TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:28-37
Jesus wept. - John 11:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
Any believer who has ever lost a loved one can understand Jesus’ grief in today’s reading.

Our cultural practices are different from those in Palestine during the first century. Lazarus was not in a coffin, there were no flowers, no viewing of the body, no hearse, no funeral eulogy, and no obituary notice in the local newspaper.

The spiritual realities, however, remain the same. When we grieve the death of another believer, we’re expressing a temporary emotion. We know that we’ll see them and rejoice with them again in heaven one day! Jesus knew that He and everyone else would be enjoying Lazarus’s presence again in just a few minutes, for he would be raised to life as a sign of God’s love and power.

Then why did Jesus weep at all? No doubt He felt sad about the confusion and hurt in the eyes of Mary and Martha. But at a deeper level, He grieved because of death itself, a consequence of sin. This was not the way God had created things, not part of creation’s original design. Jesus had come to conquer death and to set things right again, but He grieved when He saw the death of His friend.

After speaking with Jesus, Martha went back to fetch Mary. The mourners thought she was going to the tomb and followed her, which means there were plenty of eyewitnesses for what happened next. She greeted Jesus (v. 32) with the same words of faith her sister had used, and by falling at His feet also indicated respect and humility. Naturally, she was grieving for her brother, and when Jesus saw her sorrow, He was “deeply moved” and “troubled” (v. 33).

The Greek word for “deeply moved” connotes anger or sternness, and is used as part of a warning or a rebuke. This captures Jesus’ anger at sin and death. The Greek word for “troubled” describes a strong emotion, and is also used to express Jesus’ feelings when contemplating His death (John 12:27) and His betrayer (John 13:21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Turn back a few pages to “Today Along the Way” for April 19. We’d like to take the question we asked you that day and ask it again today, from a different angle. If we can measure our anger against Christ’s to check its rightness, then we can do the same with our grief.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:38-48
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. - John 11:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Prince Caspianby C. S. Lewis, a boy-king leads a ragtag army of dwarves, centaurs, and talking animals to defeat the Telmarines, who had conquered Narnia.

At the book’s conclusion, the great lion Aslan sets up a door in the middle of a field. He tells the Telmarines they do not belong in this world, but he is willing to send them home again. If they stay, they must live under the new king’s rules. If they go, they must trust Aslan and walk through the doorway to a land they’ve never seen. A day is appointed for the choice, after which the door will be closed forever.

The door in the field represents two decisions, two paths, two futures--whatever they choose, the Telmarines know their lives will never be the same.

The same was true at the resurrection of Lazarus. Confronted with this unmistakably divine miracle, the eyewitnesses had two choices. They could respond to Jesus as the Son of Man, or oppose Him with anger and violence. In fact, these were precisely the two reactions we see in today’s reading.

Due to the hot climate in Palestine, Lazarus had been buried soon after dying. When Jesus ordered the tomb opened, practical Martha objected at first. But after His question (v. 40), they knew something was about to happen, and obeyed.

Jesus’ prayer was not for Lazarus to be raised--He viewed that as already accomplished. Instead, His purpose was to bear witness to God’s glory: that people would believe God had sent Him. When people respond in faith to Jesus, God is glorified! Just as Elijah had faced down the priests of Baal for the glory of God and the hearts of the Israelites, so too Jesus faced down death itself for the same reasons.

The resurrection itself was pure power. No shout, no incantations, nothing fancy, just a command. And Lazarus lived!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus’ identity is at the center of John 11.

All through this month, we’ve been examining more closely the awesome truth of the Incarnation, the implication of Christ’s humanity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 14:1-3
I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. - John 14:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Male bowerbirds go all out to attract a mate. Found in Australia and New Guinea, they build special homes (or bowers, hence their name) for this purpose.

A bowerbird builds his nest on the ground from sticks, leaves, and other plant materials. Some species make rings up to five feet wide (in which they can sing and dance to lure a female), while others’ nests look more like pyramids, six feet or more high. The bowerbirds decorate these with colored berries, insect wings, flowers, and snail shells. They may lay down “carpets” of leaves or ferns, or set up “curtains”of vines or other hanging plants. Some even “paint” the walls by mixing their saliva with naturally-found pigments and using bark or leaves as paintbrushes.

This picture may be another reminder for us of a spiritual reality--Jesus preparing a place for His bride, the Church. He loves us, and has promised to take us to be with Him.

This promise was first given to Jesus’ disciples. On Thursday evening of Passion Week, He “showed them the full extent of his love” (13:1) by washing their feet and sharing heart with them. Today’s reading is part of what He told them that night.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus began. He’d just shared very disturbing news that one of them would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him three times. Despite what was going to happen, He wanted their hearts to be at peace (cf. v. 27). What’s the foundation for that peace? Faith. “Trust in God; trust also in me” (v. 1; cf. Prov. 3:5-6).

Jesus, our Bridegroom, is going ahead of us to prepare a place for us. When the time is right in the Father’s plan, He’ll come back to claim us as His Bride, and we’ll dwell in His house forever (Ps. 23:6)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus spoke of peace in today’s reading, and we’d like to suggest that you memorize some Bible verses dealing with this topic.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 2:14-17
He too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death. - Hebrews 2:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
In “Go Down Death,” poet James Weldon Johnson describes what happens to “Sister Caroline” after death. His poem begins: “Weep not, weep not, / She is not dead; / She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus . . . She’s only just gone home.”

One day, God looked down, saw Caroline in pain, and decided to call His child home. He summoned His servant Death, who rode, pale horse blazing, through the stars down to Savannah, Georgia.

When Death arrived, he “took her up like a baby, / And she lay in his icy arms, / But she didn’t feel no chill . . . And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away her tears, / And he smoothed the furrows from her face, / And the angels sang a little song, / And Jesus rocked her in his arms, / And kept-a-saying: 'Take your rest, / Take your rest, take your rest.’ ”

Because Jesus conquered death, we, as God’s children, can have eternal life. To overcome death, He had to become a human being (v. 14). Otherwise, He couldn’t have made atonement for us (v. 17).

In our study, we’ve already noted several theological consequences of Christ’s humanity. To close this month, we want to spend several days keying in on how the fact of His humanity matters to our salvation. It isn’t merely an incidental truth, but an important article of our faith, with implications for both thought and practice.

Why did Jesus become one of us? What follows “so that” (v. 14) answers that question and packs a wallop. First, to die. Jesus had to become human, because people die--God doesn’t. Second, by His death He destroyed the devil’s power, a power fueled by sin and death. Third, that victory freed us, who were slaves to sin and death (cf. Isa. 61:1). Fear no longer controls our lives, we have received the gift of life!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christ is our brother, as well as our Savior! He lived among us on earth, He chose to become one of us, and He died for us, a fact that is the core of our salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 4:4-7
God sent his Son, born of a woman, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. - Galatians 4:4-5
TODAY IN THE WORD
At a Web site bearing the address www.precious.org, you’ll find the “Internet Adoption Photolisting” by Precious in HIS Sight, which lists more than five hundred children currently available for international adoption.

Since 1994, the Precious photolisting has featured over eight thousand children, linking families who want to adopt with agencies who can guide and facilitate the process. The site boasts more than one million hits per month!

One couple told Precious: “We saw our daughter on this site in November, and she was in our arms in March. Words certainly can’t explain the happiness she has added to our family!”

Adoption is a beautiful thing, especially when done by believers who want to show the heart of God. We ourselves are adopted children of our heavenly Father. How can this be? Because Christ became a man.

At the right time in God’s plan, He sent His Son to earth. Jesus met two prerequisites for His mission of redemption: He was “born of a woman” and “born under law” (v. 4). “Born of a woman” is a simple phrase underscoring an amazing truth of Jesus’ human birth: the Incarnation, “God with us.” “Born under law” refers to the Mosaic Law, which until Christ no one had kept perfectly (cf. Rom. 8:3). In the overall context of Galatians, we conclude from these two phrases that Jesus was a perfect human being.

As such, He redeemed us--that is, He paid the price necessary to free us from the “slave market” of sin. More than that, He adopted us into His family with the “full rights of sons” (v. 5). We went from being slaves of sin to children of God, from condemned prisoners on death row to inheritors of heaven (v. 7; cf. Rom. 8:17)!

God the Son made possible our adoption into the family of God the Father, and as His sons and daughters we’ve thus received God the Holy Spirit. “Abba” (something like “Daddy”) emphasizes this close family relationship (cf. Rom. 8:15-16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you’ve been enjoying this month’s study on the humanity of Christ and would like to delve into Christology in greater depth and detail, we have a book to recommend.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5:12-21
Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. - Romans 5:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
WMBI, the flagship station of Moody Broadcasting, was named Religious Station of the Year last year, a distinction it also received in 1996. The award is given by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) based on nominations and votes from people within the industry. Station manager Bruce Everhart, accepting the award at the NAB annual conference, said, “It’s not only a tribute to our staff, but also to our listeners who faithfully support us.”

WMBI officially started in 1926, one of the first religious radio stations in the country. It has been transmitting God’s Word over the airwaves for 75 years! That’s a great legacy of proclaiming the truth.

The gospel–at the core of WMBI’s message and ministry–is admirably summarized in today’s reading. And it’s integrally connected to the humanity of Christ!

Two men are the focus in this passage, with contrasting actions and results. The first man is Adam. Because of his disobedience, sin and death ruled the earth before Christ came, even before the Law was given to Moses. When the Law did come, it had the effect of multiplying sin, thereby highlighting the greatness of grace in Christ (v. 20).

The second man is Jesus. While Adam broke the single command given to him, Jesus was perfect in every way. Because of what Adam did, sin and death entered the world, but the result of Jesus’ coming was salvation and life. Adam in effect made us all sinners, but Christ makes believers righteous.

The actions of Adam and Jesus are summarized as “trespass” and “gift” (v. 15). Both affected all humanity–Adam’s trespass put the stain of original sin on every human being, and Jesus’ gift of salvation is available to “whoever wishes” (Rev. 22:17). Adam’s one sin brought condemnation for us, but Christ’s sacrifice followed centuries of sin and brought justification for all who believe (cf. John 3:36).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you believed these truths with your whole heart ? While most readers of Today in the Word are already believers, we don’t want to assume that all are. Becoming a believer means trusting Christ for salvation from sin and accepting His gift of eternal life. If you haven’t done that or are not sure about this important issue, why not receive Him through coming to Him in prayer today? There’s no greater moment than when a person recognizes and acknowledges who Christ is!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 4:1-3
Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. - 1 John 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many early Christian heresies denied the humanity of Christ.

Docetism, for example, taught that spirit is the highest reality and matter is less real. From this perspective, matter came to be viewed as morally evil. Therefore, a holy God couldn’t have become a man, but could only appear to have had a physical body. Jesus’ humanity was an illusion.

Apollinarianism said that Jesus was human, but incompletely so. In this heresy, His body was the only human part of Jesus. He did not have human emotions, will, or soul, but only human flesh, animated by His divine nature. This made Jesus less than fully human.

Fighting a similar heresy, the Apostle John exhorted his readers to “test the spirits” (v. 1). We believe in the supernatural, but not everything supernatural is good. We must determine whether a spirit--which can mean a person led by a spirit, or a religious idea or teaching--originates from God.

How can we tell? The test of an Old Testament prophet was whether what he said happened (Deut. 18:21-22). Were his words true? The standard of truth is still the same today, even more so, because Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6).

The litmus-test question now is this: does the spirit, person, or teaching affirm that Jesus Christ came in the flesh? Do they believe He was a real human being? If yes, then God is present (v. 2; cf. 1 John 2:23).

John was opposing gnosticism, a heresy that denigrated flesh as a lower reality. But we must remember that God Himself created flesh and breathed life into it (Gen. 2:7). There is nothing inherently corrupt about bodies. In fact, we believe that one day we’ll be resurrected with glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-44)!

If the Incarnation is not affirmed, then a spirit is not from God (v. 3). Instead, it is the “spirit of the antichrist”--not the specific Antichrist of the end times, but anyone in general who is anti, or against, Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we near the end of this month’s study, why not take what you’ve learned and put it into a fun form?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 1:1-3
That which was from the beginning . . . which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim. - 1 John 1:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
René Descartes was a 17th century French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician. Preoccupied with the problem of how philosophical knowledge could be as certain as mathematical knowledge, he began by doubting everything, especially his senses. What, then, did he truly know?

He decided that the surest fact was his own conscious existence, which he expressed in the famous statement, “I think, therefore I am.” From this, he also argued for the existence of God and other truths.

Those living in biblical times, however, had a different way of thinking about the certainty of knowledge. To them, other senses might possibly deceive a person, but the sense of touch could give sure and definite knowledge. In other words, you could be certain about things you yourself had handled. That’s the background for John’s assertions in today’s verses.

John introduced his epistle by summarizing what he and the other apostles were all about: Christ. “That which was from the beginning” refers to His eternality, and echoes the start of John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word” (1:1).

The next items on John’s list are apostolic credentials, or evidence for the truthfulness of their testimony about Jesus. The three are all related to senses, and are listed in order of increasing importance. First, hearing--the apostles had heard Jesus teach. Second, sight--they were eyewitnesses to and participants in His life. Third, touch--they had hands-on experience with the physical reality of His life.

Though hearing and seeing are repeated in verses 2-3, touch was the most important sense because it provided the most certain knowledge. Jesus invited the disciples to touch Him (Luke 24:39)--He was not afraid of concrete examination--and He ate food as the proof of His Resurrection (see April 15).

Christ, the “Word of life,” was the message preached by the apostles. They had both the privilege and responsibility to proclaim His name. To believe their message is to fellowship with them and with God. We are part of that continuing community, and we still believe in historicity of the humanity of Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we bring this month’s study to a close, we hope that you will not stop here, but go on to read and explore much more about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:26-56
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Joan of Arc became a military leader at age sixteen. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at nineteen. Nadia Comaneci was fourteen when she became the first Olympic gymnast to score a perfect ten. As remarkable as they were, their accomplishments could never compare to the faith we read about in today's passage.

The Bible doesn't tell us how old Mary was when she conceived, but she was probably in her teens at this point if her engagement to Joseph was at all typical for that day. Once Gabriel came to visit, however, Mary's life would never again be described as typical.

Like Zechariah, Mary was initially afraid when Gabriel appeared to her, and she also questioned Gabriel's prediction. But unlike Zechariah's doubt, Mary's question was one of confusion, and it was a perfectly justifiable inquiry. When the angel explained God's plan, Mary showed complete faith in what he said (vv. 38, 45).

Mary's visit to Elizabeth is one of many events in Luke reminding us that the Holy Spirit actively participated in the events of the New Testament long before the days of Pentecost. Not only did He conceive the Son of God within Mary (v. 35), He also revealed the identity of the coming Messiah to Elizabeth (v. 43).

Upon hearing Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting, Mary delivered what has come to be known as “the Magnificat,” so named for the Latin translation of this passage. Mary's understanding of the situation and her mature perspective are encouraging and impressive. She quotes extensively and thoughtfully from the Old Testament in this brief song of praise, revealing a deep knowledge of the Word and a heart for God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The significant role that women play in Luke's Gospel seems impossible to ignore—but many people do just that. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth and Mary proved themselves more than just suitable mothers; they were gifted stewards of the Word of God. Men and women must recognize the valuable contributions that faithful women have made and continue to make to our spiritual growth. In your prayers today, thank the Lord for godly women.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 1:2-4
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. - 1 Timothy 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Health officials in an affluent American suburb were recently alarmed to discover that sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers in their community were rising at an alarming rate. When a full-scale investigation was launched, it was discovered that two factors played into the crisis. First, the teenagers themselves had little or no knowledge of how to resist sexual temptation. Second, their parents were, for the most part, uninvolved in their children’s moral development. What was true in that one American suburb is probably true nationwide. The question persists, as to what we can do to escape the moral and spiritual corruption that seems so prevalent.

During the month of May we are going to discover that God has provided for every Christian a way of escape. And the centerpiece of our study will be the seven virtues that the apostle Peter describes for us in 2 Peter 1:5-7. The context that precedes those seven virtues is very significant. Peter states that we are without excuse. Christians cannot say, “I couldn’t help myself and just wasn’t strong enough to resist the temptation.” Neither can we respond the way a well-known comedian often did by saying, “The devil made me do it.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps there has been some particular temptation that you have been facing in recent days, the kind of challenge that almost makes you believe you cannot escape. If so, read today’s text one more time. Then thank God that He has given you everything you need to live the godly life that He requires. You might also want to write these two verses out on a three-by-five card and refer to it throughout the day. Remember that God doesn’t want you to make excuses for falling into sin. He wants us to be His virtuous people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 1:5-7
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. - Psalm 34:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every day of the week we have to respond to various events and circumstances around us. Sometimes those responses require little or no thought on our part. For instance, you might get into your car and drive to work using the same route and the same vehicle every day. You don’t really think much about what you are doing. At other times, more specific direction is needed when the situation isn’t as routine. Think about those times when you have purchased an “assembly required” product. The contents of the box are very obvious. But you have to read the directions carefully to know what to do next.

The same is true in our Christian experience. Sometimes we might respond to God in worship with great joy and enthusiasm. It just seems to happen spontaneously. But at other times we need specific directions to know exactly what it is that God wants us to do next. That is what Peter is trying to tell us in today’s reading.

Yesterday we learned that God has given us all the resources we need to live a life that is pleasing to Him. But in today’s study we see that God calls us to act upon those re-sources, even when such responses may not be spontaneous. That’s why Peter tells us that we need to “flesh out” our salvation with seven virtues. Webster defines virtue as “conformity to a standard of right.” The first century culture had a lot of different ideas as to what was virtuous, but the apostle identifies the seven that Christians need to apply to their lives.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the days ahead we will be looking at each one of the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. In the meantime, read over today’s passage again. Whether you understand the qualities very well or not, put a check mark above the ones that are currently evident in your life. Next, put a circle around the ones that you think need to be more noticeable in your walk with Christ. After doing so, ask God to empower you this month to begin to practice the kinds of behavior that will make you a fruitful Christian in every way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 1:8-11
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. - Proverbs 4:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you have anything of value, such as stock certificates or jewelry, there is a good chance that you have placed those precious items in a safe-deposit box. In one sense you put them “under guard,” so that nothing will harm them. The same should be true with the care of our souls.

You might respond by saying, “I don’t have to guard my soul. That’s God’s job.” But our passage from 2 Peter 1:8-11 teaches otherwise. In Peter’s case, he was well aware that false teachers were trying to undermine the faith of the first century believers. Something needed to be done to protect them from potential spiritual erosion and disaster. But what steps were to be taken?

Our text builds from the presentation of the seven virtues introduced in verses 5-7. Peter points out that the virtues themselves will serve as a kind of protection, guarding one’s soul from spiritual harm. At least three things will happen if we take the apostle’s words to heart.

First, the practice of the virtues will enable Christians to become spiritually productive, especially as they grow in their knowledge and love for Christ. On the other hand, Peter uses a figurative expression to show what will happen if the virtues are neglected. When he says that a disregard for these seven qualities makes one “nearsighted and blind” (v. 9), he means that this is like shutting one’s eyes to spiritual truth. If that should happen, a believer sadly forgets the cleansing power of Christ’s redemption (1:8-9).

A second protective benefit to practicing these seven virtues is that those who pursue them will have a greater sense of their calling and election than ever before. The virtues do not “ensure” our salvation, since only Christ can do that. But practicing these qualities can provide a personal “assurance” that one has eternal life (1:10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All of us want to be spiritually productive in our walk with Christ. But sometimes our current activities, as good as they might seem, actually keep us from becoming mature in the faith. Today might be a good time to make a list of activities that occupy your time. Do these activities increase your effectiveness for Christ? If not, use the list as a basis for prayer. Ask God to once again help you to learn the virtues and become the productive believer He wants you to be.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:2-9
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure . . . think about such things. - Philippians 4:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever gone to a concert and marveled at the skill of a great pianist? Chances are you may have even wondered how great it would be if only you could play with the same perfection. Or maybe you have watched a talented athlete and wished that you could perform with the same ability. We would be wise not to spend too much time envying the talents of others. But we should at the same time realize that athletes and musicians are able to do what they do because they have spent hours thinking about and practicing their skill.

The same is true for believers who want to grow in their faith and become fruitful in their Christian lives. Some people draw the mistaken notion that those who develop the character traits of 2 Peter 1:5-7 are “super Christians.” Nothing could be further from the truth. The words of the apostle Peter were written for all believers to take to heart. But how do we develop those qualities of life, especially the quality identified as “goodness?”

The word that is translated as “goodness” in 2 Peter 1:5 can also be rendered by the word “virtue.” The word appears five times in the New Testament, but perhaps the most helpful description of the word is found in a portion of our text for today, Philippians 4:8-9. Notice what the apostle Paul does after giving the list of qualities at the beginning of verse 8. He says, “If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.” The word translated “excellent” is the same word rendered as “goodness” in 2 Peter 1. But what is especially important to observe is what Paul says we are to do with those excellent things he listed. He says we are to “think on these things.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To get you started in developing the virtue of goodness, consider selecting the names of some of the people who are closest to you--a relative, a coworker, or a friend. Put their names on a piece of paper and keep it in your Bible. Then using the character traits of Philippians 4:8 as a guide, write down everything you can think of that is good about those individuals. Although you may have negative thoughts to begin with, force yourself to think the very best about them--as you do so, you’ll be training yourself in the virtue of goodness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 42:8-13
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. - 1 Peter 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Gloria Matthews faced a mother’s worst nightmare. She had gone to visit her parents in another state when her husband called with some very bad news. Their youngest daughter had not returned home from an evening concert. Gloria and her husband Jim did everything they could, but their youngest child would never return.

Some six months after their daughter’s disappearance, Gloria was driving to work asking God for answers. She reports that it was as if God spoke to her and said, “Gloria, will you give me honor and glory even if you never learn what happened?”

The Matthews family has never completely recovered from their loss. However, the encounter with God on her way to work began to change the way Gloria thought. She has started to develop a God-centered life. It is the same kind of thinking that can assist any believer in developing the character trait of goodness.

As we learned yesterday, goodness refers to the pursuit of that which is excellent and often occurs when we consistently think the best of other people. But the word goodnesscan also be translated as “praises,” as in the case of 1 Peter 2:9. Both the apostle Peter and the prophet Isaiah were calling their audience to praise God.

The people of Israel had every reason to offer up praise to God. As we see in our text, God declares Himself as the Lord, the one who redeems His people and is sovereign over all things. But in addition, He declares new things that will take place for Israel (Isa. 42:9). The prophet had been prophesying judgment for the nation’s rebellion against God. But then Isaiah invites everyone and everything to give God glory and praise (42:10-12). And the reason for such praise was because God would rescue His people and defeat their enemies once again.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Yesterday you started a list containing the names of people close to you in some way. In addition you started to record specific statements that were positive about their lives. It would be good for you to add God’s name to that list today. Try to identify as many things as you can about God and His goodness in your own life. As you do, you will be training yourself to be an individual who will be characterized by goodness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 1:5-9
The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. - Proverbs 11:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the early months of the year 1999, the world watched as the U.S. Senate deliberated the fate of former President Bill Clinton. Although the impeachment charges against the President were controversial, the real question had to do with whether character had anything to do with national leadership. No doubt the discussion of character will continue to be raised in future political campaigns, but the matter should be settled once and for all when it comes to the leadership of the church. God’s Word is very clear that those who provide spiritual direction in our congregations are to be people of excellent character.

You will recall from our study on Friday that the character trait of “goodness” refers first of all to thinking about things that are excellent, especially as it relates to people. Then we learned that those “most excellent things” that we ponder in our minds are to be put into practice (Phil. 4:8-9). Although the word translated as “goodness” in 2 Peter 1:5 is not found in our reading for today, it seems obvious that Paul wanted Titus to be on the lookout for individuals whose lives demonstrated excellence. They were to display this pursuit of excellence in their family life, their interpersonal relationships, and their emotional stability.

One might ask why Paul didn’t just ask Titus to find good managers or successful businessmen to help operate the church in Crete. But the text is clear that “goodness” must characterize church leadership, especially those who are elders, for two reasons. First, goodness (or in this case “blamelessness,” v. 6) should be the pursuit of a leader because such individuals have been entrusted with the Word of God (v. 7). If they haven’t shortchanged people and possessions in other areas of life, there is a great possibility that they will not distort what God is saying in His Word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Maybe you are not a church leader right now, but you might be one day. Take an inventory of your present situation. Are you pursuing excellence in your family life? If not, try to determine why that is not a pursuit right now. At the same time, are you pursuing excellence in your relationships with people in your church? If not, why not?