TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 6:1-15
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders. - Acts 6:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The right tools and equipment make all the difference. No matter how talented, no one wants to demolish a building with just a hammer. A hockey goalie wears the protective pads and mask for his position. An expert seamstress won’t use an upholstery needle when she’s doing a delicate embroidery.

For the next few days we’ll examine what it means to grow in extending grace. Stephen provides an example of how God’s grace enables us to serve the body of Christ and to proclaim the message of Jesus.

Stephen was selected for ministry because he was known as someone who was “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v. 3). The church needed men who were willing and prepared to engage in the growing ministry of aiding the needy, especially distributing food to the widows. This was not just a sideline ministry; Scripture connects this work with the spread of the gospel (v. 7). Even here we see a precursor to the images that Paul would use in his letters, describing the church as one body with many parts (see 1 Corinthians 12).

Additional information is provided about Stephen, who is described as “full of God’s grace and power” (v. 8). What follows is a marvelous picture of someone who has grown in the grace of God: this man selected for ministry to those in need becomes a powerful example of boldness for Christ.

The miraculous signs done by Stephen first attracted the attention of Greek-speaking converts to Judaism, who began to debate him—in vain (vv. 9-10). Flustered by their inability to win, they convinced some others to lie about Stephen, leading to his arrest by the religious court in Jerusalem (v. 12). When given the opportunity to speak, Stephen delivered an impassioned history of God’s work with His people culminating in Jesus (see Acts 7). This bold presentation of the gospel incited the crowd to stone him to death.

Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace: following the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his enemies (Acts 7:60). A life full of God’s grace ministers to others, proclaims the gospel, and extends forgiveness.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes we make a distinction in the church between the “important” roles and the “behind-the-scenes” work. God makes no such distinction. Every act of service is seen by Him and is valuable for the ministry. Whether caring for children in the nursery, maintaining the church food pantry, teaching a Bible study, or working in the sound booth, your contribution to the body of Christ is important. We all can and should be described as full of wisdom, power, grace, and the Holy Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 11:19-26
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. - Acts 11:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
Muhammed Omar was forced to relocate to Kenya after violence spread in his native Somalia. He converted from Islam to faith in Jesus, and says this about reaching his people with the gospel: “Fifty years ago, Christians the world over were challenged to go to more difficult places like Somalia. Then the war started in 1991 and now with still no central government, many Somalis had scattered all over the world, mainly to Kenya. Today, we do not need to go to Somalia to reach Somalis. I thank the Lord that they come for treatment to Kenya’s Kijabe Hospital where I work as a volunteer chaplain.”

From the beginning, believers in Jesus have followed the Great Commission to spread the gospel to others (Matt. 28:19-20). God has redeemed even such evil as persecution and displacement in order to reach people with the good news that He loves them enough to send Jesus to die for their sins. Just as Muhammed Omar found that he could reach people from Somalia, people in our text for today spread the gospel to cities across the known world.

After Stephen’s death, persecution was unleashed against the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1). One result is that Christians began to flee Jerusalem, taking the message of Christ with them to Phoenicia (in present-day Lebanon), Cyprus, and Antioch (in modern Turkey). Christianity was going global! The initial converts were Jewish, but then they shared the faith with their Gentile neighbors, who also believed (v. 20).

When the Jerusalem church heard about Gentile converts, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to investigate. Barnabas found that these believers exhibited the grace of God, the mark of all followers of Christ throughout time (v. 23). Whether Jew or Greek, American or Somali, evidence of God’s grace will identify true Christians.

This grace verified that Gentile converts were part of the family of God, and it also encouraged Barnabas. He committed a year to teaching the believers in Antioch so they could grow in the faith. The grace of God allows us to cross all social and cultural boundaries to share the gospel, and then embrace our brothers and sisters.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Missions has been part of the identity of the church from the beginning. Are you connected with a missions program or missionaries? Missionaries who have traveled from their homes need financial support and spiritual encouragement—even birthday cards or regular e-mails can be tremendously helpful. You don’t have to leave home to share the gospel. Do you have a heart for your own family or neighbors to know Christ? Pray that the grace God has given you will bring others to faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
By this gospel you are saved. - 1 Corinthians 15:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Charles Spurgeon has been called the “Prince of Preachers,” and for good reason: he preached to an estimated ten million people between 1850 and 1892. Yet Spurgeon declared: “The power that is in the gospel does not lie in the eloquence of the preacher; otherwise men would be the converters of souls. Nor does it lie in the preacher’s learning; otherwise it would consist in the wisdom of men. We might preach until our tongues rotted, till we would exhaust our lungs and die, but never a soul would be converted unless the Holy Spirit be with the Word of God to give it the power to convert the soul.”

We’ve seen the powerful proclamation of the gospel by Stephen, made possible because he was filled with grace and the Holy Spirit. As we continue studying what it means to grow in extending grace, our passage today reveals that the grace of God strengthens us to share the gospel.

At this point in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wanted to correct some doctrinal error that had crept into the church. Before his eloquent discussion about resurrection (vv. 12-58), he reminded the church about their embrace of the gospel. This truth was the foundation for their salvation and identity—not their wealth, wisdom, social position, or ethnicity.

Most scholars believe that verses 3 through 6 are part of an ancient creed, a summary of the gospel that the earliest believers would have known and recited as a way to rehearse the truth about Jesus. The death, burial, and resurrection are included, as well as the witnesses who verified that the risen Lord appeared in His resurrected body.

Then Paul transitioned into his autobiography. He was a sinner; he had “persecuted the church of God” (v. 9). But he encountered Jesus and was saved (v. 8). Here was Paul—the great apostle, founder of churches across the world, author of nearly half of the New Testament—giving all the credit for his spiritual achievements to the grace of God (v. 10). He worked diligently, but even his labor was empowered by God’s grace. Paul didn’t receive this grace in vain: he extended it to others by faithfully preaching the gospel.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ground your identity in your nationality or denomination? Do you look to your social status or income to validate you? If we are saved by faith in Christ, God’s grace should be the foundation for our self-evaluation. We can’t extend that grace to others if we think we have some intrinsic quality that makes us more valuable or important. Only by acknowledging that we are recipients of God’s grace can we share the gospel with any power.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God is able to make all grace abound to you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The prophet Elijah saw God’s promise of famine come true in judgment for the sins of Ahab and Israel. In obedience to God, Elijah went to Zarephath and asked a widow to provide him with food. She responded that she had no bread, and only a little flour and oil. She was preparing a final meal for herself and her son. Elijah promised that if she would feed him, God would provide continuous food. She trusted God’s promise, and He ensured that miraculously the “jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD” (see 1 Kings 17).

God’s principles of godly generosity have not changed. When people offer what they have—whether much or little—to Him, He promises to bless them. One way that we grow in extending grace is by extending generosity to others as a ministry to God.

The context of our passage is Paul’s request for the Corinthian church to contribute financially to the impoverished and persecuted church in Jerusalem. The poor churches in Macedonia had already sent an offering, but the wealthy church in Corinth had been rather stingy (see Acts 8; Phil. 4:14-19). Paul didn’t want to coerce or manipulate the Corinthians, but he did want them to understand God’s principles of generosity. God wanted voluntary, joyful giving (v. 7). Sometimes a lack of generosity stems from a fear of not having enough left over; believers cling to financial resources for security. But God promises to extend the grace and resources necessary in response to our giving (v. 8).

This passage is often used by prosperity gospel preachers to assert that God has a mathematical formula—give a dollar and get $100 in return!—or that God wants all Christians to be rich. In contrast, notice what Paul emphasized: our money is not what enables us to live for God. Our money is a tool to serve God, and His grace enables us to pursue good works of service. The emphasis is not on getting rich, but on seeking “every good work,” “righteousness,” and “thanksgiving to God” (vv. 8, 10, 11, 13). Generosity exhibits obedience consistent with our confession of the gospel. God has extended His grace to us so that we can extend generosity to others (v. 14).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This text connects our willingness to release our financial resources to serve God with our ability to grow spiritually. There’s no formula or percentage demanded; God cares about the state of our hearts. Are you willing to give financially to support your church, missionaries, or other ministries doing the work of God? Are you giving joyfully? Do you give the bare minimum, desiring to hold tightly to your money? Our security is in Christ, not our bank account. He promises to bless our generosity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 3:1-21
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit. - Ephesians 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most people who make important discoveries want to share the news as quickly as possible. Robert Peary sent a telegram after discovering the North Pole. Albert Einstein published a paper on Special Relativity. When Apollo 11 reached the moon, the words and pictures were broadcast around the world.

In our passage today, Paul described the great spiritual discovery or “mystery” that had been made clear to him. He wanted the church in Ephesus to know that this discovery was for the benefit of everyone, and that God’s grace enabled Paul to share it with the world.

This unveiled mystery was that the Gentiles were able to access the grace of God: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (v. 6). We might miss how revolutionary this is, but it’s hard to imagine any contemporary divisions between people that are as deep and controversial as the rift between Jews and Gentiles at that time. This controversy had rocked the church since its earliest days (see Acts 10-11, 15). Many were willing to allow Gentiles into the faith—as long as they adopted a Jewish identity. Paul testified that the Gentiles came into the church not by becoming Jewish but through faith in the gospel (see Gal. 3:26).

Note how many times Paul used the word grace in this passage. The revelation of this truth was by grace; his status as an apostle was by grace; and his ability to preach was by grace. Paul didn’t claim the credit for this teaching. He recognized that God had graciously allowed the truth to be revealed and enabled Paul to spread the gospel to Gentiles throughout the world, showing them they had access to God through Jesus Christ (vv. 10-12).

This extension of grace meant that believers—whether of Jewish or Gentile origin—could experience the fullness of the love of God. No ethnic heritage was necessary to claim salvation in God. The power of the Lord was at work in the church in all times and places—including us today! (vv. 20-21).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The church today doesn’t struggle with Jew-Gentile tensions—do we? In fact, the tendency toward division still persists among God’s people. Our churches often divide along racial and economic lines. Some insist that certain gifts be demonstrated to qualify as full believers; others declare that all Christians should adopt their preferences for ways of dress or types of music. To extend God’s grace, we must follow Paul’s example and recognize that access to the family of God is based on faith in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. - 2 Thessalonians 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Phoenix, Louisiana, is a largely African-American fishing community on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. The area is noted for producing some of the nation’s best shrimp and oysters and for the hard work and independence of the local fisherman. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the community, and, just as they were recovering, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico shuttered the livelihoods for most of the town. Local pastor Tyronne Edwards stated: “We’re strong in our faith. We have all kind of disasters come our way, but because of a religious conviction . . . we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Times of hardship can test the faith and convictions for all of us. God’s Word recognizes the challenge of testing, whether it comes from persecution or disaster or grief. Thankfully, the grace of God encourages us and gives us hope in these times.

In challenging times, our passage today offers three truths to remind us to stand strong in our faith. First, our salvation is secure through the work of God (v. 13). God chose us, Jesus loved us, and the Holy Spirit sanctified us. The implication is that our Lord will not abandon us, nor should we have reason to abandon faith in Him during hard times.

Second, Jesus Himself suffered and was vindicated by God. By aligning ourselves with Him in faith in the gospel, we too can have an eternal perspective. Despite our current times of difficulty, we will ultimately “share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14).

Finally, even in the midst of a trial, God extends His grace to encourage and strengthen us (vv. 16-17). It is possible to maintain hope that is based on our knowledge of the character and promises of our Savior. Despite struggles, we can still be equipped to live as people of God, demonstrating our faith through “every good deed and word” (v. 17).

If we grow in our understanding of what it means to extend grace, we realize that God’s grace sustains us throughout this life and prepares us for eternity with Him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One day, all cancer, loneliness, despair, cruelty, tornadoes, greed, lying, and all other forms of sin, pain, and destruction will be forever banished from existence (Rev. 21:4). Until then, we don’t flounder in hopelessness. If you are in the middle of a struggle today, ask your loved ones to pray verses 16 and 17 for you, asking God to encourage and strengthen you. This is a prayer that God delights to answer!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Churches in wealthy areas from Fairfax, Virginia, to Phoenix, Arizona, have discovered that not everyone endorses offering Christian hospitality to those in need. Nearly two years ago, CrossRoads United Methodist Church began offering a hot, cooked breakfast on Saturday mornings to over 100 people who were homeless. Since then, 22 homeless people have joined the congregation of 200. But neighbors complained, and the city of Phoenix ruled that the church was violating zoning ordinances. A court settlement required the church to move their breakfast program to a poor neighborhood, though the city agreed not to prevent future ministry to the poor at the church.

The exhortations in today’s passage seem simple at first. We might think we could boil this down to: “Just be nice to each other!” But far more is going on—and much more is at stake—than niceness. These are commands for us to extend God’s grace, and we can do this only through His strength.

Peter started with the spiritual context: “The end of all things is near” (v. 7). As Christians we know that Christ will return and the world will be judged. That should impact the way we live. We make the choice to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray.

Notice that Peter didn’t describe love and hospitality as easy. Christian love persists even in the face of opposition; it extends grace even to sinners. This kind of hospitality goes far beyond inviting friends over for a barbecue. Without the grace of God, this hospitality would incite grumbling (vv. 8-9). Christian love and hospitality require us to be willing to be inconvenienced in order to minister to others.

Each of us has received a gift from God, and the purpose of these gifts is to administer God’s grace to others. Through our spiritual gifts, we are equipped to extend grace and bless others. Whether we are sharing the gospel, serving to meet practical needs, offering hospitality, or loving sacrificially, we are able to accomplish this ministry because of the grace that we’ve been given. For this reason, God receives the praise and glory (v. 11).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some have bought the consumerist lie that your house has to look like a catalog or you have to cook like a Food Network star in order to extend hospitality. Scripture says that true hospitality comes from sharing God’s grace with others, and all believers are equipped to do that. Our extension of hospitality should be motivated by the fact that Christ will return soon! Pray and see if God is leading you to open your home or participate in a ministry to extend hospitality to those in need.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. - 2 Corinthians 6:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2003, the infamous “tech bubble” burst and flattened sectors of the American economy, particularly the stock value of technology companies. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, canceled his stock options in the company in exchange for $75 million. Since Apple’s share price had fallen from $36 to $7, it seemed like a good financial strategy. Had he held those options, however, today they would be worth over $10 billion.

We might not encounter financial deals in the millions or billions of dollars, but spiritually we often have the same option: choose something that looks attractive now and forfeit valuable spiritual riches. Today we transition from our examination of extending grace to warnings about the grace offered to us. Growing in grace includes understanding what is at stake in the offer of God’s grace to us.

Our passage today warns us not to receive this grace in vain (v. 1). In order to see what that means, examine the context. In chapter 5, Paul had urged the Corinthian church to hear his message (5:11). He had many difficult matters to address with this church, and they were not inclined to hear the message of this apostle. He reminded them they shared the heritage of the gospel and the urgency of reconciliation that flowed from it (5:18-21).

By refusing to hear the admonition of Paul, the Corinthians were in danger of rejecting the grace offered to them. They were choosing comfort over conviction, rhetoric over repentance, and wealth over wisdom. They placed more value in immediate appearances than eternal priorities.

Paul described in detail how his message came from God and not his own ego: he was speaking “in truthful speech and in the power of God” with love for this church (v. 7). He was willing to suffer greatly in order to prod this church back to God’s grace (vv. 4-10). Their rejection of him wasn’t simply a bruise to his self-esteem. It was a refusal to accept the grace of God that would enable them to return to righteousness and be reconciled to the Lord, to Paul, and to each other.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How will you respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Paul took great pains to demonstrate that he is not trying to manipulate or control the Corinthians. His plea came out of “the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (v. 6). If a godly person in your life is making such a plea with you, accept the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation being offered to God. Thank the Holy Spirit for stirring your heart to address any sin, and don’t take the grace of conviction in vain.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 10:19-39
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot? - Hebrews 10:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
As the elder son of Isaac, Esau was in line to receive the birthright, an inheritance with both material and spiritual blessings. But in a moment of weakness (consistent with a lifetime of rejecting God), he gave in to hunger and the manipulation of his brother Jacob and traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. When his father bestowed the birthright on Jacob, Esau begged for a blessing too, only to discover that he had squandered his chance for his inheritance. Isaac declared: “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness . . . and you will serve your brother” (see Genesis 27; Heb. 12:16-17).

Rejecting the gifts of God incurs a penalty, a warning we should take seriously before we dare to “insult the Spirit of grace” (v. 29). In our reading today we’ll see both the blessings and condemnation that flow from our response to the grace of God.

The passage opens with a reminder of what God’s grace has made possible. We have access to the very throne of God and can enter with confidence because Jesus Himself serves as our priest, interceding for us (vv. 19-21; Heb. 4:14-16). As a result, first we should make our relationship with God our top priority; the curtain is opened, and we are invited to draw near to God (v. 22). Second, we should have an eternal perspective of our future with God, because He is faithful to keep His promises (v. 23). Third, we should exhibit this grace with our fellow believers, encouraging one another, meeting together, and growing in love (vv. 24-25).

Then the tone changes. If we don’t embrace God’s grace, terrible judgment will follow (vv. 26-29). This text does not teach that Christians can lose their eternal salvation. God is faithful; He keeps His promises (vv. 23, 36). But it does teach that the Christian life is much more than a one-time profession of faith, followed by a lifestyle that rejects a relationship with God and His people. This tramples the Son of God and insults the Spirit of God. Just as God promises “better and lasting possessions” for those who are faithful, He also promises to “judge his people” for rejecting His grace (vv. 34, 30).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 34 is a picture of people who are living in the grace of God: “You sympathized with those in prison” (see Matt. 25:34-40). You could embrace this call. Prison Fellowship supports several programs to minister to inmates and their families. Your church or Bible study group could contact a prison chaplain about hosting a praise and Bible study time. Juvenile detention centers are often seeking mentors, and your support for Today in the Word allows us to send it to prisoners.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:14-29
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble. - Hebrews 12:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
A satirical newspaper once published an article titled: “Church splits over the correct spelling of Hallelujah.” While some church splits have ostensibly been over issues like the color of the carpet, anyone who has been through a church split can attest that the experience is no laughing matter. No matter what people think they’re arguing about, the root problems are often ego, control, selfishness, and bitterness.

Our passage today warns that rejecting the grace of God leads to bitterness, which can destroy the body of believers. We saw the example of Esau in our study yesterday, and today’s text expands on reasons why we should grow in the grace of God.

Following Christ compels us to “make every effort to live in peace with all men”; in contrast, refusing the grace of God creates a “bitter root” that “grows up to cause trouble” (vv. 14-15). The contrast between holiness and sexual immorality also indicates our spiritual condition. Our relationship with God is proved in our relationships with others—if we are responding to others with bitterness, trouble-making, or lust, we are ultimately missing the grace of God.

The warning comes starkly from verse 25: “See to it that you do not refuse him [God] who speaks.” We have no reason or excuse to refuse God’s grace. He does not speak to us harshly, causing us to tremble in fear; because of Jesus, we are invited into a “joyful assembly,” a community of believers surrounded by angels in worship to the Lord (vv. 18-24). Because God extends His grace to us in this way, with joy and love, the penalty for turning to selfishness and bitterness is even greater.

Instead, our response should be gratitude and worship. We understand the power and holiness of God, and we offer our praise and thanks “with reverence and awe” (v. 28). Even these warnings are a form of grace to His people. He does not try to trick us or manipulate people into worship, nor does He delight in abject fear. He invites us to an eternal life of rejoicing, guaranteed by the blood of Jesus.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our text is bracketed with descriptions of how we should behave toward others and God: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men” and “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (vv. 14, 28). Does this describe your church, and your own attitude? If not, begin by confessing your own bitterness or selfishness and receive God’s grace to renew your walk in holiness. Pray also for your church, especially those with whom you disagree, that you will be reconciled.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jude 3-25
They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality. - Jude 4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The standards for sexual ethics have changed in the United States. The percentage of couples who live together before (or instead of) getting married has skyrocketed. Homosexual marriage is debated in states across the country. Pornography has become pervasive. But what about the church? Not only do the sexual practices of church members increasingly resemble the culture, but even some church leaders argue that this is a good thing: “It may be that reversing long-standing prohibitions—on homosexual practice . . . or certain experiences of premarital sex—would enact the Gospel, rather than contradict it.”

Jude contradicts this assertion. This brief, powerful letter warns against those who would abuse the grace of God and use it to excuse sinful behavior. Who are these godless men? First, they are in the church (v. 4). Second, to make matters worse, they are leaders in the church—they are “shepherds who feed only themselves” (v. 12). Notice the metaphors Jude uses: they are clouds without rain, trees without fruit, and waves that are simply foam (vv. 12-13). Their apparent fellowship with the body of Christ is really an opportunity to exalt themselves. Rather than extending love, they “boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (v. 16).

What is their abuse of God’s grace? Interestingly, the scathing indictment of their character is not the substance of the “license for immorality” that Jude denounces. These men taught that because God extends grace, His people could engage in sexual immorality. They polluted their own bodies, and encouraged the church to endorse sexual practice that deviated from God’s plan (vv. 4, 8, 10, 16, 19).

What is the penalty? These practices threatened the entire church, and Jude gave the examples of fallen angels and Sodom and Gomorrah to underscore the severity of the judgment (vv. 6-7, cf. Gen. 6:1-5; 19:1-29). Sexual immorality is not a lifestyle choice or personal preference—it violates the essence of faith (vv. 3, 20). This warning about using God’s grace as an excuse to live a sinful lifestyle should still resonate in the church today and motivate us to pursue holiness in Christ.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This passage provides helpful ways for us to evaluate leaders in the church: both their character and teaching must be consistent with the holiness and truth of God. The message is addressed to the so-called “people in the pews.” We are to know what we believe, pray fervently, have confidence in God’s love and mercy, and live with our eternal destination in view (vv. 20-21). The beautiful doxology to close this letter should be the praise from the lips and lives of all of God’s people!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:7-21
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. - Revelation 22:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sigrid Paul gave birth to a son in East Berlin in 1961. The delivery was difficult, and the baby needed medical attention available only in a hospital in West Berlin. While he was receiving treatment, overnight the Berlin Wall went up—separating Sigrid in the East from her baby in the West. When she asked the government for permission to visit him, she was denied. Desperate, she made plans to escape from East Germany, but was caught and imprisoned for two years. Finally ransomed by the West German government, she was reunited with her son when he was nearly five years old.

During the separation, Sigrid never stopped feeling or acting like a mother longing to see her child. It is the relief from this longing that makes reunions so wonderful. We currently long to be united fully with our Savior, and our passage today says that we have the grace of God while we wait.

First, we have the promises of Jesus that He is going to return for us (vv. 7, 12, 20). We know that our God is absolutely faithful—He has provided His Word to remind us of what He has done in the past so that we have hope for what He will do in the future.

Second, we worship and obey the Lord while we wait (vv. 9, 12, 14). Scripture tells us what it means to have a life that brings glory to God; we do not have the excuse of ignorance. Our growth in knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ demonstrates our commitment to faith and prepares us to live with Him forever.

Third, we live in the present with a view toward our eternal future (vv. 12, 17, 19). We anticipate the reward of seeing Jesus, and we respond to the invitation to the “free gift of the water of life.” We take seriously the warning to respect the Word of God, for we know what is at stake.

Ultimately, God’s people are characterized by grace (v. 21). From the depths of our being we look forward to finally, freely dwelling with God, and we cry out, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (v. 20).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As a way to close our study on the grace and knowledge of God, spend time thinking about how you can grow in these areas. This might be a time of reflection, journaling, or perhaps taking specific actions. Close your devotional time by looking forward to Christ’s return. You might write down what excites you most about seeing Him, or sing songs that focus on the coming of Jesus and living forever with God. This active focus on His return can conform our hearts to His grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 1
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” - Jeremiah 23:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the ancient world, writing of any length was done not in books, but on scrolls, so authors limited their writing to the space available. If an author had more to say, a second scroll was used. As we begin our study this month of 2 Kings, it’s important to remember that this is really a continuation of the Israelite history recorded in 1 Kings.

This book begins by recounting that Ahaziah now reigns. We know from 1 Kings 22:51-53 that Ahaziah “did evil in the eyes of the LORD”; he served Baal and provoked God to anger. Now in 2 Kings 1, Ahaziah has injured himself severely enough to wonder about his life. Instead of seeking God, he consults a foreign god. His request is a telling one. Now at the end of his life Ahaziah implies that either the God of Israel does not exist, or He is irrelevant to his needs!

Perhaps the most important in today’s message is revealed in God’s severe opposition to idolatrous disobedience. On three separate occasions God’s message

to Ahaziah is repeated: “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub . . . You will certainly die!” (vv. 3-4, 6, 16). In the end, God proved true and Ahaziah died “according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken” (v. 17). On two other occasions, fire came down from heaven to consume the king’s troops who arrogantly tried to seize Elijah and silence God’s word. God reigns over Baal, and the fire underscores that message (vv. 9-12; see 1 Kings 18).

Yet there is another message here as well: an offer of mercy for those who will take it. Consider the third captain: he humbled himself, begged for mercy (vv. 13-15), and he was spared. God’s message to Ahaziah may seem like a harsh rebuke of disobedience, but viewed another way, it was also an offer of hope. We can repent and turn back to God. He has not forgotten us and he calls us to obedience once again. If only Ahaziah would have heeded that word!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage reminds us of the seriousness of idolatry, but also of the offer of mercy in God’s word. Have you, like Ahaziah, treated God as nonexistent or irrelevant in your own life? Find a moment today to reflect on the ways you may be turning from God to rely upon something else for comfort. Then take today’s word as a challenge for repentance and an offer of mercy from a faithful God who does not give up on His people (even in their unfaithfulness).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 2
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. - Isaiah 40:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout history, the transfer of leadership has been a tenuous moment. Even today, some nations around the world teeter on the brink of civil war when one leader dies and another comes to power. With such shifts in leadership often comes the question: What will the future hold?

A similar question underlies today’s passage as we read about the end of the prophet Elijah’s ministry in Israel. His impending end was seemingly known by all, and Scripture builds our suspense for ten verses before we learn his (and Israel’s) fate. When Elijah was finally taken up in miraculous fashion, Elisha’s words summarized the sentiment of the moment: “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” (v. 14). The answer is found in the details of the text.

Just as Elisha accompanied Elijah from Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan, so now starting in verse 14, Elisha retraced those steps, moving from the Jordan to Jericho to Bethel, performing notably miraculous actions. He parted the Jordan, healed deathly water, and cursed opponents of God. Where is God? He is right here, just as He had been for generations. Circumstances change and leaders come and go, but God and His powerful word remain the same.

Our passage illustrates God’s enduring presence in a two-fold manner. First, we see God’s restorative power (vv. 19-22). Through Elisha, God’s grace healed the tainted waters of the cursed land (cf. Josh. 6:26). Just as Moses healed the bitter waters of Marah (cf. Ex. 15:22-26), so now God’s restorative power continued. Isn’t this the ultimate message of the gospel, that God can reverse a once cursed and fallen land and bring about blessing and life?

Second, we see God’s power in judgment (vv. 23-25). As the youths of Bethel (a hot-bed of idolatry; see 1 Kings 12:25-33) maliciously rejected God and His prophet, the consequence were consistent with the warnings of judgment in Leviticus 26:21-22. God’s powerful word brings either blessing or curse, depending on how we receive that word. The real question is not, Where is God?, but How will you respond to His enduring presence?

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever wonder where God is as you consider the future? Do you doubt His presence, His power, and His care, wondering if He can ever restore the brokenness of your own life? Be encouraged by God’s enduring power and presence in our lives. Perhaps you can make a list of the anxieties in your own life, then bring them before the Lord asking Him to instill you with confidence in His enduring word that can heal even those most broken aspects of our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 3
But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. - 1 John 2:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
There was a young man who, once grown and out of the house, slowly drifted away from his parents’ lives. Now fully on his own, the selfish man rarely called home or stopped by for visits, except on rare occasions: when he was short on money. Perfectly content to live most of his life on his own terms, a financial crisis would always bring him crawling back home begging for a parental bailout.

Joram behaved in a similar way in today’s reading. As the king of Israel, Joram determined to bring the wayward Moabites back under his thumb, enlisting the help of the kings of Judah and Edom to do so. No sooner had Joram led forth his expedition, however, than we are told they met with a crisis: “the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them” (v. 9).

Notice the responses to this difficult situation. While Joram immediately blamed God, Jehoshaphat’s words offered a wiser way: “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?” (v. 11). These kings were in a fix and only godly Jehoshaphat recognized the importance of God’s word in a difficult time. When Elisha the prophet had been called, the word was given: water will come, and Moab will fall. Indeed, God declared that it was too easy simply to provide needed water; He would defeat Moab as well. It turned out that the provision of water was also the provision of victory over Moab.

Understand the message here. To this wicked and rash king Joram, God delivered grace upon grace. But notice too the reason: it was not Joram who secured God’s favor, it was Jehoshaphat, godly king in the line of David (vv. 13-14; cf. 1 Kings 22:41-43). Israel’s victory over Moab may have been incomplete (vv. 26-27), but it was more than Joram ever deserved. We, like Joram, also receive God’s abundant grace because another Righteous One stands by our side “who speaks to the Father in our defense” (1 John 2:1).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Let today’s passage probe your heart: do you seek God’s wisdom in all you do? Do you wait until you’re in trouble before calling upon Him, or even blame God when things don’t go your way? Perhaps you wonder whether you’re worthy to approach God for help. Reflect on 1 John 1:5-2:2, a reminder that God’s blessing of grace and victory over sin comes freely to us because of Christ. Then offer Him your thanks today for the blessing you have in Christ.