A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

Both Together (#19940529)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together” (Genesis 22:6).

The familiar story of Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac his son, in obedience to God’s command, is rightly cited as a prime example of Abraham’s great faith. It is also a testimony to the remarkable faith of Isaac, for it is recorded twice in Genesis 22 that “they went both of them together” (see also v.. This emphasis on the fellowship of both father and son in this tremendous act of obedient faith is surely given by divine inspiration, for our edification.

Isaac was a grown young man at this time, not a little boy. Isaac soon understood what was happening, yet he willingly carried the wood himself and then submitted to being bound on the altar of sacrifice. Abraham fully intended to slay his son (and Isaac to allow himself to be slain), for they understood this to be God’s word. Actually, however, God had commanded Abraham only to “offer him there for a burnt offering” (v.2) and, when he did that, God stayed his hand, and provided a ram as a substitute for his son.

The New Testament, of course, makes it clear (see Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 11:17–19) that this was a beautiful type of the mutual love-gift of the heavenly Father and His beloved Son, providing salvation for all who would receive it by faith. They went both together, to the cross!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). The Father loved the Son before the world began (John 17:24), but they both loved us so much that they went to the place of sacrifice, together, for us! HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Soldier's Duty (#19940530)
by John Morris, Ph.D.

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (II Timothy 2:3,4).

As Paul came to the end of his earthly life, he took great pains to encourage his disciple to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 2:1) and to guard and pass on the precious teachings that Paul had taught him.

Paul compared Timothy’s life in the ministry of the gospel to the life of a soldier. The Greek word translated “endure hardness” is used twice more by Paul, each in this book. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions [same word], do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (II Timothy 4:5). Paul holds himself up as an example of such endurance when he claims: “I suffer trouble [same word], as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound” (II Timothy 2:9).

As soldiers of Jesus Christ, we are to avoid entangling ourselves with something that will hinder our effectiveness. The word “entangled” means “entwined” or “involved with.” The soldier must be able to draw his weapon freely and use it effectively, and cannot do so if something is clutching onto him, binding his arms and legs.

Our text follows the well-known admonition: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (vv.1,2). The goal of a soldier is to please his leader. So must be our goal in the warfare at hand, preserving and passing on the truth. As Christians, we have been chosen to be in the army of the General who Himself died to assure our ultimate victory. He deserves our total devotion. JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Mount Of Olives (#19940531)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up” (II Samuel 15:30).

The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem from the east. This first reference to it notes the sad occasion when King David had to flee Jerusalem for his life, escaping the conspiracy of his estranged son Absalom.

Just as David wept over Jerusalem as he left it. so would his greater son, Jesus, a thousand years later, weep over the city as He entered it from Mount Olivet (Luke 19:37,41). It was there that He gave the great prophecy of His second coming (Matthew 24:3). It was also there He went with His disciples after the last supper, and there He agonized in prayer, alone, in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:26,32). Finally, after His death and resurrection, it was from the Mount of Olives that He ascended back into heaven (Acts 1:10–12).

This is far from the end of the story, however. The Mount of Olives has an amazing role yet to play in the world’s future, according to a prophecy given long ago. “Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, . . . And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south” (Zechariah 14:1,4). Instead of a mountain there will be a valley, and “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:. Instead of a mountain for weeping there will be a stream of rejoicing, and “the LORD shall be king over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Humility (#19940601)
by John Morris, Ph.D.

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself: . . . and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded” (John 13:4,5).

The Greek word, usually translated humility, occurs seven times in the New Testament, implying self-abasement and suggesting a meekness of spirit. In Greek literature, it was used to describe a slave’s demeaning of himself before his master—an outward prostration, not an inward character trait.

The idea that a master would set aside his status and voluntarily become a slave was probably incomprehensible to the world of Jesus’ day. Yet we are enjoined to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who . . . took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5–8). He defined humility by His actions, as in our text, and now we are to voluntarily take up His attitude and “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith (we) are called, With all lowliness [humility] and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3).

Christian humility surpasses all other virtues. Expressing itself as more than acting in a humble fashion, it consists of an inward habit of self-abasement, showing consideration to all others. This characteristic in God’s eyes is of great value. “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (I Peter 5:5,6). JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

Though Our Outer Man Perish (#19940602)
by Connie J. Horn

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).

Psalm 17:14 speaks of “men of the world, which have their portion in this life.” The Hebrew word translated “world” in this particular verse means “life as a fleeting portion of time,” in the sense of a transient sojourn. It is elsewhere translated “age” or “short time.” Consider “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5), and “Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain” (Psalm 89:47). Although man’s lifespan may be fleeting and his life’s work of little worth, yet it does us much good to focus on that which is eternal and powerful.

This verse in Psalm 89 follows a long and praise-filled account of God’s greatness and goodness. “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever” (v.1). . . . “For who in heaven can be compared unto the LORD? . . . God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him” (vv.6,7). . . . “The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them” (v.11). These verses are reminiscent of Psalm 8:3,4: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

Though it is true that “man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1), and that “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass” (I Peter 1:24), the good news is that “the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (v.25), and, as believers, we are “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (v.23). CJH

[Soldier4Christ]

The King Of Glory (#19940603)
by Paul G. Humber, M.S.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3,4).

From the Jordan Valley, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Jerusalem, God’s holy mountain (Daniel 9:16). This greatest son of David, with clean hands and a pure heart, advanced against one far more terrible than Goliath. The cosmic confrontation was against Satan, and the ultimate battle of good against evil was about to be decided. Things looked grim as David’s Son suffered and died upon a cross and was buried in a tomb. When Sunday arrived, however, death was defeated, Satan was doomed, and the One who had clean hands and a pure heart received “blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (24:5). The Father raised Him in triumph from the grave!

Many believers read the psalms with self in mind, but should not the Christ of the psalms be considered first? Jesus said, “. . . all things must be fulfilled, which were written in . . . the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). What mere man has not “lifted up his soul unto vanity” nor “sworn deceitfully”?

Psalm 24 continues: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (vv.7,8).

The Lord’s departure from His disciples may have occasioned sorrow on Earth (John 14:1), but Paradise’s doors and gates must have almost burst from their hinges and foundations when “the King of glory” returned home to heaven. And who was and “is this King of glory”? The Sovereign of the universe, the Redeemer of mankind, the Creator of heaven and earth, “The LORD of hosts,” Jesus the Christ—“He is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:10). PGH

[Soldier4Christ]

The Queen Of Sheba (#19940604)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions” (I Kings 10:1).

A thousand years after the famous visit of Sheba’s queen to the court of King Solomon, Jesus made a remarkable spiritual application of her experience. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42).

Solomon had prayed for wisdom, and the Lord gave him such legendary wisdom that the news even reached the distant land of Sheba, south of Ethiopia. We do not know what hard questions were confronting Sheba’s queen at the time, but she finally decided she must find their solutions through Solomon and his God. God honored her searching faith, “and Solomon told her all her questions,” so that she could testify that “the half was not told me. . . . Blessed be the LORD thy God” (I Kings 10:3,7,9).

In Jesus Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He who had given Solomon his great wisdom promises us that, “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

Truly the queen of Sheba will be a witness against our present generation in the coming day of judgment. People today turn to every variety of humanistic counselors for their training and guidance, but refuse to come to the one who is “made unto us wisdom” (I Corinthians 1:30). The “Wonderful Counsellor” (Isaiah 9:6), who is far greater than Solomon, who said “I am the truth” (John 14:6), and who promises that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32), is still inviting all from the uttermost parts of the earth to come. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

How Rich We Are (#19940605)
by Norman P. Spotts, D.D.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

In Ephesians 1–3, the apostle Paul speaks six times concerning the rich benefits poured out to every true believer. These riches will never be taken from us, for they come from God, and are as eternal as God Himself.

The six references can be divided into four categories: The riches of His grace: Nothing shows the grace of God more than the shed blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins, by which we are redeemed (text). Grace is undeserved. There is not one single thing in any person that could merit God’s rich grace. It is a free gift. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). We will continually learn of this grace throughout eternity. “That in the ages to come He might show [display or demonstrate] the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). The riches of His mercy: “But God, who is rich in mercy, . . .” (Ephesians 2:4). Mercy flows from God’s great love and is also undeserved. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). The riches of His glory: “. . . the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). The saints themselves are God’s glorious inheritance. This is all part of His glorious riches mentioned. “That we should be to the praise of His glory” (v.12). The riches of Christ: “The unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:. One commentator explained it this way: “Christ’s fathomless spiritual wealth can never be fully comprehended.” All we can say to that is, Amen! NPS

[Soldier4Christ]

The Mercy Seat (#19940606)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:21,22).

In the “holy of holies” of the tabernacle, God would meet with Israel’s high priest once a year to commune with His people at a meeting place called the “mercy seat.” The Hebrew word was derived from the word for “atonement,” which in turn meant essentially a “covering” for the Ark of the Covenant. On the great day of atonement each year, the high priest was commanded to sprinkle the blood from the sin offerings on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14,15) to make an atonement for all the people.

This annual ceremony, of course, merely prefigures the full atonement which Christ would make one day when “by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). Since this blood has been sprinkled once for all on the heavenly mercy seat, as it were, we are now “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:24,25).

In this verse, the word “propitiation” is the Greek word for “mercy seat” (and is so translated in Hebrews 9:5). That is, Christ Himself, with His atoning blood, is our mercy seat, where we can meet with God. Thus, the golden, blood-stained mercy seat becomes the very throne of God Himself, where He meets with those who believe on Him for salvation. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Take Heed Therefore (#19940607)
by John Morris, Ph.D.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

On his way back to Jerusalem, Paul decided not to stop at Ephesus, fearing a lengthy delay. But this church was much on his heart, and he recognized that he might not see them again. In order to give them one last bit of instruction and encouragement, he called the elders to meet with him, where they had a most touching time together (vv.30–38). What was Paul’s main concern? “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember” (vv.29–31).

Later, Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus, “that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (I Timothy 1:3). The Greek word used here means “a different kind of doctrine” and is used only twice. Certainly, the false doctrine that concerned Paul the most was a works-oriented salvation. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel” (Galatians 1:6).

Paul also concerned himself with lifestyle. “If any man teach otherwise [same word], and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness . . . from such withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:3,5). The list of characteristics of the false teachers given (6:4,5) contrasts markedly with those resulting from proper doctrine and life, “charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” (I Timothy 1:5). May our lives be characterized by these qualities. JDM

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Time Well Spent (#19940608)
by Connie J. Horn

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9).

Paul’s admonition to avoid “foolish questions” possibly refers to the “fables . . . which minister questions” (I Timothy 1:4). Paul had been raised among the Jewish hierarchy and had been exposed to these “fables” (literally a “mysterious discourse,” or a superstitious story), and if these were incorporated into the teachings of Christianity, they would dilute the truth. In fact, Paul said, they would bring “envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (I Timothy 6:4); “they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9); and “they do gender strifes” (II Timothy 2:23). Paul also warned against the Jewish practice of researching and recording “genealogies,” which, because of their prideful attempt to establish divine favor and position on the basis of tribal heritage, engendered the same divisive effects listed above.

“Strivings about the law” (Titus 3:9) were also unnecessary time consumers, for “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ. . . . But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. . . . There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free” (Galatians 3:24–28).

Paul wanted his disciple’s time spent studying God’s word (II Timothy 2:15). He was to teach and exhort with “wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Timothy 6:3) and “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (I Timothy 6:11). We also need to heed these instructions, for it is “sound doctrine” that will “exhort” and “convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9), and when men see our good works, they will glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). CJH

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Beware Of Balaam (#19940609)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Bear answered him from gotcha2tim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD” (Micah 6:5).

Three New Testament writers have left us sober warnings concerning Balaam. Peter warned against “the way of Balaam;” Jude, against “the error of Balaam,” and John against “the doctrine of Balaam” (II Peter 2:15, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14). God evidently considers these warnings necessary and appropriate for Christians even today. Yet Balaam, in his day, was a genuine prophet (note II Peter 2:16), possessed great knowledge concerning God, and even received direct revelations from God. What, therefore, were his way, his error, and his doctrine?

“The way of Balaam” was a readiness to prostitute his high spiritual gifts and privileges for “the wages of unrighteousness” (II Peter 2:15); being willing to preach something contrary to God’s word for personal gain.

“The error of Balaam” was evidently his willingness to compromise his own standards of morality and truth in order “greedily” to accommodate those of his pagan patrons (Jude 11). Finally, “the doctrine of Balaam,” which even in John’s day was already infiltrating the church, was to use his own teaching authority to persuade God’s people that it was all right for them also to compromise their standards, even “to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14) with their idol-worshiping enemies.

The notoriously corrupt state of much that is counterfeiting true Christian ministry today is clear evidence that those warnings against “Balaam-ism” are still urgently needed. No wonder Micah (the faithful prophet) urged God’s people to “remember” Balaam and his tragic end (Numbers 31:. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Immortality (#19940610)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen” (I Timothy 6:16).

In the Greek New Testament, there are two words translated “immortality.” One is athanasia (“without death”) which is used in our text to describe God in His eternal essence. The other is aphtharsia (“without corruption”), used in II Timothy 1:10: “(Christ) hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” and translated “incorruption” in I Corinthians 15:42: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.”

The doctrine of the “immortality of the soul” is a doctrine of both ancient paganism and modern “New Ageism.” Such people all believe in some form of evolution, and reject the doctrine of resurrection, which uniquely accompanies creationist religions. These false religions believe that, at death, the body decays but the soul continues to exist, either in an eternally disembodied state or reincarnated in some other body. Atheists, of course, believe that both body and soul cease to exist at death.

But Christ, who “hath immortality” and who has died for the whole world and triumphed over death, promises a bodily resurrection to all who believe on Him, assuring both incorruption and immortality forever. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (I Corinthians 15:53). The law of entropy (involving decay, corruption, pain, sorrow, and disintegration) will be repealed when God’s curse (Genesis 3:17) on the whole creation because of sin is removed (Romans 8:20–23; Revelation 22:3) and death will be abolished from His new creation forever. HMM

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The Golden Sceptre (#19940611)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the sceptre” (Esther 5:2).

Queen Esther knew she was risking her life when she came unbidden into the presence of the mighty king of Persia in his throne room. Even though she was his favorite wife, he did not know she was a Jew nor that she was hoping to get Haman’s terrible order for genocide of the Jews reversed. She knew that it was a capital offense even for a queen to go into the throne room without authorization, and that only the king—by holding out to her his golden sceptre—could save her life. But she also knew that she had “come to the kingdom for such a time as this,” and so she said: “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:14,16). The king, however, did extend his golden sceptre to her, and even said: “What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee” (5:6).

In a beautiful way, this is also a picture of our own coming to Christ, the King of kings. One does not have to be a queen however, for “whosoever will” may come (Revelation 22:17) if he has the courage to die to the world and the faith to believe that Christ can save. The Lord Jesus Christ says, to those who come in faith, believing: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do” (John 14:13).

The invitation is to “whosoever” and the promise is for “whatsoever”! “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). None dared enter the court of the Persian king without being called, but wehave been called by our heavenly King, for “a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:. HMM

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This Generation


"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matthew 24:34).

This exciting prediction by Christ climaxes His great prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives. He had given His disciples the signs they had requested, then discussed the coming great tribulation and finally His glorious return in the clouds of heaven. And "all these things" were to be fulfilled before "this generation" would pass away.

And what generation would that be? Many commentators have taken it as the Jewish "race," but that would be redundant, since many other passages had already promised that the nation of Israel would never pass away (Jeremiah 31:37-40; etc.). Furthermore the Greek word for "generation" (genea) is never used elsewhere for any meaning but that of a particular age generation. A similar word genos sometimes means "stock" or "kind," but never genea.

Thus, the generation which Christ was predicting probably meant the generation that would see the events He had prophesied. "When ye shall see all these things," He said, "know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:33).

And what are some of "these things"? World wars, accompanied and followed by "earthquakes in divers places," as well as "famines, and pestilences" (v.7), worldwide spread of the gospel witness (v.14), many false Christs and false prophets (v.24), widespread wickedness and spiritual indifference as in the days of Noah (vv.37-39), and the budding of the fig tree, Israel (v.32).

The word for "this" in verse 34 is the demonstrative adjective, so Christ seems to be referring to "that" generation which sees "these things begin to come to pass." That generation will see all these things fulfilled! To that generation He says: "Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).