March 8, 2006 - Deuteronomy 5-7 and Mark 11:1-18
This part of the book of Deuteronomy is so insightful that there is simply no way to comment on everything God said to me as I read it. I know the same holds true for all of you, too. However, in the midst of all of the specifics did you discern some over-riding commands and principles? I believe those truths may be the most helpful ones for us today.
God has spoken to us through His Word, Jesus Christ, and through the Written Word, the Bible. Do we fear God enough to listen to His Word? Do we love God enough to obey His Word? Do we realize His blessings and thank Him for them? Do we see all of the enemies He has driven out before us? Do we understand that He has made a covenant with us through the blood of His dear Son? If we do know these things, and are trying to obey in love, then we must stop testing God and start trusting Him and His Word completely. The result would be His bountiful blessings, which correspond to the things God gave the Israelites in Canaan. They had cities they did not build. They received houses full of good things and fields they did not plant full of good fruit. God graciously takes care of His children, who love Him and obediently trust Him. After all, we are His holy people set apart for His glory. Do you see these broad themes in this passage. You will see them over and over again in this book, because they are the foundation of a covenant relationship with God. Let's be faithful to keep the New Covenant of Jesus Christ by becoming like Him in holiness and godliness. He gave His life for us. What should we be willing to give for Him?
Mark 11 shows us Jesus, the Messiah. The people proclaim Him to be the One who is coming in the name of the Lord. He is the Messiah sent from God to save His people. However, many people rejected Him. Many people in the Temple only cared about money. Few people were making God's house a house of prayer. Why did this happen? The people forgot God. They ceased to fear Him and to keep His covenant. They turned to the idols of materialism and self worship. They did this after all He had done for them. Please, don't judge them to harshly. The same thing happens over and over again, today. Many people who claim to be Christians are caught up in the same idolatry of materialism and selfishness right now. We must repent and get back to a sincere love for Christ and obedience to His Word. We must trust Him and not ourselves or this world system.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 8-10 and Mark 11:19-33.
God has spoken to us through His Word, Jesus Christ, and through the Written Word, the Bible. Do we fear God enough to listen to His Word? Do we love God enough to obey His Word? Do we realize His blessings and thank Him for them? Do we see all of the enemies He has driven out before us? Do we understand that He has made a covenant with us through the blood of His dear Son? If we do know these things, and are trying to obey in love, then we must stop testing God and start trusting Him and His Word completely. The result would be His bountiful blessings, which correspond to the things God gave the Israelites in Canaan. They had cities they did not build. They received houses full of good things and fields they did not plant full of good fruit. God graciously takes care of His children, who love Him and obediently trust Him. After all, we are His holy people set apart for His glory. Do you see these broad themes in this passage. You will see them over and over again in this book, because they are the foundation of a covenant relationship with God. Let's be faithful to keep the New Covenant of Jesus Christ by becoming like Him in holiness and godliness. He gave His life for us. What should we be willing to give for Him?
Mark 11 shows us Jesus, the Messiah. The people proclaim Him to be the One who is coming in the name of the Lord. He is the Messiah sent from God to save His people. However, many people rejected Him. Many people in the Temple only cared about money. Few people were making God's house a house of prayer. Why did this happen? The people forgot God. They ceased to fear Him and to keep His covenant. They turned to the idols of materialism and self worship. They did this after all He had done for them. Please, don't judge them to harshly. The same thing happens over and over again, today. Many people who claim to be Christians are caught up in the same idolatry of materialism and selfishness right now. We must repent and get back to a sincere love for Christ and obedience to His Word. We must trust Him and not ourselves or this world system.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 8-10 and Mark 11:19-33.