Devotionals @ The Mount Church

Reading through Old Testament prophecies is always a bit confusing.  Unless you are a history buff, the description of the kingdoms and impending conquests blur together, and imagery of gold, bronze, mud, statues, and trees make little sense.  To further complicate the matter, the prophets who recorded these visions were generally not given a time frame to accompany the things to come.  They simply recorded what they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to record.  Some but not all things written in the Old Testament have been fulfilled, and others are in process of being fulfilled.  As a result, we find ourselves in a period of time that one of my professors wisely termed the “already-not yet”.  It is a tension that we live in, a partial but not yet complete fulfillment, a shadow of what is to come.  This is especially true concerning the Old Testament prophecies of the coming King, for Christ has come, and will come-He is already and not yet.  And so as we look at these prophecies, we can rest in confident assurance in what has been fulfilled, and rejoice in hopeful expectation for what is to come.

Zechariah

Read Zechariah 9:9-13.  What of this passage is “already”? (hint: see also Matthew 21:5)

What is the “not yet”?

Matthew specifically points out that “this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…” (21:4), demonstrating clearly that Christ is the fulfillment of these prophecies.  Not only is He the fulfillment, but this aspect of the prophecy has been fulfilled.  Bear with me, for I know this seems obvious and basic.  Why is it important to know that Christ is the fulfillment?  In all prophecies in the Old Testament, concerning a king, He is never referred to as Jesus, as Christ.  Matthew directly links this specific person as being the fulfillment, and no one else, leaving no room for doubt.  The fact that this aspect of the prophecy has been fulfilled is the basis for hope.  It is God’s thumb-print on the situation–a sign that this is specifically and purposefully of God, not coincidence, but planned.  And if He has been faithful to fulfill specific details as to what Christ would ride into Jerusalem, how much more so will He be faithful to fulfill the rest of His plan?  There is confident assurance that what He has said will come to pass.

Jeremiah

Read Jeremiah 23:5-6.  How is Christ described here?

What are the characteristics of His reign?

Christ here is seen as fulfillment of a promise made to David–that his throne would never end.  Ever.  He is described as the righteous Branch–fully perfect and holy, whose reign will continue to grow and strengthen and bear fruit.  Two aspects that Jeremiah highlights are His justice and righteousness.  This prophecy is found in between prophetical condemnation of the shepherds and the lying prophets.  When God’s own people refuse to do His will, the flock suffers, and yet the Lord is very aware and very in control.  Here is a promise of hope for the flock.  He sees.  And with His coming reign, He will execute justice (for He alone is righteous and can rightly judge).  There is hope for justice, the “not yet”.  Note too the “already” aspect of this prophecy–the name attributed to Christ is “the Lord is our righteousness” (v. 6).  With His death and resurrection, we already have this righteousness, this salvation and justification.  And in this we can rest.

Ezekiel

Read Ezekiel 37:15-28.  Who is acting in this prophecy?

There are 2 major aspects of this prophecy, major promises–what are they?

What aspect of this prophecy gives you greatest joy?

At this time in Israel’s history the nation was divided and captivity ensued.  The first major aspect of the prophecy is God’s promise of unity, a promise of restoration.  In a sense this part has had some fulfillment, an “already” aspect, for even today there is one nation of Israel.  However, this promise is repeated both in Jeremiah 31, and again in Mark 13:27, where the Lord gathers His people from the ends of the earth and once again unites them.  Israel is again one (and you and I are a part of this-we are the grafted branches-see Romans 11).  The second major aspect of this prophecy is the promise that He will again dwell among His people.  Through Christ there is a covenant of peace between us and God (v.24-26), His dwelling place is in our midst, with us (v. 26-27), and we are sanctified (v. 28).  This final aspect of the kingly prophecy most clearly depicts the “already-not yet” in which we now live.  As Christians, we are no longer enemies of God but instead His children, there is that covenant of peace through Christ, and yet while on this earth, our fellowship with Him can still be broken through sin.  Our relationship is secure permanently, but with sin fellowship can still be broken.  And in the same way, we are sanctified, and are being sanctified more and more each day.  It is the process of becoming more like Christ, and now on this earth, we are still sinful, we still struggle.  Then we will be made fully perfect.  And now we have the Holy Spirit in us, God himself dwelling among us just as promised, and yet as Paul dwells on life after this earth he writes, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then i shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).  There is much “not-yet” to still hope for.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

In college I worked with one student who had struggled with an eating disorder for 7 years.  She shared with me that her first counselor had been an overweight woman who sat eating before her during their sessions and asked her “why don’t you just eat?  You look fine.”  For anyone who has any background in working with this disorder, or any common sense in general, you would recognize that the great solution is not to “just eat”-oh, right!  I knew there was something I was forgetting to do the last 2 months!  Thanks for your advice!…

Beyond the absurd and trivial advice that this counselor gave, the fact that she herself did not care for her own body only furthered the distance between patient and client.  She’s eating…I never want to look like her! She has no clue… A truly good counselor cannot always empathize with their client (having actually experienced the pain / struggle themselves), but can to an extent sympathize with their client (attempt to understand exactly how one would feel in the situation, placing yourself in their shoes).  And what we have in Christ is far superior to the best counselor–He knows the intimate details of your heart, He knows your fears and struggles, He has experienced and overcome.  And more than simply understanding, He also intercedes on our behalf.

knowing

The Bible shows throughout history God’s understanding of His creation, how intimately He knows each one of us, from the moment of sin in the garden when He questions ‘why are you hiding?’ knowing they have fallen, to Christ knowing Peter’s great love for Him following his denial and asking ‘do you love me?’.  He meets us where we are, He convicts us in our sin, He challenges us to again take up His cross.  He knows us well.  David most eloquently depicts this knowing in Psalm 139.

You know when I sit and when I rise, You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord. (v.2-4)

Throughout this Psalm there is movement from grasping the depth of His knowledge of us, to almost a fear, a desire to run, to grasping both His knowledge AND His deep love for us, to desiring to be known by Him.  It is both wonderful and terrifying to be known intimately, freeing and humbling–for he knows both the good and the bad.  And in the end, peace, for His love is steadfast.

understanding

The book of Hebrews has one consistent theme:  the superiority of Christ.  One major aspect depicts Christ as a superior priest, which covers many aspects-superior in his sacrifice, in his ability to reconcile us to God, in his understanding.  Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that He was tempted in every way, but remained pure.  Because of this there is great understanding when we struggle.  He knows how our heart is being attacked, because he was attacked.  He was tempted with comfort and power in the desert, with choosing the painless route rather than the Lord’s will (Matthew 16:21-23).  The religious leaders set traps for him seeking to find fault throughout his ministry on earth.  And as for suffering, he was abandoned by his friends, falsely accused, condemned, beaten, mocked, tortured and slowly killed while his mom wept before him and his Father turned His face away.  And yet His love for us is so great, none of this is held over our heads to condemn but rather there is great empathy.  There is no suffering he cannot understand, no temptation he has not already endured.  He gets it.

interceding

And yet understanding in and of itself can only go so far.  It is a comfort when a friend knows the depth of your hurt, but they are unable to actually remove the pain or cause you to heal, to be anything but understanding.  As mentioned the day before, the position of priest primarily dealt with representing the people before God, and maintaining this relationship.  Part of that included intercession. Intercession simply is intervening on someone’s behalf-in this case, there is a coming before and intervening for us before the Lord.  Isaiah 53 prophecies Christ’s death, the last sentence reading “for he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (v.12b).  His first and greatest act of intercession restored us to relationship as he bore our sin and punishment.

While on earth, Christ made intercession for both his disciples and for us in John 17.  He asks that we might know the Father, that we might be protected while in this world, that we might be sanctified, that we might be one, and in this glorify him.  Paul writes of God’s love, justice, and plan to reconcile, including Christ’s role, in Romans 8, “Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (v.34).  Even now, he is interceding for us.  He knows what we are experiencing, knows our struggles, and knows what we need.  This he comes to the Father for on our behalf.  And in this He is the great high priest.

prayer

Father, thank you for knowing each of us intimately.  I praise you that we can come before you without fear, not needing and not able to hide anything from you, and know that you love us deeply.  It’s comforting to know that you understand our hurts and fears, that you can empathize with pain, and that you have faced our same temptations and overcome.  Give us the strength to overcome, give us your wisdom and your heart to walk uprightly.  I pray that our lives would truly glorify you.  Thank you for longing for that even more than we do.  Thank you for loving us so deeply, for interceding for us, that we might live a life worthy of your call.

One of my friends began walking with the Lord about a year ago, and was sharing with me all that He had done in her life over the summer and what she was looking to do in the future.  As she shared, she admitted to feeling a little overwhelmed at the weight of the choices that lie ahead, and at her amazement that the Lord had used her as such a young Christian.  She felt as if she were entrusted with much, but may not be as qualified as others who have walked with the Lord longer.  As she shared with me her fears, I smiled softly and very gently told her that, as long as she is walking continually with the Lord, she is just as qualified as any pastor, or seminary PhD, or foreign missionary.  It does not take special training to do what the Lord has called you to do, even to teach, should He so call you, as long as you are walking with the Spirit.  And while this news may grate on the ears of the pridefully religious, it is in fact very true, for nothing that we do or say, if done in the Spirit, comes from us at all, and if it does come from within ourselves, of what value is it?

on understanding

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:26

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

John 16:13-14

In many ways the seeker-friendly movement has transformed the church, and few changes, I would argue, have been truly beneficial.  Specifically in teaching, there is a failure to recognize that it is the Holy Spirit that gives understanding.  Because of this, many churches have ceased teaching through scripture (for that is much too deep for a young Christian!) and instead entertain the congregation weekly with milky truths.  This type of teaching, while well intentioned, is a faithless process based on the false belief that young Christians cannot grasp deep truth and that those seeking God would be turned away by a deeper teaching through scripture (and I might question, does anyone truly seek God?  Or is God drawing them to Himself?  And if He is, will your teaching help or deter God?)  You may listen to the most eloquent, challenging, and deep teachings and come away with nothing.  Or you may listen to a very basic teaching and come away challenged and convicted.  It is the Holy Spirit alone who opens eyes, and gives understanding to the believer.  And in this we rejoice, for each one of us has access to the Holy Spirit and so each of us can glean truth from the word, can have our eyes open to His truth, and can be transformed, not because of our great knowledge, but because of God’s work within each of us.  And in this He is made great.

on speaking

for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Luke 12:12

Acts 4:1-22 is one of several trials depicted in the New Testament (please read Acts 4:1-22).  Here we see Peter and John, fishermen by trade, boldly come before the same court where only a short time before, Christ had been sentenced to death.  They do not cower.  Instead, Peter, filled with the Spirit (v.8), lays out one of many eloquent defenses, stripping their accusers of all power to condemn.  And God is greatly glorified–”Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.  And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (v.13).  Unlike Paul, these men had no religious training, they simply had been with Jesus, and now were filled with the Spirit.  And it is not to say that training is of no benefit, the Lord used Paul greatly to reach the specific people he was called to reach, and his religious background was of great value in his ministry.  It was also nothing which he relied on or boasted in whatsoever (Phil. 3:4-11).  I find that more often than not, the Lord will put each of us in situations where we feel unqualified, intimidated or overwhelmed by the weight of the task before us.  He does that on purpose.  That we might know, experience, and rely on the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit who gives understanding, who speaks through us.  It is God who is glorified.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

And there are many other functions of the Holy Spirit–to cause growth (1 Corinthians 3:6), to give you power to accomplish God’s will (Acts 1:8), to call and to make known God’s will (Acts 8:29,13:2), to convict (John 16:8), to intercede (Romans 8:26), to sanctify (2 Thessalonians 2:13).  The gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling we have (Ephesians 4:1-6).

going deeper

Being filled with the Spirit can simply be defined as being directed and empowered by the Spirit (see Acts passages above).

• How are you filled with the Spirit? (Matt. 7:7-11, John 7:37-39)
• How do you walk in the Spirit consistently? (1 John 1:9, 1 John 5:14-15)
• Why is it important to walk in the Spirit?  (Acts 1:8, John 15:5)

Give me wings,
Give me peace.
These are the things that I need.
I’m tormented, broken and shamed
Are you listening?
Give me shelter from the storm,
I know it’s a lot to ask for,
Considering how recent I’ve piled the dirt on your name.

Are you listening? -The Classic Crime

This is currently one of my favorite songs on my playlist, not only because i love the sound, but more so because the words resonate with me. I find that all too often, especially in the midst of a difficult time, I come to the Lord hoping for mercy and compassion, but doubting that I am even heard. My mistakes and sins run through my head, and lies and false condemnation I take to be my truth, and I wonder if He is listening to my undeserved cries. At times I allow my circumstances, which scream much louder than His still quiet voice, to become my focus, to overwhelm, and the Lord then seems aloof, distant. I like this song because it is honest, because it so eloquently depicts the state of my heart at times, but mostly because it reminds me that this is not His reality. He is listening. Even when I can’t feel Him.

on deserving

It is important to address some of the common lies we hear and tend to believe concerning the Lord’s compassion, and to replace these with His truth. The first lie is verbalized in the song above when he states “I know it’s a lot to ask for, considering how recent I’ve piled the dirt on your name…” It is the concept that what we do has a direct impact on whether or not we receive God’s compassion and mercy, particularly if we mess up. And this lie is not entirely false. Psalm 34:12-16 specifically states the the Lord sees and hears the righteous, but turns his face against the evil. There is correlation between actions and God’s favor towards us, however, these correlations apply on the heart level. There is a vast difference between the man who has submitted his life to the Lord and yet struggles in sin, and the man who rebells against the Lord and does not know Him. All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and we will continue to struggle with sin while here on earth. But the man who seeks the Lord (Psalm 34:4), who cries out to Him (Psalm 34:6), who fears Him (Psalm 34:7-9)-this is the man that the Lord is near, the one he hears and rescues, the one he shows compassion. We tend to be far too self centered, self focused, and because of this, we attribute much too much of life’s situations to our own doing. Paul specifically addresses this topic in Romans 9:

For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (verses 15-16)

And in this we can rest. Knowing that we are undeserving of mercy and compassion, and yet resting in our sovereign Lord who loves us deeply. In this we can approach his throne boldly as children of God, and know that we are heard, for it depends on God.

on love and suffering

To be perfectly honest, I am fairly annoyed by the question “if God really is good and in control why is there so much suffering?”. Never do we ask “why do good things happen to me?”, and it is highly doubtful that good things never happen to each one of us. But we take these for granted all too often, and blame God when things don’t go as we’d planned. He is complained against and condemned, but only rarely praised. A sense of entitlement has become ingrained in the American culture, and if not kept in check, can quietly integrate into your own life. Comfort is demanded over sacrifice. Luxury is preferred. And we fail to open our eyes to what He has given us, to the blessings we’ve received, because we are too focused on gaining more. Especially in this environment, could suffering be an aspect of God’s compassion? Peter writes, “Since therefore Christ suffered in the body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, for he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result he no longer lives the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (4:1-2). There are 3 major truths in these verses that must be addressed to counter this lie.

1) Suffering is expected. Christ himself said that no servant is greater than his master (Jn. 13:16), that if He was to suffer, His followers would not be able to avoid it. John Piper writes on Christ’s suffering, “No one ever deserved suffering less, yet received so much” (Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ). And His suffering was for us. God’s compassion is extravagant. Looking again at Psalm 34, note the phrases “When the righteous cry for help…”, “…near to the brokenhearted”, “…saves the crushed in spirit”, “many are the afflictions of the righteous…”. All denote an understanding that suffering happens, it is a part of life, it is expected, especially for the righteous. BUT in the midst of it, God is there, He is near, He is the help and the refuge, our Rescuer, full of compassion.

2) Suffering refines us. “…He who has suffered in his body is done with sin” (1st Pet. 4:1). This verse does not mean that we will not sin after we have suffered. What it does refer to is that the man who willingly suffers for Christ has seen the great value of Him who we follow, has known Him in suffering, and as a result desires nothing from the world. The enticement that sin has is gone. He has chosen that which is better, even in pain. Suffering is an aspect of sanctification, where the Lord strips us of what we no longer need to cling to, and replaces it with Himself.

3) Suffering allows us to refocus. We are freed to no longer live for ourselves but for God. Rather than seeking comfort, distraction, anything that will “fill” us, suffering causes us to realize how little we truly need these things, and how desperately we need Him. This aspect of suffering goes hand in hand with sanctification-as we are freed from sin, we then find joy and fulfillment in Him instead. Living for Him at all costs brings greatest joy. And in this, suffering is not only a means through which we can experience God’s compassion, it is an aspect of His compassion.

I realize we have discussed much on suffering in a brief writing devoted to God’s compassion. The two are tied hand in hand, however, and therefore must both be addressed. How can you know Him as your Deliverer if you are never in danger? Your Comforter if your heart is never broken? Your Refuge if you are always at peace? Suffering, while not designed by God, reveals Him in new, intimate light. And it is beautiful that he uses the pain in life for good. His compassion, his mercy, his grace, is all unmerited on our part. He asks only that we seek Him and trust Him, and in this is great love.

prayer

Father, I praise you for hearing, for seeing, and for knowing each of us intimately. Thank you for being near whether we sense Your presence or not. Thank you for knowing exactly what we need at all times. Father, You are so good to us. Open our eyes to your blessings, to your presence with us. May we see You. I pray that we would draw near to you without fear or guilt, that we would seek your face at all times and that we would truly experience your compassion. Lift our eyes off of ourselves. May we have a heart like David, one that will praise you at all times, in all circumstances, resting in your love and compassion.

In all honesty, I adore being a bridesmaid. And it is not that I take great pleasure in last minute errands, in wrapping gifts, cleaning house, and wrestling with itty bitty ribbons that must be strung through programs. It is rather that, in this, I am given an opportunity to show my love by service, to quietly move behind the scenes running errands and making preparations that the bride might be ready, might be able to rejoice fully with her love and not be distracted or worried. It is a chance to both serve and rejoice with the ones I love. This is the picture that Christ paints in Matthew 25.

Most are familiar with the picture of the Bride of Christ, his church, and He being the bridegroom. Christ also used the analogy of a wedding ceremony, where we do not play the actual role of the bride, but rather that of the bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13). In this parable, our love for the bride and groom, our true heart, is manifested and displayed in our actions. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

the bridesmaids

In a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids played two roles-to attend the bride, and to light the bridegroom into the home. It was customary for the bride to wait for the bridegroom in the home, while the bridegroom prepared for the marriage ceremony. He would arrive at an unannounced time, usually at some point in the night. Upon his arrival, the bridesmaids would light their lamps and line the walk to the house entrance, as both an honor and a service to the bridegroom. Carrying their lamps out at his arrival was the chief concern, their utmost duty.

Christ paints a picture of two types of bridesmaids, the wise and the foolish. The wise are prepared, and though the bridegroom tarries, they are equipped to last the night and honor the groom by serving him well. The foolish are not. Matthew Henry likens the foolish bridesmaid to the hypocrite, the one who professes to know Christ, but only outwardly looks the part. The foolish bridesmaid, when realizing the bridegroom has come and is unprepared, seeks help from the wise, but cannot share in her work. It is a picture of the one who comes to the realization that Christ has come, yet their life is not submitted to Him, it does not honor Him, and seeking last-minute, quick refinement does not work. Ultimately the foolish bridesmaids miss the wedding ceremony and celebration, the Bridegroom turns them away in the end. Whereas the wise bridesmaid, though the bridegroom is late in coming, has a heart to maintain and endure through the night. She has readied herself for His arrival, is able to share in His joy, both celebrating and honoring Him. It is a beautiful picture that both service and duty are performed with happiness and joy because of the great love for the bridegroom, the chance to share in His happiness, and the desire to make Him great, to bring Him glory.

the bridegroom

In his parable, the bridegroom comes to claim his bride at a very late hour, much later than expected. And indeed, this is often the case, from our perspective–the Lord rarely moves in our time, but in truth is never early or late, we simply are impatient. He is preparing for his bride and will gladly come to take her as soon as all is ready. Christ himself openly proclaimed that no one knows the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), but promises that He is going to prepare a place for us, His bride (John 14:2). This story vividly depicts this very process. Psalm 45, one of the prophetic psalms, gives us a deeper look into the Bridegroom King. He is most handsome, mighty, and victorious (verses 2-4). He loves justice and righteousness (verses 4-6), and He is coming to claim His bride (verses 10-11). It is a picture of perfection, beauty, great strength, and deep love. This is the one we are to prepare for, the one we are to wait eagerly for, and the one we rejoice in honoring. And He longs for us to share in His celebration-”with joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king” (Psalm 45:15).

application

Isaiah 29:13 reads, The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Where is your heart? This is a key point in the passage-the difference between celebrating with wedding party and being turned away, between eternity with your Savior and eternal separation. Do your words match your actions and your heart?

• Often, even as Christians, we fail to live as our mouths proclaim. What circumstances and situations most often bring about compromise in your life? Why?
• What “night” (trials, temptations, painful circumstances, etc.) are you facing right now? What is enabling you to endure this night?
• What motivates the wise bridesmaid?
• Is there a sense of joy and anticipation when you think of service?
• How do you view your bridegroom (Christ)? Does this match His description in Psalm 45? Why/why not?
• How can you cultivate a deeper love and understanding of the coming Bridegroom?