A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

Lovers of Self
 
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:2)
 
One of the dangerous teachings of the "New Age" movement which has spilled over into modern evangelicalism is the notion of "self-love." Many psychologists--even Christian professional counselors--are attributing society's ills, especially among young people, to the supposed lack of a "positive self-image" or "self-esteem" on the part of those exhibiting anti-social behavior. What they need, we are told, is to learn to love themselves more, to appreciate their own self-worth. The problem with this idea is that it is both unscriptural and unrealistic. People do not hate themselves. The Bible says that "no man ever yet hated his own flesh" (Ephesians 5:29).
 
Instead of learning to esteem ourselves, the Scripture commands us each to "esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). Even the apostle Paul, near the end of his life, considered himself so unworthy that he called himself the chief of sinners (see 1 Timothy 1:15).
 
We are told by some Christian leaders that the measure of our great value in the sight of God is the fact that Christ paid such a high price--His own death--to redeem us. The fact is, however, that His death is not the measure of our great value, but of our terrible sinfulness. "Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).
 
In fact, as in our text, the rise of this self-love idea is itself a sign of the last days, when men shall be "lovers of their own selves." It is the main characteristic of "New Age" humanism which is based squarely upon evolutionary pantheism.
 
Christ died for our sins because He loved us, not because He needed us. We should live for Him in thanksgiving for the "amazing grace, that saved a wretch like me!" HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Line upon Line
 
"The word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." (Isaiah 28:13)
 
This familiar passage (repeated mostly from Isaiah 28:10 just before it) is often cited in support of a detailed, verse-by-verse method of Bible study and exposition. However, the context is one of rebuke to the people of Ephraim (that is, the Northern Kingdom of Israel) in the days of the divided kingdom. Isaiah especially castigates the priests and prophets who should have been teaching God’s Word to the people, but who had instead become proud and then drunkards, leaving the people in great ignorance and spiritual confusion.
 
Therefore, cried Isaiah: "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts" (v. 9). Before they can really grow in the knowledge of God, they must be built up carefully, line upon line, for they are yet carnal babes in spiritual matters.
 
A very similar rebuke was administered to the early Christians, and would be even more appropriate today: "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age" (Hebrews 5:12-14).
 
Such an admonition is greatly needed today, when Christian believers subsist almost entirely on spiritual milk--or even worse, on the froth that passes for evangelical literature in most Sunday schools and Christian bookstores today. We need to get back to the strong meat of the Word, lest we "fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Mercy from the Word
 
"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word." (Psalm 119:41)
 
The Hebrew word hesed, used here for "mercy," has a breadth of meaning. Its basic connotation is "kindness" and is most often used in God's patient dealing with the nation of Israel through their long, and often rebellious, history. The most frequent contextual use focuses on God's withholding judgment during specific times or events, rather than executing the just sentence demanded by disobedience to His laws.
 
It is in that sense that "salvation" is often connected to mercy. God "rescues" a person or nation from the consequences of foolish or rebellious actions because He is merciful: "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
 
In this section of Psalm 119, the writer clearly stated that these mercies are according to the Word of God. No event dilutes the holiness of God. No judgment withheld violates the innate nature of the thrice holy Creator. Mercy may delay judgment for the sinner, and justification through redemption will eliminate judgment for the sinner, but God's holiness does not abrogate the law. The sentence is carried out--either on the sinner or on the Lord Jesus Christ in the place of the sinner (Proverbs 11:21).
 
The psalmist thus praised the basis for God's mercies, told of his trust and hope in the Scriptures, and then gave a series of promises to the Lord that marked his own commitment for obedience (vv. 44-48). As the stanza closes, the psalmist promised he would lift up his hands in public praise of the Word and meditate in private as well.
 
Would God that all of God's children emulate the heart of this dear brother from the past. HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Blood on Our Hands
 
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 3:18)
 
Ezekiel had been called as a prophet and "watchman" (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7) to warn the sinning Israelites of impending judgment because of their persistence in compromising their worship of the true God with the pagan pantheistic evolutionism of the Canaanite nations around them. Soon they had adopted the immoral lifestyles that almost invariably develop from diluted confidence in God as Creator/Savior.
 
One could easily draw a sharp parallel between ancient Judah and the apostasy and moral degeneration of modern Christendom. The wicked (that is, "the nations that forget God") are surely going to be "turned into hell" (Psalm 9:17) if they do not soon repent, whether or not they hear the warning of any watchman. They have already rejected the evidence of God in creation and conscience, so they are "without excuse" (Romans 1:20).
 
Nevertheless, the Lord does call us who have His Word to do all we can "to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life" (that is, in the present context, to tell them that their Creator and Judge has died for them, to become their Savior). If we fail to do this, then we become, in effect, their executioners with blood on our hands. Even the "righteous" need to be warned, "that the righteous sin not" (Ezekiel 3:21). "Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked" and he ignores or rejects the warning, "thou hast delivered thy soul" (Ezekiel 33:9). We have a great responsibility, as well as a wonderful privilege, to warn men of impending judgment, and then to tell them of the Savior. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Washing of Regeneration
 
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)
 
The word "washing" (Greek, loutron) is used only twice in the New Testament. There is the "washing of regeneration," as in our text, and the washing in the Scriptures: "Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word" (Ephesians 5:25-26).
 
Since both the Word and Spirit of God are also said to be the effective agents in accomplishing the miracle of regeneration (see 1 Peter 1:23--"Being born again . . . by the word of God," and John 3:7-8--"Ye must be born again. . . . born of the Spirit"), it is clear that the washing of regeneration is synonymous, symbolically, with the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" and also with "the washing of water by the word."
 
The true washing of regeneration is not a ceremony or ritual, but an eternal reality, "shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:6). It has nothing to do with "works of righteousness" (v. 5), but only with "being justified by his grace" (v. 7).
 
Now although regeneration by the Word through the Spirit, both symbolized by a cleansing bath in water, is entirely "according to his mercy," there must be thereafter a continual "washing of water by the word." Jesus said: "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. . . . If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:3, 7).
 
The Word will first reveal our sins and then cleanse our sins through its gracious exhortations and promises. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Psalm 119:9). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Hope through the Word
 
"Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." (Psalm 119:49)
 
The saints of God have always faced something of a twopronged challenge to their hope. First, those "that will live godly" and love His laws will "suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12) and, secondly, will be troubled by the "prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). The pressure of the first and the perplexity of the second often test our expectations.
 
But the Word of God provides "comfort in my affliction" (Psalm 119:50). Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," found that the "word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" simply because he embraced with unshakeable confidence the fact that he was "called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16). When David asked, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:5, 11), his answer--in spite of the troubles of the hour--was his certain knowledge that he "shall yet praise him."
 
We may recoil in holy anger when the wicked "forsake thy law" (Psalm 119:53), but we can still live with "songs" in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19), knowing that our great Creator God is working "all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11) and that even the "wrath of man" will eventually bring praise to Him (Psalm 76:10).
 
Our time is short. We live for about 100 years and brag as though we have lived forever. The Creator reckons the nations as mere "dust of the balance" (Isaiah 40:15). We need to shift our viewpoint from the "temporal" to the "eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18) and rest in the absolute God-given knowledge that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). "This I had," the psalmist exclaimed, "because I kept thy precepts" (Psalm 119:56). HMM III

[Soldier4Christ]

Sufferings
 
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (1 Peter 2:21)
 
Peter's first epistle, written during a time of bitter persecution, deals with the matter of suffering. Peter reminds us that Christ suffered for us and that it is a privilege to suffer for Him. We are "called" to suffering and should "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try" us (4:12).
 
Christ's suffering was foretold (1:11), as is ours. We see that He had patience, humility, and submission in His sufferings (2:23) in order to bear "our sins in his own body on the tree" (2:24). He suffered unjustly, "the just for the unjust" (3:18), not only in His spirit, but "Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh" (4:1), being witnessed personally by Peter (5:1).
 
Since we are likewise "called" to suffer, Peter explains that we also will be "suffering wrongfully" (2:19) even "when ye do well" (v. 20). We will "suffer for righteousness' sake" (3:14) and "for well doing" (v. 17). To avoid being taken by surprise, we are to prepare ourselves to suffer "in the flesh" (4:1), if need be. We will "be reproached for the name of Christ" (4:14) and should "not be ashamed" if we "suffer as a Christian" (4:16).  It is much better to suffer in such a way than to h ave done something evil to deserve it (v. 15).
 
Suffering while following Christ's example is "acceptable with God" (2:20), and even makes us "happy" (3:14; 4:14). Through it we can "glorify God on this behalf" (4:16) because it is "according to the will of God" (4:19). There is even a magnificent reward awaiting the sufferer (5:10).
 
In view of all of this, there is little wonder that Peter says, "Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (4:13). JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Deceitfulness of Riches
 
"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19)
 
There is currently a widespread teaching among evangelicals that material prosperity is a right which accrues to the Christian who will do certain things. This "prosperity gospel," however, is merely a false front for the old-fashioned sin of "covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).
 
The Lord Jesus, in His parable of the sower, warned that this "deceitfulness of riches" along with "the cares of this world" and then "the lusts of other things" could soon choke out whatever place the Word of God might once have had in the believer's life. In no way does the Lord ever promise material wealth to a Christian, but the desire for money and its power has surely crushed the spiritual lives and testimonies of multitudes. "They that will [i.e., desire to] be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts. ...  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:9-10). If, by His grace, the Lord does enable a Christian to acquire wealth, it should be regarded as a divine stewardship and opportunity for ministry.
 
The apostle Paul, who died penniless in this world but with great treasures laid up in heaven, expressed it thus: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" (1 Timothy 6:17-19). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Where to Get Counsel
 
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:24)
 
One of the marks of these latter days is a great proliferation of counseling needs and services. Not only have the numbers of professional psychologists and psychiatrists multiplied, but also those of investment counselors, guidance counselors, marriage counselors, and others in great variety.
 
No doubt all of us need occasional advice from wise counselors, and some--even born-again Christians--may require professional help for serious psychological problems. Where, then, should one go to get such counsel?
 
Not to a non-Christian counselor! "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly" (Psalm 1:1). "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me" (Isaiah 30:1). The tenets of humanism, especially the supposed animal ancestry of mankind, have infected the secular psychological professions more than almost any other, and counsel based on such a foundation can be devastating.
 
What about Christian counseling? The best Counselor, of course, is Christ Himself, for He is the "Wonderful, Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6), and He "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11). Indwelling us is His Holy "Spirit of truth" and Christ has promised that "he will guide into all truth" (John 16:13). Best of all, we have His inspired Word, which is "perfect, converting [that is, restoring] the soul: . . . sure, making wise the simple. . . . right, rejoicing the heart: . . . pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psalm 19:7-8). The true Christian counselor, therefore, must always provide counseling in accordance with Scripture, prayerfully guided by the indwelling Spirit of truth. In this way, as promised in our text, He will guide us with His counsel throughout our lives, and finally receive us into glory. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Self Esteem
 
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3)
 
There is a great emphasis these days, even among Christians, on developing a positive self-image, building up one's self-esteem, and seeking self-fulfillment. The emphasis is on one's own self. But God's Word teaches differently.
 
One famous television pastor even developed his own unbiblical definition of sin: "Sin is any act or thought that robs myself or another human being of his or her self-esteem." Then he even redefined being born again as being "changed from a negative to a positive self-image."
 
Such concepts are diametrically opposed to Scripture, though often cloaked in pseudo-biblical garb, and they are leading multitudes away from the true gospel and true Christian life. We do not need a positive self-image. In reality, we need a realistic self-image--to see ourselves as God sees us. Paul warned: "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).
 
Paul served Christ faithfully for 30 years, yet still esteemed himself as chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and testified that it was only "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10). Jesus said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself" (Luke 9:23).  "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Corinthians 1: 27-29). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Ezekiel--Son of Man
 
"And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee." (Ezekiel 2:1)
 
This is the first of more than 90 times in which the prophet Ezekiel is addressed by God as "Son of man." This seems quite remarkable, as this title also was Christ's favorite title (using it 80 times), always applying it to Himself.
 
In Christ's case, of course, it means "representative man," "perfect man," "heir of man, all God's promises to man," "man as God intended man to be." As Son of man, Jesus as perfect man could take all the sins of sinful man upon Himself and redeem man.
 
David was the first to use the term when he asked: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Psalm 8:4). That this was revealed to him in a Messianic sense becomes clear when it is quoted in the New Testament (Hebrews 2:6-9) and applied strictly to the Lord Jesus. The prophet Daniel also used the title in a Messianic sense when he saw "one like the Son of man," who came to "the Ancient of days" to receive "everlasting dominion" over all men (Daniel 7:13-14).
 
Evidently the title as given by God to Ezekiel must also have been intended somehow in a Messianic sense, so that Ezekiel is, in effect, a type of the coming Savior. Ezekiel was a godly priest and scribe, but the Lord Jesus Christ is our "great high priest, that is passed into the heavens"—in fact, He is our "high priest for ever" (Hebrews 4:14; 6:20) and is "the Word of God" to the world (John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13). It is significant that to Ezekiel was revealed more about the primeval fall of Satan (Ezekiel 28:11-19) and the glories of the coming kingdom (Ezekiel 40-48) than to any of the other Old Testament prophets. Truly, God "spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets," but now, He has "spoken unto us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Results of Witnessing
 
"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:8)
 
If any Christian ever becomes discouraged in his witness for Christ, he should remind himself of the many blessings that are promised to those who faithfully bear testimony for His name's sake. First of all, it brings unique joy when he sees the fruit it bears. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6).
 
There is also the inestimable worth of even one soul. "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).
 
Faithful witnessing will eventually lead to revival. In the early church we are told that "daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42) with the result that "the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7).
 
Then, there are special rewards in heaven for faithful witnessing, not least of which is the very presence of those who would not have been there otherwise: "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19). "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).
 
Best of all, however, is the simple knowledge that our witnessing shows Christ our love and brings honor to our heavenly Father. "Herein is my Father glorified." Therefore, "let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Christian Metaphors
 
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
 
The Christian believer and his characteristics are described in terms of many colorful metaphors in the Bible. In our text, Christ calls us "my sheep," and has also said: "I am the good shepherd, . . . and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15). If we are truly His sheep, then we will surely follow Him, receiving safety, peace, and nourishment.
 
He has also said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: . . . Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). We are therefore expected to bring the salt of preservation and joy to a bland, tasteless, and otherwise decaying world, and the light of salvation to a dark, sinful world.
 
In another beautiful metaphor, the Lord Jesus has likened us to fruitful branches: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" (John 15:5).
 
The apostle Paul compares us variously to soldiers, to athletes, and to farmers: "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. . . . if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the
fruits" (2 Timothy 2:3, 5-6).
 
With regard to our Christian life and witness, Christ said we must be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The apostle Paul compares us to individual members in a great body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Peter says we, "as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house," and also are like "a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5, 9) to offer up spiritual sacrifices.
 
There are many other beautiful and meaningful figures of speech in the New Testament, all of which help us to appreciate the richness and fruitfulness of the Christian life. HMM

[Soldier4Christ]

Certain Hope
 
"Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." (Hebrews 6:18-19)
 
The noun "hope," when used in the New Testament, does not imply a wishful attitude, but rather a joyous and confident expectation in something promised which will certainly come to pass--in most cases, something good. Note especially the few times it is used with a descriptive adjective.
 
First, in a stirring benediction, Paul tells us that our good hope comes from both "our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father" (2 Thessalonians 2:16). Furthermore, such hope is given to us along with "everlasting consolation," or comfort, which shall last forever. The Father and Son have done this "through grace" which brings eternal salvation.
 
Next, we are taught that we should be "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). This blessed hope can be none other than "our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope" (1 Timothy 1:1). He will certainly return, and this return will be glorious.
 
Furthermore, we have a hope which is actively alive. "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). We have been (past tense) born again from the dead just as surely as Christ has been raised from the dead, for His resurrection accomplished it.
 
Our hope, under grace, is guaranteed by Jesus Christ: "A better hope . . . by the which we draw nigh unto God" (Hebrews 7:19), than that which was possible under law. In fact, it is a glorious hope (2 Corinthians 3:11-12) by comparison. This kind of hope can be "an anchor of the soul." JDM

[Soldier4Christ]

The Third Firmament
October 17, 2010
 
"And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above." (Ezekiel 1:22)
 
The English word "firmament" in the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew raqia, meaning "expanse." Its meaning is not "firm boundary" as biblical critics have alleged, but might be better paraphrased as "stretched-out thinness" or simply "space."
 
Its first occurrence in the Bible relates it to heaven: "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. . . . And God called the firmament Heaven" (Genesis 1:6, 8). This firmament obviously could not be a solid boundary above the sky, but is essentially the atmosphere, the "first heaven," the "space" where the birds were to "fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven" (Genesis 1:20).
 
There is also a second firmament, or second heaven, where God placed the sun, moon, and stars, stretching out into the infinite reaches of space. "And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth" (Genesis 1:17).
 
The firmament in our text, however, is beneath the very throne of God, and above the mighty cherubim (Ezekiel 1:23) who seem always in Scripture to indicate the near presence of God. This glorious firmament, brilliantly crystalline in appearance, must be "the third heaven" to which the apostle Paul was once "caught up" in a special manifestation of God's presence and power, to hear "unspeakable words" from God in "paradise" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
 
All three heavens "declare the glory of God" and all three firmaments "sheweth his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). Therefore, we should "praise God in his sanctuary" and also "praise him in the firmament of his power" (Psalm 150:1). HMM