A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

The Sun Of Rightousness (#19920522)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” (Malachi 4:2).

This is the very last of the numerous Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. After this, there were four centuries of silence from heaven, as far as inspired Scriptures were concerned. Thus this prophecy must have special significance.

The Messiah (“Christ”) is called “the Sun of righteousness,” in contrast to “all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly” that “shall burn as an oven” when “the day cometh” (v.1)—that “great and dreadful day of the LORD” (v.5), and it “shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts” (v.1).

The Sun of righteousness clearly refers to the coming Savior, for He will come “with healing in His wings.” The sun does not have wings, of course, so many commentators think this word refers to the rays of the sun, with their life-sustaining energy. However, the Hebrew word means “wings,” and nothing else. It is as though the sun is rising rapidly on great wings, dispelling the world’s darkness with its light, dispensing healing to its sin-sick soul.

The Sun of righteousness, of course, can be none other than God, Himself, for “the LORD God is a sun and shield” who “will give grace and glory” to “them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). It is the Lord Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12), coming “from heaven with His mighty angels (His ‘wings’?). In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God” (II Thessalonians 1:7,8).

But “you that fear my name” in that day “shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, . . . when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17). In the last prophecy of the Old Testament, Christ is the rising Sun; in the last prophecy of the New Testament (Revelation 22:16), He is “the bright and morning Star.” HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Babes In Christ (#19920523)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (I Corinthians 14:20).

The Christian life is entered by the new birth, so that everyone who is genuinely born again must begin as a spiritual babe. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children,” said the Lord Jesus, “ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Furthermore, they should continue to be as innocent children insofar as “malice” (Greek kakia, literally meaning “wickedness” or “evil”) is concerned. This is an attribute which should diminish, not grow, in a believer.

The sad truth, however, is that many born-again Christians remain spiritual babes in attributes which should characterize strong men and women of God. Paul equated the term “babes in Christ” with carnality, characterized by “envying, and strife, and divisions” (I Corinthians 3:1,3). Paul also speaks of those Christians as “children” who are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). He urges each one to be “speaking the truth in love,” so that we “may grow up into Him (Christ) in all things” (Ephesians 4:15).

Spiritual growth, of course, can come only through spiritual food and spiritual exercise. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2). “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Christians should become mature, both in understanding and in behavior. The last reference to growth in the Bible applies to each Christian: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Duty Of Rejoicing (#19920524)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee” (Psalm 5:11).

It may seem strange to think of rejoicing as a Christian duty, but the Scriptures do contain many commands to rejoice, and many of these are given in circumstances of grief or danger, as is the case of our beautiful text verse.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4), Paul wrote from a Roman dungeon. In the upper room, the night before He was to die on a cross, the Lord Jesus said to His disciples: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). And then He said: “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). But then He said again: “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).

If David could rejoice while fleeing from murderous enemies, if Paul could rejoice while chained unjustly in a Roman prison, if the disciples could experience fulness of joy while facing martyrdom, and if the Lord Himself, “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2), then our Christian duty of rejoicing in all circumstances may not be such an unseemly command after all.

We can rejoice, as our text reminds us, “because thou defendest them.” Furthermore, He, Himself, provides the joy, for “the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy” (Galatians 5:22). It is not that the Christian will never know sorrow, for Christ Himself was “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3). But He also was a man of joy and, in Him, we can be like Him—“as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (II Corinthians 6:10). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Christian Freedom (#19920525)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

Liberty has always been a cherished concept to Americans, ever since the patriotic call of Patrick Henry for liberty or death. It was also a burning issue with the Jews at the time of Christ, chafing under Roman rule as they were. Many early Christians were actually slaves, or even in prison for their faith. All those in bondage have longed to be free, and wars and revolutions have been fought to gain their freedoms.

But the worst bondage of all is slavery to sin. No army can free a man from sin, and if he dies in sin, he will continue in bondage forever. Among the last words of the Bible are these: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still” (Revelation 22:11).

It is only Christ who can set a sinner free. Christ died for our sins, and through faith in Him we receive full pardon and liberty. “Our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. . . . Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:6,7,18).

There is no greater or truer freedom than freedom in Christ. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Because of Christ, the very creation itself, now groaning and travailing in pain under the curse of sin, one day soon “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).

In Christ we now have freedom to live unto righteousness. “Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Paradoxes Of The Christian Life (#19920526)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise” (I Corinthians 3:18).

The true Christian life is so uniquely different from the life of the natural man that its characteristics must often be expressed in terms of paradoxical contrasts. For example, as our text emphasizes, that which passes for “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (I Corinthians 3:19).

This profound truth has many implications for us as Christians. “My strength is made perfect in weakness,” says the Lord. “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (II Corinthians 12:9). Thus, to be strong, we must be weak, and to be lifted high, we must stoop low, for “he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Not only so, but “whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27).

Note especially II Corinthians 6:8–10: “. . . as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

All such ascriptions apply, first of all and most of all, to Christ Himself, our perfect example: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).

Thus, “if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him” (II Timothy 2:11,12). “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). All such descriptions may seem paradoxical, but they are real and true. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Stars Also (#19920527)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16).

On the fourth day of Creation Week, God made the two lights for day and night, and then—almost like an afterthought—“He made the stars also.” Nothing, of course, is an afterthought with God, but this emphasizes the relative importance of these parts of His creation. Whether or not the earth is the geographical center of the universe, Earth is the center of God’s interest in the universe. This is where He created man and woman in His own image, and where He will reign over His creation in the ages to come.

The primary purpose of the stars, as well as the sun and moon, was “to divide the day from the night; and . . . to be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: and . . . to give light upon the earth” (Genesis 1:14,15). They could not fulfill these functions, of course, if their light could not be seen on the earth, so we can be sure that these heavenly bodies and their light rays were created—like Adam and Eve—“full-grown,” in a state of functioning maturity.

All that can be known scientifically about the stars must be determined from their light intensity and spectra. (Their distances can be measured geometrically only to about 300 light-years.) Any other information—any greater distances, size, temperature, etc.—must be derived by inference, based on some theory of stellar evolution.

Although the stars all look alike (even through a telescope, they all appear as mere points of light), these calculations have shown that each one is unique, as revealed long ago in Scripture: “One star differeth from another star in glory” (I Corinthians 15:41). Those who believe can learn more about them in the ages to come, for “they that be wise shall shine . . . as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

The First Stone (#19920528)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

When the self-righteous men in the crowd surrounding the woman caught in the act of adultery were about to stone the woman (apparently indifferent to the man with whom she had been caught!), the Lord Jesus turned them all away with His suggestion that the privilege of casting the first stone should go to one who was without sin of his own (John 8:7). They realized that He knew the condition of their sinful hearts, and “being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one” (v.9).

This incident is a perpetual reminder that “the Father . . . hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22), not to any one of us. We are not qualified to judge others, since we ourselves are also sinners—saved sinners, perhaps, but sinners.

One of the most certain doctrines of Scripture is the universality of sin in human experience. “There is none that doeth good, no, not one,” the Scripture says (Romans 3:12). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). “The Scripture hath concluded all under sin” (Galatians 3:22). “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). These and many other Scriptures tell us clearly that, while we urgently need to judge sin in ourselves, we are not qualified to condemn others, at least not on a personal level.

Only the Lord Jesus Christ, being Himself sinless (I Peter 2:22) can judge a sinner. Thus it is only He who could be made sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21) and thereby forgive sins and bring salvation. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Prosperity Versus Contentment (#19920529)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6).

In this day of Madison-Avenue sales pressures and an ever-increasing array of technological gadgets and creature comforts, the Christian virtue of contentment is a rare commodity. There is even a widespread error among born-again Christians that material prosperity is a token of spirituality and divine approval on an affluent life style.

Instead of a blessing, however, such affluence (if it comes) should be regarded as a testing, for Jesus said: “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Paul was perhaps the most faithful and fruitful Christian who ever lived, yet he died penniless, in a Roman dungeon. His own testimony concerning material possessions and standards of living was this: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11,12).

In the context of our key verse above, the Apostle Paul has actually been warning young Pastor Timothy against the influence of those who suppose, among other things, “that gain is godliness,” and who think that their material prosperity is proof of their spiritual prosperity. “From such” says Paul, “withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5). Material gain in no way either produces or denotes godliness; rather, godliness itself is the gain, if accompanied by contentment in Christ (otherwise, of course, it is not true godliness)! Even the most impoverished believer can acquire riches in heaven, where it really counts. In the meantime: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

A Call To Rembrance (#19920530)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search” (Psalm 77:5,6).

It is so easy to forget. The burdens and pressures of these present times easily drown out the voices of the past.

God, however, remembers. It is good also for us to consider the olden days, not simply in sad nostalgia, but for our guidance in the present. With reference, particularly to those instances which the Lord selected to be recorded in Scripture, “they are written for our admonition” (I Corinthians 10:11). Not only were they written as warnings, but also for comfort. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

To the Christian, an annual Memorial Day should have still an additional special meaning. Not only do we desire to honor those who died for their country (and many of us do, indeed, recall with deep love and respect close friends and family members in this honored company), but also to remember those who lived for the Lord, and whose lives and ministries have helped guide us to the light for our own difficult pathways today. Parents and teachers, authors and preachers, counselors and friends—many of whom have already gone to be with the Lord—deserve to be remembered and honored, for it will make that great future Homecoming Day all the more blessed when we are all together, with the Lord, when He returns (I Thessalonians 4:17).

Most importantly of all, of course, we must remember the Lord, not annually, but always. “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings” (Psalm 77:11,12). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Ownership Clause (#19920531)
by Connie J. Horn
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).

“Earth” means the habitable part of our world as we know it today. It is the “dry land” that God called “earth” in Chapter 1 of Genesis. Other verses in Scripture reiterate Psalm 24’s “ownership clause”: “For all the earth is mine” (Exodus 19:5); “know how that the earth is the LORD’s” (Exodus 9:29).

“The fulness thereof” further defines what the Lord means by “earth.” If there is any doubt in one’s mind as to the truth of who owns the earth, God doubles the emphasis by adding a word that elsewhere in the Bible is translated “all that is therein.” In essence, Psalm 24:1 says, “The whole earth is the LORD’s and all the parts that make up the whole!”

Upon what is Psalm 24’s ownership clause based? God gives us the foundation of His claim in verse 2. “For He hath founded it. . . .” He claims ownership, and then tells us that is His right, because He has “founded” the earth. Founded means “to settle,” or “establish.” Elsewhere, this word is translated “ordain,” or “foundation.” “The earth . . . He hath established for ever” (Psalm 78:69). He has “laid the foundation of the earth” (Psalm 102:25). The concept of creation is also used with the word “founded” in Psalm 89:11: “The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.”

Psalm 24 continues, “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” (vs.3,4).

What gives God the right to make the rules about who shall stand in His presence? In His wisdom, He lays the foundation of ownership before He establishes any rules. God’s position, as Creator and Owner of all, gives Him the right to make the rules! CJH

[Soldier4Christ]

Son Of God (#19920601)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“(God) hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2).

The unique divine Sonship of Jesus Christ is emphasized here in Hebrews 1. The above text, for example, introduces the Son as the Creator, then as the revealing Word, and finally, as the appointed heir of all things.

This chapter also demonstrates that God’s Son was recognized even in the Old Testament. Verse 5 quotes Psalm 2:7: “Thou art my son; this day have I begotten Thee,” and I Chronicles 17:13: “I will be His Father, and He shall be my son.” That this Son is none other than God Himself is confirmed in verse 8, quoting Psalm 45:6: “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.” That He is the Creator is asserted in verse 10, referring to Psalm 102:25: “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth.” That He is now at God’s own throne is stressed in verse 13, citing Psalm 110:1, “Sit thou at my right hand,” and to be worshipped as God, in verse 6, taken from Psalm 97:7: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”

Furthermore, Hebrews 1 notes a manifold description of the meaning of the divine Sonship. He is Son of God by eternal generation, as the “brightness (or ‘out-radiating’) of His glory, and the express image of His person” (v.3). He is Son of God by miraculous conception (v.5), above, quoted in Acts 13:33 (note Romans 1:4) as referring to His Sonship by bodily resurrection. Verse 6 refers to the divine proclamation of the Sonship (also Matthew 3:17; 17:5). Verses 8 and 9 stress the testimony of His uniquely holy nature. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity.” Finally, as the Son, He is promised universal inheritance from His Father (vs.2,13). From eternity to eternity, Jesus Christ is God’s only-begotten Son! And yet God “gave His only begotten Son” that we might have everlasting life! (John 3:16). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Praising The Lord (#19920602)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul” (Psalm 146:1).

Each of the last five psalms (146-150) begins and ends with: “Praise ye the LORD”—i.e., “Hallelujah.” They comprise a sort of “Hallelujah Chorus:” a grand epilogue to the five books which make up the complete book of Psalms.

Each of these five books also ends in a doxology. Note:

Book I: “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, to everlasting. Amen, and Amen” (Psalm 41:13).

Book II: “And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen” (Psalm 72:19).

Book III: “Blessed be the L SIZE="-1">ORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen” (Psalm 89:52).

Book IV: “Blessed be the L SIZE="-1">ORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD (Psalm 106:48).”

Book V: “My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:21).

It is interesting, even if coincidental, that these five final praise psalms—all thanking God for past deliverances and the promise of an eternal future—contain a total of 153 verses. This is the same as the number of great fishes caught in a strong net by the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing their going forth to fish for men in all nations, bringing them safe to the eternal shores of glory (John 21:10).

Then come the last five songs with their ten cries of “Hallelujah!” In the New Testament, “Hallelujah” (or “Alleluia”) occurs only in the setting of the victorious marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:1,3,4,6). This suggests that these “Hallelujah Psalms” may be sung by the redeemed multitudes as they gather at His throne in heaven. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

An Early Confession (#19920603)
by John Morris, Ph.D.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16).

One of the specific reasons Paul wrote this letter to Timothy is contained in our text. The church is to guard and declare the “mystery of godliness.”

A “mystery” in Scripture is something which was previously hidden, but which is now revealed. Here the mystery is the blessed truth that God is in the business of producing godliness in the lives of men and women; in this context, through the work of the church (v.15).

This ministry of the church in proclaiming this mystery was augmented by a doctrinal confession, or hymn, which was presented in: “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.” “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), and was “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness” (Romans 1:4). This couplet relates Christ’s human/divine nature. His humanity was evident to all; His divinity was declared through the Spirit. “Seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles” (or nations). Angels observed, and to some degree, participated in Christ’s earthly ministry, but the salvation and godliness He offered was only to men, “which things the angels desire to look into” (I Peter 1:12). “Believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Other teachers have gained a following, but only Christ ascended directly into heaven following His resurrection.

Doctrinal confessions or hymns can be an aid in learning and remembering truth, but the goal of each is godliness—“this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you” (Colossians 1:27). JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

A Time To Sleep (#19920604)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison” (Acts 12:6).

Here is an amazing thing. The Apostle Peter is in prison, bound with chains, heavily guarded, probably awaiting execution (his close friend James already had been put to death by Herod), and “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).

Yet, here he is, fast asleep! He had been imprisoned at least once before for preaching the gospel, and the Lord had miraculously delivered him then (Acts 5:17-19), so why should he be fearful now? The Lord was still in control, and there was nothing Peter himself could do about the situation, so he simply went to sleep. There are, of course, many situations where a Christian needs to stay alert and watchful. But there are also times when he has done all he can do, and there is nothing to be accomplished by further worrying, so he must leave it in the Lord’s hands.

In Peter’s case, he was sleeping so soundly that when an angel from God came to deliver him from his “impossible” circumstance, the angel had to smite him on the side (v.7) to awaken him! In fact, he was still so sleepy that he did not really “come to himself” (v.11) until the angel left him out on the street alone.

Then, of course, Peter rushed back to the house of Mark’s mother, where the church was praying for him (v.12), to tell them of the amazing answer to their prayers. As with Peter, there are times when we must simply “stand still, and see the salvation of the L SIZE="-1">ORD” (Exodus 14:13), “so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Given By Inspiration (#19920605)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16,17).

This passage is the most definitive of all passages on the inspiration of the Bible. It explicitly repudiates all the false concepts which men have developed to try to escape this vital doctrine.

For example, it repudiates the humanistic theory of inspiration, which says that the writers were “inspired” with the same quality of exalted feelings that inspired other great writers. But this verse attributes it not to human inspiration, but to the “inspiration of God.”

Then, there is the partial theory of inspiration, which says that part of the Bible is inspired (the “religious” parts), but that part of it is not (the scientific and historical parts). But our verse says that all Scripture is inspired! The dynamic theory says the thoughts are inspired, but not the words. However, it is the Scriptures that are inspired, not the thoughts of the men who wrote them. The “Scriptures” mean the “writings”—the actual words written.

The encounter theory says the Scriptures are not inspired in themselves, but only become inspired when a reader “encounters” God through reading them. This, also, is false. The Scriptures are inspired regardless of how they affect the reader. Actually, the phrase “given by inspiration of God” is one word in the Greek, meaning “God-breathed.”

Thus, plenary verbal inspiration and complete divine origin and authority of all the Holy Scriptures is the true Biblical doctrine. When one does accept the God-breathed authority of Scripture, however, he has an infinite resource, serving as an inerrant framework for all true wisdom and knowledge, and leading him into full maturity in the Christian life. HMM