The precious sons of Zion, weighed against fine gold, now they are regarded as earthen jars which is the work of potter's hands! Better are those slain with the sword than those slain with hunger.
The Lord has accomplished his wrath and he has poured out his fierce anger, and he has kindled a fire in Zion which has consumed its foundations. This is because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests who have shed in her midst the blood of the righteous. The punishment of your iniquity has been completed, O daughter of Zion. He will exile you no longer, but he will punish your iniquity,O daughter of Edom, and will expose your sins.
Judah and Jerusalem were in captivity for a period of seventy years, which is the number of years that they did not give the land Sabboth rest. Israel decends from their father Jacob, but his brother who is Essau is the father of Edom. The Edomites would always rejoice and the hardship of the sons of Jacob and this displeases God and he would never let their pride go unpunished.
As for Israel, God places special responsibility on priests and prophets. Priests are to act for the benefit of the people in God's name. The prophets were to speak to the people in God's name.
Instead, the prophets were speaking what was tingling to the ears of the people and the priests were exalting themselves over the people and not representing God. Thus the heavy hand of God's judgment.
Daily Prayer: Father, the sin that dwells within us is like a sickness without a cure. Even though it makes good sense to obey you, we don't seem to be able to. Thank you for sending your son to obey you as one ought, and offer himself as a once and for all sacrifice for our sins. Now he is my Lord and Savior. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lamentations 3: 5-6, 19-22, 37-38, and 57-58 Jeremiah Shares Israel's Affliction
He has besieged and encompassed me with bitterness and hardship. In dark places He has made me dwell, like those who have long been dead. Remember my affliction and my wandering. The Lord is my portion, says my soul. The Lord is good to those who wait for him. Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good and ill go forth? You drew near when I called on you and said, "Do not fear!" O Lord, you have pleaded my soul's cause; you have redeemed my life.
In these verses, Jeremiah first complains how difficult of a lot he has as God's representative. He states his dismay over his life. But then he remembers God's faithfulness and loving kindness.
He remembers how he has delivered him in past times and that he is reliable for the current crisis.
This is why he can say that his hope is in the Lord.
Daily Prayer: Lord, help us to remember all that you have done for us in our life. Let me recall and evaluate where I would be if you had not chosen me for your own. Then I will give thanks to you for considering me to be included in your plans and for my role in them. In your holy name I pray Amen.
In these verses, Jeremiah first complains how difficult of a lot he has as God's representative. He states his dismay over his life. But then he remembers God's faithfulness and loving kindness.
He remembers how he has delivered him in past times and that he is reliable for the current crisis.
This is why he can say that his hope is in the Lord.
Daily Prayer: Lord, help us to remember all that you have done for us in our life. Let me recall and evaluate where I would be if you had not chosen me for your own. Then I will give thanks to you for considering me to be included in your plans and for my role in them. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Lamentations 2: 1, 9, 11, 14, and 17 God's Anger over Israel
How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger! He has cast from heaven to earth the glory of Israel. He has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger.
Her gates have sunk into the ground, and he has destroyed and broken her bars. Her king and her princes are among the nations, and her prophets find no vision from the Lord. My eyes fail because of tears, my spirit is greatly troubled. My heart is poured out on the earth because of the destruction of the daughter of my people. Even little ones and infants faint in the streets of the city. Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions; and they have not exposed your iniquity so as to restore you from captivity, but instead have seen for you false and misleading oracles. The Lord has done what he purposed; he has accomplished his word which he commanded from the days of old. He has thrown down without sparing, and he has caused the enemy to rejoice over you.
It is usual for us to think that it was Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar who triumphed over Judah.
However,God referred to Nebuchadnezzar as "his servant." This is because no harm can come to the people of God without God permitting it. In this case it can be said that God caused it for his purposes of discipline the covenant people. The earlier prophets were sent to her, but Judah refused to listen. The 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity in Assyria, but Judah did not learn from her. Now God has brought on the day of his vengeance and there is nobody who can stand.
Daily Prayer: Father, I too need to learn from the discipline that you have brought about in my life. Often times your ways are not my ways, or your thoughts my thoughts. But by the power of the Spirit that dwells in me, correct and allow my eyes to see. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Her gates have sunk into the ground, and he has destroyed and broken her bars. Her king and her princes are among the nations, and her prophets find no vision from the Lord. My eyes fail because of tears, my spirit is greatly troubled. My heart is poured out on the earth because of the destruction of the daughter of my people. Even little ones and infants faint in the streets of the city. Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions; and they have not exposed your iniquity so as to restore you from captivity, but instead have seen for you false and misleading oracles. The Lord has done what he purposed; he has accomplished his word which he commanded from the days of old. He has thrown down without sparing, and he has caused the enemy to rejoice over you.
It is usual for us to think that it was Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar who triumphed over Judah.
However,God referred to Nebuchadnezzar as "his servant." This is because no harm can come to the people of God without God permitting it. In this case it can be said that God caused it for his purposes of discipline the covenant people. The earlier prophets were sent to her, but Judah refused to listen. The 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity in Assyria, but Judah did not learn from her. Now God has brought on the day of his vengeance and there is nobody who can stand.
Daily Prayer: Father, I too need to learn from the discipline that you have brought about in my life. Often times your ways are not my ways, or your thoughts my thoughts. But by the power of the Spirit that dwells in me, correct and allow my eyes to see. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Lamentations 1: 3, 8, 10, 22. The Sorrows of Zion
Judah has gone into exile under affliction , and under harsh servitude. She dwells among the nations, but she has found no rest. All of her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of distress. Jerusalem has sinned greatly, and she has become an unclean thing. All who honored
her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness. The adversary has stretched out his hand over all her precious things. Her enemies have been seen entering the sanctuary. The ones whom you commanded should not enter. Let all their wickedness come before you, and deal with them as you have dealt with me. My groans are many and my heart faint.
In Jeremiah's time, Babylon put siege to Judah and Jerusalem and took their most important citizens into captivity. They plumaged the temple in Jerusalem and stole its gold and ornaments from within it. Jerusalem became desolate with only the scattered few and mostly the poor living there. Those things like their worship, their feasts, and those things which make them a peculiar people of God ceased. Now they became under the control of the nations without God's protection or provision. They were a people in distress. This is because they did not honor the Lord their God, or invite him to control the destiny of their people.
Daily Prayer: Father, sin has a way of disguising itself to give the appearance of something desirable. This is the way of the evil one. He makes rebellion against the Most High seem inviting, but only until the snare is made and the people of God find themselves as prisoners of sin and death. Thank God for the Lord Jesus Christ, because when he comes, he will put an end to death and power of the devil by his life, death, and resurrection from the dead. Holy are you Lord and gracious is your disposition. Amen and Amen.
her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness. The adversary has stretched out his hand over all her precious things. Her enemies have been seen entering the sanctuary. The ones whom you commanded should not enter. Let all their wickedness come before you, and deal with them as you have dealt with me. My groans are many and my heart faint.
In Jeremiah's time, Babylon put siege to Judah and Jerusalem and took their most important citizens into captivity. They plumaged the temple in Jerusalem and stole its gold and ornaments from within it. Jerusalem became desolate with only the scattered few and mostly the poor living there. Those things like their worship, their feasts, and those things which make them a peculiar people of God ceased. Now they became under the control of the nations without God's protection or provision. They were a people in distress. This is because they did not honor the Lord their God, or invite him to control the destiny of their people.
Daily Prayer: Father, sin has a way of disguising itself to give the appearance of something desirable. This is the way of the evil one. He makes rebellion against the Most High seem inviting, but only until the snare is made and the people of God find themselves as prisoners of sin and death. Thank God for the Lord Jesus Christ, because when he comes, he will put an end to death and power of the devil by his life, death, and resurrection from the dead. Holy are you Lord and gracious is your disposition. Amen and Amen.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Jeremiah 31: 31 - 34 The New Covenant
"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them," declares the Lord. "But this covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declared the Lord, "I will put my law within them and on their heart I will wright it down; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ,'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the Lord. "I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
The covenant God made with their fathers was the Law of Moses. This agreement rewarded obedience and cursed disobedience. The ultimate curse is the removal from the land which happened to both Israel and Judah. The Law of Moses was not given with the expectation of people honoring it and obeying it. Instead it is a school teacher to expose men's sins and point them to Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the World. Although the covenant was between God and Israel, all people were grafted in with the coming of Jesus Christ. Through him, all men now have access to God and to the forgiveness of their sins through his substitution death on the cross.
Daily Prayer: Truly Father, the New Covenant is the great gift you have for all people. It is great because it includes Jesus Christ to fulfill the Law and to make me righteous before you because Jesus died for me. Now I and all people who approach the throne of grace can call you Abba, Father, because Jesus has turned us from strangers and aliens into sons and daughters of the Most High. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
The covenant God made with their fathers was the Law of Moses. This agreement rewarded obedience and cursed disobedience. The ultimate curse is the removal from the land which happened to both Israel and Judah. The Law of Moses was not given with the expectation of people honoring it and obeying it. Instead it is a school teacher to expose men's sins and point them to Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the World. Although the covenant was between God and Israel, all people were grafted in with the coming of Jesus Christ. Through him, all men now have access to God and to the forgiveness of their sins through his substitution death on the cross.
Daily Prayer: Truly Father, the New Covenant is the great gift you have for all people. It is great because it includes Jesus Christ to fulfill the Law and to make me righteous before you because Jesus died for me. Now I and all people who approach the throne of grace can call you Abba, Father, because Jesus has turned us from strangers and aliens into sons and daughters of the Most High. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Jeremiah 20: 7 - 18 Jeremiah's Sixth Confession
You tricked me, Lord, and I was really fooled. You are stronger than I am, and you have defeated me. People never stop sneering and insulting me. You have let me announce only destruction and death. Your message has brought me nothing but insults and trouble. Sometimes I tell myself not to think about you, Lord, or even mention your name. But your message burns in my heart and bones, and I cannot keep silent. I heard the crowds whisper, "Everyone is afraid. This is our chance to accuse Jeremiah!" All of my so-called friends are just waiting for me to make a mistake. They say, "Maybe Jeremiah can be tricked. Then we can overpower him and get even at last." But you, Lord, are a mighty soldier, standing at my side.
Those troublemakers will fall down and fail - terribly embarrassed, forever ashamed. Lord All-Powerful, you test those who do right, and you know every heart and mind. I have told you my complaints, so let me watch you take revenge on my enemies. I sing praises to you Lord. You rescue the oppressed from the wicked. Put a curse on the day I was born! Don't bless my mother.
Why did I have to be born? Was it just to suffer and die in shame?
These passages conclude the confessions of Jeremiah. The instant case is one of lament. He wishes he would have never been called by God because of his great persecution. Yet the word of God is on fire from within. Though he feels betrayed by both men and God, still his hope is in God. Many in the New Testament went through similar trials. The Apostle Paul was scorned by his own people, yet he felt that such suffering led to endurance and endurance to his hope in Jesus.
Daily Prayer: Father it is true that being a follower of you will lead us down a path of persecution. Jesus said whatever they have done to me, they likewise will do to you. Trouble will come from the world, but we need not worry because greater is he that is in me than he who is in the world. Amen.
Those troublemakers will fall down and fail - terribly embarrassed, forever ashamed. Lord All-Powerful, you test those who do right, and you know every heart and mind. I have told you my complaints, so let me watch you take revenge on my enemies. I sing praises to you Lord. You rescue the oppressed from the wicked. Put a curse on the day I was born! Don't bless my mother.
Why did I have to be born? Was it just to suffer and die in shame?
These passages conclude the confessions of Jeremiah. The instant case is one of lament. He wishes he would have never been called by God because of his great persecution. Yet the word of God is on fire from within. Though he feels betrayed by both men and God, still his hope is in God. Many in the New Testament went through similar trials. The Apostle Paul was scorned by his own people, yet he felt that such suffering led to endurance and endurance to his hope in Jesus.
Daily Prayer: Father it is true that being a follower of you will lead us down a path of persecution. Jesus said whatever they have done to me, they likewise will do to you. Trouble will come from the world, but we need not worry because greater is he that is in me than he who is in the world. Amen.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Jeremiah 18: 18 - 23 Jeremiah's Fifth Confession
"Let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage. Do give heed to me, O Lord, and listen to what my opponents are saying!
Remember how I stood before you to speak good on their behalf, so as to turn away your wrath from them. Therefore, give their children over to famine, and deliver them up to the sword. Let their wives become childless and widowed. Let their men be smitten to death. May an outcry be heard from their houses when you suddenly bring raiders upon them. They have dug a pit to capture me and hidden snares for my feet. You, O Lord, know all their deadly designs against me. Do not forgive their iniquity or blot out their sin from your sight. May they be overthrown before you. Deal with them in the time of anger.
Jeremiah feels hemmed in by his enemies when he proclaims the word of the Lord. It causes him great anguish. God called him to intercede for the people, and he has done so; but, although he has sought only their good, they plot against him. These words have been interpreted as an announcement of how the Jewish authorities schemed against Jesus, seeking to arrest him.
Jeremiah's resistance for his preaching is seen by St. Jerome as a prefiguring of the difficulties Jesus would encounter fom the people who spread calamilities and slander to frustrate the work of holy men.
Daily Prayer: Father, the world is still under the power of the prince of the air. He is constantly seeking to destroy those who belong to you and who share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the midst of our difficulties, remember us and protect us so that the gospel can go out to a perishing world. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.
Remember how I stood before you to speak good on their behalf, so as to turn away your wrath from them. Therefore, give their children over to famine, and deliver them up to the sword. Let their wives become childless and widowed. Let their men be smitten to death. May an outcry be heard from their houses when you suddenly bring raiders upon them. They have dug a pit to capture me and hidden snares for my feet. You, O Lord, know all their deadly designs against me. Do not forgive their iniquity or blot out their sin from your sight. May they be overthrown before you. Deal with them in the time of anger.
Jeremiah feels hemmed in by his enemies when he proclaims the word of the Lord. It causes him great anguish. God called him to intercede for the people, and he has done so; but, although he has sought only their good, they plot against him. These words have been interpreted as an announcement of how the Jewish authorities schemed against Jesus, seeking to arrest him.
Jeremiah's resistance for his preaching is seen by St. Jerome as a prefiguring of the difficulties Jesus would encounter fom the people who spread calamilities and slander to frustrate the work of holy men.
Daily Prayer: Father, the world is still under the power of the prince of the air. He is constantly seeking to destroy those who belong to you and who share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the midst of our difficulties, remember us and protect us so that the gospel can go out to a perishing world. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Jeremiah 17: 14 - 18 Jeremaih's Fouth Confession
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed. Save me and I will be saved. This is because you are worthy of praise. Look, they keep saying to me , "Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now." But as for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd after you. Neither have I longed for the woeful day; you yourself know that the utterance of my lips was in your presence. Do not be a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. Let those who persecute me be put to shame, but as for me, let me not be put to shame. Let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed. Bring on them the day of disaster.
In these verses, Jeremiah is speaking of what other prophets spoke of which is the Day of the Lord. For those who are hypocrits, they long for the Day of the Lord, not realizing it is also the day of their own judgment. This is why Jeremiah was not zealous for that day. Instead he realizes that God favors the ones who are shepherds over his people like his servant David. We see this theme also in the New Testament. There, many come up to Jesus and say, "Lord, did I not prophecy for you and do many good deeds in your name?" Jesus replies, "Truely, I never knew you. Dapart from me you lawless ones." Jesus is saying that what God desires is a true relationship with the People of God, not those who seek honor for themselves through their service.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, the New Covenant is much safer for your people. Nobody can honor you by trying to keep the law, because we are not able to do it. Because of the cross, now those who receive you can be hidden in you, because you give your followers your righteousness to protect them in the day of trouble. In your name we pray Amen.
In these verses, Jeremiah is speaking of what other prophets spoke of which is the Day of the Lord. For those who are hypocrits, they long for the Day of the Lord, not realizing it is also the day of their own judgment. This is why Jeremiah was not zealous for that day. Instead he realizes that God favors the ones who are shepherds over his people like his servant David. We see this theme also in the New Testament. There, many come up to Jesus and say, "Lord, did I not prophecy for you and do many good deeds in your name?" Jesus replies, "Truely, I never knew you. Dapart from me you lawless ones." Jesus is saying that what God desires is a true relationship with the People of God, not those who seek honor for themselves through their service.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, the New Covenant is much safer for your people. Nobody can honor you by trying to keep the law, because we are not able to do it. Because of the cross, now those who receive you can be hidden in you, because you give your followers your righteousness to protect them in the day of trouble. In your name we pray Amen.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Jeremiah 15: 16 - 20 Jeremiah's third confession
Your words were found and I ate then, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. I have been called by your name, O Lord God of hosts. I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, nor did I exult. Your hand is upon me, and I sit alone. You have also filled me with indignation. Why have my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable? Will you indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable? Therefore, thus says the Lord "If you return, then I will restore you. Before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become my spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, but as for you, you must not turn to them. Then I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; and though they fight against you, they will not prevail over you. For I am with you to save you and deliver you," declares the Lord of Hosts.
In these verses, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God by telling him that he needs God to be faithful to him when he is before the people. God was testing Jeremiah, but explains to Jeremiah that he must gird up his own loins before he will be effective before the people. God reminds him that he is a chosen instrument of Yahweh, just as Moses was before him. He fortifies him by reassuring him that the crowds will not prevail against his own spokesman. Therefore he commands him to bring the best out of his people and to set aside concern for personal safety, because God is with him.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know very well that I often times try to please you from my own flesh, even when there is nothing in my flesh that pleases you. The hard part for me is to step out on faith, knowing that when I walk by the Spirit, I will overcome by that which is in the flesh. In your name I pray Amen.
In these verses, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God by telling him that he needs God to be faithful to him when he is before the people. God was testing Jeremiah, but explains to Jeremiah that he must gird up his own loins before he will be effective before the people. God reminds him that he is a chosen instrument of Yahweh, just as Moses was before him. He fortifies him by reassuring him that the crowds will not prevail against his own spokesman. Therefore he commands him to bring the best out of his people and to set aside concern for personal safety, because God is with him.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know very well that I often times try to please you from my own flesh, even when there is nothing in my flesh that pleases you. The hard part for me is to step out on faith, knowing that when I walk by the Spirit, I will overcome by that which is in the flesh. In your name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Jeremiah 12: 1 - 6 Second Jeremiah's Confessions
Righteous are you, O Lord, that I would plead my case with you; Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with you: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease? You have planted them, they have also taken root; they grow, they even produce fruit. You are near to their lips, but far from their mind. But you know me, O Lord; you see me. You examine my heart's attitude toward you. Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter. Set them apart for a day of carnage! How long is the land to mourn, and the vegetation of the countryside to wither? Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it, animals and birds have been snathched away. But men have said "He will not see our latter ending." If you run footmen and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in the land of peace, how will ;you do in the thicket of the Jordan?
Even your brothers and the household of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you. Even they have called out for you. Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.
The Lord does indeed responded to Jeremiah. God has made the decision to give Judah and Jerusalem over to Nebuchadnezzar and he will remove them from the land. They will remain out of the land in Babylon for a period of seventy years and a new generation of Israelites will grow up there. During the rule of Persian Empire, God will entice the hearts of the kings to let his people go.
Daily Prayer: Father, many people today are still being removed from their land. People are losing their homes to foreclosure and a nation built on Christian principles has turned aside from their founding fathers. Forgive us father and bring revival. With revival Lord, let our people heal. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Even your brothers and the household of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you. Even they have called out for you. Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.
The Lord does indeed responded to Jeremiah. God has made the decision to give Judah and Jerusalem over to Nebuchadnezzar and he will remove them from the land. They will remain out of the land in Babylon for a period of seventy years and a new generation of Israelites will grow up there. During the rule of Persian Empire, God will entice the hearts of the kings to let his people go.
Daily Prayer: Father, many people today are still being removed from their land. People are losing their homes to foreclosure and a nation built on Christian principles has turned aside from their founding fathers. Forgive us father and bring revival. With revival Lord, let our people heal. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Jeremiah 11: Bu18-23 First of Jeremiah's Confessions
Moreover, the Lord made it known to me and I knew it, because the Lord showed me their deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know that they had devised plots against me saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living. Let his name be remembered no more." O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tries the feelings and the heart, let me see your vengence on them. To you I have committed my cause. The Lord says concerning the men of Anathoth, "Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, so that you will not die at our hand." Therefore the Lord of Hosts says, "Behold I am about to punish them. The young men will die by the sword, and their sons and daughters will die by famine, and a remnant will not be left to them for I will bring disaster
on the man of Anathoth in the year of their punishment."
There are six areas in the Book of Jeremiah that are referred to as his confessions. Here he pours out his heart and makes known to God his inner-most feelings. Some people believe that the first confession goes back to support for King Josiah's temple reforms. The reform went against the priests power over worship in Jerusalem. This confession is why Christian tradition has set Jeremiah as a figure of Christ, who was also rejected by his own people. The Lord's answer is harsh; explaining that the suffering is only the start, and he will need to prepare for greater sacrifice.
Daily Prayer: Lord it seems that suffering is part of your expectations for the people of God. In my life, I too suffer, and so does my family. Let me not complain, but instead endure in order to follow in the example you gave me in the person of Jesus Christ. It is in his name that I pray Amen.
on the man of Anathoth in the year of their punishment."
There are six areas in the Book of Jeremiah that are referred to as his confessions. Here he pours out his heart and makes known to God his inner-most feelings. Some people believe that the first confession goes back to support for King Josiah's temple reforms. The reform went against the priests power over worship in Jerusalem. This confession is why Christian tradition has set Jeremiah as a figure of Christ, who was also rejected by his own people. The Lord's answer is harsh; explaining that the suffering is only the start, and he will need to prepare for greater sacrifice.
Daily Prayer: Lord it seems that suffering is part of your expectations for the people of God. In my life, I too suffer, and so does my family. Let me not complain, but instead endure in order to follow in the example you gave me in the person of Jesus Christ. It is in his name that I pray Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Isaiah 61: 1 - 3 The Year of Jubilee
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted, and to bind up the broken hearted. The Spirit sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisioners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengence of our God. He sent me to comfort those who mourn in Zion, giving them garland instead of ashes, and the oil of gladness instead of mourning.
This same message appears in the New Testament in Luke 4:17, where Jesus is the visiting rabbi in Nazarath which was originally his own home town. Jesus asked the attendant for the Scriptures and he turned to Isaiah 61 and read these passages aloud, after which time he stated that their promises are fufilled in his reading of the text. The crowd understood that he was proclaiming himself to be the long-anticipated Christ. They were expecting a heavenly savior to deliver them from the grip of Rome. Since these people knew Jesus' parents, they reacted in an uproar against Jesus and drove him out of town. If they would have accepted him for who he was, he could have brought in the Kingdom of Heaven at that time, but instead they made prisoners of themselves and rejected their Messiah King.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are indeed King of King and Lord of Lords. Sometimes it seems easier to belive in my day than in thiers, because I know that you are who you present yourself to be and that because of that, you can forgive me of my sins and set aside my iniquities. There will be a day when Israel repents and receives you as their True King, but until that day I will continue to live in faith that all you intend to do will come to pass. In your name I pray Amen.
This same message appears in the New Testament in Luke 4:17, where Jesus is the visiting rabbi in Nazarath which was originally his own home town. Jesus asked the attendant for the Scriptures and he turned to Isaiah 61 and read these passages aloud, after which time he stated that their promises are fufilled in his reading of the text. The crowd understood that he was proclaiming himself to be the long-anticipated Christ. They were expecting a heavenly savior to deliver them from the grip of Rome. Since these people knew Jesus' parents, they reacted in an uproar against Jesus and drove him out of town. If they would have accepted him for who he was, he could have brought in the Kingdom of Heaven at that time, but instead they made prisoners of themselves and rejected their Messiah King.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are indeed King of King and Lord of Lords. Sometimes it seems easier to belive in my day than in thiers, because I know that you are who you present yourself to be and that because of that, you can forgive me of my sins and set aside my iniquities. There will be a day when Israel repents and receives you as their True King, but until that day I will continue to live in faith that all you intend to do will come to pass. In your name I pray Amen.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Isaiah 53: 3-7 Lord Jesus: Yahweh's Suffering Servant
He was despised and forsaken of men. A man of sorrows and grief. He is like one from whom men hide their face. He was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and or sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken. He was smitten by God and afflicted. He was pierced through for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way. The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. Yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so he did not open his mouth.
The reason that we can be saved, inherit eternal life, and live with God in heaven is because we inherit the righteousness of Jesus Christ before God. God requires those who dwell with him to be holy, but no man apart from Jesus is holy. The penalty for sin is death. For this reason, Jesus substituted his holy life and gave it up for the forgiveness of our sins. This includes my and your sins and the sins of the world. The Book of Isaiah was used by the Gospel of Mark and Jesus is presented as the Suffering Servant of God.
Daily Prayer: Father, I don't really understand the magnitude of my sin. Even though I intellectually know that Jesus is my sin bearer, I underestimate the out-pouring of blood that he shed for me. I know that Jesus is my personal savior and the savior of the world, but remove the shakels from my eyes that underestimate the worth and the value of placing God on the cross for me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way. The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. Yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so he did not open his mouth.
The reason that we can be saved, inherit eternal life, and live with God in heaven is because we inherit the righteousness of Jesus Christ before God. God requires those who dwell with him to be holy, but no man apart from Jesus is holy. The penalty for sin is death. For this reason, Jesus substituted his holy life and gave it up for the forgiveness of our sins. This includes my and your sins and the sins of the world. The Book of Isaiah was used by the Gospel of Mark and Jesus is presented as the Suffering Servant of God.
Daily Prayer: Father, I don't really understand the magnitude of my sin. Even though I intellectually know that Jesus is my sin bearer, I underestimate the out-pouring of blood that he shed for me. I know that Jesus is my personal savior and the savior of the world, but remove the shakels from my eyes that underestimate the worth and the value of placing God on the cross for me. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Isaiah 32: 1-2, 15-17 The Glorious Future
Behold, a king will reign righteously and princes will rule justly. Each will be like a refuge from the wind and shelter from the storm. Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fertile field, and the tertile field is considered a forest - Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness will be peace, and trhe service of righteousness is quietness, and confidence forever.
This is an oracle which opens up a messianic horizon for the inhabitants of Jerusalem - the promise of peace that will endure. The name Jerusalem translates "City of Peace." The future king will surely be the same person as is announced in the Book of Immanuel. He will ensure justice and protection against its enemies. Peace is not merely the absence of war; nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power; not can it bbe brought about by dictatorship. Peace results from that order structured into himan society by its divine Founder, and actualized by men who thirst for greater justice.
Daily Prayer: Father, it is clear that you do not forget your promises to those who love you. Your people who are the Jews of Israel and Judah, along with the Church, look forward to a day when the Rightful Ruler found in the Son will insure safety, justice and peace everywhere. In your holy name I pray Amen.
This is an oracle which opens up a messianic horizon for the inhabitants of Jerusalem - the promise of peace that will endure. The name Jerusalem translates "City of Peace." The future king will surely be the same person as is announced in the Book of Immanuel. He will ensure justice and protection against its enemies. Peace is not merely the absence of war; nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power; not can it bbe brought about by dictatorship. Peace results from that order structured into himan society by its divine Founder, and actualized by men who thirst for greater justice.
Daily Prayer: Father, it is clear that you do not forget your promises to those who love you. Your people who are the Jews of Israel and Judah, along with the Church, look forward to a day when the Rightful Ruler found in the Son will insure safety, justice and peace everywhere. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Isaiah 14: 12 - 15 God's Judgment, Satan's Fall
"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, and make myself like the Most High. Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of thee pit."
This is what we know about the fall of Lucifer (Satan) from an exalted position in heaven to a brazen place in Sheol. Satan was glorious when in the company of God in heaven. But because he lifted himself up and become prideful, God judged him and cast him from his presence. It was because of pride also that Adam and Eve fell . They questioned the word of God and wanted to be like him. They too were cast off from the Garden of Eden. This is in contract to what we read about Jesus Christ in Philippians 2: 4-9:
But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble; he obeyed God and even died on a cross. Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, pride is an awful thing! Control my mind and my thoughts. Let me only boast about Jesus Christ who was crucified and gave his life so that I may live. This way I can be an heir to his righteousness and live in the house of the Lord forever! Amen.
This is what we know about the fall of Lucifer (Satan) from an exalted position in heaven to a brazen place in Sheol. Satan was glorious when in the company of God in heaven. But because he lifted himself up and become prideful, God judged him and cast him from his presence. It was because of pride also that Adam and Eve fell . They questioned the word of God and wanted to be like him. They too were cast off from the Garden of Eden. This is in contract to what we read about Jesus Christ in Philippians 2: 4-9:
But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble; he obeyed God and even died on a cross. Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, pride is an awful thing! Control my mind and my thoughts. Let me only boast about Jesus Christ who was crucified and gave his life so that I may live. This way I can be an heir to his righteousness and live in the house of the Lord forever! Amen.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Isaiah 11: 1 - 4, 8 - 9 The righteous reign of the Branch
Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse. And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him. It will be a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and strength. He will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what his eyes see, nor make a decision by what his ears hear. With righteousness he will judge the poor and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips will slay the wicked. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, and the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.
Once again, this is a dual prophecy concerning the activity of Jesus Christ. It begins by referring to the root of Jesse which is implying a descendant of David. The Davidic heir will be the Branch which is another term of Jesus. It speaks of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him which is a reference of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River in Christ's first advent.
Later it refers to Christ's judgment of the evil and how the curse of the land will be removed when children can play with cobras. This is a reference to Christ's second coming when sin and evil will be purged from the earth and Christ will rule justly from the Mountain of God which is Jerusalem in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant which stipulates David's descendant will rule for God from Zion. This did not happen when Christ came initially. Then the crowds put him on the cross. The second coming is a time when he comes in power and in glory and Jesus will judge a man by what is in his heart (The Sermon on the Mount) and there will be no conflicting gods seeking God's glory, because all will know him and obey his son.
Daily Prayer: These verses are the crux of the Christian hope. We cannot live to our potential in a fallen world. There will be a day when all things will come together for good and all will delight in the praise of the Most High and his Son who is Jesus Christ. Amen.
Once again, this is a dual prophecy concerning the activity of Jesus Christ. It begins by referring to the root of Jesse which is implying a descendant of David. The Davidic heir will be the Branch which is another term of Jesus. It speaks of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him which is a reference of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River in Christ's first advent.
Later it refers to Christ's judgment of the evil and how the curse of the land will be removed when children can play with cobras. This is a reference to Christ's second coming when sin and evil will be purged from the earth and Christ will rule justly from the Mountain of God which is Jerusalem in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant which stipulates David's descendant will rule for God from Zion. This did not happen when Christ came initially. Then the crowds put him on the cross. The second coming is a time when he comes in power and in glory and Jesus will judge a man by what is in his heart (The Sermon on the Mount) and there will be no conflicting gods seeking God's glory, because all will know him and obey his son.
Daily Prayer: These verses are the crux of the Christian hope. We cannot live to our potential in a fallen world. There will be a day when all things will come together for good and all will delight in the praise of the Most High and his Son who is Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 Birth & reign of the Prince of Peace
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light and those who live in a dark land the light will shine on them. A child will be born to us and a son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of his government or of peace.
He will reign on the throne of David and over has kingdom. He will establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness, from then on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
One can see two things taking place in this prophecy. The forecast is clearly speaking of Jesus Christ, but it involves activities of both his first advent and second coming. This means that this prophecy is fulfilled in part awaiting further consummation. Isaiah is speaking to the Jews who are the ones who are living in a dark land and who will see a great light. The child who is born and the son who is given is clearly Jesus. Where it speaks of no ending to the government's increase and his reign over David's Kingdom can only take place in the Second Coming during a period known as his millennial reign - a period of 1000 years when Jesus rules from Zion before the introduction of the eternal kingdom. God is making it incumbent only upon himself for the prophecies fulfillment.
Daily Prayer: Lord, the reason we keep watching with a blessed hope is with great expectation of the return of Lord Jesus. At that time we will be truly blessed as we will be living in a time of full justice and righteousness on earth. This is the way you intended for us to live. Amen.
He will reign on the throne of David and over has kingdom. He will establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness, from then on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
One can see two things taking place in this prophecy. The forecast is clearly speaking of Jesus Christ, but it involves activities of both his first advent and second coming. This means that this prophecy is fulfilled in part awaiting further consummation. Isaiah is speaking to the Jews who are the ones who are living in a dark land and who will see a great light. The child who is born and the son who is given is clearly Jesus. Where it speaks of no ending to the government's increase and his reign over David's Kingdom can only take place in the Second Coming during a period known as his millennial reign - a period of 1000 years when Jesus rules from Zion before the introduction of the eternal kingdom. God is making it incumbent only upon himself for the prophecies fulfillment.
Daily Prayer: Lord, the reason we keep watching with a blessed hope is with great expectation of the return of Lord Jesus. At that time we will be truly blessed as we will be living in a time of full justice and righteousness on earth. This is the way you intended for us to live. Amen.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Isaiah 7: 10-17 The Child Immanuel
Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz saying, "Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord."
Then he said, "Listen now, O house of David. Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of God as well? The Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey at the time he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. Before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken."
The context of the prophecy of the savior is that the kings of Israel and Aram were planning to wage war against King Ahaz of Judah. They had planned a siege of Jerusalem when King Ahaz is revealed this stunning revelation by God. Here,God prophecies the coming of a son whose name will be Immanuel which means God with us. He also forecasts the plumage of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Aram who will be thrown down by the Assyrian Empire. The church recognizes this prophecy as the revealing of the incarnate Son of God who is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, often time I do not know the beginning from the end. But you in your sovereignty sent the Son of God to visit us so that your full revelation may be known. In my time, I have God in me which is the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ sent to be with me. Let him guide me and the church this day. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Then he said, "Listen now, O house of David. Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of God as well? The Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey at the time he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. Before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken."
The context of the prophecy of the savior is that the kings of Israel and Aram were planning to wage war against King Ahaz of Judah. They had planned a siege of Jerusalem when King Ahaz is revealed this stunning revelation by God. Here,God prophecies the coming of a son whose name will be Immanuel which means God with us. He also forecasts the plumage of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Aram who will be thrown down by the Assyrian Empire. The church recognizes this prophecy as the revealing of the incarnate Son of God who is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, often time I do not know the beginning from the end. But you in your sovereignty sent the Son of God to visit us so that your full revelation may be known. In my time, I have God in me which is the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ sent to be with me. Let him guide me and the church this day. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Isaiah 6: 1-5; 8-10 The call of Isaiah
In the year of King Uziah's death I say the Lord sitting on the throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of his robe filling the temple. The seraphim stood above him and one called out to the the other and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of his glory. Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" He said, "Go and tell this people: 'Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.' "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, and their ears dull, and their eyes dim. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and undersand with their hearts, and return and be healed."
In these verses, the holy trinity speaking between themselves ponder who they should send to the House of Judah. It is God's intention for the Jews to have hardened hearts because of their rebellion in his holy city. Isaiah contrasts his holiness verses what he sees in heaven and concludes he is unclean. Yet when God was seeking a messenger to send, he says he is availabale. This is also the key to living a Christian life. Yes, we are sinners, but we are still called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The key to success in the Kingdom is a willing and available life of service.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am willing to be your ambassidor to proclaim your good news of forgiveness of sins for those who recognize you as the Son of God and the Son of Man and who accept the cross as sufficient payment for their sins. Bless my ministry to you, Lord Jesus, and bring many more workers for your kingdom. In your name I pray Amen.
In these verses, the holy trinity speaking between themselves ponder who they should send to the House of Judah. It is God's intention for the Jews to have hardened hearts because of their rebellion in his holy city. Isaiah contrasts his holiness verses what he sees in heaven and concludes he is unclean. Yet when God was seeking a messenger to send, he says he is availabale. This is also the key to living a Christian life. Yes, we are sinners, but we are still called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The key to success in the Kingdom is a willing and available life of service.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am willing to be your ambassidor to proclaim your good news of forgiveness of sins for those who recognize you as the Son of God and the Son of Man and who accept the cross as sufficient payment for their sins. Bless my ministry to you, Lord Jesus, and bring many more workers for your kingdom. In your name I pray Amen.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Song of Solomon 8: 5-7 The Epilog of the song
"Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?" Beneath the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labor with you, and she was in labor and gave you birth. Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. Love is as strong as death and jealousy is as severe as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire which is the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it. If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, he would be utterly despised.
These verses form the conclusion of the story-line of the song. They describe the supreme language of love. The words of the first part repeat the idea that the beloved is purified. It obviously connotes Israel as well. The second part shows that, in love, the words and feelings of each form into one which is the consummation of love between them. This sets the scene for the message that belonging to the other is much deeper than mere support and embrace. Love marks the other person indelibly; it leaves its imprint on the very heart.
Daily Prayer: Father, you chose in your creation to share some of your attributes with me. Love is the greatest gift you have given. When I was young, I was worried that I may not find love. In your wisdom you led me along the path to find my life time partner that I celebrate today. Then you enhanced this gift by giving us children to care for and to love and to be loved by them in return. You are a mighty and generous God. Amen.
These verses form the conclusion of the story-line of the song. They describe the supreme language of love. The words of the first part repeat the idea that the beloved is purified. It obviously connotes Israel as well. The second part shows that, in love, the words and feelings of each form into one which is the consummation of love between them. This sets the scene for the message that belonging to the other is much deeper than mere support and embrace. Love marks the other person indelibly; it leaves its imprint on the very heart.
Daily Prayer: Father, you chose in your creation to share some of your attributes with me. Love is the greatest gift you have given. When I was young, I was worried that I may not find love. In your wisdom you led me along the path to find my life time partner that I celebrate today. Then you enhanced this gift by giving us children to care for and to love and to be loved by them in return. You are a mighty and generous God. Amen.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Song of Solomon 6: 4-10 The Fifth Poem
You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling. You are as lovely as Jerusalem and as awesome as an army with banners. Turn your eyes away from me because they have confused me. Your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of ewes which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins and not one among them has lost her young. Your temples are like a slice of pomegranate behind your veil. There are sixty queens and eighty concubines and maidens without number. But my dove, my perfect one is unique. She is her mother's only daughter. She is the pure child of the one who bore her, and she is called blessed. The queens and the concubines also, and they prais her saying, "Who is this that grows like the dawn, as beautiful as the full moon and as pure as the sun."
The contents of the song show a change of focus; now there is no longer a quest but rather a celebration. What was earlier only a promise has now become a reality. As the father will later comment, love has the ability to renew those who live it: This is the love that renews us, makes us into a new people, heirs to the New Covenant. We are singers of a new song. This love, my beloved, makes new the just men of old, the patriarchs and the prophets, and the holy apostles; now it renews all people and makes one new people under God.
Daily Prayer: Father, the Bible teaches us that you are love. You extend your love into the people of God from all places and all houses because we are called to love you since you first loved us and told to love our neighbor as ourself against which there in no laws. This is your good will. Amen.
The contents of the song show a change of focus; now there is no longer a quest but rather a celebration. What was earlier only a promise has now become a reality. As the father will later comment, love has the ability to renew those who live it: This is the love that renews us, makes us into a new people, heirs to the New Covenant. We are singers of a new song. This love, my beloved, makes new the just men of old, the patriarchs and the prophets, and the holy apostles; now it renews all people and makes one new people under God.
Daily Prayer: Father, the Bible teaches us that you are love. You extend your love into the people of God from all places and all houses because we are called to love you since you first loved us and told to love our neighbor as ourself against which there in no laws. This is your good will. Amen.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Song of Solomon 5: 2 - 8 The Fourth Poem
I was asleep, but dreaming: The one I love was at the door knocking and saying, "My darling, my very own, my flawless dove, open the door for me! My head is drenched with evening dew." But I had already undressed and bathed my feet. Should I dress again and get my feet dirty?
Then my darling's hand reached to open the latch, and my heart stood still. When I rose to open the door, my hands and fingers dripped with perfume. My heart stood still while he spoke to me, but when I opened the door, my darling disappeared. I searched and shouted, but I could not find him - there was no answer. Then I was found by the guards patrolling the town and guarding the wall. They beat me up and stripped off my robe. Young women of Jerusalem, if you find the one I love, please say to him. "She is weak with desire."
The text is pointing out that when love knocks, we must answer promptly, and ot with words only, but with our whole being - words and gestures. That is how the fathers interpreted it: "Blessed is the one at whose door Christ comes to call. Our door is our faith; if it is strong, the whole house will be safe. Christ will enter by this door. That is why the church sings in the Son of Songs: Listen! My beloved is knocking. Listen to how he calls, how he wants to enter: Open to me, my sister, my dove, for my head is wet with dew, my hair with rains of night.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, allow me and help me to surrender every part of my life to you. I know your love is pure, but my love is tainted with selfishness. So purify me by your spirit to give me the power to give up to myself and receive all of you. In your name I pray Amen.
Then my darling's hand reached to open the latch, and my heart stood still. When I rose to open the door, my hands and fingers dripped with perfume. My heart stood still while he spoke to me, but when I opened the door, my darling disappeared. I searched and shouted, but I could not find him - there was no answer. Then I was found by the guards patrolling the town and guarding the wall. They beat me up and stripped off my robe. Young women of Jerusalem, if you find the one I love, please say to him. "She is weak with desire."
The text is pointing out that when love knocks, we must answer promptly, and ot with words only, but with our whole being - words and gestures. That is how the fathers interpreted it: "Blessed is the one at whose door Christ comes to call. Our door is our faith; if it is strong, the whole house will be safe. Christ will enter by this door. That is why the church sings in the Son of Songs: Listen! My beloved is knocking. Listen to how he calls, how he wants to enter: Open to me, my sister, my dove, for my head is wet with dew, my hair with rains of night.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, allow me and help me to surrender every part of my life to you. I know your love is pure, but my love is tainted with selfishness. So purify me by your spirit to give me the power to give up to myself and receive all of you. In your name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Song of Solomon 3:11; 4:16 The Third Poem
Go forth O daughters of Zion and gaze on King Solomon with the crown which his mother has crowned him on the day of his wedding and on the day of his gladness. "How beautiful you are, my darling. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Make my garden breathe out fragrance. Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its choice fruits."
The spousal covenant between God and Israel is a theme that recurs in prophetical literature, and it is extended by the fathers who read these verses as having to do with the betrothal of Christ to his church on the cross. Saint Hippolytus, Origen and others offer that interpretation: The Word of God descended from heaven to unite himself with his spouse. He died willingly for her sake, to make her glorious and immaculate through the baptism of purification. For if he had not done so, the Church could not have given birth to her believers, nor have seen them born again in the waters of new life.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came into the world to unite yourself to sinners like me. You did not let me remain a sinner, but instead made me clean by the shedding of your blood. You did this so that I can have a new life which is a life of hope. Let me now live a life of appreciation for all that you have done for me and your church. In your holy name I pray Amen.
The spousal covenant between God and Israel is a theme that recurs in prophetical literature, and it is extended by the fathers who read these verses as having to do with the betrothal of Christ to his church on the cross. Saint Hippolytus, Origen and others offer that interpretation: The Word of God descended from heaven to unite himself with his spouse. He died willingly for her sake, to make her glorious and immaculate through the baptism of purification. For if he had not done so, the Church could not have given birth to her believers, nor have seen them born again in the waters of new life.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came into the world to unite yourself to sinners like me. You did not let me remain a sinner, but instead made me clean by the shedding of your blood. You did this so that I can have a new life which is a life of hope. Let me now live a life of appreciation for all that you have done for me and your church. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Song of Solomon 2:16, 3:1-5 The second poem
My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies until the cool of the day when the shadows flee away. While in bed at night, I reached for the one I love with heart and soul. I looked for him, but he wasn't there. So I searched through the town for the one I love. I looked on every street, but he wasn't there. I even asked the guards patrolling the town, "Have you seen the one I love so much?" Right after that, I found him. I held him and would let go until I had taken him to the home of my mother. Young women of Jerusalem, promise me by the power of deer and gazelles, never to awaken love before it is ready.
The phrase "my beloved is mine and I am his," is reminiscent of the phrase "So shall you be my people, and I will be your God." (Jeremiah 11:4) Then it is night time in the city and the lover is absent, and the beloved searches for him until she finds him. The speaker is the beloved. United in love with the one she loves, she looks back, recalling her first fruitless search, and what happened then and her second failed attempt to find him; then at her third attempt -success. This describes the trial she has undergone; she overcomes, thanks to her perseverance. If you want to stay close to Christ, you must seek out suffering and do not fear it. Sometimes Christ is sooner and will come out to meet you, and he will not allow temptations to threaten you for long.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you must be my first agenda. When trouble comes and it wall just as you said, I won't fear, because you have overcome the world. Amen.
The phrase "my beloved is mine and I am his," is reminiscent of the phrase "So shall you be my people, and I will be your God." (Jeremiah 11:4) Then it is night time in the city and the lover is absent, and the beloved searches for him until she finds him. The speaker is the beloved. United in love with the one she loves, she looks back, recalling her first fruitless search, and what happened then and her second failed attempt to find him; then at her third attempt -success. This describes the trial she has undergone; she overcomes, thanks to her perseverance. If you want to stay close to Christ, you must seek out suffering and do not fear it. Sometimes Christ is sooner and will come out to meet you, and he will not allow temptations to threaten you for long.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you must be my first agenda. When trouble comes and it wall just as you said, I won't fear, because you have overcome the world. Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Song of Solomon 1:7 First Poem - the encounter
Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where do you pasture your flock and where do you make it lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?
Contemplating Jesus Christ as the lover and good shepherd, Saint Gregory of Nyssa composed this beautiful prayer in connection with this passage. Tell me where your pastures are, good shepherd, you who carry all the flock upon your shoulders. Show me the place of rest, lead me to lush meadows and call me by my name so that I, your sheep, may hear your voice, and the sound of your voice give me eternal life. Tell me, love of my soul, where you pasture your flock. I call you by the name Good Shepherd, because your name is above all names and beyond all understanding - no rational being can say it with its full meaning or understand it completely. Your name is an expression of your goodness and makes known the love my soul has for you. How could I not love you when you have loved me so much? No greater love can be imagined.
Daily Prayer: Indeed Lord, you are the Good Shepherd and the keeper of all who belong to you.
I know your voice and follow you because I was given to you before my birth and will remain with you after my death. No greater love have I ever known. Amen.
Contemplating Jesus Christ as the lover and good shepherd, Saint Gregory of Nyssa composed this beautiful prayer in connection with this passage. Tell me where your pastures are, good shepherd, you who carry all the flock upon your shoulders. Show me the place of rest, lead me to lush meadows and call me by my name so that I, your sheep, may hear your voice, and the sound of your voice give me eternal life. Tell me, love of my soul, where you pasture your flock. I call you by the name Good Shepherd, because your name is above all names and beyond all understanding - no rational being can say it with its full meaning or understand it completely. Your name is an expression of your goodness and makes known the love my soul has for you. How could I not love you when you have loved me so much? No greater love can be imagined.
Daily Prayer: Indeed Lord, you are the Good Shepherd and the keeper of all who belong to you.
I know your voice and follow you because I was given to you before my birth and will remain with you after my death. No greater love have I ever known. Amen.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Ecclesiastes 12 - the purpose of it all
In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard is: fear God and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person. God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
As we have said previously, the preacher is King Solomon. Solomon sought from God the gift of wisdom. The crux of the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Book of Proverbs is the fear of God in all of your ways. Solomon defines what he means by fear within the text. He states that the fear or reverence for God is manifested in the obedience of his commandments. So it is God's word, taken to the heart of his children that leads to wisdom which is the ability to live like skillfully and diligently before God.
Daily Prayer: Father, it seems that wisdom and humility come hand in hand. The humble man is one who does not place his faith in himself, but instead chooses to place his faith in you. When this happens, that man's soul is in your hands. This person is prone to obedience and depends on you for all of his reward. This person is truly wise and will not be disappointed. Amen.
As we have said previously, the preacher is King Solomon. Solomon sought from God the gift of wisdom. The crux of the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Book of Proverbs is the fear of God in all of your ways. Solomon defines what he means by fear within the text. He states that the fear or reverence for God is manifested in the obedience of his commandments. So it is God's word, taken to the heart of his children that leads to wisdom which is the ability to live like skillfully and diligently before God.
Daily Prayer: Father, it seems that wisdom and humility come hand in hand. The humble man is one who does not place his faith in himself, but instead chooses to place his faith in you. When this happens, that man's soul is in your hands. This person is prone to obedience and depends on you for all of his reward. This person is truly wise and will not be disappointed. Amen.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Ecclesiastes 9: Men are in the hand of God
There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siege works against it. But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Romans 5:12 offers the New Testament application of this part of Ecclesiastes, "Through one man sin came into the world and death through sin. So through one man's disobedience many were made sinners, by one man's obedience many are made righteous." This is the Christian response to the Preacher as he acknowledges the vanity of life this side of heaven. We were given an example by Jesus Christ. The example is to walk by the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. This is a higher level of living that separates us from beasts. We can come to know God and his will for me and you as we walk and rule for God on earth.
Daily Prayer: Father, it is the walk that makes a man a Christian. To those who are perishing, your ways are foolishness, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. I am not of the world, but I am in the world. So as I live out my years, by your power, let me live them for you.
In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Romans 5:12 offers the New Testament application of this part of Ecclesiastes, "Through one man sin came into the world and death through sin. So through one man's disobedience many were made sinners, by one man's obedience many are made righteous." This is the Christian response to the Preacher as he acknowledges the vanity of life this side of heaven. We were given an example by Jesus Christ. The example is to walk by the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. This is a higher level of living that separates us from beasts. We can come to know God and his will for me and you as we walk and rule for God on earth.
Daily Prayer: Father, it is the walk that makes a man a Christian. To those who are perishing, your ways are foolishness, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. I am not of the world, but I am in the world. So as I live out my years, by your power, let me live them for you.
In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Ecclesiastes 6: 4 - 7 The Futility of man apart from God
If a man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things - do not all go the one place? All of man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied. What advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have knowing how to walk before the living? What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is.
The Preacher recognizes that material blessing is only temporary. He also observes that man desires more than what he needs for a healty soul. Man cannot control his own destiny. It is said that he comes into the world in futility and goes into obscurity and his name is forgotten.
Our place in life has already been established by God. To some he gives wealth and honor and others sickness and trouble. But the result in the end is the same for all - ashes to ashes. Yet God did not intend man's existence to be worthless or void. The problem is that we try to evaluate all things from our perspective and our own advantage, when the reason for our existence is for God and His glory.
Daily Prayer: Father, I am not my own because I was bought with a price. The price is high which is the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Now I can rest in him, because he will take care of me and I will have nothing lacking, but I must trust him greater than I trust myself. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
The Preacher recognizes that material blessing is only temporary. He also observes that man desires more than what he needs for a healty soul. Man cannot control his own destiny. It is said that he comes into the world in futility and goes into obscurity and his name is forgotten.
Our place in life has already been established by God. To some he gives wealth and honor and others sickness and trouble. But the result in the end is the same for all - ashes to ashes. Yet God did not intend man's existence to be worthless or void. The problem is that we try to evaluate all things from our perspective and our own advantage, when the reason for our existence is for God and His glory.
Daily Prayer: Father, I am not my own because I was bought with a price. The price is high which is the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Now I can rest in him, because he will take care of me and I will have nothing lacking, but I must trust him greater than I trust myself. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (Life's seasons)
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from it. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and to sew together. A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.
The point that the Preacher makes is that the times of our lives or its seasons that are fixed in advance and there is nothing one can do about it. He gives prominent the comparison between life and death which he lists first. He claims that the human mind can know life's seasons, but there is nothing he can do about it because it is God who has established those times and he has charged man with the task of discovery. A Christian awaits the blessed hope of Christ's return so that he can explain everything to us.
Daily Prayer: Father it is true that there is a time for everything. I am thankful that there is a time for my and other's salvation and forgiveness of my sins. I didn't know the day of my salvation in advance, but now that it has arrived I can see that you protected me until that day.
I pray in your holy name Amen.
The point that the Preacher makes is that the times of our lives or its seasons that are fixed in advance and there is nothing one can do about it. He gives prominent the comparison between life and death which he lists first. He claims that the human mind can know life's seasons, but there is nothing he can do about it because it is God who has established those times and he has charged man with the task of discovery. A Christian awaits the blessed hope of Christ's return so that he can explain everything to us.
Daily Prayer: Father it is true that there is a time for everything. I am thankful that there is a time for my and other's salvation and forgiveness of my sins. I didn't know the day of my salvation in advance, but now that it has arrived I can see that you protected me until that day.
I pray in your holy name Amen.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ecclesiastes 2: 22-26 The vanity of labor
What does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity. There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without him? For a person who is good in his sight he has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner he has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.
It is not until now that he points to the only realistic approach to the question raised - an upright life and enjoyment of what it brings, for every sort of joy comes from God. Therefore, in Christian tradition what the Preacher is saying here is interpreted as an invitation to look to Jesus Christ and see that everything true and good is to be found in him. Because it is impossible for one who walks in the light to be in darkness, the man who keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus will not be lacking anything or distracted by any vain thing.
Daily Prayer: Jesus told us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things will be added to you. David echoed these same words when he said in Psalm 23 that the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. It is not that you fix your eyes on Jesus to fulfill material blessing, but instead by understand that man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from God. It is a commitment to a man resulting in faith that brings about well-being. Amen.
It is not until now that he points to the only realistic approach to the question raised - an upright life and enjoyment of what it brings, for every sort of joy comes from God. Therefore, in Christian tradition what the Preacher is saying here is interpreted as an invitation to look to Jesus Christ and see that everything true and good is to be found in him. Because it is impossible for one who walks in the light to be in darkness, the man who keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus will not be lacking anything or distracted by any vain thing.
Daily Prayer: Jesus told us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things will be added to you. David echoed these same words when he said in Psalm 23 that the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. It is not that you fix your eyes on Jesus to fulfill material blessing, but instead by understand that man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from God. It is a commitment to a man resulting in faith that brings about well-being. Amen.
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