This is a great Psalm for a rainy Monday morning. While we haven’t had great weather yet this year, our Lord’s love is steadfast and we can take refuge in Him. This Psalm uses so much picture language, wings, house, drink, fountain, light, all of these help convey God’s love and steadfast nature.
The Psalm is a great mixture of law and Gospel. We rest in God’s steadfast love and yet we need to be warned about the “foot of arrogance” and “the hand of the wicked.”
Proverbs can be such a fun book. I’d suggest that you go back a few days and read through the sections we missed. My favorite Proverb is, “A woman lacking discression and modesty is like a fine gold ring, in a pigs snout.”
In this section, Solomon warns his sons against adultery. In laymans terms, just stick with what you have at home. Sure, the grass may be greener, or, “the lips of a forbidden woman drips with honey,” but in the end, “she is better as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”
Solomon fills the discussion with lots of picture language as well. “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.” In other words, don’t even be tempted. Stay far, far away.
Listen to your teachers. Listen to the teaching from the congregation. Stick to the lessons you learned in your youth. And don’t be tempted.
In John, some Greeks come to Philip who goes to Andrew and then the two of them go to Jesus. Jesus uses the occasion to teach them about His death and resurrection. “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it cannot produce fruit.”
Unless Jesus dies, we cannot be saved. And as Jesus dies, the Father is glorified. For this plan of God’s from the foundation of the world is going to be seen to reality and will glorify God.
So, while it is dark outside, be light. Shine out in this darkness and give glory to our Father.
Did you notice in the first couple verses of the Psalm? The word remember is used twice. Then we have ponder. Then we have meditate. So four times in the first couple verses, we have the Psalmist talking about focusing on God and His Word. And notice also, it’s not that the author is just sitting down reading the Bible (he probably didn’t have one), but his focus is on “the deeds of the Lord,” “your wonders of old,” “all your work,” “your mighty deeds.” So the author was focused on the work of God in his life. How often do we reflect on how God works in our life? That needs to be part of our devotions, “how have I seen God working in my life?” If we haven’t seen it, we haven’t been looking.
In our Proverb section, we have Solomon talking about wisdom. So here, we have the wisest person ever, writing about wisdom. He uses a literary tool called “personification.” That is where something non-human and frequently inanimate is treated as though it were a human capable of acting or responding.
So, “does not wisdon call? Does not understanding raise her voice?” Wisdom doesn’t really have a voice, we know that. But by giving wisdom of voice it makes it concrete and vivid so we can understand what the author is trying to get across: namely, that wisdom is a blessing.
So, “by me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.” It is by wisdom that natioins are run (or should be). It’s a pretty interesting tool to use here, otherwise it would be difficult to talk about wisdom the way Solomon does.
In our Gospel section, we have John talking about the unbelief of the people. Jesus has done many miracles and signs, but they still don’t believe that He is from God. They see, but they don’t see. And some of these people are religious leaders. They are the ones who should see. Other’s believe, but they keep it secret because they are worried about their positions. Nicodemus would have been one of those. Also, Joseph of Arimathea. But they come out in the end.
Finally, Jesus clearly articulates His mission to save the world. He came as light. He came to save. He speaks by His Father’s authority. That is good news for us.
If you look on page 159 of our hymnal, you will see that Psalm 116 is the basis for the Offertory. Obviously, this Psalm is very appropriate for an Offertory. We have just taking the offering and returned back to the Lord from what He has given to us. This is done out of thanksgiving and not obligation. Reading the Psalm as printed in the Treasury is a little strange that in the middle of it we have this reference, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” But if you read the entire Psalm you will see that the author was in trouble and the Lord helped him and now he wants to repay the Lord for the blessings he has received (namely the saving of his life) but while the Lord has saved his life, the author does recognize that the death of the saints is precious to the Lord. It doesn’t make sense just printed in the Treasury, but it makes perfect sense when you read the whole Psalm. In fact, after reading the whole Psalm it make more sense to use this as an Offertory.
In Proverbs, we get more instruction on wisdom. Wisdom existed even before the world was created. Again, Solomon continues with the personification of Wisdom almost moving into anthropomorphism which is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, natural and supernatural phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts. But obviously wisdom has been around as long as God has been around because God Himself is wise. God is the most wise. God is wisdom personified.
In reading John i am reminded as to why I like the English Standard version of the Bible over the New International Version. I will get into this later.
We here, see our Lord wash the feet of the disciples. He was doing a servants job, which is why Peter resists. But I find it interesting that Jesus also washes Judas’ feet. Judas is mentioned here more than once. It seems to me that Jesus is giving Judas every opportunity to not betray Him. He knows it’s necessary, but He has also been traveling with Judas for three years and tries to give him a way out.
It’s interesting that John picks up on this more than the other Gospels. But you have to remember, John was sitting right next to Jesus all night and would have heard even whispers. John was sitting on Jesus’ right and Judas was sitting on Jesus’ left. Peter was sitting on John’s right (ask me how I know this later).
What I like about the ESV over the NIV is the return of, “Truly, truly, I say to you,” rather than, “I tell you the truth.” The ESV is a literal translation of the Greek, “αμην αμην λεγω υμιν.” “Truly, truly” could also be translated, “Amen, amen.” It’s the same word, just used a little differently. But it doesn’t come out real well in the NIV.
You also have to know, that when a word is repeated in Greek like we have here, it is emphatic. It would be like us says, “I swear to God.” Or the way the kids use the word actually. “This is actually true, whoever receives the one I send receives me.” But I hate when they do that.
Basically, through this whole thing, Jesus is getting the disciples ready for His arrest and crucifixion. This is His last opportunity to teach them and His lesson is servanthood.
So, what do we need to do to please God? How do we go about living a godly life? Psalm 34 tells us. “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Verses 13 and 14 explain how to please God. If we stay from evil and speak rightly, then “the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and this ears toward their cry.” This is another type of parallelism.
Verse 20 clues us in and alludes to Jesus’ death, that his bones shall not be broken.
I wish we would just read a section of actual proverbs rather than reading about the benefits of wisdom. The proverbs are interesting. But, I didn’t get to pick the sections. The middle of the text gives us a good insight into real life. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” That is so true. Some people don’t want anyone to say anything even constructive criticizm said about them. But that is one way to learn and get better. We all need improvement. We all have areas where we could improve. So if we want to be better, help me out.
So here we have in the Gospel lesson that section that I talked about in class yesterday. The disciple whom Jesus loved, leans back and asks Jesus who is going to betray Him. That is John. That’s how he refers to himself. So, Judas is on Jesus left, then Jesus, then John, then Peter …
So Jesus gives the morsel to Judas and “Satan entered into him.” Jesus tells him to go and do what he had to do, and Judas leaves and the text says, “and it was night.” It was dark. The mood fit the action. The deed was done.
“Fret not,” that’s easy to say, but hard to do. When things are going wrong all around us, it’s hard not to worry and fret. But it is so true, “For they will soon fade like grass,” our problems go away. They are temporary. Most of the stuff we worry and fret about never happens. Basically it comes down to “trust in the Lord.” That’s what it’s all about. “Trust in the Lord and do good.” If we do that, it will all work out. “Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him and he will act.” This is so true. The Lord will act a nd take care of us. Verse seven is so important, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” That word patiently is so important. Some of us are so impatient. But no matter, we need to be patient, the Lord will take care of us.
Finally, we get to read some of the Proverbs. Please, let me know what your favorite ones are. Personally, verse 10 caught my eye, “Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” I diden’t realize that winking was a problem. And someone who babbles on and on is annoying, but not ruinous. But I’m not Solomon. Also, verse 19 caught my eye, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, bu whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” This just makes sense, when you are covering up for sin, you do it with many words. Finally, “doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” People who get used to a particular sin, see no problem with that sin and do see it as a joke. This is so true.
Our Gospel lesson begins with a text that we use for funerals a lot. It is such a comforting text. Our Lord has a place for us in heaven. No matter what goes on here, he has a place for us in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the way to heaven.
So, Thomas asks Jesus how to get to heaven. Then Philip asks Jesus to show the Father. They have been with Jesus for so long and yet they still don’t get it. And they won’t get it until Pentecost and that’s not far away. Jesus has said many times, that the He and the Father are one. So while they don’t understand, Jesus is laying the ground for the Trinity. Especially in the next few verses when He says, “Ask the Father, and he will give you another helper.” So instuction in the Trinity is here.
Our short Psalm is all about praise to God. All kingdoms of the earth are to praise God. As we read verse 33, we may wonder who the subject is. But realizing that back in the day, the only one who was able to ride in the heavens was God, the answer becomes obvious. God has all the power and glory and majesty. He is the man.
Common themes in the proverbs include righteousness, wisdom, wealth, knowledge and more. Verse 11 caught my eye, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” So, while we may be tempted to desire to win the lottery, it might not be such a good idea. Look at the statistics, how many lottery winners have divorced and have financial problems? A lot of them. And Solomon knew.
Verse 20 supports what almost every mom has said for ages, be careful of your friends. Watch who you hang out with.
And verse 24 may be the origin of “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” As a good, Christian parent, we want to discipline our children appropriately. We love our kids and so we discipline them. So, tell them that the next time they need punishment.
In John, Jesus continues to give His last instruction to the disciples before He is arrested and taken away. It’s Thursday night, they have celebrated the Passover and Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper and they are about to go out to the Garden of Gethsemane. But He wants to assure the disciples that the Father will watch over them, the Holy Spirit will be with them. They are not alone. While they are going through some difficult times, they are not to let their hearts be troubled. God will protect them and watch over them and it’s for their own good anyway. Jesus is dying on the cross for them. Their sins are being paid for. Heaven belongs to them. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, heaven belongs to us too.
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009
PSALM 36:7-12
PROVERBS 5:1-23
JOHN 12:20-36A
This is a great Psalm for a rainy Monday morning. While we haven’t had great weather yet this year, our Lord’s love is steadfast and we can take refuge in Him. This Psalm uses so much picture language, wings, house, drink, fountain, light, all of these help convey God’s love and steadfast nature.
The Psalm is a great mixture of law and Gospel. We rest in God’s steadfast love and yet we need to be warned about the “foot of arrogance” and “the hand of the wicked.”
Proverbs can be such a fun book. I’d suggest that you go back a few days and read through the sections we missed. My favorite Proverb is, “A woman lacking discression and modesty is like a fine gold ring, in a pigs snout.”
In this section, Solomon warns his sons against adultery. In laymans terms, just stick with what you have at home. Sure, the grass may be greener, or, “the lips of a forbidden woman drips with honey,” but in the end, “she is better as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”
Solomon fills the discussion with lots of picture language as well. “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.” In other words, don’t even be tempted. Stay far, far away.
Listen to your teachers. Listen to the teaching from the congregation. Stick to the lessons you learned in your youth. And don’t be tempted.
In John, some Greeks come to Philip who goes to Andrew and then the two of them go to Jesus. Jesus uses the occasion to teach them about His death and resurrection. “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it cannot produce fruit.”
Unless Jesus dies, we cannot be saved. And as Jesus dies, the Father is glorified. For this plan of God’s from the foundation of the world is going to be seen to reality and will glorify God.
So, while it is dark outside, be light. Shine out in this darkness and give glory to our Father.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 20009
PSALM 77:10-15
PROVERBS 8:1-21
JOHN 12:36B-50
Did you notice in the first couple verses of the Psalm? The word remember is used twice. Then we have ponder. Then we have meditate. So four times in the first couple verses, we have the Psalmist talking about focusing on God and His Word. And notice also, it’s not that the author is just sitting down reading the Bible (he probably didn’t have one), but his focus is on “the deeds of the Lord,” “your wonders of old,” “all your work,” “your mighty deeds.” So the author was focused on the work of God in his life. How often do we reflect on how God works in our life? That needs to be part of our devotions, “how have I seen God working in my life?” If we haven’t seen it, we haven’t been looking.
In our Proverb section, we have Solomon talking about wisdom. So here, we have the wisest person ever, writing about wisdom. He uses a literary tool called “personification.” That is where something non-human and frequently inanimate is treated as though it were a human capable of acting or responding.
So, “does not wisdon call? Does not understanding raise her voice?” Wisdom doesn’t really have a voice, we know that. But by giving wisdom of voice it makes it concrete and vivid so we can understand what the author is trying to get across: namely, that wisdom is a blessing.
So, “by me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.” It is by wisdom that natioins are run (or should be). It’s a pretty interesting tool to use here, otherwise it would be difficult to talk about wisdom the way Solomon does.
In our Gospel section, we have John talking about the unbelief of the people. Jesus has done many miracles and signs, but they still don’t believe that He is from God. They see, but they don’t see. And some of these people are religious leaders. They are the ones who should see. Other’s believe, but they keep it secret because they are worried about their positions. Nicodemus would have been one of those. Also, Joseph of Arimathea. But they come out in the end.
Finally, Jesus clearly articulates His mission to save the world. He came as light. He came to save. He speaks by His Father’s authority. That is good news for us.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009
Psalm 116:12-19
Proverbs 8:22-36
John 13:1-20
If you look on page 159 of our hymnal, you will see that Psalm 116 is the basis for the Offertory. Obviously, this Psalm is very appropriate for an Offertory. We have just taking the offering and returned back to the Lord from what He has given to us. This is done out of thanksgiving and not obligation. Reading the Psalm as printed in the Treasury is a little strange that in the middle of it we have this reference, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” But if you read the entire Psalm you will see that the author was in trouble and the Lord helped him and now he wants to repay the Lord for the blessings he has received (namely the saving of his life) but while the Lord has saved his life, the author does recognize that the death of the saints is precious to the Lord. It doesn’t make sense just printed in the Treasury, but it makes perfect sense when you read the whole Psalm. In fact, after reading the whole Psalm it make more sense to use this as an Offertory.
In Proverbs, we get more instruction on wisdom. Wisdom existed even before the world was created. Again, Solomon continues with the personification of Wisdom almost moving into anthropomorphism which is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, natural and supernatural phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts. But obviously wisdom has been around as long as God has been around because God Himself is wise. God is the most wise. God is wisdom personified.
In reading John i am reminded as to why I like the English Standard version of the Bible over the New International Version. I will get into this later.
We here, see our Lord wash the feet of the disciples. He was doing a servants job, which is why Peter resists. But I find it interesting that Jesus also washes Judas’ feet. Judas is mentioned here more than once. It seems to me that Jesus is giving Judas every opportunity to not betray Him. He knows it’s necessary, but He has also been traveling with Judas for three years and tries to give him a way out.
It’s interesting that John picks up on this more than the other Gospels. But you have to remember, John was sitting right next to Jesus all night and would have heard even whispers. John was sitting on Jesus’ right and Judas was sitting on Jesus’ left. Peter was sitting on John’s right (ask me how I know this later).
What I like about the ESV over the NIV is the return of, “Truly, truly, I say to you,” rather than, “I tell you the truth.” The ESV is a literal translation of the Greek, “αμην αμην λεγω υμιν.” “Truly, truly” could also be translated, “Amen, amen.” It’s the same word, just used a little differently. But it doesn’t come out real well in the NIV.
You also have to know, that when a word is repeated in Greek like we have here, it is emphatic. It would be like us says, “I swear to God.” Or the way the kids use the word actually. “This is actually true, whoever receives the one I send receives me.” But I hate when they do that.
Basically, through this whole thing, Jesus is getting the disciples ready for His arrest and crucifixion. This is His last opportunity to teach them and His lesson is servanthood.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009
Psalm 34:12-23
Proverbs 9:1-18
John 13:21-38
So, what do we need to do to please God? How do we go about living a godly life? Psalm 34 tells us. “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Verses 13 and 14 explain how to please God. If we stay from evil and speak rightly, then “the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and this ears toward their cry.” This is another type of parallelism.
Verse 20 clues us in and alludes to Jesus’ death, that his bones shall not be broken.
I wish we would just read a section of actual proverbs rather than reading about the benefits of wisdom. The proverbs are interesting. But, I didn’t get to pick the sections. The middle of the text gives us a good insight into real life. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” That is so true. Some people don’t want anyone to say anything even constructive criticizm said about them. But that is one way to learn and get better. We all need improvement. We all have areas where we could improve. So if we want to be better, help me out.
So here we have in the Gospel lesson that section that I talked about in class yesterday. The disciple whom Jesus loved, leans back and asks Jesus who is going to betray Him. That is John. That’s how he refers to himself. So, Judas is on Jesus left, then Jesus, then John, then Peter …
So Jesus gives the morsel to Judas and “Satan entered into him.” Jesus tells him to go and do what he had to do, and Judas leaves and the text says, “and it was night.” It was dark. The mood fit the action. The deed was done.
JUNE 12, 2009
Psalms 37:1-7
Proverbs 10:1-23
John 14:1-17
“Fret not,” that’s easy to say, but hard to do. When things are going wrong all around us, it’s hard not to worry and fret. But it is so true, “For they will soon fade like grass,” our problems go away. They are temporary. Most of the stuff we worry and fret about never happens. Basically it comes down to “trust in the Lord.” That’s what it’s all about. “Trust in the Lord and do good.” If we do that, it will all work out. “Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him and he will act.” This is so true. The Lord will act a nd take care of us. Verse seven is so important, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” That word patiently is so important. Some of us are so impatient. But no matter, we need to be patient, the Lord will take care of us.
Finally, we get to read some of the Proverbs. Please, let me know what your favorite ones are. Personally, verse 10 caught my eye, “Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” I diden’t realize that winking was a problem. And someone who babbles on and on is annoying, but not ruinous. But I’m not Solomon. Also, verse 19 caught my eye, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, bu whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” This just makes sense, when you are covering up for sin, you do it with many words. Finally, “doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” People who get used to a particular sin, see no problem with that sin and do see it as a joke. This is so true.
Our Gospel lesson begins with a text that we use for funerals a lot. It is such a comforting text. Our Lord has a place for us in heaven. No matter what goes on here, he has a place for us in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the way to heaven.
So, Thomas asks Jesus how to get to heaven. Then Philip asks Jesus to show the Father. They have been with Jesus for so long and yet they still don’t get it. And they won’t get it until Pentecost and that’s not far away. Jesus has said many times, that the He and the Father are one. So while they don’t understand, Jesus is laying the ground for the Trinity. Especially in the next few verses when He says, “Ask the Father, and he will give you another helper.” So instuction in the Trinity is here.
Have a wonderful weekend.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009
Psalm 68:32-35
Proverbs 13:1-25
John 14:18-31
Our short Psalm is all about praise to God. All kingdoms of the earth are to praise God. As we read verse 33, we may wonder who the subject is. But realizing that back in the day, the only one who was able to ride in the heavens was God, the answer becomes obvious. God has all the power and glory and majesty. He is the man.
Common themes in the proverbs include righteousness, wisdom, wealth, knowledge and more. Verse 11 caught my eye, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” So, while we may be tempted to desire to win the lottery, it might not be such a good idea. Look at the statistics, how many lottery winners have divorced and have financial problems? A lot of them. And Solomon knew.
Verse 20 supports what almost every mom has said for ages, be careful of your friends. Watch who you hang out with.
And verse 24 may be the origin of “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” As a good, Christian parent, we want to discipline our children appropriately. We love our kids and so we discipline them. So, tell them that the next time they need punishment.
In John, Jesus continues to give His last instruction to the disciples before He is arrested and taken away. It’s Thursday night, they have celebrated the Passover and Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper and they are about to go out to the Garden of Gethsemane. But He wants to assure the disciples that the Father will watch over them, the Holy Spirit will be with them. They are not alone. While they are going through some difficult times, they are not to let their hearts be troubled. God will protect them and watch over them and it’s for their own good anyway. Jesus is dying on the cross for them. Their sins are being paid for. Heaven belongs to them. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, heaven belongs to us too.