solomon’s reign would be judge righteously, as seen in his first case, where two mothers claimed the same baby as theirs
Jesus’ reign is perfect. He reigns his people now and forevermore. He is coming soon. The oppressors will be judged and punished forever. Their victims will live forever in righteous freedom.
The last stanza ends in a decision to praise the Holy One of Israel in song with harp, lyre, and choir. David would be the lead singer. The reason for the joyous shouts is the righteous acts of the Lord. Those who wanted to harm him have been put to shame and confusion, an answer to David’s prayer. Thus, David finalised the psalm some time after the dramatic events took place.
At the battle’s conclusion, David was heartbroken. Absalom, his son, was killed by Joab during the battle, a direct violation of the king’s command (2 Samuel 18:14, 33). After some time, Israel humbled themselves and asked David to be their king again. He returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:40).
David’s enemies, who conspired with Absalom, thought they would have been able to kill David since David was being punished for his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband (2 Samuel 12:11-12). They thought they would take the Lord’s discipline into their own hands and kill David, the anointed king. The truth is, they were taking advantage of the circumstances to get what they wanted and justifying it with nonsense. Just because I use the words ‘God’ and ‘Jesus’ in a decision does not mean it is a righteous decision.
When the Lord answers prayer, I should not hold back singing songs of praise in the congregation of my choosing.
“God’s righteousness reaches to the skies,” so David knows and states, a fugitive seeking refuge from his enemies, his punishment for a past sin. God’s righteousness, for David and all Israel, was not one of God’s attributes, as the church sees itself because of God’s grace (Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 12:23). An unknown Israel poet wrote, “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.” (Psalm 119:137; also see Ezra 9:15)
God’s righteousness for Israel was his actions in terms of the covenant that the Lord God established with the chosen people, Israel, at Mount Sinai (2 Chronicles 12:6; Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 9:24; Daniel 9:14). David, in his old age, could say that he had experienced God’s many great righteous things. God rewards those who keep the covenant, and punishes those who break the covenant. Surely, God’s righteousness reached the skies.
Even though David had seen troubles, many and bitter, he knew God would restore his life. Even from the depths of the grave, David believed God would bring him up (20). Though David experienced shame at the hands of his enemies, he believed, even as he asked, that God would increase his honor and comfort him once again.
Hebrews 11:1-2 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Yes, we have made many bad decisions and made evil choices in the past. Those decisions harmed others and we are ashamed of ourselves now, just as David did. The consequences we experience are our fault. Yet, God in his great love forgives and in his mercy removed the just punishment and softens the blow. He restores, he rebuilds, he will again bring us up.In Christ Jesus there is always hope and deliverance.
David uses desperate words; Rescue me, deliver me, turn your ear to me, save me, and a second time save me and deliver me. He tells the Lord he has taken refuge in him, and asks the Lord to be his rock and refuge in verses 1-4. Again he says, you are my rock and my fortress. David is poetically stammering in these four verses. The wicked’s grasp has squeezed words from his conscience thought (4). Cruel hands have stifled his mind and heart.
What can be a pleasant, even a special day can become a day where thoughts are caught in the grasp of evil and cruel people. They can even force us to live in the desert. This is what happened to David.
However, where David was physically and mentally at the hand of even his own son, Absalom, would not have entirely been a surprise to David. Years earlier, the Lord God sent the prophet Nathan to David. He reminded him all that he did for him, then said, “You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.“
Nathan continued, “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.” Sometimes the rut we live in was dug by our own hands.
However, hope always remains, with a merciful and forgiving God. Being forced out of Jerusalem, far from home, hiding in the Judean Desert, we can ask for mercy in deliverance.Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The author declares six different ways in these five verses that he will talk about God’s righteous ways, endless salvation, mighty acts, marvelous deeds, and power and might to the next generation and all who are to come. Since his youth the Lord taught him. Now in his old age he will teach the younger generations.
Jesus told his apostles before he left them, “…teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation in Collisi, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
The author of the psalm did not know everything about the righteousness and salvation of God (15), but what he did know from personal application of the word of God, he taught to others with the inspiration of the insight of the Spirit of God. So did the woman who meet Jesus at the well in Sameria and the man who Jessus freed from demon possessed and living in the tombs by the Sea of Galilee.
Those who were alive when that song came out, would not have listened to it when it did, if it were not from the artist who wrote and release it. Yet, now our aged generation still can sing at least part of The Beatles’ 1967 St. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band song. That now aged generation will relate more to verses 9-13 than the younger generations. Still, all can learn from it.
Aging is more than physical changes. We also gain knowledge as we age, how much of it is helpful depends on our preoccupations and life decisions. We should also be wiser, but I see that some remain mostly unchanged then they were in the 1970s. Some have come into a personal loving and forgiving relation with Jesus, as I did at a relatively young age and grown wiser.
Another unexpected change is people die; family, friends, neighbors, acquittances, politicians, enemies, and coworkers. Yet, as enemies go, new ones arise. For the elderly author of this psalm, new enemies rose. They saw him old and weak. They believed since his strength and youth were gone, he could be pursued and seized. They saw him as easy prey. However, the author’s strength has always been his God, even when he was young and strong. So, as before, the author cries out, “Come quickly, O my God, to help me.” The old man and woman of faith can be stronger than the young fool.
One thing for sure, all those who walked the earth, God brought forth. Though many proclaim with mouth and words, “I made myself who I am,” they forget that they did not bring themself from their mother’s womb. They did not bring cells together. They did not form DNA. They did not place themself where they were born. They did not say, “I will be born at this time, in this place, with these relatives, with these circumstances.” Though they claim to control their life, they cannot control the weather, animals, the earth and sun, or even a small a virus. When an unforeseen enemy comes, they have not controlled their sudden downfall. What confidence can they really have when they trust in themselves?Such people are always afraid.
However, the person whose hope is in the Lord Jesus has sure confidence. The man and woman who relies on God will ever praise him.Jesus is a strong refuge from birth to old age, through wealth and hard time, through health and sickness, through attack and victory, and through health and illness.
Why? Because Jesus is Sovereign Lord. Sovereign means he is to total and absolute control. What he says happens. What he stops, no one can start again. When he says, “Be still,” the waves and wind are quiet. When he says, “Be healed,” the disease is gone. When he says, “Leave him,” the demon flees. His name be praise forever more.
Some commentaries say that David wrote this when he was old, but don’t say why they make this conclusion. Some add it was during Absalom’s rebellion while he was in the Judean desert, already ascribed to Psalm 3 and probably 63. Of course, David could have wrote more than one or even two for one event. Evidence in the psalm, 2 Samuel 11-19, and related Psalms 69, 70, and 40 indicates their belief have merit. Also, Psalm 71 is included in the two Davidic Psalm-Prayers Books (I & II, Psalm 72:20). I have more evidence in my commentary on this psalm.
The psalm reveals that an old man, who believed and trusted in the Lord God Almighty his whole life (5-6), “a portent to many” (7), seen “troubles, many and bitter” (20), played the harp, sang, and composed psalms (22-23), now in trouble, did compose this psalm while he was being chased and about to be captured (10). Verse 5 and 17 says he trusted and was taught by the Lord, “…from my youth,” and verse 5 starts, “From birth…” Verse 9b says, “…when I am old… strength is gone.” Verse 18 says, “… old and gray…” Something David could truly say.
The psalm starts out with a request for deliverance and to never be put to shame, as Absalom shamed David by sleeping with his concubines in public (2 Samuel 14:22). The author wants God to hear him. “Give the command to save…” reminds me of the centenarian whose faith impressed Jesus with, “Just say the word and I know my servant will be healed.” Faith asks knowing that the Lord will can do.
The Lord be exalted! This be my praise. The Lord is great! This be my anthem. The Lord be magnified! This be my song. The Lord is gladness. The Lord be my joy. The Lord is salvation. The Lord thinks of me though I be poor and needy. The Lord is my helper. The Lord be my deliverer. O my God, do not delay.
Life dregs accumulate from sin, infirmities, and pestilence that float in the human soul. Their multiplication due to repetitive use clogs the heart’s arteries and bursts the aneurysms in the mind. Religious doctors reach into pockets while promising undelivered salvation. Sins overtake the blind patient.
Lying on death’s sharp bed of nails, only one prayer can save from the accumulated dregs in a lifeless soul’s pit. “Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. (13) I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (13:5)
Jesus, the only truly skilled physician says, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Jesus has saved me from the dregs of life. “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” (Acts 28:28)
Psalm 70 is the second of three prayers for deliverance when surrounded by enemies. Some point out that the short Psalm 70 is a repetition of Psalm 40’s ending, verses 13-17, with a few variations. “Lord” (YHWH) is changed into “God” (Elohim), except in verse 70:1b, and “Elohim” is changed into “YHWH” in verse 70:5b. By a change of one letter in the Hebrew word “turned back” is substituted for “desolate” in verse 70:3, and “make haste unto me” appears instead of “think of me” in verse 70:5.
Something I add to that insight is that the first part of Psalm 40 seems to be a conclusion and completion of Psalm 69, the first in the prayers for deliverance trilogy at the end of David’s psalms (Psalms 72:20). Examples: First, Psalm 40:2 declares, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry,” which is an answer to David’s request, “Do not hide your face from your servant,” in 69:17.
Second, 69: 14-15, referencing 69:1-2, requests, “Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink… deliver me from the deep waters… do not let the flood waters engulf me or the depths swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me,” which is answered in 40:2, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Third, the Lord, not wanting sacrifice and offering but rather songs of praise and thanksgiving, is in both psalms, with Psalm 69 being the revelation and Psalm 40 the reaction to the revelation (40:6, 69:31). I could go on with more parallel examples in these two psalms.
In conclusion, strong evidence exists that Psalms 40, 69, 70, and 71 are connected in some way for David, written in his later years, a conglomerate of emotional experiences, captured in these four acts of an emotional musical-drama or opera. These psalms are connected to David’s trials because of his sins with Bathsheba and the consequences borne out in Absalom’s rebellion. If so, then Psalms 3 and 63 should be added to the four in this rescue from hopeless depression drama. The final act is the Messiah’s tragedy turned to triumph, the melody of hope flowing in these deeply dreary psalms, the embedded prophecy fulfilled in Christ.
The drama is a help to the depressed, lonely outcast. Those who are tired of trying to keep their head above the waterline. Those whose last hope is a flickering candle in the dark night, reaching for the Mighty Hand of God to pull them to his safety.
The last stanza, the eleventh, is a praise-prophecy. David experienced the cruelty of mankind toward the anointed king among those called to be God’s people, as witnessed in this psalm (Exodus 6:7; Jeremiah 30:22). I believe he also knew that this psalm would be fulfilled by the Promised Son who would come from his seed and rule the nations forever. In the Lord’s promise to David, he said, “I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.” (2 Samuel 7:8-17).
David knew, from his own sins, that within the heart of fallen mankind lies the overpowering draw to sin. He knew Judah, even Zion, the city of David, would reject his Lord, the coming promised Son, and fall. He also knew that according to the Lord’s promise, God would save Zion and people would settle there and possess it after the fall (35). The children of his servants would inherit it when the Messiah returns (35).
Knowing and believing all this after enduring some of the pain that the Promised Messiah would endure, as recorded here, David did not hesitate to command, “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them.” (34)
Are you pushing away the waters of depression and failing? Do people laugh as you sink in the murky depths of abuse? Does the enemy engulf you with threats of violence? Are you tired of praying for deliverance, “My God, my God why are you quiet?” Consider that you are experiencing what your Lord had to go through to save you. Know the promise stated hear is true, “The children of his Servant will inherit the Kingdom, and those who love his name will dwell there forever with their loving Master.” Jesus hears your prayers.They are not in the book of life.
Skies -thick and dark today, releasing rain endlessly, with lightning flashes brightly, and thunder claps loudly, the tears of a despairing heart, and whispers of a darkened, mind praying to their maker, will calm tomorrow.
The Lord God Almighty saw David’s faith, hope, and love. Jesus’ heart was moved. He answered the prayer as David asked. Faith was not choked to death. Hope did not wither on the vine. Love produced fruit. The end of the Psalm is a decision to praise the Lord and give praise to Jesus (30).
Praising God’s name in song and glorifying him with thanksgiving pleases the Lord more than expensive and sacrificial gifts (31). If expensive offerings were the most pleasing to God, then the poor would be discouraged (32). However, the dollar amount is not what pleases the Lord; the faith, hope, and love for God behind the offering are what pleases the Lord. The same can be said of the song. If my heart is full of admiration, fear, awe, and love, then the Lord Jesus is pleased.
David adds details to what people are doing while God punished him for his sins. They gossip. Gossip causes troubles. It is an infection that eats away at not only the subject of the gossip, but also families, society, and the one supplying the gossip. Gossip often contains exaggeration and lies. Gossip adds to the self-interest and attention to the lips that provide it. Lying lips are one the most mentioned sins in the Psalter. All social groups have gossips, congregations not excluded. Jesus experienced the poison of gossiping lips.
David did not take vengeance, even though he was king. Instead, he asks God four things for these gossipers in verses 27 and 28. 1) Make they guiltier than ever, 2) Do not forgive them, 3) Take them out of the book of the living, and 4) Remove them from the list of the innocent.
David concludes by summing up his situation again and asking for God’s protection and safety. Are you a gossip? Here is some advice from God.
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13) “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” (Proverbs 16:28) “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks to much.” (Proverbs 20:19) “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips…” (Romans 1:29) “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)
Stanza 8, verses 22-25, has been called a curse by some. However, I see it as a prediction of the result of rejecting God’s anointed. David never harmed Saul because Saul was God’s anointed as he was, though Saul tried to kill him and made David an outcast for years (1 Samuel 26:9-11). However, David’s enemies did not learn respect for God’s anointed from David. They humiliated David and wanted him dead. The vile of the wicked knows no mercy, righteousness, and justice.
Stanza 8 is also a prophecy as a result of rejecting God’s anointed, Jesus, the Messiah. Verses 22 and 23 are quoted by Apostle Paul in Romans 11:9-10 regarding the result of the Jew’s rejecting the Messiah, Jesus. He wrote, “And David says: ‘May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.'”
Verse 24 was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Roman armies defeated Jerusalem and Judea. They burned the city and the temple to the ground. The fierce anger was seen when not one stone was left on another.
Jesus’ last words to the Jews in the temple is a repeat of verse 25a. After a series of woes Jesus concludes, “Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'” (Matthew 23-38-39) The Jews deserted all the cities in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.
Apostle Paul, after speaking of God’s judgement fulfilling David’s prediction here, gives the church a warning at the end of chapter 11. “Maybe you think those branches were cut away, so you could be put in their place. That’s true enough. But they were cut away because they did not have faith, and you are where you are because you do have faith. So don’t be proud, but be afraid. If God cut away those natural branches, couldn’t he do the same to you?” (Romans 11:19-21)
Psalm 69, written by David, most likely concerns the events that transpired after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah were exposed by the Lord’s prophet Nathan, is also a prophecy concerning the Messiah, Jesus the Lord. The second most New Testament quoted psalm reveals the heart of Christ during his agony while he bore the sins of the world. The gospel writers reveal the facts of the arrest, torture, crucifixion, and burial. This psalm reveals Jesus’ soul.
Verses 19 through 21 contain the words scorned, disgraced, shamed, broken heart, and helpless. He seeks sympathy and comforters, but there was none; only enemies. Their words and actions are like gall in food. Gall is the bitter, yellowish-green fluid secreted by the liver and outrageous insolence and impudence, or a bitter feeling. Their actions are like vinegar to drink. Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid with a pungent odor containing acid and peevishness of temper, speech, manner, and countenance. I was to receive this from God. However, Jesus received this punishment in my place.
Jesus was literally offered vinegar to drink while on the cross. Matthew 27:48, Mark 15:23, and John 19:28-30 quotes verse 21. John wrote, “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
The Lord told Israel through Moses before they crossed the Jordan, “Never will I leave you, nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5) The author of Hebrews quotes this to the Church. (Hebrews 13:5) However, this promise to Israel and the Church comes with the warning to not worship idols and money. (Joshua 24:20) All Israel experienced the consequences during the time of Judges for they cried out, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.” (Judges 10:10; 1 Samuel 8:8) Baal religion was all about prosperity and easy living. The Lord sent their neighboring nations to rob them of their prosperity and enslave them.
David, who admits his folly and guilt (5), is fully aware that what is happening to him is the punishment from the Lord, his God (2 Samuel 11-12). As a good Father disciplines his son, so the Lord disciples his people. During his near-death experience, trouble from all sides, David continues to repent and pray in verses 16 through 18. Asking God, “Do not hide your face,” is saying, “Turn to me and see my sackcloth repentance and suffering”. God sees all. David is wanting God to have mercy. Biblical mercy is God withholding the punishment that is deserved due to sin.
A growing movement in the western congregations in the last few decades is prosperity and lazy Christian living. Jesus said to the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Revelation 3:15-18) Is it time to put on sackcloth and plea for mercy?
The first stanza, verses 1 through 3, and the fifth stanza, verses 13 through 15, are identical poetic expressions, praying for salvation from sure death. The basis of the continuing request is the love of God during the time of his favor (13). David has not given up hope in the Lord Almighty. David still has faith in the compassion of the Lord. His prayers continue. Though all he can do is repeat himself, David prays yet again. Though no one cares and he is mocked, David believes.
The lonely, who have faith in Jesus, when hurting is perhaps the hardest test one can undergo. When the trial continues, and prayer is not answered in the way desired, and tears return every morning, though taken out of the murk, some mud remains on the clothes we put in the closet unwashed.
The first and the fifth stanza remind me of being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “We are therefore buried with him in baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-22) Jesus’ resurrection was after burial, and his burial was after death, and his death was after lonely pain. So, is the way of his disciples. Resurrection only follows slowly sinking in mirky waters and death.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” But in order to do so, I must die and be buried.
David’s troubles surrounded him like a torrent sea storm, a bottomless marsh, and an endless pit – the only escape being death. God remains silent to his cries. David’s enemies take advantage of his downfall. David wept and fasted. He lay in sackcloth, a sign of repentance and humility. Compassion did not occupy the hearts of those who saw him. They either scorned or laughed at him. Whether rich or poor, no one showed compassion. They had their reasons, but none was justified before God.
Jesus’ troubles surrounded him. Religious leaders made sport of him, “He saved others. Let him save himself.” They snarled and spit at him like a torrent sea storm. Solders mocked him like drunkards in a bottomless bottle. God remained silent. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “I must endure scorn.”
Jesus’ disciples, those he called his brothers, deserted him. Only his mother, a few women, and young man, John remained at the foot of the cross.
What compassion is in my heart when I pass by a lonely person in the street? When those who made themselves my enemy fall, do I pray for them? Do I repay their violence with vengeance? Do I help a brother or sister in their time of need? Do I give them a glass of water?Or am I a torrent sea storm, a bottomless marsh, and an endless pit?
David knows that he is a sinner and he accepts that God knows it too (5). He learned this when Nathan, the prophet revealed his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah in the presence of the royal court. Whether David had this, or another specific sin in mind, or is thinking of his sinful nature in general, is not clear. What is understood is that David accepts that he does not have a special claim to have access to God and an answer to his request because his is a sinner. He is aware that God is not indebted to him. Rather, he is indebted to God. David’s thought moves from his sinful nature to the disgrace that he has brought to those who have faith in the Lord Almighty (6). Many influential pastors’ and evangelists’ sins and hypocrisy have been publicly exposed in my generation. These once proud men and women brought shame and disgrace to many believes more than perhaps, they have been willing to accept. David asks God that his sin not become a stench to the wicked’s fuel against the faithful. A prayer that will be a miracle to answer, for once he sinned the wicked’s hearts immediately raged and rejoiced. The deed was already done. David’s prayer for his fellow believes was sincere for he knew what they would endure. He lists them in verses 7-9. The Apostles John cites verse 9 when Jesus cleared the money changes and animal sellers out of the temple. These acts of righteousness enraged the religious leaders who permitted them to make money. Jesus, his disciples, and his family were insulted by the religious leaders. The message to consider here is that my actions will affect others. Whether unrighteous or righteous actions, the wicked will find reasons to persecute and shame me and others who believe in Jesus and know me. Whether living by faith in Jesus or not, decision have effect. However, be sure that the decisions made in zeal for Jesus’ house is righteous. Jesus’ house is his people.
David is more specific about his problems in verses 4 and 5. Everyone has others that hate them without reason. As time moves closer to the end of the age, hearts are growing colder and colder. Hate is being expressed in ways seldom seen in generations past. Reason is not needed for many attackers in this generation. David experienced such hate. Those who hated him without reason outnumbered the hairs of his head. Such cold hearts are poised for violence. David prayed, but their death chants only grew louder. David’s enemies, once silent, see his vulnerability, isolation, and their new strength in numbers as time to force him to restore what he did not steal. They steal in the name of false justice, using twisted courts run by bribes and winking eyes. The law that was meant to protect the helpless, innocent, and poor is used to further enrich and empower endless greed. David prayed, but wicked ways grew. The defender of orphans and widows is left defenseless. Is this not what happened to Jesus? Is this not what happened to the Apostles? Is this not what happened to like the prophets? Is this not what happened to Job whose wife deserted him and friends accused him?
Will faith be choked to death? Will hope wither on the vine? Will love fail to produce fruit? “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful,” Jesus told his disciples. (Matthew 13:22)
“I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw,” Solomon told his son. (Proverbs 24:30-32)
Psalm 69 begins with a call for God’s salvation that seems to fall on deaf ears. Will David’s faith, hope, and love for God remain? Will his heart prove pure?
Similar to Job on the trash heap and Jonah in the belly of the beast, many of life’s miseries have befallen David. Every possible hope for deliverance fails him. He poetically describes being in the middle of a vast, lonely swamp.
The waters have come up to his neck. His body is weak. He tires of swimming, and he can no longer float. The mirk slowly pulls his body under. The grave is hungry. His feet find nothing to keep him high enough to bring in air. Death desires its prey. Will I be crushed by despair?
David looks for God. His eyes go dim from trying so long and not finding. Every day, we struggle to push away the waters of despair that try to engulf us. We ask, “Where is my God?” just as David did. Will faith be choked to death? Will hope wither on the vine? Will love fail to produce fruit? Let’s look at the rest of Psalm 69.
Psalm 69 is the first of three prayer-psalms asking for deliverance when threatened by enemies. It is the prayer of one who is in deep distress by wounds inflicted by God (26), wrongfully persecuted by enemies, and conscious that, though he knows he is with sin, yet, still innocent of any crime (5), his sufferings are due to his obligations to God.
This, according to the New Testament authors, is Jesus, who is suffering because of the sins of others, placed on him while on the cross, while himself remains innocent of sin. This psalm, like Psalm 22, is an expression of feelings of our Savior in the flesh and the coming punishment of those who placed him there.
This psalm also stands as an encouragement because we live like Jesus, and yet are persecuted just like he was. As Jesus rose from death and was exalted, so we will be saved and exalted with him.
The ninth stanza ends Psalm 68 with a doxology that is a prophecy unfulfilled, a trumpet waiting to be sounded, the day the world, in unison, praises the Lord Jesus at his triumphant coming on the clouds of heaven, the shekinah glory, with tens of thousands and thousands of thousands following in song.
Revelation 19:6-8 records, “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)”
King David wrote, “Sing to God, O kingdom of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.” Apostle John wrote, “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, … I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” (Revelation 1:10, 12-16)
Both men write of Jesus who is coming again to judge the living and the dead, to set up his earthly kingdom, and to avenge the blood of his people. This psalm has so much more I want to write about, and I will in the commentary. Yet, I leave BDBD with this thought. Keep hope and faith in Jesus. Sing praise to his name. The main theme is to sing songs of joy to Jesus. The rest are supporting reasons why.
The singers leading the grand procession sing, “Summon your power, O God…” or perhaps, “Your God has summoned power for you…” and continue with “…show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.” They want the Lord to continue his victory over their foes so that other kings may bring him gifts. They specifically mention Egypt, where beasts such as crocodiles and hippopotamuses dwell (the symbols of ancient Egypt). Cush, later known as Sudan and southern Egypt, is also mentioned (31).
This was fulfilled on Pentecost for people from Egypt who were in Jerusalem heard Peter’s message (Acts 2:10). They believed, were baptised, and filled with the Holy Spirit. They returned to Egypt, where they founded the oldest congregations outside of Jerusalem. Some still in existence today have received much persecution in recent decades, including the burning of some of the oldest churches in the world. Their faith in such persecution is a great gift to God. Humbled, they bring bars of silver to Jesus. Will your faith continue when humbled as they?
When I was a child, my hometown would have a parade every Labor Day. I would stand on the street curb with my neck stretched, watching for the first glimpse. The first vehicle was always the village police, followed by the mayor and his family seated in a waxed convertible limo. Boring to a young boy. I wanted to see the antique cars and tractors, horses, marching bands, fire trucks, Shriners in small cars and funny hats, and people throwing candies. Labor Day was surely the day of the grand procession.
David records in stanza eight (verses 24-27) Israel’s God and King’s grand procession. God is going into his sanctuary. Sanctuary is “qodesh” in the original Hebrew, which means “holy” and “sacred place or thing”, and that is not in the abstract. The procession of God going to the temple has singers, musicians, maidens playing tambourines, praise to God in the great congregation, and tribe after tribe of great princes.
David not only sings of God and King going from Mount Sinai to Mount Zion, from tabernacle to temple, and from temple to his people’s souls. He is also prophesying about Jesus coming again. When Jesus comes again, all will know that he is coming with his people. However, I did not realize that up front with him are singers, musicians, and maidens with tambourines praising their God and King. Oh, what a great procession that will be. Jesus will land on the Mount of Olives and walked into the temple again.
Praise God for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior (19). This is what David is instructing the Lord’s people to do in mass assembly. Why? Because he daily bears our burdens. Jesus bore the cross as an atonement for our sins, once and for all. Every day as I go about my day I try to live a life of self sacrifice for his name sake. However, at times I fail. Yet, when I confess my sin with a heart to change he bears by burden.
Am I burden by finances? Pray for Jesus bears these too. Am I burden with ill health? Pray for Jesus bears this too? Am I burdened for other people’s problems? Pray for Jesus bears these too. Am I burdened by the loss of a loved one? Pray for Jesus bears this too? Whatever burdens by heart, Jesus will bear the burden.
Jesus also saves (20a). He supplies escape from death (20b). Jesus died and rose from the dead. He promises all who believe in him, those who call on his name, that they will rise with him to live in paradise forever.
When Adam and Eve sin the Lord God told the devil that though he would bite the heal of the Savior, who would be the Son of Man, with death, the Son of Man would crush his head by rising from the dead. Jesus crushed the head of the devil. The last enemy to be destroyed is death (21; 1 Corinthians 15:26).
Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead. He will defeat his enemies. His garment hems will be drenched in their blood as he walks through it. The enemies of God will be no more. Jesus will free his people from their evil vices (22-23; Revelation 17:14, 19:11-13, 19-21). Yes, there are many reasons to praise God.
Verse 18 is the key to understanding the mystery behind this prophetic-psalm. Yes, this is a processional-psalm in the fact that David is writing of the Lord’s triumphant leading his people from Mount Sinai to Mount Zion, and from the tabernacle to the temple with “May God arise…extol him who rides on the clouds (meaning cloud of smoke during the day).” However, verse 18 in mystery says, “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious – that you, LORD God, might dwell there.” For David and the generations till the Messiah’s arrived this would have been mysterious.
However, the Holy Spirit revealed to the first church, as recorded by Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the revelation of this verse, and thus this psalm. “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7-13)
We have a magnificent reason to praise Jesus, the king who descended, being found in the form of a man, dying, rising to life, clothed in glory, and is seated at the right hand of God. He sent the Holy Spirit and appointed tasks to his people. These tasks are not for selfish gain. The tasks that the ascended Christ gives is for the benefit of his people, the church. Jesus dwells on in heaven and fills heaven and earth. Jesus does not want his people to be children forever. He wants us to be mature in all things. We are to build each other and self in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
Four earthly mountains are mentioned in verses 14 through 17, and the heavenly mountain is referenced in verse 18. Mount Zalmon (14) is a wooded mountain near Shechem. The name means “shady” or “dark” or “black”. Fallen snow would easily contrast. Thus, at the Lord God’s moving, the falling kings that are scatted on the land are easy to see.
Mount Bashan (15), or the hill of Bashan, refers to the region east of the Jordan River known for its strength and fertility. It carries symbolic meanings of power, divine majesty, and fierce opposition. The Lord God conquered Mount Bashan when he led Israel from Mount Sinai to the promised land (17). David asked Mount Bashan, “Why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?” (16) David is referring to Mount Zion, where the his son Solomon built the temple, where the Lord Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, where he was crucified, died, and rose from the dead.
Jesus will come again with tens of thousands and thousand of thousands into his sanctuary vey soon. Are you ready for his kingdom to come? Will you be one of his righteous ones? Or are you still rebellious?
God allowed the Israelites to pass through the Red Sea when he led them out of slavery in Egypt to Mount Sinai before they went to the promised land. The Lord did not allow Pharoah and the Egyptian army to pass through the Red Sea. The waves crushed them. They drowned. Exodus 15 records the praise sung by Moses. Miriam, the prophetess and the women repeated it, “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” (Exodus 15:1, 21).
David says, “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng (11). Exodus 15:17 says, “You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance – the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.” Moses was prophesying about Mount Zion, the place where Solomon would build the temple and the heavenly Jerusalem.
Speaking to those who accepted Jesus as the Lord God Almighty the writer of Hebrews wrote, “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire (speaking of Mount Sinai). But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:18, 22-24)
God always goes out before his people. The Lord God was in front of Israel when they left Mount Sinai on their way to the promised land (7). Jesus was in front of his apostles and disciples, preaching from town to town. The Holy Spirit led the apostles and disciples where they needed to be and say what they needed to say on and after Pentecost. When Jesus comes again, descending on the clouds (4), leading those who passed before us, the believers alive on the earth will join them in glorious bodies (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23, 50-54).
When God moves, his power shakes the heavens and the earth (8). During the journey, the Lord God provides for his people (9). Though I grow weary, and I do grow weary of the cross I have been assigned to carry, which is this online ministry, the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit refreshes my soul and spirit. The Holy Spirit comes as rain in the desert to dry skin and bones. Carrying the cross, I am led to settle in the land of bounty. Jesus provides a place for this poor soul.
Do not let the journey through the desert wear me out, for it is the Almighty that leads me. Pour your rain on my soul. Shake the earth. Drop the mountains and hills. Raise the valleys. Make my way straight as you lead me to your promised land.
The fatherless have a reason to sing praise to God. The widows have a reason to sing praise to God. The lonely homeless have a reason to sing praise to God. Prisoners have a reason to sing praise to God. God is coming. God is their father, defender, holy dwelling, friend, and freedom bearer. Sing resolute you who are secluded. Praise your Savior.
Early in his ministry, Jesus entered his hometown synagogue, was asked to speak, and handed the scroll of Isaiah. He opened it to a specific passage and read for the world to hear, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”Then he rolled up the scroll and said to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The rebellious were enraged. They liked the status quo. They controlled others, caring little for their sorry conditions. Their only tears were for themselves. They prided themselves on their evil ways. They were enemies of God. They oppressed others for selfish gain. Jesus’ coming marks their end in sun-scorched land.
The Lord God is on the move. During the time of Moses, the Lord God moved from Mount Sinai to the promised land, leading his people all the way. During the time of David, the Lord God moved from the household of Obed-Edom to a tent David had pitched in the City of David (2 Samuel 6:12, 17). During the time of Solomon, the Lord God moved from the tent to the newly constructed temple (1 Kings 6:19, 8:3-7, 21). During the time of the Apostles, the Lord God moved from the temple to his people’s souls with signs of a wind and tongues of fire resting on their heads (Acts 2:1-4).
People’s reactions depended on what they believed. The enemies scattered. Using poetic description, David says they were like smoke blown away by the wind and wax that melts before the fire. They were no more, no matter how powerful they were. There was much mourning and weeping when they saw the glory of the Lord and the kingdom of God, and they were not welcome.
The righteous were glad at the Lord’s moving. They rejoiced before God. They were happy. For them, it was a good day. They were treated like orphans and widows, the lowest of society in those days. They were lonely and prisoners for his namesake. They were persecuted, mistreated, and killed by the enemies of God. The Lord is arising to set the captives free.
The psalm is also foretelling a scene when Jesus will come again. The same two reactions will happen again. Jesus will arise and come with righteousness in his hand and judgment on his lips. The enemies of God will blow away like smoke in the wind. They will melt like wax before a fire. While the righteous will be glad and rejoice. Their master, king, and bridegroom is coming to establish his kingdom. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. What will your reaction be
Psalm 68 is considered one of the processional psalms. David is the writer of this psalm. The psalm declares the mighty God of Israel who “rides on the clouds”.
The psalm begins similarly to the declaration prayer Moses gave whenever the ark set out while they were in the desert. He said, “Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” (Numbers 10:35) A difference is that Psalm 68 is asking God to rise up and scatter his foes.
Apostle Paul quotes from this psalm (18) in his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 4:8-13, thus relating that this psalm is not only about the time of Moses and David. This psalm is also about Paul’s time as well as the present. The psalm reveals the nature of God with his people throughout the ages.
Psalm 68 is related to the Lord God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3) Thus, the promise is for all those who call on his name by faith. Those who make themselves my enemy, God will curse. Arise God, and scatter your enemies as smoke is blown away by the wind.
Verse 33 says in the synagogue, there was a man possessed by a “demon, an evil spirit”. Evil spirits, that is, demons, direct translation is “unclean” (original Greek), were created by God, and then rebelled against God (2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 3:8). Demons were previously angels. They are now at war against the Lord, his angels, and his people. (Zechariah 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Matthew 4:6, 13:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4)
Luke says that this man was “in the synagogue”. Perhaps he faithfully came every Sabbath and was a local well respected Jew. Even in congregations today, there are a few people who appear to be Christ followers, but really are demon-possessed. Not every demon acts upon a person like the Gerasenes demoniac (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Luke says that this man was possessed. Demons can possess a weak person. Anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit in them, protected by God, can have a demon enter them and control them and never know it. Demons can come in and leave an unbeliever anytime and anywhere. A person can harbor a demon within them and be unaware of it (2 Corinthians, 1 Kings 22:21-22; Revelation 20:7-8).
Demons are actively working in and through many people in my time. How many times do harsh and unspeakable crimes happen at the hands of someone that others later exclaim they would have never expected the person to do it? They say, “It’s like he or she snapped. They suddenly changed and did something I never expected.” There is a good chance a demon was behind such acts.
Luke explains why the people of Capernaum were amazed, “because his message had authority.” Mark adds that the teachers of the law did not portray this authority when they spoke (Mark 1:22)
Luke comments that the people of Capernaum were “amazed at his teaching.” They were thrilled and delighted. They did not expect a common self-educated person to know the word of God so well. Jesus said later in his ministry that he would send the Holy Spirit to those who believe in him. He said that the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. … he will testify about me.” (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus and his teachings (John 14:16, 26, 16:7). Jesus also told his disciples to not call anyone teacher (Rabbi in Hebrew), nor father, because there is only one teacher and he is the Christ, and our teacher now the Holy Spirit (Matthew 23:8-10). For this reason, we should study the Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us so that we can give a message of authority.
What element of human nature propels us to murderous fury? Why is it possible for calm reason and wisdom to sizzle into steam quicker than butter in a hot frying pan? Fury can lead a peaceful soul to commit actions that we quickly regret. Fury cannot be undone; completed fury will kill two. The slightest circumstances can turn the warmest friendship into cold hatred.
When Jesus’ neighbors heard his message, they were furious. They took him to the brow of the hill, Mount Precipitation, on which the town was built, in order to throw him down a cliff (29). They were enraged, probably, for the following reasons:
1) They saw that the cases applied to themselves, because they would not receive the miraculous evidence of his mission.
2) That the Messiah would direct his attention to others, and not to them.
3) That the Gentiles were objects of compassion with God, and that God often showed more favour to a single Gentile than to multitudes of Jews in the same circumstances.
4) That they might be worse than the Gentiles.
5) That it was a part of his design to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and not confine his labours to them only. (Five points by Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament)
Here is a bit of advice from the Lord God to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:6-7) We can master anger before it turns into uncontrolled fury with the help of the Holy Spirit. Ask, and you will be given.
Jesus stated a new proverb and prophecy. “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” He gave two examples to support this simple truth. Elijah and Elisha were two ancient Israelite prophets who had similar ministries to Jesus. All three did great miracles. All three preached the truth of God in evil times. All three continued the work of God to people who not only rejected their teaching but also physically tried to harm and even kill them.
Living and obeying the truth can cause division and hostility, even within families, as Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-36, “…I have come to turn mother against son…” and so on (paraphrased).
Most people are not religious or active in the congregation and denomination they say that they belong to until they believe someone is insulting and/or challenging their religion. They take offense and lash out even though the truth is spoken. I know of a young man who was told by his mother, who seldom went to her hometown church, “If you ever convert your siblings, I will disown you.” This never happened, and when she knew she would die soon, she eagerly listened to the son she once threatened to disown. Yet, his younger brother has now disowned him. Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus experienced the same.
Jesus gives a promise to his disciples when their family and hometown treated them as Jesus, Elisha, and Elijah were treated. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
At first, Jesus’ hometown folk spoke well of him. Then they remembered that he was merely a carpenter, a poor country boy with no formal training. They began wondering how one of them could learn to speak so graciously. So, they ended up seeing him from a human perspective. They started judging him not by what he said, but by his social status.
Mark reveals more of the thinking of Nazareth’s common folk’s response to Jesus. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. (Mark 6:2b-3, 5)
This should leave a person thinking about their own response to Jesus. Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus to me? What do I base my decision on? When I read the Bible, do I think about it? Do I consider what it says, what it implies, and how will I respond? Do I believe in Jesus? Will my decisions enable Jesus to do miracles through and in me? Or will I be lacking in faith in Jesus, and thus the power of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus’ hometown fellows’ response to Jesus was perhaps the first rejection besides the Pharisees, according to Luke. Mark’s chapters 1 through 5 seem to record events throughout Galilee before Jesus returned to Nazareth (Mark 1:14, 21, 39, 44b, 2:1, 13, 23, 6:1, 13, 30, 4:1, 35, 5:1, 17, 20, 21). The only rejection in Mark was the Pharisees and the mixed decisions of the people on the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus predicted his hometown words would be said at his crucifixion when the masses would reject him (Luke 23:35). How quickly we forget the good God does today, only to reject and doubt him tomorrow.
Jesus’ time in Galilee was spent mostly in Capernaum, by the Sea of Galilee. However, Jesus did return at least once to his hometown, Nazareth. Matthew, as a side note, states that Jesus left Nazareth to live in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13). Mark further states that after a brief time in Capernaum, Jesus went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples, where his claim to be the Messiah was rejected (Mark 6:1-5).
Luke uniquely records Jesus reading from the prophet Isaiah a passage that concerns the Messiah while in Nazareth’s small synagogue. His conclusion message was, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus gave perhaps the shortest message ever. Yet, it is heard around the world to this day. With these words, Luke reveals how Jesus clearly declares that he is the long-awaited Messiah. Everyone in his small hometown would clearly understand what Jesus was proclaiming.
A time comes for everyone to publicly claim that they believe in Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, the Messiah, and the creator God. Jesus did not hold back. At the right time and place, Jesus made the truth known. We need to follow his example.
Jesus was asked to speak in his hometown, Nazareth, after being away for perhaps two months. The teaching rabbi would sometimes sit in a chair to preach. A rule did not exist, out of respect they would stand when they read the word of God. The teaching rabbi would preach from passages in the scrolls of Moses, the history, the Psalms and Proverbs, or the prophets. Jesus purposely chose to preach from the Isaiah scroll and rolled it till he found what we now call chapter 61, verses 1 and 2 (and 58:6b). The passage was believed to be speaking of the Messiah even in Jesus’ day.
The Isaiah verses tell of the Messiah’s ministry of preaching and healing, meeting every human need. Jesus publicly announced for the first time in his newly sprung ministry that God had anointed him as the Messiah, not with oil (Exodus 30:22-31), but rather the Spirit of God.
“He has sent me” means God sent Jesus with a fourfold gospel ministry. 1) “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners” 2) “recovery of sight for the blind” 3) “to release the oppressed” 4) “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”
Does your life seem like a prison? Jesus is your freedom. Does all you see seem like you are blind to why it is happening? Jesus is your recovery. Are you oppressed? Jesus will release you. Do you feel lonely, unrecognized, and unwanted? Jesus is your favor – your approval, honor, and admiration. Jesus can be your good news if you accept his anointing.
Jesus had a custom. He went weekly to a congregation of those who called themself Jew. The place of meeting and the people who were named a synagogue. Every village, town, and city that had at least ten adult Jewish men would meet regularly, either in someone’s house or, if they could afford it, in a meeting hall. If enough was collected, they would own the building. Jesus, as a custom, went to synagogues on the Sabbath until he was forbidden to enter.
Though not all was well and done correctly in the synagogues, and there was petty bickering and hypocrisy, Jesus went, bringing his disciples with him.
Those who believed in Jesus after his ascension went to Jewish synagogues until the religious leaders threw them out. When they were cast out, they followed the custom of the Jewish synagogue, establishing their own congregation.
However, after some time, some of the early believers did not attend every week. So, the leaders including the author of Hebrews wrote, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Believers meeting together to worship God, encourage one another, and to study the word of God as a congregation goes back to the Exodus as can be clearly read in the Old Testament. Do not let excuses keep you isolated from a Jesus-believing and Bible teaching congregation.
Jesus was empowered after passing the tests. Temptation (Testing) will either strengthen or weaken, sweeten or sour, soften or harden, draw us closer to God or push us away. What determines the outcome? How we reacted when tested (tempted). Did we pass? If we pass the test God sends his Spirit to refresh and empower us even more than before the test. (James 1:3; Romans 5:3-5) More than that as James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Do not think that you will not or have not been tested? God tests all, especially his children. (1 Thessalonians 2:4; Luke 8:13) Armies test their soldiers before and after battle. Police and fire fighters are tested before and after service. All professional occupations have some sort of testing required before advancement. Nature has mechanisms that continually test and refine too. God also tests his children. Jesus was tested and so was Abraham.
How we endure the test is important as it shows our character. The same sun will melt the wax and harden the clay. The character of the wax and clay determine the reaction, not the sun. (J. Vernon McGee) Don’t blame God when you fail, nor fail to praise him when you pass. No one is tested beyond their ability to withstand the heat. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Having conquered the adversary and full of the power of the Spirit, Jesus continued in the miracle-working energy of the Spirit to show his power, divinity, and love to the people, so that they might believe and be saved. Those who, through the grace of God, resist and overcome temptation as Jesus did are always bettered by it. This is one of the wonders of God’s grace, that those very things which are designed for our utter ruin God makes instruments of our greatest good. Thus, Satan is ever duped by his own proceedings and caught in his own craft (Adam Clark paraphrased).
Luke and Matthew (Matthew 4:12-17) record that Jesus was “in the power of the Spirit” when he went to his hometown, Nazareth, in Galilee. The Holy Spirit coming in power in a person is in both the Old and New Testaments. (1 Samuel 11:6, 16:13; Isaiah 11:2; Micah 3:8; Luke 1:17, 35; Acts 1:8; etc. ) One key difference between before and after Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and Pentecost is that in the past, the Holy Spirit was given only to a few people. In contrast, now the Holy Spirit is given to all who call on the name of Jesus, the Lord and Savior. The mysterious third person of the Trinity, through whom God acts, reveals His will, empowers individuals, and discloses His personal presence in all who accept Jesus into their hearts as their Savior and Master.
What did Jesus do while the power of the Holy Spirit was in him, the very Spirit that hovered over the waters at the dawn of creation (Genesis 1:1-3)? Samson tore apart a lion with his bare hands (Judges 1:6). Upon Samuel’s anointing, the power of the Spirit changed Saul into a different person, and he prophesied with the prophets (1 Samuel 10:6, 9). Jesus taught in their synagogues. The prophet Isaiah wrote in 11:1-2, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him– the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” We can tell a person is full of the Holy Spirit when they tell others about Jesus as they teach the gospel. Do you have this sign of the Spirit? Or are you defeated when tempted and left powerless?
The devil was unable to entice Jesus to sin. So he left until an opportune time to tempt him again. I can learn from this to “be self-controlled and alert. Our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
The devil tempted Jesus, and when he failed, he left Jesus until an opportune time. So will it be with his followers. Jesus’ followers need a love relationship with our master to overcome the devil. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert and remained with him there. We need a good understanding of God’s word and to obey it. Jesus’ responses to the devil were from the word of God.
Ephesians 6:11-18 says, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
When the devil tempts, after a defensive move, I can go on an offensive move. Jesus told Peter, after he confessed that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, that the gates of hell will not keep us from breaking in and rescuing people from slavery (Matthew 16:18). I can be on the offense with the gifts God has given me. When the devil attacks, we can use the word of God to overcome.
James 4:7-10 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
The devil again questioned Jesus’ divinity, something cults also do. See comments on the first temptation pertaining to Jesus’ divinity. Then, the devil challenged him to prove his divinity by telling him to throw himself down from the temple’s highest point. He suggested God would protect him if he were God’s son. The devil misquoted Scripture just like he did in the Garden of Eden. If Jesus were to do this, then the people would awe him and make him king, for he would prove to have powers greater than man.
This temptation is saying that success and achievement will satisfy a person. If so, then this teaches not to expect to achieve success and achievement without the cross of the mission. People sometimes try to gain through deceitful channels and means. All want to be a “somebody” in the world, that is, before man’s eyes, and ignore God and his approval. This will never come, and even what one gains, he will lose in the end. Therefore, I should seek God’s approval through Jesus.
People think the ends justify the means. Satan was saying if Jesus did this, he would be glorified by the praise of men. Of course, Jesus wouldn’t be glorified for long; the act’s impact wouldn’t have long glory. As an old hymn goes, “The way of the cross leads home.
What is desired? What is needed? What cannot be done without? What is done to get these? Is a kingdom desired? Why not desire all the kingdoms of the world? It will not be enough. Is authority and power needed? Why not be the ruler of the world? A ruler is always afraid and alone. Can splendor be done without? Why not possess a room full of elaborate clothing and a closet full of shoes? You will always need more rooms to store the things purchased and yet never used.
James 1:13-15 says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
When the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in an instant, he offered them and made a condition. The devil is in the details. Jesus needed to worship him to receive them. Jesus was not interested in all the kingdoms of the world. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:13. “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Jesus said elsewhere, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it… The father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (12:22)
The devil’s challenge to Jesus’ position was because days earlier the Father said at Jesus’ baptism concerning Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (3:22) The devil was clouding the real issue of the source of life and authority by provoking Jesus’ pride. Jesus had nothing to prove to the devil since God the Father had already proclaimed Jesus’ position of authority. Some temptations are subtle. Sure, Jesus was hungry and could do as Satan suggested. But he did not. Jesus did not take the bait.
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3,which is an explanation why God caused Israel to hunger and then fed them manna in the desert. Jesus was humble enough to recognize the parallel. Some commentaries wrongly state this temptation was a challenge to glutteny. Others state this is challenging God’s care for Jesus such as Eve was tempted in the garden. Add to this that the real source of life is God himself and not our work, we find the true temptation. Hence, Jesus’ answer.
Jesus trusted God in hard times. He knew that God is the source of all including food. He also knew that man does not live by bread alone, but on ever word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Hold onto faith even though the table does not have food.
Young children say, “The devil made me do it.” What a lie! They do not live up to their responsibility for the sin. Sadly, some adults say that too. I’ve heard many Christians say the same.
The truth is that when I was tempted, I decided to submit to the sinful desires of my heart. To many times I hear Christians blame others including the devil for “evil thoughts” in their heads. The devil does not communicate to a Christian’s brain, at least I see nowhere in the Bible that teaches that. How can he if the Holy Spirit dwells in all Christians?
Neither is there an angel on one shoulder telling us to do good and a demon on the other trying to convince us so sin. Many passages states that we have a sinful nature (natural tendency) to follow the sinful desires in our heart.
When you sin, own up to it admitting you are the only one guilty of the sin and ask for forgiveness. Saying, “The devil made me do it,” is saying, “I am innocent of this,” which is a lie. Saying, “That thought comes from the devil,” is saying, “I am unable to think these kinds of sins,” which is a lie.
It is true that Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan.” However, he was not saying Peter was Satan, or that Satan possessed him. Just as when Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ moments before, he was not saying Peter was God; but rather God opened his spiritually blind heart.
When Peter tried to talk Jesus out of the cross Jesus was saying, “You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:33; Mark 8:33) When the sinful desires of the heart are in league with the devil’s desires, then fallen man can be called sons of the devil. (John 8:44)
“The devil” tempted Jesus. Satan is a created spirit (Ezekiel 28:14-15), a fallen angel who “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Satan is also known as the devil, “Diabolos” in Greek. He is the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30). The ancient serpent is the prince of the air (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9, 20:2) and the prince of devils (Matthew 12:24). He is our enemy. Luke 10:18 records Jesus saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,” when the disciples were sent out to preach the gospel.
The devil is the enemy. People are not the enemy. The people of the world, those who follow the ways of the world, become the devil’s tools. They are not the enemy. Satan, our enemy, wages war against God’s people not by putting ideas in our heads, for we have the Holy Spirit who keeps Satan out of our heads. Rather, the devil puts ideas in the heads of people who reject the Holy Spirit. The beginning of the book of Job and Judas’ decision are examples of how the devil wages war against us. Jesus’ temptations are an example on how to resist the devil’s schemes.
Satan and his demonic followers are our enemy. Also, our sinful nature and death are our enemies. The devil has no power over us, yet he has schemes that are intended to separate us from God and his will for our lives. “The rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil” work amongst the rulers of nations as the book of Daniels states. Apostle Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)
The Spirit led Jesus into the desert, where he was tempted by Satan. His temptation was not internal nor from the Holy Spirit. Jesus’s temptation was real, from a real created being. His temptation was not self-sought. Temptation is not sin. Sin only is begotten if there is a will to sin. Jesus overcame temptation because he did not have the will to sin.
As long as we are in the flesh, we will be tempted in every way, just as Adam and Eve and every generation after them are tempted. We are not led into temptation to fail. We are led into temptation to overcome and master the power of sin.
Temptation and tests are often interchangeable. The difference between them is the intent behind them. Tests are not given to lower our esteem. Tests are given as a measure that reveals to the willing heart where to improve and what is accomplished. Tests are a tool of wise education. Temptation is to be exposed to and be solicited by evil. We possess the ability to overcome temptation if we are willing to overcome.
Hebrews 4:14-16 states, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The genealogy of Jesus, according to Luke, is full of men whom God made at least one promise and kept it. I will only consider one, Adam who indirectly heard the Lord give a promise. Adam is the only man who is called the son of God besides Jesus. Adam was the first man, and Eve, his only wife, was the first woman, the daughter of God (Genesis 1:26-29, 2:22). When first created, “the man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:25). They had not sinned and knew not of sin. So, they had nothing to be ashamed of.
Sadly, they did sin by breaking the one commandment God gave them. Satan tempted Eve, she accepted the temptation as the truth, and ate the forbidden fruit. She gave the fruit to Adam, who was standing, watching Eve being tempted, and listened to what Satan said. He ate it too, also accepting the lie for the truth (Genesis 3:6).
After Adam and Eve sinned, the Lord God visited them. Though they tried to hide it, the light of God had left them for their spirit had died (Genesis 3:7). The Lord Jesus called them out of the dark and cursed the ground because Adam sinned, cursed Eve’s childbearing because she believed Satan, and gave the fruit to Adam. Yet, first and foremost, God cursed Satan for the lies. He said. “…I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
And there is the promise Adam and Eve heard. Her offspring would crush Satan’s offspring when his offspring would strike him on the heel. Satan struck Jesus by having his children, the religious Jewish establishment, and the Roman civil leaders, torture and crucify Jesus. Jesus crushed Satan by laying down his life and rising from the dead, and so freed those who had been held captive by the lies of Satan. Do not listen to Satan’s lies. Believe the words of Jesus and obey. Bear much spiritual fruit, and you will shine like the stars in the sky.
Luke and Matthew record Jesus’ genealogy. See FreeBibleStudyHelp.com, Matthew, commentary 1 for information about Matthew’s genealogy. Luke’s genealogy follows the traditional Greek style, and Matthew’s genealogy follows the traditional Jewish style.
Some differences between the two include the people they begin and end with; Luke begins with Jesus and ends with Adam, the Son of God. Luke says with each generation, “…the son of “. Matthew begins with Abraham and ends with Jesus. With each generation he says, “…the father of “. Thus, their orders are in reverse of the other. Luke is emphasizing that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man. Matthew’s emphasis is, Jesus is the son of Abraham.
Each comment about their genealogy. The comments greatly differ from each other. Matthew points out something the modern reader considers unusual. He concludes with a comment. “…Thus, there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.” (Matthew 1:17), leaving the modern reader wondering why that is important. Luke makes his comment in the beginning by stating Jesus was “… about thirty years old when he began his ministry,” leaving the modern reader wondering why a statement about the general age of Jesus is important. I wrote about his comment on the website.
Another difference is that Matthew includes five women. Luke has none.
Another difference is the people who are included in each. Scholars have proposed various explanations for the differences between the people in each genealogy. The following are most prominent. 1) One (probably Matthew) records the genealogy of Joseph, and Luke follows Mary’s line; 2) one (probably Matthew) spiritualizes the genealogy rather than following it literally (Luke); 3) the lines of descent cross but are different because one list includes several adoptive lines through levirate marriages (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), and 4) people often have more than one name, including Abraham, who was Abram (a trait I found in researching my own genealogy).
Considering Luke’s mention of Jesus’ approximate age, most scholars who address it write that in Greek society, men often entered public service at the age of thirty; and Levites’ service in the temple began at thirty (the letter of Hebrews has a strong emphasis on the fact that Jesus is our High Priest). Like a good Greek historian, Luke says “about thirty” (Luke 3:23) rather than stating an estimate as a definite number, as was more common in traditional Jewish historiography.
Being a person who has looked as his own genealogy I agree with what Apostle Paul later wrote, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, I have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:4) I ran into frustrations, insights, and problems when looking into my own genealogy. However, I also discovered interesting historical facts and stories handed down and forgotten if not put into writing.
“You are my Son…” was the Father’s voice from heaven. Jesus own assertion and intimation indicate that references to Him as Son of God can be traced to Jesus Himself. At the center of Jesus identity in the fourth Gospel is His divine state as Son (John 10:36). Jesus conceived of His divine state as Son as unique as indicated by such assertions as “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NIV) and the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (John 10:38 NRSV). Elsewhere, He frequently referred to God as my Father (John 5:17; 6:32; 8:54; 10:18; 15:15; Matt. 7:21; 10:32-33; 20:23; 26:29,53; Mark 8:38; Luke 2:49; 10:21-22).
At Jesus baptism and transfiguration, God the Father identified Jesus as His Son, in passages reflecting Psalm 2:7. He was identified as Son of God by an angel prior to His birth (Luke 1:32,35); by Satan at His temptation (Matt. 4:3,6); by John the Baptist (John 1:34); by the centurion at the crucifixion (Matt. 27:54). Several of His followers ascribed to Him this title in various contexts (Matt. 14:33; 16:16; John 1:49; 11:27).
The term Son of God reveals Jesus’ divine Son-ship and is closely associated with His royal position as Messiah. Gabriel told Mary that her Son would not only be called the Son of God, but would also reign on the Messianic (David’s) throne (Luke 1:32-33). The connection of Son of God with Jesus’ royal office is also found in John (1:49; 11:27; 20:30), in Paul (Rom. 1:3-4; and 1 Cor. 15:28; Col. 1:13), and in Luke (Acts 9:20-22).
Primarily, the title Son of God affirms Jesus deity evidenced by His person and His work. John emphasized Jesus personal relationship to the Father. Paul stressed the salvation that Jesus provided (Romans 1:4; and 1 Thessalonians 1:10), and the author of Hebrews focused on Jesus priesthood (5:5). All of these are vitally related to His position as Son of God. (David S. Dockery -Holman Bible Dictionary)
Jesus was baptised when John was baptizing all the people who came to be baptized. Jesus’ baptism showed John who he was preparing the way for. With that knowledge, John could point out that Jesus was the Messiah and that the Messiah was the Son of God and the Lamb of God. (John 1:31-34) Jesus said his baptism was to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15).
When I was a baby, I was sprinkled baptized. That couldn’t have been a baptism of repentance for my sin because I didn’t know what was going on.
As a young adult, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord. A few years later, as I studied the Bible, learning about baptism and everything else. I began wondering if I should be fully immersed-baptized even though I had repented of my sinful life many years earlier. Then the thought came to me that my Lord, the sinless Jesus, was baptized at around 30 years of age. So why then shouldn’t I be baptized like him?
Jesus’ purpose wasn’t to be an example for me, but I see his life as an example to follow. Jesus was baptized to begin his ministry. Jesus was baptized to display to John and the world that he was God’s son. Jesus was identifying with sinful me. So I reasoned, “What would be wrong if I were to follow my Lord’s example in full immersion baptism?” Years later, my younger sister had made the same decision on her own. I was so happy for her and my answered prayers.
Have you been fully immersed-baptized like Jesus? If not, you should for the same reasons he was baptized. Ours is a baptism of repentance, a baptism of identity with God, and a baptism of declaration to the world, “I am a Christian.”
John continued his preaching a repentance for the forgiveness of sin with a warning about the consequences of choices when the Messiah comes. “His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:17)
A farmer harvests his crop every fall and spring. Wheat and barley were the most common grain crops in the Middle East in the first century. After cutting down the dead stalks, they were gathered into bunches called sheafs. The sheafs were brought to a large flat rock called a threshing floor. The stalks were thrown up in the air, causing the grain to separate from the stalks. The emptied stalks were called chaff. The chaff was gathered and burned. The grain was swept into piles. The grain piles were put in storage pottery. The filled pottery was placed in his barn.
John the Baptist used this as a parable of the work of the Messiah. Jesus used similar farming parables. So now this is made clear, a choice is needed. Will the listener prepare and allow the Messiah to come into the heart and life? If not, the unquenchable fire is the next reality of those who reject Jesus, the Christ.
People wondered in their hearts if John might be the Christ (Messiah). John did not fall. He confessed that he is not. He gave proof by saying that there are two types of baptism. John’s baptism uses water. Jesus’ baptism uses the Holy Spirit. The latter is far better than the first.
Most believers in Jesus know and understand water baptism. I wrote extensively in other places in FreeBibleStudyHelp.com commentary about water baptism. However, few know of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, let alone understand it.
On the day of Pentecost, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit came down on the disciples. “A sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:2-4). This is the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit.
John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (3). Jesus preached a baptism of ownership for the spread of the gospel for the forgiveness of sin. John’s baptism was physical. Jesus’ baptism was spiritual. The first is less than the latter.
Jesus declared to Nicodemus, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (born from above).” (John 3:3) Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit baptism, which is more than a confirmation. Jesus continued, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.'”
The water is when a baby comes into the air and begins breathing. The Spirit is when the new believer comes supernaturally into the heavenly realms, Though the body remains on earth, the spirit begins living.
John prophesied a coming fire if people did not produce good fruit. The people were cut to the heart. Arrogance is racked by the truth. Truth exposes the reality of the past and present chosen inadequacies and sins, and the future penalty they bring. Humbled with holy fear, they asked,” What should we do then?” John’s answer was a practical change.
Luke gives three examples of John’s practical change suggestions. First, is sharing an unneeded tunic with those who need one. The selfish nature is to hoard back-ups for potential use, knowing someone in need of help has none. Proverbs 18:1 states, “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” Apostle Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Second, John told tax collectors who used their positions of power to extort others’ possessions, “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” Many today are guilty of the love of possessions, complimenting themselves with the delusion that stealing is wisdom. Here is wisdom: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)
Third, is practical faith, “Be content with your pay”. Rome allowed occupied nations limited military forces for their leaders’ and tax collectors’ protection. They also may have been constricted light auxiliary non-Jewish Roman troops. Both were known for extortion because their salary would not make them rich.
The basic takeaway is that change is personal and practical more than religious practices and rituals. Take an assessment of my bad practices and habits, and work to replace them with good ones.
John the Baptist, the desert priest, filled with the Holy Spirit, made a prophecy of judgement on the Jewish nation. The time to change was at hand. However, the maximum boa constrictor’s life span (forty years) was all that God had allotted for them to change from crushing others around a tree to becoming a fruit-giving tree.
Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his ministry (3:23). Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. During the forty years in between, the Jewish nation, especially the religious leaders, were given the ministry of John, Jesus the Son, and his disciples to repent. “The ax was already at the root of the trees,” John warned, meaning it is lying there ready for judgment.
God and everyone else would know that a person had truly changed if they bore fruit of repentance. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:16-19)
As it was Israel’s time for testing then, it is now time for the Gentiles for the Apostle Paul wrote, “There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:9-11) The axe is already at the foot of the tree.
Many Jews from all strata of society came to hear God’s voice in the desert and were baptized. Many heard and did not accept John’s testimony. “We have Abraham as our Father,” they argued. They meant that they had permanent and privileged status because of their family tree. The Apostle John started his gospel account with, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:11-13)
John the Baptist includes, “For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” I am a stone made into a child for Abraham. The Lord God told Abraham, “Look up and count the stars if you can. Look down and count the sand if you can. I will give you more children than these.” (I paraphrased). I am a grain of sand, I am a distant star, I am a stone made into a son.
John called the crowds who came out to him to be baptized a brood of vipers. Specifically, he was talking to the Pharisees and Sadducees according to Matthew 3:7. Then he asked an interesting question, “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” The question was sarcasm for he knew few in Jerusalem and Judea preached the truth. Coming out to him to be baptized and listen to his message about the coming Messiah was fleeing the coming wrath.
God’s wrath is hostility toward all evil. The wrath of God is against all wickedness. Romans 1:18-20 states, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
The wrath of God, to a small extent, is revealed in this life. Yet, the Lord is patient and kind. He wants everyone to repent and come to a life filled with joy and peace. He even sent his Son to redeem those who will accept him. Even though God’s love is revealed in this way, it does not mean he will always relent from wrath now.
Romans 2:5-11 states, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”
God’s wrath was poured out on the nations because of stubborn hearts. However, there is still a chance for you to escape God’s coming wrath. Romans 5:9-11 states, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
John the Baptist is the only prophet who was foretold by another prophet. Isaiah prophesied about John seven hundred years before John was born. Isaiah said John was coming, where he would be, and what he would do. John’s arrival was good news, not so much that John was great. Rather, the good news was that the Messiah would soon fulfill God’s promised salvation.
Isaiah called John a voice, a disembodied proclamation. When important people enter a room or city during a formal occasion, an unimportant steward announces their arrival. Jesus was announced at his birth with a star and by a voice, John, just before Jesus’ ministry began.
John not only prepared people for Jesus’ coming, he also told people to prepare their hearts and minds. We are to give Jesus a smooth and easy entry into our life and being. Before a king made a journey to a distant country, the roads he would travel were improved. Similarly, preparation for the Messiah was made in a moral and spiritual sense through the ministry of John, which focused on repentance, forgiveness of sin, and the need for a Savior. Ask, “Am I prepared to open my heart and let God’s salvation in?”
The religious leaders, by John’s and Jesus’s time, had turned baptism into an elaborate ceremony, full of rules and regulations. Sometimes they baptized themselves every day. They self-baptize at least once a week. The Jewish religious establishment had all kinds of reasons why they must baptize themselves, as the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal.
Baptism in Jewish and early church culture always required the person to be fully immersed in water. The remains of the small pits with steps in rock that were filled with clean, fresh water to be used only for “mikveh” still remain. The rich had these baptismal pits in their homes. John the Baptist and Jesus (though it was actually Jesus’ disciples, John 4:2) used the dirty water in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; John 1:28; John 4:1-3)
Because of and after John and Jesus (theologically it was after Jesus’ ascension), baptism became a baptism of repentance. That is, baptism is a proclamation to God and the world of a personal and practical decision in the heart to stop sinning and beginning living by faith in Jesus.Luke recorded John “preaching a baptism”. Baptism, by John’s and Jesus’ day, was somewhat of an ordinary sign of repentance of the heart. (Luke 3:3) Baptism (“mikvah” or “mikveh” in Hebrew) in Jewish culture became a ritual sometime after the exile of Babylon. John not only baptized; he preached baptism.If you have not been publicly baptized, why not? If you have, are you keeping to your proclamation by preaching a baptism of repentance with you life?
Luke records that John’s ministry was “in the desert…around the Jordan (River)”. John lived and travelled within a region that was often travelled by Jews going to and from Galilee and Jerusalem. The gospel can be preached anywhere, even in the desert. God will send those he has chosen to those who preach the gospel. Yet, we also need to be practical by going where others go and being easily available.
John did not prepare people for the Messiah and the coming kingdom by supernatural ways, spiritual mysteries, or miracles. John’s ministry was simple and practical. John studied the word and applied it to his life. Jesus taught, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observations, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20)
What does God want for me? What should I do? Where should I go? I do not know, therefore I wait till I do. Time does not stop while I wait and wonder. These questions are important, but often not answered. Most do not get the full, complete description that answers all the questions. I have this moment and today. I can plan for tomorrow, but living right today should not be put off. Allow the Word of God to come, keep God within, and do what is right now. The simple and practical can be powerful, used by God, too.
The high priesthood was corrupt, not following the law of God set forth in the first five books of the Bible. There were two high priests. (John 18:19, 22, 24) This was unlawful. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Annas was the first and true high priest. However, he had a political problem with the Romans. So the Romans removed him as high priest. His son-in-law was then made the high priest in his place. Family ties were used to get seats of authority. (John 13, 14, Acts 3)
The time for the average person in the Roman Empire and Palestine was evil and dark. The people were hard worked and under appreciated. The word of God was distorted by the religious leaders for their own selfish gain. People could go high and low and not find physical or spiritual rest.
This is the time that the Word of God came to John the Baptist. John’s parents had been priests. So John the Baptist was a priest by birthright. Yet, he did not stay in Jerusalem to practice his ministry as would have been expected. Perhaps he was cast out. Most definitely he obeyed the word of God given to his parents found in the Old Testament. He lived in the desert with little comfort and no wealth. Obeying God’s call can mean we are sent to do the undesired and unexpected. God does not promise prosperity for many of his people.
Who was to blame for Jesus being separated from his parents?The question implies that someone is to blame for an error. Yet, no error had been made.
Jesus’ parents asked, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” The question and supporting statement say that they were anxious, meaning they believed Jesus was lost or, even worse, may have been taken and harmed. They also implied that Jesus was negligent in his responsibilities and obligations to his parents. The concept and reaction are common for any parent. How much more two people whom God entrusted his Son with?
When my daughter was perhaps five or six years old, our family took a vacation to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. While walking with a group through their tallest cave system, we arrived at Crystal Falls after navigating the narrowest section. The guide turned off the lights behind us and began leading everyone up a tall metal spiral staircase. My daughter obviously did not want to walk up the stairs. So she bolted towards the darkness we had just traversed. I experienced the greatest fear I had yet experienced. I ran after her, trying to keep from falling on the slippery rock floor. I captured her and tightly carried a screaming and wiggly young girl up the slippery metal stairs. Upon reaching the top, she calmed down, and we made our way out. ” Who was to blame? Her or I? Neither.
Did she disobey me? Was I neglectful? Did either of us disrespect the other? These questions were never asked because they are meaningless.
Jesus’ response to his parents also displays this. Jesus remained obedient, and his mother treasured Jesus’ reply. Jesus knew who Father above was and was eager to know and experience him. Mary knew that she and Joseph were doing well in bringing him up according to God’s word and way. Sometimes there is no need to blame the other.
Jesus, who was twelve and attending Passover in Jerusalem with his parents, was attending the required temple education as preparation for his adult life as a Jew. Adult life for Jewish children started at their thirteenth birthday. Seated around him would have been many other twelve-year-old boys. The boys were to listen, answer questions, and ask questions as the rabbis instructed them. This was the common way for teaching in most societies in his day.
Jesus displayed an understanding of scripture that marveled the religious leaders during exchanges with renowned rabbis. The unusual wisdom came from a previous study of the Bible, and that comes from the Holy Spirit. This is a gift given to many Christians since the day of Pentecost.
The plan was for Jesus to undergo this important education when Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for Passover, as they did annually, as required by the Mosaic law. They obviously had a planned day and time of departure. Like many, they traveled with a group of relatives and friends for protection and joyful camaraderie. After a long day’s travel, they would have stopped east of Jericho, west of the Jordan River. Upon arrival, they found that Jesus could not be found. So they returned to Jerusalem to find their son. Had Jesus betrayed his parents’ trust in him on the verge of his adult life? (More in the next BDBD.)
Jesus’ desire to know and understand the word of God is displayed. He could not have received such education in the small village Nazareth as he should have been able to receive in Jerusalem. Jesus took advantage of his time in Jerusalem to stand and learn in the temple courts.
So many adults in our culture do not know and study the Bible. Sadly their children don’t know it either. Children and young adult education must include Bible facts, not just social events and music that they like.
When a child begins learning an art, sport, or reading, writing and arithmetic they learn the basic facts first and build upon those facts. Why do not many congregations teach the basic facts of the Bible anymore? Peter wrote, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3) The writer of Hebrews wrote, “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:11-14)
Any new believer needs Bible study! Don’t let the Book collect dust on your shelf. Read it every day and study it deeply in groups at least once a week. I fear that many church goers are going to be so surprised when the first through the last seventh trumpets are blown because they had not studied the Bible for themselves. Instead many today only rely on movies, television shows, other books, and speakers for their Biblical education. Perhaps your thinking, “The Bible is to hard for me to understand.” Don’t children say similar things when they learn to read and write? Why give up and make excuses? Pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire you and start eating spiritual food!
Luke records, “When he was twelve years old… according to the custom”. When a Jewish boy celebrates his thirteenth birthday, they officially declared an adult. The event is called a bar mitzvah. When thirteen years old, he is given the right to participate in society and religion as an adult. When thirteen, he fully assumed the responsibilities and rights of the circumcision he had received as an infant. He becomes “a son of the commandment”.
The custom was to bring a Jewish boy to Jerusalem a year before his bar mitzvah as part of his education. In Jerusalem he was to learn the proceedings of the temple and perhaps even from the best religious scholars who lived in and around Jerusalem. The teachers would gather in the large temple courts and teach.
Celebrating the time when a boy and girl becomes an adult has been lost in many modern cultures. To often children who are to immature are given rights and responsibilities of an adult. And to often young adults who are mature are not given the rights and responsibilities of an adult. The age of ascension has been blurred so that the youth are confused and society is brought low. The age at which a person becomes an adult can be between thirteen and eighteen years old. The event should not be two big and not without meaning.
I had learned of this important fact before it was to late for my son or daughter. When they graduated from high school I told them, “Today you are officially a man and daughter in society and in this family…” The conversation moved on from there.
Luke comments, “Every year his parents went to Jerusalem”. The Lord God required all men to appear before the Sovereign Lord at the temple in Jerusalem three times a year. (Exodus 23:14, 17, 34:23; Deuteronomy 16:16)
Since Alexander the Great controlled Palestine, many Jews had been scattered throughout the Greek and Roman world. Traveling to Jerusalem three times a year was hard, if not impossible for many Jews. So the religious leaders declared that each male Jew didn’t have to go to Jerusalem three times a year, but should try to get to Jerusalem for at least one of the three main feasts. Luke’s comment in verse 41 seems to indicate that Joseph and Mary was sure to visit Jerusalem on Passover, the most important feast at the time, but perhaps not the other two feasts.
Since the foundation of New Testament Temple at Pentecost in the hearts of God’s people and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. we can’t go to a physical temple. Rather we are to present ourselves before his temple in our hearts. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; and 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21)
Jesus was well-balanced. Somewhat similar to the trinity of God, man has (or is capable of having) three parts: physical body, soul (feelings and thought), and spirit (that which is of the spiritual world). When Adam and Eve sinned, the first part that died was the spirit, for God’s spirit departed from them. (John 1:4, 8:12) Eventually, their physical body died so that all that was left was their soul. God promises complete restoration in his Son, Jesus. (John 1:12-13: Acts 10:43).
Today, children are raised unbalanced. Some parents push their children into sports to the point of deifying a balanced life. I knew of a boy who wasn’t yet a teenager who suffered a physical sports injury so severely that he could no longer play any sports and had other physical problems. Other parents push their children to study textbooks so much that the knowledge they obtain gives them a headache, fear, and other pains due to a lack of sleep. A few parents push their children towards their religious beliefs because its their occupation and/or fears. Pursuing each of these three things is important and good only when balanced. Each child is born with talents and gifts. Each child can be nurtured to build on their strengths and should do so without neglecting the whole self.
Luke records Jesus’ birth, the shepherds’ visit, and Jesus’ circumcision which was when Simeon and Anna prophesied about Jesus’ ministry. These accounts are laden in the saving grace through Jesus to all including the Gentiles. He does not record the wise men visit nor Jesus’ need to be taken to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. Matthew does not record Luke’s recorded events, and Luke does not mention Matthew’s recorded events. Why?
First, consider the timing. How long was Jesus in Egypt? Jesus was born in either 6 or 5 B.C. Matthew records that the wise men started their trip when they saw the star in their homeland. The trip would have taken around a year. Thus, they visited Jesus, Joseph, and Mary when he was between one and two years old. (This is also why Herod had all the boys killed two and under, Matthew 2:16.) Matthew records that Joseph left Egypt “after Herod died”. Herod died in 6 B.C. So, their stay in Egypt was less than a year. And all the events in Luke and Matthew can easily fall into a timeline.
Now, as to why they recorded what they did. One reason is that they didn’t know about the other events. However, I believe another reason is more probable. Matthew’s reason for recording Jesus’ brief stay in Egypt as a toddler was to demonstrate how Jesus fulfilled Scripture. Matthew’s audience was Jews who wanted to know how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures. So, Matthew recorded the visit to document it. It can be concluded that Joseph intended to keep his family in Bethlehem, as they had been there for around two years. However, God intervened because Jesus needed to be raised in Nazareth to fulfill Scriptures. God told the prophets to proclaim centuries before about the events of the young boys dying, Jesus being brought out of Egypt, and being raised as a Nazarene.
Luke’s audience was the Greek (intellectual Gentiles). They weren’t interested in how Jesus fulfilled scripture. Rather, they wanted to know the facts of how Jesus brings God’s grace. (Luke 1:1) Luke appealed to their reason and Matthew appeals to man’s religious incline. Both reveal Jesus in different ways according to the audience they had in mind.
Nazareth in the district of Galilee was a small town, Mary and Joseph’s hometown. (Luke 1:26) According to John 2:46 the town was known for nothing good. “Nazer” means “despised,” or “not honorable”. Christians were at first called Nazarenes. (Acts 24:5)
Nazareth was on a major trade route. Being on a major trade route brought in many strangers and Gentiles. It would be hard to keep faith and purity in such an environment. Also being a small town made it easy for everyone to know everyone and everything about each other. Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament anywhere, but the area is referenced. (Isaiah 9:1) Poor Jews lived in towns like Nazareth. Many Jews left Judea to escape first the Syrian and then the Roman oppression. Mary and Joseph’s family must have moved to this area because of the oppression.
The environment about us will affect us. However, I do not have to let it control me and be an excuse to do wrong things. The Lord will always provide a way. I need to keep faith. The Lord will not test us beyond what we can deal with in a good way.
Anna was unique in many ways. She was a prophetess, the first human messenger of God in the Bible since the time of Malachi. She was of the lost tribe of Asher, not Judea. She was a woman who had dedicated herself to the Lord. She was eighty-four (or widowed eighty-four years), an age uncommon in those days. Widows were often poor and socially marginalized.
The prophetess Anna never left the temple. The temple gates were closed at night, and only the priests would remain inside. She worshiped God day and night, and was thankful despite losing her husband after only seven years of marriage. Many very old people I have known are either bitter or senile. She witnessed and encouraged others by sharing Jesus with them. She looked forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. She exhibited the Holy Spirit’s joy.
Anna was one of the few who recognized the Messiah, the redemption of Jerusalem, when they saw baby Jesus. No priest, no rabbi, no layman, and no social leader recognized the Messiah when they saw him. Those who did see he was the Christ were told so by an angel, including Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth (John’s mother), and the shepherds. Anna, was unique because she was blessed.
The younger generation usually sees the previous generation as silly and thus disregards them. Oh, if only they had listened to prophetess Anna, Jerusalem would have been redeemed that very year. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (Titus 2:3-5)
A Jesus encounter reveals the person I am. Every joint and marrow, every membrane and cell, every thought and reason are now known. The id is revealed as indecent. The ego is exposed to reality. The heart is cut open with a double-edged sword. The mind has seen the Great Light. My Maker has opened blind eyes. Do I like what I see?
What is this I see? It is thee. What is this I hear? It is clear. What is this I smell? It is hell. What is this you teach? Something you can reach. What is this you give? How to live. What is this that beats?
Will I go up or down? Your choice abound. What is so sore? Your very core. What is the cure? The only one to be pure. I want him in. Are you sure? I want his life. Will you be his wife? I will. He did. Your new life begins.
The Gentiles are in the dark even though we are intellectual and have achievements much. We were and still can be in the dark when we do not have a right relationship with God through Jesus who is full of grace and truth. Gentiles live in darkness until the gospel of Jesus is welcomed within and without. I did not know God, nor his truth. Now I do. All prior revelations were dark.
Apostle John also wrote in his gospel, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:19-21)
Christ is the light to the Gentiles. Those who have Jesus in their hearts become lights to others. He speaks and works through us. Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16)
Jesus’s revelation light is more than thought and wisdom. Jesus revelation light is life. The Apostle John wrote in his gospel account, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:3-5) Jesus is a light of revelation to the Gentiles. Let my light shine so others can become lit through my testimony.
Luke records that “the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon”, a righteous and devout Jew. Quoting Tozer, “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people. There is nothing about the Holy Spirit queer, or strange, or eerie.
“Unless you are convinced that it isn’t an added, unusual, extra, deluxe something that you have to go to God and beg and beat your fists on the chair to get, I recommend that you don’t do anything about it yet except to meditate upon the Scriptures bearing on this truth. You don’t have to persuade God at all. Dr. Simpson used to say, “Being filled with the Spirit is as easy as breathing; you can simply breathe out and breathe in.”
“Before you can be filled with the Spirit you must desire to be filled. Are you sure that you want to be possessed by a Spirit other than your own? That Spirit, if He ever possesses you, will be the Lord of your Life! Do you want to hand the keys of your soul over to the Holy Spirit?
“Again, are you sure that you need to be filled? Can’t you get along the way you are? But maybe you feel in your heart that you just can’t go on as you are. If you feel that there are levels of spirituality, mystic deeps and heights of spiritual communion, purity and power that you have never known, that there is fruit which you know you should bear and do not, victory which you know you should have and have not—I would say, “Come on,” because God has something for you.
“Here is how to receive. First, present your body to Him (Rom. 12:1-2). God can’t fill what He can’t have. Now I ask you: Are you ready to present your body with all of its functions and all that it contains your mind, your personality, your spirit, your love, your ambitions, your all?
“The second thing is to ask (Luke 11:9-11), and I set aside all theological objections to this text. He chooses to have us ask; so why not ask?
“Acts 5:32 tells us the third thing. God gives His Holy Spirit to them that obey Him. Simply live by the Scriptures as you understand them. Simple, but revolutionary.
“The next thing is, have faith. (Gal. 3:2) We receive Him by faith as we receive the Lord in salvation by faith. He comes as a gift of God to us in power. First, He comes in some degree and measure when we are converted; otherwise, we couldn’t be converted. But I am talking about something different now, an advance over that. I am talking about His coming and possessing the full body, and mind, and life, and heart, taking the whole personality over, gently, but directly and bluntly, making it His, so that we may become a habitation of God through the Spirit. (Gems from Tozer)
The sign of the covenant between the Lord God and Abraham was circumcision. Luke states the Law, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord.” (Exodus 13:2, 12) God Almighty said He would be Abraham’s God, as well as the God of his descendants. Abraham and his descendants were to keep their part. “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3)
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be circumcised, Jesus entered the covenant. Thus, he was required to keep the law given through Moses. Jesus became fully human and fully Israelite. Galatians 4:4-5 states, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
The significance of Jesus being under the covenant law and keeping the law perfectly cannot be understated. Jesus needed to be perfect in every way. If he was not perfect, including being perfect before God by means of keeping the covenant, I nor anyone would be redeemed.
My ancestors were never part of the Mosaic Covenant. Yet, I now received the benefits of one who was under the Mosaic Covenant and remained blameless. As Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The shepherds went to Bethlehem and saw that the angel’s message was true. Mary, Joseph, and a newborn baby, Jesus Christ, were as was told. Jesus was in a manger.
The shepherds told everyone they encountered what had been said about Jesus. Their testimony was true. Everyone was amazed. She and Joseph had not known about the angel’s appearance and message until they were told. God was working on their behalf just as she had been told. Throughout her life in good and bad times, she would think about these things with thoroughness and care, treasuring them in her heart. The testimony of another can become a treasure that remains if we just believe. I can speak treasures to another.
